Fortunas' Favor

The morning light filtering in through the windows irritated Cheerilee's eyes somewhat. "Five more minutes, your Majesty," She grumped. Shifting position, she turned and cuddled the unicorn mare who slept next to her.

Toola slowly opened her eyes. "Ona goizen, Maitasuna,"* She pressed further into the embrace. "Is it time already?"

Cheerilee gave Toola a quick kiss on the cheek. "Today's the day," She replied. "Hard to believe, isn't it?"

Toola managed to turn over while still in Cheerilees' embrace. "Cheerilee, I've been thinking. You know how stories usually end with a happily ever after?"

Cheerilee's smile faded slightly. "Yeah, a way to condense a few decades into a single sentence. Are you saying that you're not happy?"

"No, no, I'm very happy," Toola replied. "I was just thinking about it," She stroked Cheerilees' mane. "Like after this, where does our story go?"

"Where ever we want it to." Cheerilee replied, sliding one of her hind-legs over Toola's. "Maybe I've been too focused on my work in the past, but I need to support the family somehow. It's hard being an author."

Toola nodded. "Most of your fame comes from what we did for Luna. Ponyville knows you, but outside of that, your books are lost in a vast ocean of ink and paper."

"Que sera sera," Cheerilee said. "Best we can do is to keep going on with our lives."

Toola rubbed Cheerilees' neck. "Right. We have some things to do before we leave."

"Toola, I have a question," Cheerilee paused, pondering how best to phrase it. "This power of yours. Are you able to use it on another pony?"

Toola lit her horn, then surrounded Cheerilee with an aura of pink energy. She poked and prodded in a few areas, causing Cheerilee to whinny and squirm. "No, it doesn't seem to work," She let the aura fade. "I can't make any changes to you, not that I'd want to change you anyways."

Cheerilee chuckled. "I have a better idea. Let's start with this," She half rolled into Toola, straddling her hindquarters and causing her to giggle. "To help us wake up." Cheerilee then began a series of kisses along the unicorn's neck and chest.

From the castle balcony, Luna watched as some of the public workers made their morning rounds. A crew of ponies on each terrace of her capital was responsible for the operation of lanterns that illuminated the city during the night. The lamps themselves were the modeled in the steamtech designs of the ninth century; a compromise between ponies who didn't want to give up all of their modern comforts, and Luna, who wanted the stars to be seen. The lamps added to the city's charm, and were crafted from bronze and accented with silver. That they hadn't been made with iron was a welcome relief for the Changeling residents, who, while not actually affected by the metal, saw it as negative given traditional connotations.

"Your Majesty, might I have a moment of your time?" She heard a mare approaching her from behind.

Luna turned and stepped into the hallway. "Yes, thou hast our ear, Primiera Tienstrom," She addressed the dark green pony who approached.

The Primiera bowed, spreading her leathery wings for added effect. "I have returned with the information that you had requested during the night previous." She looked up to Luna.

"We permit thee to speak in the manner in which thou art most familiar," Luna stated. "The Ancien Dialect is not just about the amount of words that one uses to make a statement. And 'The Night Previous'?"

"Many apologies Your Majesty," Tienstrom rose. "I am still learning how to converse in it." They trotted along the hallway.

"With study and practice, proficiency can be achieved in most anything," Luna replied. "If thou desires, we may convene a training period to help."

"I will consider it, Princess of mine," Tienstrom replied. Luna rolled her eyes. Tienstrom produced a folder. "But let that pass. I have results of the inquiries."

"And to which inquiries art thou referring? We have made many into various topics of interest."

"Yes, well, this is concerning the LaRoulette family." Tienstrom passed Luna the first report. "There is no record of them in the heraldric registry."

"So they lack even a family crest, curious," Luna flipped through the report. "Such a thing should be easy for them to acquire. There be crests for the Rich and Lode families. We have seen such on their own abodes."

"I'll take your word for it," Tienstrom replied. "The unfortunate thing is without a crest, there's no anchor for the Honors. You could still provide them, but the talismanic scrolls would look rather odd with notable empty patches."

