Strangers in Everglow

Chapters

Three Guests, Invited or Otherwise
Welcome to Everglow
Setbacks and Opportunities

Three Guests, Invited or Otherwise

In a special room in Ponyville Castle, where Twilight Sparkle kept the mirror to Canterlot High, the Princess of Friendship herself, and her number one dragon assistant, were busy cleaning up, setting down plush cushions for sitting upon around a table. Twilight was expecting company from two friends; one was from her foalhood, whom she had recently reconnected with. The other, she had once been enemies with not too long ago.

Sunset Shimmer had asked if she could visit Twilight during her summer vacation from school, and the Princess was quick to give her approval. It had been a while since the two of them were together and she was eager to provide her with a comfortable stay.

As fortune would have it, Moondancer was also taking a break from her own studies and wished to visit Ponyville herself.

Twilight could hardly let the opportunity pass. After discussing it with both of them, one through mail and the other through the two way magical book, they decided on a day to get together and chat.

As giddy as a filly for her first slumber party, the young Alicorn skipped joyfully around her castle, working along with Spike to tidy up in anticipation for the arrival of her friends.

“This will be great, Spike,” she said as she set down a plate of sandwiches. “It’ll be good for both of them to meet somepony who is still learning the ropes about friendship.”

The dragon she was speaking to nodded as he dusted and straightened some things up. “Not to mention you can leave me alone too, while the three of you have your girl talks,” he teased as he hopped down from the stool he was using.

This made his surrogate sister pout at him. “I don’t work you that hard, do I?” she asked.

Spike shook his head. “Of course not, but I’d still like some time to myself,” he said, straightening up a bust of Celestia. “But seriously, you got everything you need for them?”

She nodded. “For now at least, I should be able to handle things on my own from here,” she said, turning to him and pulling him into a tender hug, “Thanks for your help, Spike.” She nuzzled him affectionately.

He hugged her back. “Hey, it wasn’t that big of a deal, just tell them both that I said ‘hi,’” he told her before they separated from their embrace.

After a few more touch ups, Spike walked out of the room and soon after left the castle, likely to see if Rarity needed his help.

Twilight sighed as she sat down upon a cushion with a book to help pass the time while she waited for the first of her guests to arrive. Sunset would be coming later on, while Moondancer was going to be on the next train in from Canterlot. That wasn’t for another two hours, so a quick read of a story she read over a hundred times before going to meet her at the station wouldn’t be out of the question.

The train glided along the tracks leading away from a city supporting mountain and towards a small village. Several occupants took up the seats: travelers, business ponies, or just some ponies who wanted to get away from the bustle of the city for a little while. One pony, at least, was off to see an old friend.

Moondancer sat curled up in her seat as she read a light novel, though she was more trying to suppress her nerves about visiting Twilight than trying to get enjoyment from the story. Their reunion had a bit of a rocky start, and while she could admit she was still a little bitter towards Twilight for snubbing her party, she had forgiven her. Plus she was also interested in meeting another friend of hers, one who Twilight had said was an older student of Celestia’s even.

While she was more interested in making friends now, Moondancer’s greatest interest in the other mare was in what she might be able to learn from her.

She took an aloof glance at her saddlebags she had set down beside herself. They were filled with books and tomes she wished to share with Twilight, but also blank notebooks that she hoped she could fill with whatever the other mare could teach her, especially since she was told she lived in another world from theirs.

“Ponyville Station, ten minutes,” came the voice of the conductor.

Moondancer began to put her book away and set herself up as the train pulled closer to its destination.

In the early afternoon, in the shadow of Canterlot High, stood a young human girl with fiery hair. Sunset Shimmer adjusted the bag on her back which held a few personal items: a toothbrush, the book she and Twilight communicated through, the Alicorn wanted her to bring it for a little bit of study, and a set of pajamas that she was somewhat uncertain about taking.

She and Twilight hadn’t exactly experimented with the portal to see how things would change between worlds; it was unlikely they would be of any use, but she was in the habit of packing them, having spent so many night’s at one of the girl’s for a sleepover.

She wondered how Equestria had changed since she had first left. Maybe in her spare time she could look into it.

But it wouldn’t matter in a moment. She would be sitting with Twilight and one of her friends, catching up on things, and just having a nice time in general. She adjusted the backpack on her and stepped through the portal.

On the outskirts of Ponyville, a figure in a tall hat and a cape was looking at the castle which dominated the village’s skyline.

The Great and Powerful Trixie, as she was known far and wide in Equestria, stared at the castle and took a deep breath, finding and fixing her resolve to confront who she viewed as her great rival. Though even her ego was dwarfed by the castle, she took her first few steps towards it.

Twilight smiled as the train rolled into the station and her eyes darted about as she looked for her friend in the crowd.

Eventually, she spotted a cream colored mare with a multicolored mane and thick glasses. “Moondancer!” she called, getting her attention.

Turning to see her former schoolmate, now the newest princess of Equestria, Moondancer smiled brightly. They met one another halfway across the platform and shared a hug. “Twilight! How have you been?” she asked.

“Oh you know, reading, magic, saving Equestria, all of that,” she giggled.

“Nothing out of the ordinary for you, huh?” Moondancer teased. “Let's go, I'm actually looking forward to seeing this castle of yours, and meeting your friend who lives in that other world.”

Twilight nodded and they went on their way. “Sunset Shimmer should be there shortly after we get there,” she explained. “This'll be so much fun.”

“Hopefully it'll go over better than my first slumber party.”

At that Moondancer giggled with her. “You mentioned that before but you never told me the details,” she pressed.

Twilight blushed bashfully, “Well, you see….”

Their walk to the castle was full of small talk, until they reached it and Moondancer looked up at it in awe. “Wow, it's so big, and you live here?”

“Just me and Spike. It's really empty and lonely at times, but it's starting to become home. My friends in Ponyville have seen to that,” Twilight explained as her magic opened the large front door.

All along the way to the room that Twilight had prepared for the get together, Moondancer was gawking at nearly everything in the hallways. She had never been in a castle before, the closest being the dancing hall for the Grand Galloping Gala, and that was only the one time.

They reached the sitting room and Twilight went over to the mirror, the book that she used to communicate with Sunset was nearby. She picked it up and opened it to see if Sunset was on her way, and smiled, seeing an entry not five minutes old, saying she would be there in just as long.

“She’ll be here any minute now,” Twilight said, setting the book aside.

Moondancer was about to ask how she knew when suddenly the mirror started to glow and soon a yellow unicorn mare with a fiery red and yellow mane stepped out of it on her hind legs, before awkwardly setting down on all fours, “Ugh, I don't think I'll ever be used to that,” she muttered.

“Sunset!” The princess called as she approached and put a hoof around the new mare in a familiar hug. “Welcome back to Equestria,” she said happily.

The mare named Sunset laughed. “Good to be back Twilight,” she said, returning the hug, before setting the backpack that transported with her down where the sitting cushions were.

“Oh, this is Moondancer,” Twilight said, breaking the embrace and pointing out the third mare in the room. “She and I went to school together when we were fillies.”

Moondancer gave a polite bow. “It's a pleasure. Twilight told me a little about you, you used to be Celestia’s student as well?”

Sunset smiled a little forcefully. “Heh, yeah, used to be,” she muttered.

Moondancer recognized her mistake only the second after she spoke. “Oh, I'm sorry, I hadn't realized it was still a sensitive subject.”

The former student of Princess Celestia just shook her head. “No, it's alright, I should move on,” she said, though her tone suggested that such a commitment would be rough for her. “Really it's good to meet you too,” She offered her hoof.

The younger mare smiled and bumped it with her own.

Twilight smiled, admitting to herself that it was an awkward start, but was happy that it was working out.

They were about to continue on talking when there was a loud knock.

The two guests seemed confused but Twilight just smiled with unabashed pride at the clever spell arrangement she had made. “It's just somepony at the door. I put an enchantment on it so I could hear it no matter where I am in the castle.”

She moved towards the door to leave. “I'll be right back,” she said.

“I'll come with you,” said Sunset. “You can show me this castle of yours along the way.”

Moondancer chimed in as well. “I'll go too, better than just sitting here alone,” she joked.

They came to the front gate soon enough. Sunset had commented on the varied décor along the way, which Twilight had attributed to her friends.

There was one more knock before the princess opened the large gate to reveal a light blue pony in a magician's outfit.

