Fortunas' Favor

"Tempest, please behave yourself," Toola addressed a young plum-colored pegasus foal. "Your sisters don't like being used as landing pads."

"Aww but Daj," The filly protested. "I can't fly so good, not my fault I crash so much."

"But why do you aim for one of them on your way down?" Toola nudged the filly.

"Scause I don't wanna get scraped up," The filly pleaded. "Sliding on the ground hurts."

Toola looked to the five fillies who were gathered behind her. One of them, a yellow earth pony, stepped forward. "Tempest, you land too hard." She turned and pointed a hoof to a dark spot on her side. "I'm an earthen pony, and you still bruised me."

Tempest hung her head. "Sorry Tremor, I'll try to be more careful."

"Ok Tempest, I believe you," Toola replied. The other fillies dispersed, and began picking up some of the scattered pamphlets. "I know you're bored with planning. Maybe you'd like to play some games."

"I wanna see Grampa," Tempest flared her wings. "He's fun." Toola looked to the Diamond Dog seated near the door. "Jasper, would you take Tempest to visit my father?"

"That won't be necessary," Gilbert said as he entered the room. Jasper and Toola each gave a small bow. "I decided to take a little break from my duties, and see what you're all up to."

Tempest scampered over to the green unicorn stallion. "Grampa, guess what?"

"You have a pet hydra," Gilbert retorted. Tempest rolled onto her back and giggled.

"No silly. I stayed in the air for twelve whole seconds." She playfully brushed at the stallions' forleg.

"Twelve seconds, and I hear you landed on Tremor." Gilbert ruffled the fillies' mane

"Yeah, but I said I was sorry," Tempest replied. "I'm still a better flyer than Jingle, though."

Gilbert glanced over at a light copper-colored pegasus filly who was humming a tune and dancing, then looked to Tempest. "I have no doubt that you'll be on of the greatest flyers," Tempest smiled. "With lots of practice, you could go far." Tempest cheered. Gilbert lifted the filly onto his back. "Why, you might be able to fly from here to Canterlot in a minute."

"Faster than Rainbow Dash?" Tempest added. "Yeah, I wanna do it. I'm gonna do it." She flapped her wings with short strokes, managing a hover. Jasper and Toola chuckled.

Gilbert stepped out from under the filly. "Keep at it," He said, using his magic to grab a few cushions off the nearby couch. "And here's a landing pad." He arranged the cushions in a pile. Tempest began faltering, but managed to control her descent enough to land on the cushions.

"I'm just gonna rest here," Tempest said.

"So, what are the rest of you doing?" Gilbert looked at the pamphlets and brochures strewn about. "Planning a vacation?"

"Yes father," Toola replied. "Twilight suggested a vacation the other day, So I'm looking into some travel options." She levitated the map that had a route marked on it. "I think a Grand Tour of Equestria would be fun, since we've never traveled outside of business trips."

"Do you have the money for it?"

Toola rubbed the back of her neck. "That's what I'm working on. While I've gotten a better showing with my new art style, and Cheerilee's doing well with her side job, we're not getting as much as we would like." She held up a paper that had some calculations on it. "So we're looking for deals wherever we can."

Gilbert tapped his chin in thought. "If you're doing a Grand Tour, I believe there's a list of ponies who would sponsor that sort of thing."

Toola shook her head. "Twilight gave us a flyer on that, but since we're at odds with the nobility, I didn't want to-" Gilbert burst into laughter.

"Toola Toola Toola, wherever did you get an idea like that?"

Toola stood up proudly. "Because Merkanzia was offered favors, and said that she'd rather be poor and unknown than to join them."

"That's not the whole story," Gilbert began. "True, she was offered prestige, a position in Luannes' court, and support that surely would have greatly benefited a merchant, but the reason she turned it down, is because it was essentially a bribe. The Duchesses wanted her to be a snitch."

"So you and grandmother don't really hate all the nobility?" Toola wondered.

"Take for example, your friend Twilight Sparkle," Gilbert twirled a hoof. "Former princess, but still a pony you could game with."

"She's not really the gambling type," Toola replied. "But I see where you're going with this."

"So If you can find a pony who's willing to fund your trip, and you don't have to compromise on your ideals, then you have my approval."

"Grampa, what's a snitch?" Tempest asked.

Gilbert smiled to his granddaughter. "A snitch is the worst kind of criminal. One who's part of a group that did something bad, but turns their allies over to the authorities, in return for a reward."

"So it's a bad thing to be a snitch?"