The pair turned a corner, then headed down a set of stairs. "As there be no longer any open positions amongst the Council of Voivodes, we would not bestow that Honor upon them," Luna mused. "They be not members of any of the knightly orders. And they have already been rewarded for their Military service. How now." Luna conjured a pen, then circled a section of the seventh page.

"Did you find something, your Majesty?"

"Indeed we did," Luna passed the report back, and Tienstrom read the circled section.

"Donated five hundred bits a year to the Canterlot Treasury? So, lots of ponies have donated," Tienstrom said. "There's even a tax deduction for donating."

"Wouldst this qualify them for Honores Numisma?" Luna paused in front of the entrance to the throneroom.

"The minimum qualifier is 1,000 per donation." Tienstrom replied. "There's a section in the Code that prevents ponies from piecing together the Honor via incremental donation."

"So Sister closed that loophole," Luna rubbed her chin. "And no member of the family hath employ in service to The Crown.."

"So that leave Honores Calice." Tienstrom finished the thought.

"But none of the surrounding communities have petitioned on their behalf. That alone is rather suspicious."

"If I may make a suggestion," Tienstrom took out a pen and paper. "You could ask Miss Sparkle to interview some of the denizens of Ponyville. If the replies are favorable, that could be seen as enough of a commendation for the Honor."

"I suppose I should tip my hoof in order to get this done." Luna muttered. In a normal volume, she spoke. "We wish for Miss Sparkle to interview the Mayor and other notable residents. We anticipate that she will seek her friends' opinions, but we caution her against speaking with Eugenia Smith-Apple."

"Do you anticipate a problem with her?" Tienstrom wondered.

"We have our reasons," Luna replied, before heading in to the throne room.

"Have we got everything?" Cheerilee looked to Toola and the fillies.

Toola unrolled a scroll then began reading off the list. "I've made sure that everypony packed enough clothes for a week. We 'll need to do laundry occasionally, but I've been assured that we'll have access to the proper facilities. All the girls have been properly inoculated," She grinned to Cheerilee "And Nurse Redheart assures me that those were the most recent vaccines."

"And money shouldn't be a problem," Cheerilee presented a manilla envelope which contained a few slips of paper. "I've converted the money into letters of credit. Twilight assures me that Allied Nations will accept them." She tucked the envelope into her saddlebag. "I also managed to get a bundle of translator pendants."

"That will come in hoofy, since Starsong won't be joining us." Toola looked over the the fillies. "Have you girls gotten everything you want? Dolls, toys, and all that?"

"Yes Daj," Came the replies.

"What about other supplies?" Cheerilee took the list. "I know that Colgate provided us with a bag of new brushing kits."

"I've managed the reserve a civilian zeppelin for our use," Toola Roola replied. "There's an on board bath and bin, along with the attendant towels, soap and shampoos. Five cabins, double beds. Enough for ten ponies. It'll be waiting for us at the 5th Terrace tower, along with our guide."

"And food?" Cheerilee wondered. "We should have plenty of snacks on hoof."

"Starsong's in town, dealing with that," Toola replied.

"Looks like you mares have everything well in hoof," Gilbert stated. "Cleaned up, ate breakfast, everything packed, got your route planned. I suppose you'll say that you left nothing to chance."

"I know better than that, Papa," Toola replied with a giggle. "I've done what I can to make sure things go smoothly though." She hugged her father, then her mother. Cheerilee stepped in and did likewise. Then the fillies approached for their turns.

"It's good that you decided to do this," Aurelina declared. "Your prior travels never took you far into the world, so this will be a belated coming of age rite."

Cheerilee blushed. "Thank you mother, I just never saw a need to wander. Once I was finished with college, I just went straight to work. But this will be a great learning opportunity."

"All loaded and ready to go." Jasper called, standing next to a carriage. "The train will be arriving within the hour."

Toola walked over to the Dog, as Cheerilee began helping the fillies board. "Listen, Jasper. You've been a real good friend and companion," She placed a hoof on one of his hands. "I wish I could take you with me, but you and Centre have a pup now."

Jasper grinned, reaching over to ruffle Toolas' mane. "I understand. You go have fun. Gather stories and share them when you return. I will always have a place here." He indicated the mansion.