“Trixie?” Twilight said, recognizing the mare. “What are you doing he-”

The traveling magician interrupted her. “Twilight Sparkle, I, The Great and Powerful Trixie, demand your attention,” she declared.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Well, okay, you're here and you have my attention,” she said.

The Great and Powerful Trixie stumbled over her next words, flustered that her entrance was not being taken seriously. “You're cheating,” she declared. “We're supposed to be rivals, you aren't allowed to just outpace Trixie and become an Alicorn,” she huffed, pointing an accusatory hoof at the other mare.

Twilight only regarded her with puzzlement, before Moondancer spoke up. “Um, who is she?” she asked Twilight.

“She’s Trixie, she and I ha-”

Twilight was cut off once again by the boisterous magician. “I am The Great and Powerful Trixie, and Twilight Sparkle is Trixie's rival,” she declared.

“I doubt that,” Sunset deadpanned. “If you're anything like the Trixie I know, you're all talk.”

“You do not know Trixie!” the magician shot back. “Trixie has never seen you before, and if you had seen one of Trixie's shows you would know that her powers are great.”

Sunset only rolled her eyes as Twilight laughed nervously and got between the two of them. “Alright everypony, there is no need to fight. Trixie, this is Sunset Shimmer, I met her in another world, it's a long story but there is another Trixie there,” she explained.

Trixie stared blankly at the princess and then to Sunset, and then back to Twilight. “I would accuse you of making it up, but you are an Alicorn and you suddenly have a castle. I cannot say for certain what you’ve been through.”

Twilight blushed and giggled lightly. “I was going to sit down with Moondancer and Sunset for some tea, would you like to join us?” she asked.

Sunset looked at Twilight, raising an eyebrow. “Are you serious?” she whispered, though not exactly being subtle. “She sounds just like the one in my world.”

Twilight just smiled back at her. “It’ll be fine, Sunset, trust me.”

Moondancer just looked confused, but Trixie was more puzzled. “Well, I suppose I can grace you with my company for a short while, Twilight Sparkle. Trixie accepts your invitation.”

Moondancer gave a somewhat uncertain smile. “It's nice to meet you, Trixie. Twilight and I used to attend Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns together,” she said, offering her hoof.

Trixie looked at the offered hoof, and slowly raised her own to meet it. “Trixie is pleased to meet you, and are you as talented in magic as Twilight?” she asked suspiciously.

A nervous laugh came from the bespectacled pony. “Not nearly. I'm more familiar with magical theory and history, my practical skill is… lacking, but I still graduated with high marks because of my understanding of the material,” she explained. “Twilight may have been valedictorian, but graduating fourth in a class of eight hundred is plenty impressive I think,” she said with a small bit of pride.

Trixie smiled, a bit relieved if she were honest. Her ego was bruised enough just knowing how much Twilight outpaced her. She then looked to Sunset Shimmer.

The mare of red and yellow locked her gaze. “I feel weird introducing myself to you a second time, alternate universe or not,” she muttered.

“I am Sunset Shimmer; I was Princess Celestia's personal student before Twilight was.”

The magician’s eyes were wide at this, filled with disbelief. “You couldn’t be. If you were, Trixie would have most definitely have heard of you,” she rationalized. “You surely must be joking.”

“It's true,” Twilight interrupted. “Celestia told me herself when we ran into each other the first time,” she said the last part with a tone that suggested to Trixie that it was slightly embellished. “She told me when I got back that she had kept it a secret, not wanting to damage Sunset’s reputation.”

Sunset looked down, but felt a smile tug at the corner of her mouth. “That sounds like something she’d do,” she said quietly.

Trixie kept her mouth shut, and putting two and two together, it wasn't that hard to believe. If this mare was truly at home in another world, it wouldn't be that far fetched that she was a student of the ruler of Equestria herself at some point.

“Very well, Trixie believes you,” she said, though Sunset seemed to hardly be amused.

“Well,” Twilight started. “Now that introductions are out of the way, let's go sit and have some tea,” she suggested.

Despite the tensions between Trixie and Sunset, the three strangers followed their mutual friend back to the portal room. Twilight pulled in another sitting cushion for their unexpected company. Once they were all seated Twilight went to leave the room. “I'll go make the tea, I'll be right back.”

After she made her leave, the room was silent for a time. Trixie stared at Sunset who was doing her best to ignore her.

Moondancer just looked between the two, feeling more out of place and increasingly awkward. She gave a forced chuckle and looked to Sunset. “So you said the world you live in has another Trixie? Is there another me there too?”

Sunset looked to Moondancer and let her expression soften just a little. “Probably, though I never met you. You probably go to a different school, it's a very big world,” she explained.

“Trixie is certain she is quite popular there as well,” the magician said as she sat tall on her cushion, pushing out her chest.

The fiery maned mare rolled her eyes and shot Trixie a weary look. “Hardly, you are every bit as boastful there as you are here, but I'll bet just like her, your all flash and no substance.”

Trixie narrowed her eyes and clenched her teeth. “The Great and Powerful Trixie once bested Twilight in a magic duel and took over Ponyville, can you claim such a feat?”

Sunset rolled her eyes. “I nearly used the power of her crown to take over the world where I live,” she shot back.

Moondancer looked between them, shrinking a bit. “Why are you two friends with her again?”

The two bickering mares ignored their audience and glared at each other.

“Trixie is more than a match for some no name pony in exile,” said the show mare. “Even if she was a dropout student of Celestia.”

This comment only made Sunset's glare increase in its intensity. “I know enough of you to know you are nothing more than a braggart and haven't enough knowledge or talent to do more than the most basic of spells. You are a subpar entertainer in the other world and you are a subpar entertainer in this world.”

Her ability challenged and now her quality as a stage magician also insulted, Trixie stood up in a huff. “You dare insult my ability?” she asked, offended. “I, The Great and Powerful Trixie, have throngs of eager fans at all of her shows, eating out of her hoof as they eagerly await each spell with anticipation.”

Sunset only rolled her eyes. “Prove it, if you are indeed a great magician, prove that you are better than I know you are,” she challenged.

Trixie glowered and looked around, and finally her eyes settled on the mirror with all the arcane equipment attached to it, and she grinned brightly, before striking her pose. “Watch and be amazed as I, The Great and Powerful Trixie, performs the greatest of the greatest of feats before your very eyes!”

Moondancer was perhaps more enthusiastic than her fellow spectator and clapped her hooves together and smiled.

Sunset rolled her eyes but was otherwise silent as Trixie postured before them.

“Trixie shall use her powers to command this portal to open,” she declared, her horn already lighting up.

Sunset's eyes widened as she realized what the magician was attempting, and tried to move to stop her. “Wait! No!”

But it was too late, Trixie's spell released into the mirror and for but a moment all was silent. Then,to the mixed shock of all three mares, the mirror glowed and they began to feel themselves being pulled in.

Trixie, being the closest was drawn in first, lifted from her hooves.

Sunset tried to keep herself grounded and reached for Moondancer as the bespectacled pony was pulled in as well, screaming.

Feeling her resistance against the pull failing, she began being pulled in and was only able to grab her backpack before she was pulled in as well.

As soon as she vanished into the mirror it ceased to glow and the room was silent.

Author's Note

Edited by DarkPhoenix

Glad to be getting this project out on its way.

I love Pathfinder and Ponyfinder is an interesting setting that got me into the game in the first place.

Some of the OCs that will be appearing in this story will be characters I've played, or that my friends have played. I may even occasionally leave a short story about what happened in games with those characters in the Author's Notes as we get to them

The first three chapters of this are done and ready to go out, this being the first one, and I'll probably post them once a day and then do them as I get them done, so, expect chapter 2 the day after this gets approved.

Hope I can introduce the world of Everglow to people who have never played Ponyfinder before, and I hope I can do the setting justice for those who are familiar with it.

Your Author,
Booky

Welcome to Everglow

The three mares slowly came to their senses and shook their heads.

Sunset was the first to recover. Groaning and her head still swimming, she opened her eyes to see not the guest room that she and the other mares had just been in, but an open field near a forest. Her eyes widened and she whipped her head around, searching for some kind of sign of the castle they had just been in, only to find nothing.

Trixie soon regained her senses as well and her eyes widened as she too was taken by surprise with the new surroundings. “Trixie… did not mean for that to happen,” the show mare admitted.

Sunset narrowed her eyes. “You shouldn't have been trying to meddle with magic you didn't understand,” she snorted, looking around once more.

