Ponies of Deltora: Monsters and Magic

Day one, Time 4:47 PM

The painted plains looked beautiful with the afternoon light bathing it. The explosion of colours was captivation to any creature who dared look at it. Although, they’d most likely be watching the pink pony frolicking and skipping amongst the tall flowers and grass with a smile larger than anything imaginable. She had been walking all day without a single exiting thing, so to her tired eyes this was like the greatest gift anypony could give. Currently she was having a race with two of the funny looking deer. Sadly her fun had to come to an end when she approached rolling hills, described as the Capricon Hills on the map. She took one last look to the beautiful plains, and the funny wildlife, before heading into the hills. When she reached the top she stopped for a moment to look back at the funny deer. Yet when she did the deer had seemingly vanished into the air.

Pinkie shrugged the disappointment off and whipped out her map fragment and studied it carefully. Apparently there was a town called Broom not too far from the hills. Maybe they have boats I can use! Pinkie thought to herself. And fisherponies to help! “Hoooray, New Friends!” Pinkie bounced across the hills for about twenty minutes until she found a decent. At the bottom of the hills she could see the golden reflection of the sun on the sea. “WOW, the sun is moving by ITSELF!”

After a moment of watching the sun, the party mare looked a bit closer to shore. To her delight there stood a large walled city of square white towers and sturdy looking buildings. Boats were docking at the ports with nets filled with silver fish. What got Pinkie most exited was the sound of music flying on the wind. Unable to contain herself any more, the pink pony tore down the hills and headed to the front gate of the city.

“Stop right there!”

Obeying the authoritive voice, Pinkie froze partially in the air. She shifted her eyes towards the source. Standing in front of the gate was a bipedal creature that resembles some form of ape or monkey, except it lacked hair on its body, with the exception of its head and face. He was dressed in basic leather armor, and armed with a spear. He looked up at the pink pony with a slightly confused look. “State your business, pink...horse?”

“Kam Ih hove yep?” Pinkie struggled to say without moving her lips.

The guard looked at the flask of ale in his other hand for a moment before tossing it away. “Um, yes of course.”

Smiling Pinkie moved towards the guard. “So, what is it?”

“As I said, state your name and business for coming to Broom at such an hour. You do know there’s only an hour or so worth of sunlight left.”

“Sorry I didn’t know there was a curfew.” Pinkie said. “My name is Pinkie Pie, and I just wanted to know if I could come inside.”

“It is customary for first time visitors to present the city with a gift.” The guard said.

“Oh I have just the thing!” Pinkie said excitingly. Quickly she dug into her blood red saddle bag and took out the cupcake and handed it to the guard. “Sorry there’s only one. Do you think the town can share?”

The guard smiled and accepted the gift from the silly pony. “You may be the strangest thing I’ve ever seen, but you’re a generous soul. The gates of Broom are open to you. Please head straight in and take the first right. That will take you to the guesthouse.”

With that he stepped aside and signalled for the gates to open. Once they were open Pinkie shot the guard a thank you smile. She was about to head into the city, until she had the weirdest feeling something was behind her. She turned around to discover dozens of individuals gathering on top of the Capricon Hills. She could just barely make out some of their features; bipedal and possessing the upper body of the guard, but the legs of a goat. They seemed to just gather on top of the hill and sit, as if waiting for something. “Mr. Guard, what are they?”

The guard looked at the pony and gave her a look of pity and remorse. “They are the Capricons. Every night they gather on top of those hills to stare at a phantom of Capra; their ancient city. This is why we get inside before sunset.”

Pinkies smile quickly faded. “Can we help them?”

“We have tried, but they refuse.” The guard said, and Pinkie could sense the frustration in his voice. “They consider themselves above everyone, especially the people of Broom, who ‘dance upon the bones of Capra.’” He could see that Pinkie was getting upset and gave her a comforting smile. “Do not pity them, they chose this fate willingly. Now go inside and enjoy the city.” Pinkie gave the guard one last smile before bouncing inside the gates. Before they shut closed again, she gave one last remorseful look to the Capricons.

The inside of Broom was just as nice as it looked from atop the hills. The buildings were all evenly spaced, and everywhere the citizens had happy looks on their faces. Pinkie was especially astounded by what she assumed to be the mares of this species. All of them had the hair on their heads completely shaved off, and replaced with colourful and beautiful patterns. The clothing of all the citizens was interesting to look at, very bright and colourful. This, combined with the sound of music from further in the town, made Pinkie feel right at home.

Following the guards instructions, Pinkie made her way to the guesthouse. It wasn’t much inside, just a few benches, which were currently empty, and a table where a city official sat flanked on both sides by guards. Pinkie walked chipperly up to the official who had to do a double take to make sure he was sane. “And what, pray tell, is this?” He said in a slow, but intelligent voice.

“My name is Pinkie Pike, and I’m an Earth Pony. The nice guard by the gate told me to come in here after I gave him a cupcake. I would have given one to you, but I don’t have any more. But I could make some if you have the ingredients. Oh wait, silly me, I don’t have any money. But I could work for money, and then I can make cupcakes for the whole city! Then we could-“

“I’m sorry, what was your name?” the official asked.

The party mare let out a small giggle. “It’s Pinkie Pie, silly.”

The official quickly wrote down her name in one of his registration books. “And you're sure one of our guards allowed you access?”

“Yep!”

The official smiled at her. “Well it may be the strangest case I’ve ever had, but everything works out. You are now free to come and go as you pleas. Welcome to Broom and enjoy your stay. Just don’t cause any problems.”

Pinkie thanked the official, smiled at the two guards and headed out of the building. Immediately she followed the sound of music until she was in the center of the city. Everywhere male and female citizens were dancing, laughing, singing and playing instruments. Unable to contain her excitement any longer, Pinkie jumped in among the dancers. Instantly the music stopped and everyone stared at the pink pony. “Aww don’t stop the music, I just got here.”

One of the women approached Pinkie. Her skin was slightly darker than everyone’s and her eyes were bright grey. From the smell of oils on her garments, Pinkie assumed she was a fishermare. “You can speak?”

“Yep!” Pinkie said.

The women turned to her fellow citizens with a confused look on her face. “Well, were is the music? A talking pink pony has come to Broom. This is as much a reason to celebrate as any!” The crowed began speaking amongst themselves and most of them smiled. Cheers then erupted from some members and soon the celebration was back in full swing! Pinkie was swept away by the women, who identified herself as Lanette. Everyone was having so much fun with their new visitor and each other, that none of them noticed the strange women observing Pinkie. Her body was concealed by a green cloak, but one thing was certain about her. Her eyes were as blue as the sea.