"I can put him to work in the bathhouse," Gilbert said. The others all laughed.

"Hey Ruby, we've got a case again," A tan unicorn greeted the dark red pegasus that entered the room. "They haven't forgotten us after all." She presented a red folder.

Ruby adjusted her mirrored sunglasses, before settling into the chair behind the desk. "Lay it on me, Bubbly Mug."

"I've got the brief written already, Boss," Bubbly replied. She opened the folder and held up a single sheet of paper. "It's actually two cases together. They both seem to be centered on a little farm or something near Ponyville. Easily accessible from the rail line, and there's lodging on site if we need it."

"Who's our contact?" The pegasus took out a notepad and pen. "And why was this given to us, when the Capital is so much closer?"

Bubbly Mug opened the folder and lifted up the first report. "The documentation submitted by a 'Twilight Sparkle,' indicate that one of the cases actually requires your special skill." She lifted the first set of stapled papers. "Case number 007856754. Involves a cane that was on loan to the Canterlot University. The loan period has passed, so the item was returned." Ruby wrote quickly. "Said item is imbued with a spell matrix, that bears traces of Chaos Energy."

"And the second case?"

"Number 007856763," Bubbly Mug pulled out another report. "A cursory examination and interview with one of the family members, regarding the Seventh Heresy."

"Sounds like a pass-off," Ruby paused to preen a wing. "I'm not that familiar with the Seventh Heresy."

"It's one of the newer ones," Bubbly Mug replied with a smile. "It was the one that the Army was dismantling during the Umbratara campaign."

"Is that the Ooze Cult one?" Ruby made a quick sketch. "It's supposed to be listed in the next edition of the hoofbook."

"That's the one," Bubbly Mug replied. "So we're taking on these cases?" She perked her ears. Ruby gave her a good long look.

"Inform the Executive Assistant that we'll be going to Ponyville," The pegasus pocketed her pen and put on her sunglasses, then headed out the door. "I'll see you at the depot in twenty minutes." She paused for a second. "I suppose we can go sightseeing if we wrap this up quickly enough."

"Thank you, Miss Rivet," Bubbly Mug saluted. After the pegasus had gone, she straightened up the office, then left to report to the Executive Assistant.

Even before the carriage arrived at the depot, Toola and Cheerilee could see several ponies gathered in the open plaza. Coming closer, the group noticed their approach, and trotted over. a few even volunteering to help with the luggage. "Hey ladies, glad you could make it." Starsong greeted.

"Starsong!" The fillies called. Jasper stopped the carriage near the depot then entered the lobby. Cheerile and Toola helped their daughters out, then the fillies ran to greet Starsong, who was joined by some other pegasi. "Auntie Thistle, Uncle Patchwork, Cousin Volt!"

"Great to see you again, kids." Patchwork stated. he then proceeded to do his bit-behind-the-ear trick on Jingle, eliciting some laughter.

"So whats the word from the home zone?" Volt asked, leaning down for hugs.

Cheerilee excused herself to get the tickets, leaving Toola and the fillies to chat with their relatives. Inside the lobby, she noticed Big Macintosh and Smarty Pants seated on one of the benches. They seemed to be busy in conversation. As Cheerilee approached the ticket counter, she noticed that Mac would glance in her direction then quickly look away. Each time he did so, the jenny would say something to him while gesturing at Cheerilee. She couldn't hear the words, but it sounded like Smarty Pants was getting frustrated at Mac's reluctance about something. She decided to make a quick detour, and trotted over. "Is everything alright over here?"

"Eeyup." Mac stated, with a little more abruptness than usual as he grabbed a train schedule off the nearby table and began studying it intently. Both Smarty Pants and Cheerilee raised an eyebrow.

"I suggested that it would be a nice gesture, if we came down to say goodbye before you left," Smarty Pants began. "I'm not sure if this is normal for him, or if it's just something between you and him."

Cheerilee sighed. "Yeah. it's been six or seven years since the Love Poison incident," She looked to Big Macintosh. "That doesn't mean we can't be friends though." Macintosh slowly looked up from the schedule. "I mean, prior to that incident, we didn't have any difficulties in talking." She thought for a moment. "Well I didn't anyway. I know it seems a little awkward, but I'd still like to have a partnership with you. Strictly business."