It was Moondancer who collected herself last, shaking her head clear. “Where are we?” she wondered aloud.

Putting her frustration behind her, Sunset turned her attention to trying answer that question, which was on all their minds. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “I don't think we're in the world the mirror is normally connected to. We would look different,” she said, taking note of their unchanged forms.

Trixie looked around as well. “I've been all over Equestria and I've never seen any features like this,” she pointed towards a direction. “Do you hear that?” she asked her companions. “It sounds like waves. We have to be somewhat close to the sea, at least.”

The two other unicorns raised their ears and indeed they could hear the distant rumble of tumbling water on a shore. “Must be a fair bit of shoreline if we can hear it from here,” Moondancer said.

The oldest of the three of them perked up and finished the train of thought. “From there we can find where we are, or better yet, be able to find a town.”

Trixie smiled smugly, feeling as if the plan was hers from when she first spoke up. “You may both thank Trixie for solving our dilemma.”

Moondancer fixed the performer with a flat look while Sunset glared. “I'll thank you once we get back to Twilight's castle. Till then I don't want to hear anything from you.”

The former student of Celestia turned towards the hills they heard the waves from and began the walk towards them leaving a stunned Trixie behind, who stared at her retreating form.

Moondancer was in equal shock, though recovered much more quickly than Trixie had and gave the performer a sympathetic look before following Sunset.

Trixie recovered soon enough and scowled, following the other two with her nose in the air.

The two younger mares had soon caught up to Sunset as they came to the top of the hill and looked out. Before them was a long and expansive beach. Golden yellow sand covered the shore, with waves washing over it at regular intervals. Looking along the shore line the mares saw nopony playing in the water, or anyone at all.

It was oddly quiet save for the waves and gulls.

“I don't think I recognize this place,” said Moondancer, looking as far as she could.

“Trixie does not see anything familiar,” she said quietly.

Sunset was getting more frustrated with their predicament and looked around more. The only structure around was hardly one at all, being a ruin on a short cliff off to their left. “Let's see if we can get a better look from there.”

The other two had no objections, and followed closely behind.

As they approached the structure, they began to hear something strange. It sounded so much like singing, though in a language that none of them understood. It mixed with the sounds of the tide and almost felt like they were one in the same. The three mares were nearly bewitched by the melody but none of them felt it was playing with their will.

They had reached the ruined structure before long, the ruined stone likely the base of a lookout post from decades before. The singing had gotten longer, and though they still couldn't understand the words they could distinguish them from the sound of the sea crashing on shore. They curiously followed the side of a still standing wall and could hear the source as round the corner.

They turned it and saw, lying like a sunning cat, a light blue pony in a leather jerkin. He was facing out towards the sea, his eyes closed as he continued to sing for his unexpected audience.

The three unicorn mares watched him in wonder and came to notice the strange features of this stallion. The neck of his jerkin collar did nothing to hide four slashes along his neck, and they seemed to open just slightly as he sang.

Gills.

The pony had gills. And even more noticeable was the fin like webbing behind his front hooves suggesting he was at least a strong swimmer.

The stallion’s song grew quiet as he finished, and a gentle smile graced his lips as his bright green eyes opened. His head turned as he heard the clopping applause of the cream colored mare with glasses. His expression was just as surprised to see them as theirs was to see this new land he had come to.

His expression changed into a toothy grin soon after, and the mares took a step back as they saw his teeth. Mixed with the flat teeth of a pony was the sharp teeth of a predator. The smile was friendly but unnerving, and though it was for but an instant, something instinctual made the ponies want to flee. The strange pony seemed to notice and his grin closed, still smiling, but hiding his teeth.

Then he spoke. “Ah, did me singing summon you three lovely lassies?” His accent was melodic and full of a playful whimsy. The lilt in his tone did much to alleviate their apprehension.

His compliment was nearly lost in his tone, though only Moondancer seemed to smile and blush at it. Trixie seemed more annoyed at the odd stallion.

“We came up here for a look around, we only heard your singing on the way,” Sunset explained.

The stallion smiled and nodded. “Ah, then perhaps it is fate or the will of the gods that I was here when you saw fit to climb up here.”

“I doubt that very much,” she said. “Where are we? Are we far from Ponyville?”

The stallion looked confused. “I would guess ye are. I've never heard of such a place.”

The three mares shared a collective sigh and Moondancer wondered aloud. “Where in Equestria are we?”

“Equestria? Got ta say I never heard of that land.”

The strange stallion’s words caused all three of the mares to gawk. They stayed silent as they began to understand just how far from home they were.

The stallion looked to their worried faces and gave them the friendliest smile he could manage. “My loves, I do believe you are well and truly lost.”

Trixie and Moondancer both blushed, though the former seemed more indignant. “That's putting it mildly,” said Sunset, keeping her composure better than her fellow Unicorns. She kept a wary eye on the stallion, before chiding him. “And you are not familiar enough with us to speak like that.”

The stallion chuckled and smiled. “Quite right, you’re a sharp lass, and I've been rude.” He gave them a proper bow. “If I may, my name is Aquamarine.”

The oldest of the three mares spoke first. “I am Sunset Shimmer.”

The bespectacled mare introduced herself next. “I am Moondancer,” she spoke quietly.

Lastly, and by her opinion certainly not least, was the mare in a magician's garb. “And I am The Great and Powerful Trixie,” she added a small bit of magic to her introduction to cause a brief flash of pyrotechnics to give it more flare.

After a moment the stallion chuckled and clapped his hooves together in a light applause. “I see, you are adventurers then? I did that for a wee bit some time ago,” he said.

The three mares gave him another odd look. “We're hardly on an adventure, we're just lost because of her,” Sunset said, pointing her hoof accusingly at Trixie.

As it looked like an argument was about to flare up, the stallion spoke again, reevaluating them. “Now that you say it, the three of you would be terribly under equipped for such a thing.”

Sunset sighed and looked to the stallion once more, and she asked the question she was dreading the answer to. “Where exactly are we, then?”

“You are about a few hours trot south of Port Mareheart, on the Western Coast of The Everglow Empire,” Aquamarine answered.

The three mares looked at each other puzzled, hoping one of them would chime in to say they knew where this place was, or had even heard of it. And as they all stayed silent, Sunset’s fears became confirmed.

Trixie’s little outburst at the castle had gotten the three of them transported to a different land, perhaps even an entirely different world. She looked again to the stallion, whom they had just met, who may be their only friend in this strange place, and he too was strange.

“We've never heard of this place. I… think lost doesn't quite match it,” she said.

Aquamarine took on a thoughtful look and nodded. “That may also explain your lack of clothes,” he said.

The three of them gave him an inquisitive look, and he figured out what they were going to ask. “Well, you three are quite immodestly dressed. I suspect if I walked behind you I'd have a very pleasant view.”

The three of them blushed furiously, though only Moondancer was so embarrassed as to hide behind Sunset.

The stallion only chuckled. “Calm down lassies, I'd only take a gander if invited. It's not like the empire outlaws a lack of dress, but if you don't want ponies taking a peek you may wish to put some coin towards some clothes.”

“The great and powerful Trixie will not tolerate such rude and suggestive remarks about her person,” said the performer heatedly. “She is to be admired, yes, but she will destroy you if you dare to look at... That, without her permission.”

Aquamarine nodded but laughed all the same. “I have a reputation, it's true, but I would never take advantage of lost mares trying to get home,” he said, putting a hoof over his heart as if making an oath.

The mares still regarded him with some suspicion and this caused him to sigh. “At least allow me to guide you to Port Mareheart. I'll even take the lead for your comfort.”

After looking at him for a scrutinizing moment, Sunset nodded. “Very well, but if I suspect any funny business, I'll make sure it's not pleasant for you,” she threatened.

Aquamarine smirked and winked at her. “Wouldn't dream of it, lassie.” It didn't do much to reassure her, but they were off soon enough. “Be much faster if you three could swim, but I suppose beggars can't be choosers,” their guide commented on the way.

“We can't all be blessed to be born with fishy fins,” quipped Trixie.

Aquamarine chuckled at this. “True,” was all he said to that as he kept a steady pace that the other three were able to keep up with easily.

Moondancer broke their silence eventually. “I’ve been meaning to ask, mister Aquamarine -”

“Just Aqua, please,” he cut her off. “All that is quite a mouthful,” he said.

Moondancer cleared her throat, “Alright, Mr. Aqua, but, this place, Port Mareheart, are all the ponies there, like you?”

