Lilly Valley & The Forty Year Old Blank Flankby CyndaquilChapters1 Source of the Urban Legend2 Book Club3 I Don't Know What That Is1 Source of the Urban LegendKnow also, O Princess, that in those selfsame days that Twilight of Canterlot did stalk the Equestrian Kingdoms, one of the few swords worthy to cross with her horn was that of Lilly Valley, flower Mare known to reside in majestic Ponyville. Forced to flee her homeland because she spurned the advances of a king and slew him instead, she rode west across the Everfree Forests and into the shadowed mists of legendry. -- The Celestial Chronicles Sometime Before Season 5 Ice water filled her lungs. Coughing, she gasped for air, only to suck in more of the cold wet. She flailed her hooves and by fortune or chance managed to find the tubs basin. Ms Harshwhinny pulled herself out of the bathtub, choking and vomiting water. She took some deep gasps of actual air before taking stock of her surroundings. She must have rolled over in the tub. That’s what happened. She had been asleep or unconcious and she tossed and turned until her head was under the water. It was lucky that the shock woke her. Lucky, except why was she in a bathtub of ice water, and how had she fallen asleep in such a place. The last thing she remembered, she had sought out a mare. What was the mare’s name? She tapped her brow, trying to think. Starlight Glimmer, that was her name. Sore and achey, she carefully pulled herself out of the tub. Her job required her to travel, and she had some minor business in an obscure village where Starlight was known to be head mare. The village was off somehow. There was something odd about it. All the ponies, they were Missing their… Her stream of consciousness interrupted by a dreadful thought, she looked upon her flank. She checked once, she checked again. She screamed in horror. She checked one more time. She checked five more times. It was gone! She didn’t even have one of those creepy equals signs in its place. Her cutie mark was gone. She was a thirty-eight year old Blank Flank. Two Years Later The forty year old blank flank was riding the friendship express on her way to Ponyville. After she had heard that Twilight had reformed that villain, she still waited a full year to confront Starlight Glimmer. Best to be sure the reformation wasn’t some clever ruse in a bid for even greater power. Ms Harshwhinny had still yet to be convinced that it was not. If only Celestia had agreed to send a contingency of guards with her. She looked at her flank, as she did compulsively now. The temporary tattoos she used to fool ponies never looked quite right. Often she felt like she was the one being fooled, like maybe everypony could see it was fake, and pitied her too much to say anything. The mare next to her thought she was peeking at the book she was reading. “It’s the seventh Daring Do book.” She told her. “Oh,” said Ms Harshwhinny, trying to pretend she wasn’t just starring at her own flank. “We’re reading the whole series in my book club.” “I see.” “We have one member in the club who really likes Daring Doo. I think they’re okay, but we should break it up with something else, right? I mean we’re not a Daring Doo fan club.” “Makes sense.” The two continued on quietly for a little while. “So what do you wish to read?” The other mare thought for a minute: “Mare-y Shelley’s Frankenstein, The Fall of the Stables Of Usher, Parasprite Cemetery.” “Oh, so this mare likes to be scared, Ms Harshwhinny thought.” The train entered a tunnel, and the lights went out. When they came back on, Lily was in the fetal position in her seat, chanting “The horror, the horror.” Caught off guard by this behaviour, Ms Harshwhinny looked around. No other pony was stepping in to help. Was if because she was closest? Did that one pony in seat twelve just role his eyes? Awkward, and uncertain Ms Harshwhinny eventually tried to stroke poor Lily’s mane. She inched in cautiously, like she was petting a timber wolf that might bite. After two strokes, Lily turned to face her, giggled a bit, then smiled. “You’re very kind.” Lily complimented. That pony rolled his eyes again. Ms Harshwhinny just blushed, not sure if this Lily mare was only messing with her. “I’ll be okay.” Lily spoke meekly. “My episodes haven’t killed me yet.” Now her tone was foreboding. After they passed