Big Macintosh nodded. "Business."

"Yes business," Cheerilee continued. "And right now,  I have some business that might interest you. " She grinned, seeing that she had the stallions attention. "There's a large demand for crops in Umbratara, and I'm wondering who would be interested in helping with supplies."

Big Macintosh swallowed, the sound audible to Smarty Pants and Cheerilee. "Ya cain't go wrong, with apples."

Cheerilee took a binder from an easily accessible pocket on her saddlebags. "What's a tree worth to you?"

"A whole tree?" Macintosh rubbed the back of his neck. "'Bout seven thousand." Cheerilee wrote in the binder.

"Do you really have that many bits?" Smarty Pants wondered. "I knew you were rich, but-"

"I don't have the money," Cheerilee began. "But here's what I'm going to do. I find ponies who do, and if I get their interest, then I arrange meetings between you and them."

"See, I told you it wouldn't be so bad," Smarty Pants stated. "We've got a potential lead on untapped markets."

Macintosh smiled "Eeeeeyup."

"Glad that we could work together." Cheerilee said, putting the binder away. "Now. Things may have gotten weird that day, but we both came away with what we truly wanted, right?" Big Macintosh draped a leg over Smartypants, then leaned in for a quick kiss. "Good. Now that we reached an understanding, we can put this behind us, right?"

"Eeyup."

"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Pants," Cheerilee said, giving the jenny a hoofshake.

"Please, call me Smarty," The jenny tipped the brim of her hat in a gesture of respect. "I should let you go now."

"Give my regards to your family," Cheerilee said before heading back to the counter.

As the two ponies exited the train, Bubbly Mug glanced over at the Ponyville Town Clock. "Good timing," The unicorn commented. "By the time we finish our investigation, it'll be lunchtime." Ruby Rivet took her notepad, read it over, then headed into town. Bubbly Mug retrieved the single piece of luggage, then followed.

After a short walk, they arrived at the City Hall. "Howdy folks, what can I do for you?" The Secretary greeted as they entered.

"I'm looking for a 'Twilight Sparkle,'" Ruby stated.

The Secretary took a map from one of the desk drawers, and passed it to Ruby. "She's currently living at the Town Library, in the Northern Section

"Thank you," Bubbly said while taking the map. "By the way, where's a good place to eat?"

"We have a couple of lovely cafes in the central area." The secretary pointed out.

"Bubbly," Ruby snipped. "Business first."

"Right, right." Bubbly blushed, then followed after the pegasus. "Thank you for your time, miss."

It was another brief walk to the Golden Oaks Library. Ruby knocked on the door.

"Come in," Twilight called from inside. She came over to greet them as they entered. "Let me welcome y-"

"Miss Sparkle. I am here per your request." Ruby produced a laminated card bearing her picture and signature.

"Ohhhh...that," Twilight took a step back. "I thank you for coming, but it seems that there's been a mix-up. I was expecting you sooner."

"I received the case just this morning," Ruby began.

"Actually, it came in yesterday evening," Bubbly said with a nervous chuckle. "You said that you didn't want to be disturbed once you were off the clock."

Ruby snorted, then lifted her sunglasses. "Now, Miss Sparkle. You have a potentially dangerous pony, with an equally potentially dangerous artifact. Take me to them."

"I'm afraid it's not that simple," Twilight began. "They left just an hour ago."

"Do you know where they were headed?" Ruby queried impatiently.

Twilight levitated a bundle of papers. "As a matter of fact, I have a copy of their itinerary right here. I helped her put it together, after all."

Ruby leafed through the papers quickly. "Bubbly, make sure to keep a receipt of all our tickets and major purchases. I want to be sure I get reimbursed for this."

"Yes ma'am," Bubbly saluted. "Does that mean we won't be staying for lunch?"

"We'll eat on the move," Ruby replied. She looked to Twilight. "Miss Sparkle. You do realize that this could be construed as aiding a heretic, yes?" Twilight gulped. "I will be checking up on you when I return."

After Ruby and Bubbly left, Twilight headed to her desk, and began writing a letter.