Aqua chuckled at the question. “I like to think I'm one of a kind, but if you mean Sea Horses, then sort of. It's a seaside town so we tend to live there. Judging from the question, I take it you don't see many of us?”

Moondancer shook her head. “You're the first I've ever seen.”

“Trixie has heard of Sea Ponies before but has never met one,” The performer added.

Aqua looked back to look at Sunset. “What about you, lass? Am I the first you've ever seen?”

Sunset had given him a cautious look, but answered. “With how you look and how you sing, I thought you maybe a Siren. I've seen those before,” she said. “Though, their true forms had long tails instead of hind legs.”

Aqua looked thoughtful as they continued down the road. “Sound a lot like the Deep Tide,” he said. “They're our kin, though they are a bit twisted. Not sure why they're like that, but most I've had the displeasure of meeting are a might cruel.”

The other three were quiet as they kept walking, and Sunset pondered on Aqua’s words. She hoped that these Deep Tide ponies he spoke about wouldn't be as much trouble as the Sirens she and her friends at Canterlot High had to deal with.

The remainder of the journey was spent mostly in silence until they reached the city proper, and it was as he had said. A variety of ponies walked about, some unicorns, pegasi and earth ponies as well. Mixed in on occasion were indeed a few like him, with gills and fins.

And also like he said, they wore far more clothing than the three of them.

Sunset was the most conscious of it, having before felt the modesty that being human had taught her. They felt a few lingering stares, and a couple mares looked at their guide and them before rolling their eyes, but they were left unharassed.

Aqua turned to them. “I hope you have a few gold between the three of you. I can lead you to a tavern or inn that'll put you up for the night, but if I go paying your bills ponies may start getting the wrong idea.”

“Trixie has some bits with her, she is not sure it will suffice,” Trixie said. Her horn glowed to pull a few bits from her cape, counting them out to ten. “It may be enough, so long as they don't try to cheat Trixie.”

Moondancer’s horn lit up as well, pulling a pocket in her sweater produced five golden bits of her own. “I got five, do you have any, Sunset?”

The oldest of the three shook her head. “All I have in my bag now is the book that Twilight and I… communicate… with…” She trailed off before smacking her face with her own hoof. “I'm so dumb,” she scolded herself. “How could I have forgotten?”

“Trixie does not know, but she also knows not what you are talking about,” the show mare said.

“I'll show you when we get a room.” Sunset sighed as she looked again to Aqua. “How much would a room at the inn cost?” she asked.

Aquamarine smiled. “Well if I shared a room with the three of you, I'd give up half my worldly possessions,” he said with a wink, gaining another round of blushes, and glares. He quickly changed the subject. “If those 'bits’ you're talking about are gold, you'll at least get a room, but you'd have to share, not sure for how long though,” he said. “Maybe a day or two. You may need to find work to get much further.”

The mares kept their thoughts to themselves as they came to a busy marketplace, mostly filled with ponies calling out to sell produce or simple crafts. Aqua then brought them to a small inn on the edge of the market square. “This place is good to travelers, and I believe breakfast is included.”

Sunset nodded as the other two looked the building over. “Thank you, Aqua, we may not have been able to find it so quickly on our own.”

The Sea Pony grinned at her. “Maybe you could thank me with an invitation to your room later,” he teased.

“Don't push it,” said the fiery maned unicorn.

This earned a hearty chuckle from the stallion who smiled to her. “Alright then, I'd best be moving off, got me own business to mind for once,” he said, waving his hoof. “Good luck to ya.”

With that the stallion left the three on their own. With a sigh, Sunset turned to her companions and led them inside.

The three of them went to the front desk where a mare with a greying mane sat looking over a ledger, likely doing some calculations.

“Excuse me?” Sunset tried to get her attention, feeling the weight of the day on her back.

The innkeeper looked up from her papers and smiled warmly. “Welcome to Mare’s Rest, we offer very comfortable rooms and we have plenty of vacancies this time of year, will it be three rooms or are any of you a couple?”

Sunset shook her head. “No, just one room for all of us,” she said.

The mare behind the desk looked at the three of them with wide eyes. “Oh my, young folk are so full of energy these days.”

It admittedly took Sunset a moment to understand what she was insinuating and her face flushed for what had to be the dozenth time that day.

What was wrong with the ponies here?

“No,” she said, almost a little too quickly. “We’re short on funds and need the cheapest room we can all fit in,” she explained.

The old mare let out a nervous laugh. “Oh, of course, well, we let ponies sleep in the common room for only a few silver each, but if you three want a little more privacy….” She trailed off as she looked through her ledger, seeing over the rooms that were available.

“The room that would fit you best would likely be a couple’s room,” the innkeeper started. “Though it'd already be cramped, and one of you would need to sleep on the floor, we could provide an extra blanket and pillow,” she smiled up at them. “It would come to ten gold for two nights, and that includes a breakfast in the mornings.”

Sunset looked to her tired companions, and then nodded, nudging her head to call them over.

Taking Trixie and Moondancer's coins she went over to the desk and put a bit on the table, her magic holding the rest. “Will you accept these?”

The innkeeper looked over the foreign coin with scrutiny. “No clue what realm these are from, but they seem to be real gold, and gold is always worth its weight in gold. Alright, I'll take ten of these,” she said.

Sunset placed the rest of the payment on the desk, smiling in relief. “Thank you,” she said.

The Earth Pony scooped the coins into a tray after counting them out and them grabbing a key for the three of them. “Think nothing of it, please go right in and make yourselves at home,” she said. “Breakfast is at sunrise, your room is upstairs, down the hall, third on the left. I’ll be by to give you the extra blanket and pillow in an hour's time. Is there anything else you may need?”

Sunset was about to say 'no’ when her stomach protested with an audible grumble, and she was willing to guess the others were feeling the same. “Would another piece get us some food delivered to our room?”

The old mare let out a laugh. “Sweety, I'd make dinner for all three of you myself for a gold piece.”

The three mares smiled with relieved expressions, and Sunset spoke again. “Thank you, nothing extravagant, just something tasty to fill our bellies.”

Sunset set another piece of gold on the counter and the aging mare smiled at them. “I think I'll make some of my veggie stew, fill you three up plenty,” she said.

Moondancer sighed with anticipation. “That sounds wonderful.”

The old mare chuckled. “It is, I promise. Now you three head to your room and get comfortable, stew for three won't take too long, I'll bring it with your blankets.”

The mare set a bell on the counter and went to the back, presumably towards the kitchen, while Sunset led the way to their room. Luckily she remembered the directions and they found it soon enough.

She put the key in the lock, opening it to reveal the room. It was cozy, and for three mares it would be very cramped. There was a lantern hanging near the door that Sunset lit with a simple spark of magic.

There was a double bed that would let two of them sleep comfortably, but trying to squeeze in a third would be a bit too cozy. There was indeed enough room on the floor for one of them, if the old mare brought the blankets like she said she would.

“Guess we'll have to make due,” Sunset said as she set her bag down and opened it, seeing pajamas and other amenities. The PJs were clearly still fitted for her human body. With a sigh, she considered the idea of selling or trading them for clothing befitting her pony form. For now she pulled out the book that may keep her in contact with Twilight.

The other two squeezed into the room, and were at least glad the room would be warm from the rapidly approaching night.

Moondancer reached the bed and fell onto it, considering the prospect of falling asleep and hoping this was just a dream. The promise of food was likely the only argument keeping her from drifting into sleep then and there.

Sunset sat next to her and nudged her. “Moondancer, we haven't decided on who sleeps where yet,” she said.

Moondancer groaned but began to get up when Trixie spoke up. “You two can sleep on the bed, Trixie has slept in worse conditions when she was traveling,” she said.

The fiery maned unicorn shook her head. “You don't have to do that.”

“I do,” Trixie argued back. “I insist. As you said, it is my fault that we are stuck here.”

Sunset looked at the yet unopened book in her hooves. “Maybe, but I pushed you to it.” She was trying to be sensible, as mad as she was at the performer, she had been the one to goad her on. “Let's not focus on who to blame, we need to focus on getting home. Then we can point hooves all we want.”

Trixie looked down and nodded. “Very well, but, I wouldn't know the first step to doing that,” she said.

“Neither do I,” Sunset admitted. “But maybe Twilight can,” she said smiling, opening the book.

“What's that?” Moondancer asked, looking over the older mare's shoulder.