the second last station, and there was nowhere else to go, Lily asked, “So what brings you to Ponyville.” “I’m going there to confront a pony who did me an injustice, and demand reparation.” “Wow.” “Are you sure it’s safe.” “It ought to be. I’ve already reported to her superior and scheduled an appointment via her dragon assistant.” After she mentioned the dragon assistant, it was really obvious to Lily who Ms Harshwhinny was talking about. “Oh. So what time is your appointment?” Lily asked. “Three o’clock.” Lily seemed to mull that over. “Book club is at one thirty. I hope Twilight and Starlight don’t rush for the appointment.” “Book club.” Now Harshwhinny was furious. “They both scheduled book club ahead of me. The couldn’t have cancelled, this wasn’t a little bit more important to them.” Lily shrank backward in her seat. She didn’t handle it well when other ponies were mad at her. “It’s a good book.” “You just said you’d rather be reading other things.” “Did I?” “Besides, I can tell you exactly what happens in this book. There’s a magic artifact. They never mentioned it before, and it’ll be forgotten in the next book, but apparently it’s the most important thing in the whole world. Daring Doo will go through the Criminal underworld to find it. She’ll acquire some plucky side-kicks along the way. She’ll brave a bunch of ancient booby traps, and just as she’s about to get the artifact, theres some last minute betrayal. It’ll probably have something to do with that guy who’s the surprise villain in every other Daring Doo book. Daring Doo will have to escape another death trap, then go get the artifact back. Maybe it’ll turn out to really be magic and the bad guy will have lost control of its power. Daring Doo wins, then this artifact goes wherever it needs to go and I repeat it is forgotten in the next book.” “Hey careful with the spoilers!” “That’s every Daring Doo book in the entire series.” “Aw, now they’re all spoiled.” Ms Harshwhinny seethed with anger. “What would it take for me to join you in this book club.” “You just have to read the book, and uh.. not hurt me. Though once or twice I didn’t finish mine, and just faked it. ” “Give me that.” She yanked the book from Lily’s hooves. “Hey, I still have two chapters left.” “I’m a speed reader, don’t worry about it.” Sure enough she handed the book back in twenty minutes, and Lily still had on hour to finish. Lily was almost always the host of book club. When they reached the cottage, Lily invited her inside. The cottage smelled of flowers. That wasn’t too surprising, Lily was a flower pony. She owned a flower shop, she has a flower cutie mark, she even smelled of flowers herself. Once inside, Lily offered Ms Harshwhinny some iced tea. “No thank you.” She said. “Are you sure you don’t want any iced tea? It’s really hot today.” “I’m not a tea drinker. Coffee perhaps, if it’s not so much trouble.” She spoke derisively, like she thought a cup of joe was more then she could possibly expect from this flakey mare. Lily wasn’t a coffee drinker, but she kept some around for company. Her percolator was meant for serving five ponies, but she made it anyway. While waiting for her cup, Ms Harshwhinny looked through Lily’s bookshelf. Under two rows of horror novels, were mostly books about plants. That wasn’t surprising but the focus wasn’t on growing the prettiest flower, it was which plants are poisonous or have hallucinogenic properties. When the coffee finally came, Ms Harshwhinny just grabbed it impatiently. There wasn’t even a Thank you. Lily returned to the kitchen, saying she had to prepare daffodil sandwiches for the book club. She offered to fix her something, and Ms Harshwhinny declined. “So what’s with all the books on poison.” Harshwhinny asked, across rooms. “Don’t mind those. Poisons are just a guilty pleasure. My real interest is in the drugs that effect your mind.” Ms Harshwhinny sipped her coffee and wondered if she ought too be making a run for it. She seemed to recall Glimmer being able to charm her somewhat, just before the bathtub incident. “You’re not a drug dealer, are you?” Lily giggled. “No, nothing like that. Although, ponies tend to think of drugs as… well specifically being drugs. Every pony feels happy when they smell a pretty flower, so maybe, that flower is releasing some chemical, which it evolved to make ponies