"Let's say that you and your sisters were out at Sugarcube corner, and got somepony to buy you some donuts with sprinkles and chocolate chips," Gilbert settled next to the filly. "Even though your Moms don't like you having too many sweets. What they don't know won't hurt them, right?"

"Right," Tempest smiled. The other fillies gathered around their grandfather.

"Now, lets say that, Ingot here." He indicated a blue-gray unicorn filly. "Happened to mention that the rest of you had these snacks. The rest of you lose out on dessert as a result. But she still gets hers." Ingot blushed. "Not very fair, is it?"

Tempest squinted her eyes at Ingot, "Yeah, you should lose dessert too."

Ingot held up her hooves. "I wouldn't tell on you though. I don't wanna be a snitch."

"Yeah, because snitches get stitches," Gilbert pulled Ingot into a hug. "So we're not gonna say anything about yesterday afternoon, are we?"

"Yesterday afternoon?" Toola raised an eyebrow. "While Cheerilee and I were having tea with Rarity and Fluttershy?"

"Snitches get stitches." The fillies chorused, while grabbing up cushions and whacking their grandfather lightly.

Gilbert chuckled, getting up and leaving the room. "Ok, I deserved that."

= = =

Toola was no stranger to the occasional odd look or seeing a pony hurry into their house. Outside of Ponyville and small communities in Manehattan, Lower Canterlot, the Euzalde, and now Umbratara, She was 'just a Roani,' with all the attendant stereotypes. Cheerilee on the other hoof, still hadn't come to terms with this, so it upset her that the residents of Upper Canterlot were working themselves into a panic. A single Roani was suspicious, a pair of unknown ponies was also suspicious, but even with Luna's support and attempts to remove the stigma of the culture, two Roani seemed like a scouting party of some sort.

"What is wrong with these ponies?" Cheerilee griped after the latest incident of a pony ushering their foals inside. "You'd think we were bandits or something, with the way they act."

Toola crossed a name off their list as they passed by another house. "In a way, we are. We have their attention, and I think they'd like it back." Cheerilee managed a small giggle.

"So who's the next name on the list?" Cheerilee wondered.

"Thunder Axe the 25th," They approached a Fifth century style Manor, where they heard sounds of metalworking coming from a shed on the side. Inside, they saw a large green earth pony hammering on a chunk of iron. "Scusemoi." Toola called out. "Where might we find a Lord Thunder Axe?"

The pony stopped hammering and turned to the pair. "Hail strangers!" he called out, trotting over. "How fare ye on this glorious day bestowed upon us by our Benevolent Lady, Celestia?"

"We're in good health," Cheerilee replied. "The reason for our visit, is that we're looking for somepony to sponsor a Grand Tour."

"Aye!" The pony replied stroking his beard. "And how has thine luck been faring."

"A few slammed doors, and some ponies asking for letters of recommendation," Cheerilee replied.

"These yellow backed jackals that I call neighbors, panic at the sight of a single tail ribbon." The pony snorted. "I however, refuse to shame my ancestors." He held out a hoof. "I am Thunder Axe. Loyal Knight of the order of Marenirva, and latest in a long line of warrior-smiths."

"A pleasure to meet you, Sir," Cheerilee replied, accepting the hoofshake. "My name is Cheerilee LaRoulette, and this is my marewife, Toola Roola."

Thunder Axe invited them into the shed. "So you seek my help in making a journey of learning."

"That's correct," Cheerilee replied. "We've worked out the cost-"

"How skilled are ye in the arts of melee?" Thunder Axe replied.

"Pardon?"

He hooved them a pair of swords. "My Honor demands that I train up ponies in the proper warrior ways. While we are in a time of peace, You never known when it will end," He pointed out various weapons lining the walls. "All of this was hoof forged by myself, my mother, and her parents. I can assure ye that they are sturdy, so don't be afraid to bang them around."

Toola did a few practice strokes with her sword, while Cheerilee peered at the edge of her blade. "We're not exactly the warrior type," She looked to Thunder Axe. "I'm a teacher, and Toola is an artist."

The stallion sighed, taking his swords back. "Tis a pity," He said. "But I cannot sponsor ye."

"We do appreciate your time, Lord Thunder Axe," Toola replied. "Maybe we could keep in touch." She presented a card.

"Of course!" Thunder Axe replied. "An armies' strength is more than just warriors. You need ponies to provide food, support, and intel on your opponent. Ten ponies working in unison would do better than ten ponies working individually."

"Agreed," Cheerilee replied. "A pleasure to meet a knight such as yourself."