Looking at the studious mare, Sunset thought for a moment. “Well, long story short, it's a book that works two ways. Whatever I write in it will be seen in the other book and vice versa. Twilight has the other book. I just hope she isn't too worried.”

Looking at the pages her eyes widened at the words written in an increasingly frantic manner.

Where are you?

Are you OK?

What happened?

Why won't you answer?

Can you answer?

Sunset couldn't help but laugh despite the guilt she felt. “I probably should have answered sooner.”

Trixie had joined the other two on the bed and was reading as well, suppressing her own laughter. “She is quite the worrier,” she snickered.

“Well wouldn't you be?” Moondancer scolded. “We just disappeared without a trace, it’s no wonder she's worried.”

Sunset nodded. “I need a pen, maybe with her help we can figure out a way back.”

There was no pen to be found in the small room but soon there was a knock at the door, the kindly old innkeeper was on the other side. “I brought you stew and blankets dears,” she said through the door.

Sunset answered it, opening the door and taking the blankets in her magic. “Thank you. I hate to trouble you more tonight, but do you happen to have a quill and ink I can use?” she asked.

The innkeeper smiled. “It's no trouble at all dearie, I'll be right back. Help yourselves to the stew, there is a bowl for each of you,” she said, before wondering off.

It was then that the smell of the stew reached the three unicorns and they went to take up their bowls, retreating into the room. They ate the stew, which had a thick and rich broth swimming with vegetables. It filled their stomachs and tasted pretty good as well.

Trixie still insisted that she be the one to sleep on the floor and laid the blanket down and the pillow.

The innkeeper was back before they finished the soup, but only just barely. She delivered the quill and ink and took the bowls when they were finished, and wished them a goodnight.

Sunset looked at the book before her and tried to think of what to tell Twilight. Trixie had already gone to sleep, and Moondancer had set her glasses on the small nightstand before laying down on her side of the bed. As Moondancer put the long day on the other side of her eyelids, Sunset put the quill to the page.

Twilight, do not worry. We are safe and I finally have the means to answer you. I'm not exactly sure how it happened, but we are in a new world. It's not like the human world that I had been in before. It's full of ponies, interesting ones too if the first one we met is any indication.

It's late and I am tired. I'll talk to you more after I get some sleep and we'll figure out how to get back together.

Sunset

With that, Sunset closed the book. It probably didn't satisfy all the Princess’s worries but it would at least let her know that the three of them were alright.

With a means to contact with Twilight, Sunset's own worries were alleviated and she found sleep came easy to her.

Author's Note

Chapter 2 is up, should have chapter 3 up about the same time tomorrow, but it is entirely possible it'd be a day or so late. Some editing needs doing yet.

This chapter introduces the first of my characters played in the table top game, and actually my first Ponyfinder character ever.

Aquamarine is a Sea Pony with a high charisma, and I played him like a playboy. He'd spread money around, buy people drinks in taverns and flirt with every mare that he came across. He was a shameless flirt, and it had gotten him into trouble as often as it got him out of it. Sure, trying to flirt with the evil sorceress might get you killed, but if she's got a nice butt you just got to let her know.

Setbacks and Opportunities

In the morning, the three mares, despite being disappointed that this was not a dream and that they were not in a more familiar bed, got together and saw to make some form of plan for the days ahead. Almost immediately, Sunset read the diary to find that Twilight had received her message and was much relieved to find out they were safe. She promised to do all she could to get them back home, and Sunset said they would do the same from their end.

Taking a breath, Sunset looked at her companions. “All right, what we're going to need, first of all, are funds to keep living here. We need some money and fast,” she said.

At this the performer had a haughty smirk, and puffed out her chest. “The Great and Powerful Trixie shall show these ponies a spectacular show, and they will throw bits at my hooves and plead for more spectacle, leave that to me,” she said with no small bit of pride.

Sunset just smiled and shook her head. “All right then, I'll stay here and keep talking with Twilight to see if we can't brainstorm an idea or two,” she said, before looking at the third member of the group. “Moondancer,” she started, getting the cream colored mare’s attention. “I want you to take the money we have and go find a clothes shop, even if you don't have enough I'd like to know how much some clothes would cost for me once we have some more money.”

Moondancer nodded. “All right,” she agreed. “I'll go and look then.” She got up and was about to go when her stomach growled and she laughed, a little bit embarrassed, “After that complimentary breakfast?” she asked. The other two mares agreed and got up, heading downstairs to start their day and respective missions.

Sometime later, Moondancer found herself walking down the street, looking from one side to the other. “Tavern, tavern, inn, tavern.”

She was not having much luck with finding any clothes stores, tailors or otherwise, but she did discover a lot of the buildings in this town were either for housing travelers or catering to them.

Finally she had enough of aimlessly wandering around and stopped a pair of earth ponies, a mare and a stallion, both in matching breastplates that made her suspect they were some kind of guards for the town.

“Excuse me,” she said, getting their attention. “I'm afraid I'm a bit lost, could you tell me where I may find a clothes store?”

The stallion gave her a strange look but was silent as the mare laughed kindly. “You must be new to town,” she guessed. “Port Mareheart doesn't have a proper clothes store, closest you'll get is the adventure outfitters.”

With a slightly embarrassed sigh, she confirmed that she was indeed new. “Where might I find one?” she asked. “Are they terribly expensive?”

“The Gilded Girdle, terrible name, I know,” the mare stated with a frown, pointing up the street in the direction she was heading. “Their prices aren't too bad, at the very least she won't cheat you.”

Moondancer looked to where the mare was pointing and nodded. “Thank you. I've been having the hardest time finding anywhere that sold clothes.” The couple smiled to her and wished her well and a good day before heading off to their own business. Moondancer trotted on towards her new objective, now at least knowing where she was going.

Once she got there, she found that it was not in the least a place she’d expect to find clothes. The storefront windows were full of pony shaped mannequins dressed in armor and with stands holding weaponry ranging from spears to swords to halberds. Also present was a rope with climbing gear and even some swim gear. On a sign next to the door it read “The Gilded Girdle Outfitters. For all your adventuring needs.”

With the ring of a welcoming bell she entered the store and found that it was well lit, notably around some of the fancier wears.

“Welcome to the Gilded Girdle,” greeted a lithe looking pony. A mare by the looks of her. She also seemed like a sea pony, unless those fins near her ears were just a decoration. “So, how can I help you survive your next adventure?”

Moondancer shook herself from her musings and approached the counter. “Oh, I'm not an adventurer. I'm only here to buy some clothes,” she explained.

The sea mare looked at her oddly. “Just regular clothes?” she asked, before really noting the attire of her customer. “Ah, did you lose the backside of your dress somewhere?”

Moondancer shook her head. “It's a long story, but my friend and I are in need of clothes. She's completely naked and well, it feels awkward to be the center of attention.”

The shopkeeper nodded, understanding. “I see. Well, we don't really sell normal clothes here. This town is built on selling to adventurers, and they usually clothe themselves in armor of some kind or another.” As she said this she stepped from behind the counter and started to look through the inventory, letting Moondancer see that she was wearing an excellent set of leather armor of some kind with metal studs holding it together. “Local smiths make the armor and weapons, but I have to import what few clothes we do sell, how much are willing to pay?”

Moondancer looked as the mare showed her around. “We don't have much,” she said, growing worried that she wouldn't have the money to get what they needed. “Will five gold get us much?”

The mare looked at her and thought for a moment. “A few things, depending on how much of it you're willing to part with. I got a couple old wizard robes in the back that I could part with for that, but for a single coin I could get you two ratty sets of clothes. Though that sounds to be about as much as you need. They aren't stylish but they'll cover you up where they need to. Peasants who can't afford any better usually wear them,” she said, showing a set of clothes that look to be poorly fitted and patched together with whatever was convenient.

The unicorn looked at the shoddy sets of clothes with some dismay. She normally didn't care about how she looked, but as washed as the rags looked they seemed like they’d still be itchy and looked less than comfortable. “Let's look at those robes,” she decided bashfully.

The shopkeeper just laughed. “I figured as much. The only real problem with cloaks like these is that folks will take you for a wizard,” she joked as she led her customer to the back room.

While looking through the shelves she started to make small talk. “So if you and your friend aren't adventurers, what brings you to Port Mareheart?”

Moondancer looked with her. “Well, my friends and I just ended up nearby, we really didn't mean to be anywhere near here. It's kind of complicated and I know it sounds crazy, but we're from a different world altogether.”

The sea pony just gave her an odd look before she continued to search for the robes. “Not sure what it says about my life to say I've heard stranger.”

Moondancer looked at her with disbelief at first before thinking that one of her oldest friends back in Equestria probably has gone through stranger herself. Wanting to fill the silence herself, she asked, “What's your name, by the way? I'm Moondancer.”

Without looking up from from the stack of cloth, the sea pony answered. “Reef Glider.” Before long after that she exclaimed a triumphant, “Ha!” And pulled up two folded robes and set them outside the stack they were in.

They were both red in color, and certainly seemed a better make than the simple rags from earlier. “Those look much better,” Moondancer said with some relief.

“I agree,” said Reef Glider. “You'll want to try one on?”

Moondancer nodded and the sea mare helped her get the robe on. “Fit alright? How about around your withers?” Reef Glider asked as she adjusted how Moondancer wore the robe.

It fit her well enough, perhaps a bit loose but Moondancer decided that was an easy thing to overlook. “Thank you,” she said as she pulled the gold coins from her pocket. “My friend is about the same size as me, it should do just fine,” she explained, laying down the five gold pieces on the counter.

As Reef thanked her, the unicorn’s eyes glanced at a thin book that was stacked on copies of itself. The title inked on the cover was, 'Art of Adventure for Beginners,’ and her heart fluttered before she remembered that she had just spent all her bits. “I wish I had just a bit more,” she said aloud without meaning to. Adventurer or not, it was a new book in a new world, and the prospect excited her.

Reef looked at the short stack of books. “They're only a silver each. A friend of mine, a retired adventurer, wrote it, offering tips to those who are just getting started,” she explained. She saw the look of intrigue on the mare’s face and sighed. “Alright, you bought two old cloaks from me and helped me clear up space,” she started, getting Moondancer’s attention and smiling. “I'll throw the book in for free.”

The unicorn's eyes brightened. “You mean it? I don't want to hurt your business.”

“One silver won't put me on the streets,” Reef laughed. “Just don't start spreading it around that I'm giving you a freebie, otherwise everyone will start pestering me.”

Moondancer gathered it up with Sunset’s robe, wearing her own. She smiled brightly, the only thing stopping her from hugging the sea mare was the counter in her way. “Thank you!”

Reef couldn't help but giggle at her reaction. “As excited as you are about reading I'd swear you’re an ardent follower of Princess Luminace.”

Moondancer blushed at realizing just how much she was acting like a filly. “I don't know who that is,” she admitted.

“You must be kidding,” the sea mare looked at her incredulously. “You should have at least heard of the gods. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised if you really are from another plane.”

Moondancer nodded. “But who is Princess Luminace?” she asked, her curiosity peaked.

“The newest to join the gods, she's made knowledge and friendship her domain,” Reef explained. “Mostly she’s worshipped by scholars and librarians. Me personally, I don't give gods much attention, none of them have made themselves patrons of profiteering,” she quipped.

Moondancer listened intently, finding the idea of a deity dedicated to knowledge very appealing, and kind of funny that the goddess sounded a bit like her friend back in her own world. She didn't linger much longer, bid the kind shopkeeper goodbye, and left.

She went in the direction she remembered the inn being, opening the book and reading as she walked, paying just enough attention as to not run into anyone or anything. The book itself seemed a little amateurish in her opinion. It had no hook, no draw, but it did work as a guide book, if an uninteresting one.

‘As an adventurer, one must be aware of their surroundings.’

Moondancer thought that would be obvious. And then she looked up and around and noticed that she did not know where she was. She felt like she was being made fun of by the book she had just gotten.

“Well, somepony looks a little lost,” came a voice from behind her.

She quickly turned around and saw three stallions, two earth ponies and a sea pony, who seemed to be the leader as he was between the other two. The leader and one of the earth ponies smiled wickedly at her, the other one had a dagger in his mouth.

She took a step back. “Y-yes, I am. I must have just taken a wrong turn from the main street,” she said, trying not to sound as nervous as she was. “I'm sure I can find my way back.” She noted that they were blocking her way from the road she had taken.

The sea pony just chuckled. “Well, being fine upstanding citizens as we are, for a bit of your coin we’d be happy to lead a cute mare like you back.”

She took another step back, not liking the look in the eye of the earth stallion who didn't have the knife. “I-I don't have any money left. I just spent it all on these robes and this book.”

This didn't seem to dissuade them a bit. “That's fine,” the sea pony said as the other earth pony laughed and pulled out a knife from a sheath on his shoulder. “We're flexible when it comes to payment.”

Catching onto what they meant her legs trembled, and part of her wanted to bolt from that spot.

They approached, ill intent evident in their eyes.

“Picking on defenseless mares in Gloom Street, Tide?” came a familiar accented voice. “Your mother’d be ashamed.”

The smile left the sea pony named Tide's face, and they turned around to face the voice as Moondancer looked past them to see Aquamarine standing there, a sharp toothed grin on his face.

“What do you want, Aqua?” Tide growled. “This is my street and you’re in the way of The Rat’s business.”

Aqua just tilted his head. “I recall the lady saying she didn't have a single copper on her, and you saying you’d 'take another sort of payment.’” The turquoise colored pony narrowed his eyes but kept the toothy grin. “What would the Rat think of you ignoring your work for you and your boys to have the craic.”

Tide’s stance faltered a bit. “Y-you couldn't possibly know who The Rat is, no one does.”

Aquamarine’s grin widened and it frightened even Moondancer. “I talk and get friendly with a lot of ponies, Tide. Who's to say one of them isn't The Rat?”

Tide seemed to shiver despite himself. “We could just leave you dead, The Rat wouldn't need to know at all.” He and his company tried to look more bold in front of Aqua as he said this.

The other sea pony only smiled and kept his composure. “If you think you can, you're welcome to try.” He lifted his hoof, revealing the handle of a sword beneath his cloak, expertly hidden.

The boldness of the three thugs faltered, and Tide stared Aqua down, but faltered. “Fine, the little mare ain't worth it anyhow. Let's go,” he said to his underlings, who put their knives away and walked by Aqua, who eyed them the entire time they went. As soon as they passed him he started walking towards Moondancer, who only stared with a mix of awe and a touch of fear. He turned his head to watch as the thugs rounded a corner.

Once they were gone, and out of earshot, Aqua turned to her and smiled. “Looks like they fell for it,” he chuckled quietly.

Moondancer balked. “That, that was all just a bluff!?” she exclaimed with disbelief.

He only laughed lightly. “Well, not entirely. I could take down Tide down no problem, maybe even one of his boys with him, but all three? Well, I'd be hard pressed to survive,” he admitted, though still he grinned.

The mare felt her knees weaken beneath her as she felt the adrenaline leave her and she realized just how quickly it could have all gone wrong.

Aqua seemed to notice and just chuckled. “Don't worry, Tide barks far worse than he wishes he could bite. He probably would have backed off if you stood your ground better,” he explained. “He’s a real scum bastard and is really a coward, especially if he's alone. His poor ma though, worries more than he’s worth if you ask me. Great mare though, getting on in years, but great hips, and makes good eggs ‘n toast.”

Moondancer just stared at him as he kept talking. It seemed to her that he liked to talk, but he was pleasing to listen to. Something about his tone was like his singing, pleasant regardless of what it was about. She realized then that she had not thanked him for saving her. “Thank you, Aqua. That could have been, really bad,” she said, forcing a laugh.

He smiled. “You're welcome, and I was looking to talk with you three about a proposal anyways, so it's doubly fortunate that I run into you here.”

She tilted her head, not sure why he'd want to see them again. “What!? Look as nice a stallion you are, I don't think any of the three of us are looking for a relationship right now,” she said, jumping to a conclusion with a furious blush on her cheeks.

Aqua nearly barked out in laughter. “Calm yourself, lass. As lovely as you three are, no, this isn't that kind of proposal.” He looked around. “Better not to talk of it here. I'll get you back to the inn and you get your friends together and head down to the west side of town, meet me at a tavern called The Happy Widow. That is, if you three would be willing to possibly earn a little gold.”

Moondancer thought on that a moment, she wasn't sure they would need the money or that they would be there long enough to really use it, and she told him as much.

He just gave her one of his wide and confident grins. “Well, I'll be waiting. If you three don't want to hear my suggestion, I'll just find my amusement in the tavern. But if you do, well, we'll discuss that later, possibly.”