Thunder Axe glanced around for a moment, then leaned in close. "By the way. It would bring me great pride if your Benevolent Lady of the Night, were to have need of a pony with mine skills."

"I'll see to it that your name finds her ear," Toola replied.

Thunder Axe bowed. "I hope for your success in your task." Toola and Cheerilee waved then departed. The sounds of hammer hitting iron soon started up again.

Cheerilee leaned back and sipped from a small coffee mug, "Definitely worth the money," She stated. "The Crystal Ponies have certainly been inventive with their staple crop."

Toola nodded. "It's about the only thing that thrives in tundra. There have been attempts to cultivate crystal berries down here, but it requires cold air and snow."

"Still, that they made a pasta and sauce that tasted like two different things. That is skill," Cheerilee said. She finished her coffee, then followed after Toola.

Outside, they were looking over the flyer that had numerous names already crossed off. "Hmm, looks like everypony on the first and second terrace has brushed us off." Toola commented.

"How about this one?" Cheerilee tapped a name. She unfolded a map of the city, then located the address listed. "That's just off the main Boulevard."

"Alright." They arrived at a two story mansion after a few minutes. The front yard consisted of a bare dirt lot, with small pots of ornamental plants arranged in neat rows. A red brick walkway lead from the street to the porch. Toola knocked on the door.

They heard somepony scuffing their hooves along a hardwood floor, approaching the door. an aged stallion opened the door. "Good afternoon, how can I help you?"

"Monsieur Oakspear." Toola began. We heard that you are willing to sponsor a pony for a Grand Tour."

"Is my name still on the list? Oh, do come in," Oakspear lead them inside. "Forgive the mess, I don't get many visitors nowdays." Toola and Cheerilee noticed shelves with books on various topics, a few scale models of well-known landmarks, and a few paintings on the walls. Oakspear lead them to a small parlour with plastic covered padded chairs. "Must be oh, about fifteen years since the last applicant. Shortly before my father disowned me for sponsoring ponies from the lower tiers."

"I'm sorry that happened to you," Cheerilee replied. "Your father sounds like a jerk."

Oakspear chuckled. "That's all water under the bridge now," He noticed Toola Roola looking at a particular painting. "You like ships, little mare?"

"Where did you get this painting?" She tapped the frame.

Cheerilee looked over. "Wait, wasn't that one at the Manehattan East Gallery?"

"That's where I bought it from." Oakspear replied. "Most steamship paintings are old and slightly cracked with age. This one is more recent." He motioned with a hoof. "I have a friend who knows much about paintings. She says that the strokes were done by hoof. That takes a great deal of skill and training, and I'd like to meet them someday." Toola nodded.

"What else do you know about the artist?" She asked.

"Well, other than the initials 'A.L.,' and the fact that they knew their steamships well enough to include the sign marking the casino." He indicated a thin red stroke above one of the doors. "That's about it. My friend could find more detail though."

"I'm sure they'd be flattered if they knew that their beginner work was appreciated." Toola replied.

"Beginner work?" Oakspear looked to the painting again. "I suppose that they have improved. The date on that one is-"

" Maia 24, 996." Toola replied. "And there's a crease the upper right corner, where the canvas was folded and held by a stack of frames."

Oakspear trotted over, took a pair of spectacles from his pocket and put them on. After looking at the painting for a moment, he removed the specs and put them away. "So there is. Good eye." He turned and smiled. "So, A..L. Nice to finally meet you." He held out a hoof. Toola accepted the shake. "Got a good grip for a unicorn."

"Well thank you, Monsieur." Toola replied. "I've painted some new pieces, if you're interested."

"I'd be happy to sponsor you," Oakspear replied, taking out a checkpad and pen. "I just need your name."

"Antonia LaRoulette." Oakspear quickly wrote out the check, then passed it to Toola. Her eyes widened upon seeing the amount written on the check. "Monsieur, this is too much." She tried hooving the check back. Oakspear waved it away.

"Nonsense. the money's just sitting in the account collecting dust and being chipped away by taxes. I've got no heirs, and there's not much worth spending on nowadays." He headed over to the chairs. "Besides, Generosity is one of our nations core values, right?"

"Indeed." Cheerilee replied. "And thank you for your generous donation."

"I would like to ask one thing of you though," Oakspear began. "I'm looking for a treatise on puzzleboxes."

"Puzzleboxes?" Cheerilee raised an eyebrow. "You mean the boxes that they pack puzzles in?"

"No, they're like wooden cubes with movable parts and panels," Oakspear said. "I want to know how they make those."

"Ok, we'll keep an eye out." Toola replied.