He did as he said he would, and led her to the main street and towards the inn before he took his leave, reminding her of where he'd be waiting. With a final grin, he left.

Moondancer made the rest of the way on her own, and found Trixie scowling into her hat. She could guess at what was wrong, but asked before she could stop herself. “How did it go?”

Trixie turned her glare to her companion, and snorted before relaxing, drawing from the hat twelve gold coins and fifteen silver. “Not since Trixie was starting out has she gained so little from a show,” she complained.

“They didn't like the show?” Moondancer asked, trying to ask gently.

Trixie threw her hooves in the air and sat on her rump. “They were eating out of my hoof, and hung on Trixie’s every word as they should have! But after my show was done the applause seemed just… out of politeness rather than awe. Like they were expecting something more spectacular.” She huffed, putting her magician's hat back on along with the coins. “These ponies have seen greater performances than Trixie has ever given, and that fact leaves me sour.”

The bespectacled unicorn tried to think of something to cheer her companion up. “Well, it'll pay for a couple more nights at least, if we need it,” was the best she could come up with.

The jilted performer was less than impressed, but did not take it out Moondancer. “Let us go inside to see if Sunset has a plan yet,” she said, going into the entrance of the inn, followed by her companion.

They knocked before entering the room, to find Sunset in a somewhat dishevelled state. She looked up at them from the book, and answered them before either could ask. “Twilight and I are drawing blanks. We don't seem to have a proper conduit to transport from this world and back to ours,” she started. “Getting here in the first place was a freak accident, and duplicating the outcome would be difficult even with a proper stand in. We just don't have the resources for it.” She rubbed her temples between her hooves. “We need more magical ability than either Twilight or I have, and probably a lot more exotic material than we could afford even if Trixie's show was a rousing success.”

Trixie looked to the floor with the same scowl she had earlier. It was all Sunset needed to see to know that it was indeed not.

“Great,” Sunset sighed. “Guess we need a plan for the long term.”

“About that,” Moondancer chimed in, getting the attention of both mares. “Well, I ran into Aqua again on my way back from the store.”

Sunset raised an eyebrow. “Was he following you?” she asked as Moondancer floated the robe she had bought to her. “Thank you,” she said, looking it over and fitting herself into it.

“I don't think so. I took a wrong turn while I was reading and some street thugs tried to… steal from me,” Moondancer explained, showing the book she had gotten for free. “He stopped them, so I guess I should give him a chance,” she said, explaining the offer Aqua had given them. “Do you think it's worth listening to him? You said we’ll need some more money.”

Trixie and Sunset both shared a look that said they weren't sure, but Sunset sighed and spoke up. “I guess it'd be worth at least hearing him out. If we don't like what he says we can just say no.” The three of them agreed to go, and Sunset was glad to have some kind of clothing to make ponies stare less on their way to The Happy Widow.

The noise from the tavern was a mix of boisterous laughter and singing. Even at this hour there were plenty of patrons for the tavern to tend to. The three mares entered and looked around to find the one who had invited them.

It was easy enough, being able to hear him before seeing him. He was sitting next to a blushing pegasus mare, making flirtatious remarks about her beauty.

When the three unicorns approached the table and Sunset coughed to get his attention, Aqua looked up and gave his familiar toothy grin. “You came after all,” he looked to the mare he was sitting with. “I'm sorry, I must get to business before pleasure,” he said to her, earning a pout, followed by a stern glare at the three mares. Picking up on it, Aqua chuckled. “No need to worry, it's strictly business with these three. I will be paying you a visit this evening.” The pegasus seemed to accept this and nodded as Aqua stood up from the table and walked with the three unicorns to another table on the other end of the tavern.

“Mare friend?” Moondancer asked, peering over to the pegasus who was sipping at a drink now.

“I just met that lovely bird while waiting for you three, nice mare,” Aqua said as he relaxed in his seat, calling a server over.

Trixie fixed him with a weary glare. “It would seem you don't commit to relationships, flirting with every mare you meet within minutes of first speaking with them.”

“Life is fleeting,” Aqua replied his smirk never faltering. “There are a lot of adventurers in this town, and they understand that their next adventure may be their last, so why not have a bit if fun before it's too late?”

Trixie rolled her eyes, and Sunset spoke up before they forgot the reason they are there in the first place. “Moondancer said you had a proposal for us, something that involved a lot of money?”

“Straight to it then?” Aqua laughed, looking to the server he called over. “I'll have an ale.” He looked to the unicorns. “What'll you have?” he asked. “Don't fret about it, I'm buying.”

“Trixie will have a cider,” said the show pony.

“Cider for me too,” said Sunset.

“Just a glass of water,” Moondancer requested.

The server took quick notes and nodded, and then moved to get their orders.

“I see you got some clothes,” Aqua observed. “I guess I'll just have to live with it,” he joked, again bringing varying blushes to their cheeks.

Sunset cut him off before he kept talking. “What is this you're proposing?” she asked.

Aqua nodded. “Seeing as you came, I can guess that you're having some need of coin, and I thought I might suggest taking up adventuring,” he said. “You all seem the part, especially now.”

The three mares looked at each other and to him with some confusion. “Why would we be adventurers?” Sunset asked.

Aqua only smirked. “I think you may end up going on an adventure, whether you mean to or not. This is just too perfectly placed to be mere coincidence,” he leaned back as the drinks came.

The three mares were growing more frustrated. The stallion wasn't explaining himself well. “What makes you think that?” asked Sunset.

“You get dropped off a stone's throw from a town that carries the title 'Where Adventures Begin,’” Aqua explained, taking a drink from his mug, and looking Sunset in the eye. “Most of the time that's just the taverns trying to sell their drinks, but I think for once, it's right. I may not be a bard, but this is one story I sure want to witness.”

Trixie scoffed. “So you would just want to travel alone with us pretty mares,” she turned her nose up. “Trixie knows you are a letch.”

Aqua laughed heartily at that. “I'd love to, truly, and I wish it would be so, but no, if it were just the four of us we would meet our end fast as our beginning. No, I have someone in mind for our fifth. Even if you three are novices, he'll keep us alive,” he smiled smugly. “Even if he doesn't have much regard for me.”

“And you think you can get him to help us?” Sunset asked skeptically.

Aqua nodded with his usual grin. “We can go see him as soon as you're ready. Finish your drinks first, it's rude to the barkeep if you don't,” he rose his voice to call in the direction of the stallion at the bar, “even when it tastes like warm piss.”

The earth pony waved him off. “We all know you've drank worse, Aqua.”

With a barking laugh, Aqua returned his attention to the mares. “So, what do you say?”

The three mares looked at each other to see if any of them would voice objections. After a moment, Sunset turned to him. “Well, let's see this fifth, and then we'll decide. It's not like we have any other options at this point,” she conceded.

His grin growing, he lifted his drink and finished what was left in only a few gulps. “Casey! Put these drinks on my tab!” The stallion at the bar only gave a short wave to show he had heard.

The mares drank their ciders and water more civilly than Aqua had, and the group left the tavern. Aqua was leading them towards the center of town, to a building that was much larger than the others around it and was built of stone rather than the ubiquitous wood. A pony dressed as a guard of the town was standing outside the door. He gave Aqua a dirty look, but the sea pony only smirked back. “Hello there, Wheat. Is Iron Shield in?” he asked, looking to the door.

“He’s here alright, but I doubt he'd appreciate a visit from you,” the guard said, looking at the entourage of mares that was with him. “These mares have a grievance against you?” he asked, his glare towards Aqua growing weary. “You keep going the way you are and you'll die penniless and with more bastards than you can name.”

Aqua just grinned. “And with a smile on my face,” he quipped. “But no, it's nothing like that, these mares are here to see Iron.”

Wheat balked and looked to them. “I didn't think he was that kind of stallion.”

Aqua found himself laughing. “As fun as it'd be to sic the three of them on him, they aren't those kind of mares.”

Indeed said mares seemed to show varying levels of offense and or embarrassment. “Are you going to let the Great and Powerful Trixie through or not?”

Wheat was flustered and nodded. “Y-yes, Sir Iron Shield is probably in the main hall,” he said. Aqua thanked him and entered the building with the mares, as he looked about for the pony named Iron Shield.

His search ended when his gaze fell upon a unicorn stallion with a rust colored coat, wearing a heavy looking set of armor. If he had a helmet, he wasn't wearing it. His red mane was cut short and his steely gray eyes were affixed to a painting of an Alicorn in royal regalia sitting and smiling. The stallion did not notice their approach until they were a few paces away, his ears swiveling towards them before his head turned.

He was young, and quite handsome, though his weary gray eyes held the dim light of one who has seen much in so few years. His horn was prominent, longer than most, usually denoting a strong family lineage in magical power, though he was dressed more as a knight.

His eyes glanced over each of them, and then upon Aqua who smiled as the stallion frowned. He turned to the nearest of the three mares, which happened to be Moondancer. “If this cad has caused you and your friends distress, I will see to it that he is punished to the fullest extent of the law.” His voice was both strong and gentle carrying authority.

Aqua shook his head and grinned. “You see me and immediately assume I've done something wrong.”

“I've seen you dragged up here too many times with an angry mare that it's easy to guess,” the knight shot back. “If you're not here for improper behavior, what are you here for?”

Aqua nodded, and began to introduce everyone to each other. “Lassies, this is Iron Shield, Imperial Knight and all round good pony. Iron, this is Sunset Shimmer, Moondancer and The Great and Powerful Trixie, three mares who've gotten separated from their world and stuck in ours.”

The last part caught Iron Shield’s attention. “Is that true? That sounds horrible. If there is anything I can do to help, just say so, and I will see to it to the best of my meager abilities.”

The vow sounded genuine, and while Trixie and Sunset nodded, Moondancer found herself smiling and blushing. She was not used to the attention of such a handsome stallion.

Aqua laughed heartily. “I told you he would help,” he declared.

Moondancer smiled. “We need to find a way back home, and Aqua says we could get funds if we become adventurers and that you would be willing to join with us,” she said. “I hope we aren't imposing too much upon you, Lord Iron Shield,” she bowed slightly.

Iron held up a hoof. “Just Iron Shield if you will. Sir Iron Shield if you must,” he said. He looked over to Aqua and narrowed his eyes. “It's very presumptuous of you to assume I can go on an adventure,” he stated flatly. “I am a knight of the realm, I can't just leave my station at any given moment.”

“Does this mean you won't help?” Sunset asked, feeling her heart sink just a little in disappointment.

Iron looked at her apologetically. “I'm sorry, I spoke without thinking before,” he said. “I did not expect that to be what you would ask of me. As much as I want to help you, I have not been released from my duty to give the local guard aid.”

“Now, now, Sir Iron,” came the wizened voice of a mare. “It does not befit you to go back on your word.”

The group turned to see an elderly mare enter the room. Her mane was white and her face was a testament to years of experience. “Now, what seems to be the problem?” she asked.

Iron stood at attention. “Captain Willow, I was just telling them that I have duties that must come first.”

The captain shook her head. “You are assigned to support our guard until such time as your aid is no longer needed, and as acting Captain, I can decide when your duties are complete,” she said with a matronly smile.

He gave her an inquisitive look. “Ma'am?”

“Go on, Sir Iron. As wild as this town gets, it's hardly worthy of the attention of a young knight,” she said, glancing at the party. “These mares need your help, and you're more likely to do good deeds for the empire out in the field than in a town such as this.”

Iron looked to her in some form of disbelief as an accented voice broke the short silence. “Willow, you look more lovely everyday.”

The captain chuckled. “Aqua, that silver tongue of yours will get you in trouble, and I'm much too old for the kind of games you play with the young mares of this town,” she said.

Aqua only smiled with his rakish charms. “I am sure I could make you feel like a young lady again.”

While most of those present blushed, including Iron Shield, Willow only laughed. “Behave, Aqua,” she smiled kindly. “I hope you find a mare who can keep you in your place,” she said.

Aqua shrugged. “So do I, she sounds like a hell of a mare,” he joked.

“If that's settled then,” Sunset interrupted, and looked to Iron Shield. “I don't want you to feel like you're being forced into this, but we would welcome the help. If you're willing to come with us.”

The stallion looked at each of them, and at Aqua. “I would be glad to join you. I had already said I would do anything I could to help, and now that my duties have been relieved I can make good on that promise,” he bowed his head. “If you would have my service, I vow that I shall not rest until you are returned safely to your home.”

Moondancer felt herself flush again. “I… thank you, Sir Iron Shield. We are glad to have you along,” she said, looking away and trying to control her rosy red cheeks.

Sunset moved beside Moondancer, giving her a glance, and looking Iron Shield in his eyes. “We’ll accept your vow. I'm not so sure about Aqua,” the sea pony voiced his offense, but was ignored. “But you certainly seem trustworthy. I'm glad to have your help.”

The stallion nodded. “Very well,” he looked to Aqua. “It was your suggestion that they become adventurers, are we to join with the Seekers, or were you planning to have us go without their support?” he asked.

“The Seekers?” Sunset asked, though the other two mares were listening with inquisitive looks too.

Iron sought to answer her. “They are Everglow’s adventuring guild,” he explained. “They even predate the Empire. My Great Grandmother was one, and was involved in the Battle of Broken Bones, which cemented the foundation of the Empire.” There was a trace of pride in his voice as he continued. “For her deeds she was given a knighthood, as were many brave ponies in those times.”

The sea pony chuckled. “I have nothing against the guild, and last I checked they have nothing to be angry at me about,” he said, looking to the mares. “The guild is useful, as a member you can use their guildhalls to stay at, and train, study, and receive jobs. They take a portion of the pay, but they say nothing of loot.”

Trixie pondered this before speaking. “The Great and Powerful Trixie agrees with this idea. Using this guild’s resources, we will achieve our goal much more expediently.”

“Not to mention it'd be safer,” Moondancer added. “I'm still not sure how I'll be able to help, but if this place can help teach me something, that'd be worth it alone.”

Sunset only nodded. “Then I guess it's decided,” she said, looking to the two more experienced members of their new little band of adventurers. “Where is this place?” she asked. “We should get there as soon as we can.”

The sea pony shook his head. “It's getting on towards sundown, better we deal with the guild in the morning,” he said.

Iron agreed with a nod. “I shall gather my things together tonight. In the morning we should meet and then apply for membership. It'll be a long day, they'll want to set us through our paces to see that we can manage as an adventurer party. I recommend a light breakfast,” he said to them.

Aqua laughed light heartedly. “Now don't be scaring them,” he said, noting the apprehension on the faces of the three mares. “It won't be that hard.”

The sea pony then turned his attention to the older mare who was still watching. “I have another date tonight, but I think we'll be in town long enough for us to to enjoy a night together sometime.”

Willow only laughed, and ignored him. “Off with you now. If you lot have your business concluded, I'd like my guardhouse clear in case an emergency comes up.”

She the looked to the mares. “And take care of Sir Iron, he is brave and skilled, but also reckless the way such stallions are. He'll dive into danger before he realizes he could need help,” she said, earning a snort from the knight but no other form of protest.

The unicorns all nodded. “We'll watch his back,” Sunset said.

With goodbyes soon said, the party left, and then agreed to meet at the guild in the morning. Aqua would retrieve them and Iron would be there ahead of them.

The three mares made their way to the inn, and after eating, both Trixie and Moondancer fell asleep quickly, having both done much that day. Sunset, however, was not tired enough to sleep just yet. Her mind was full of worry for the path they had chosen, yet mixed with the excitement of what she might learn on an adventure. It almost overshadowed the apprehension she felt with the danger that was surely to come with it.

She considered starting a journal to keep documentation of the adventure, but a better thought formed in her mind, and she took the tome that she used to communicate with her fellow pupil. “She’d want to hear all about this,” she said to herself as she opened it and dipped her quill in the ink well. She suppressed a giggle, and thought of how the young alicorn may even grow jealous of her, missing out on such an opportunity to learn.

Dear Princess Twilight...

Author's Note

This took way longer to get out than I planned. But my editor was busy with it being the holidays so it couldn't be much helped.

This is my longest chapter to date I believe, in all my works.

This also introduces Iron Shield. He's a Pony Cavalier, and lives up to the deeds and title of a noble knight.

I have quite a few stories that involve him, but some I may put into this story. He is possibly my favorite character I've ever played, and has faced the most struggle and the most success.

One story I think I can share is in one instance when the party was camping in a Dragon's cave. Iron can't exactly sleep in his armor, so the dragon came back, and wasn't too happy about us being there so we had to fight, and Iron would have to do so without his armor.

It was hard fought, but we won, and Iron Shield had struck the killing blow, and from then on I joked about Iron Shield killing a dragon while naked.