want to protect and cultivate it.” “Aw, I see.” That actually was an interesting idea. She seemed a little off by implying that evolution carried any intent, but perhaps this pony wasn’t a total idiot. “So every-time I buy flowers, that’s how, I’m being manipulated. I thought it was just sweet-talking florists.” “Oh, it’s no worse then seeing a tasty apple and wanting to eat it. More apples trees mean more apples.” “I see.” “Lily breathed in and out.” “If you think that flowers have these effects on ponies, then why do you surround yourself with them.” She wasn’t kidding about being surrounded. There were plants at every window, and the building connected to a private greenhouse. “Oh you never really get away from nature. It’s better to understand it, and work with it.” Ms Harshwhinny held the coffee cup closer to her muzzle, as though trying to supplant the smell of the flowers with the aroma a fresh roasted beans. “That won’t help you y’know.” Lily sneered evilly. “caffeine is a stimulant. It makes breathing and blood-flow faster. You’re just getting more of it in you system.” She held up her own cup. “Perhaps the real antidote is in the tea.” Slowly, Lilly sipped her tea. “Do you feel it yet? First a calm comes over you.” “I feel it.” “Then a small upturn in your mood. You’re happier then you would normally be.” “I feel that to.” “Next it opens up your mind. You feel a creative spark.” “A spark?” “Yes, you see connections you didn’t notice before, you’re willing to entertain ideas you’d normally reject out of habit alone.” “I feel it.” Lily placed a hoof on Ms Harshwhinny’s leg. “And your mind is now open to suggestion.” “Yes, I feel it.” Lily rolled on the floor, and burst out laughing. “Silly mare. I made that last one up.” Special flowers or not, Ms Harshwhinny fumed. She was embarrassed, angry, and… strangely disappointed. “Ms Valley, what you did just now was absolutely awful.” “I know, I know. I’m sorry. It’s just that you come off so stern and uptight, it makes me want to have fun with you.” Harshwhinny wouldn’t respond. She just sipped her coffee and fumed. “C’mon, cheer up.” The mare’s expression was stoney as a gargoyle. “C’mon. I wasn’t kidding about everything else the flowers do. First timers have to really try to stay mad while they’re inside this house.” “So you are a drug dealer.” Lily stuck out her tongue. The two were silent for a few minutes. To break the tension, Lily said, “C’mon, I was so over the top. You couldn’t have really believed by little joke was real.” “After what I’ve been through, I don’t know what to believe.” “Yeah, about that, you haven’t really told me the details. I even had to figure out myself that your issue is with Starlight Glimmer.” “She took my cutie mark.” Lily looked at her flank. “You already got it back right?” “Can’t you see that’s just a faded temporary tattoo.” Lily looked closer. She really couldn’t tell. “Stop pretending. I know everypony sees right through me. And it’s not just the mark. I’m not as good at my job anymore. I was on my way to being the right hand to the princess, now I think the only reason she keeps me around is out of pity. I lose forms, I can’t remember the information in larger documents. Even when I sped read that book earlier today, I lied. I’ve read Daring Doo before, and I was just brushing up on a few key points. I used to be able to speed read. Now I can’t even remember the name of the stupid magic artifact in that stupid book that I just reviewed.” “It was the Amulet of….” “Lily I don’t really care what it’s called. You were right that I’m a stern and uptight mare. I used to have skills to back up my bossy attitude. Now I act this was to hide, how inadequate I feel. Now I’m going to face Glimmer, the one who made me this way, and the truth is I’m terrified. I’m terrified of her. Around one thirty, the members of the club all appeared. The met on the trail and chatted on the way to Lily’s house. They didn’t talk about the book yet. That was reserved for when all the members were together. “Hey Rainbow, I like the blouse, and your hair is cute tied back like that.” “Thanks I guess.” Rainbow Dash blushed, supremely embarrassed. “last club meeting, Lily told me I’d look cute with my hare tied this way. I thought I’d surprise her by actually doing it.” She did a loop-di-loop in the air, then continued. “It seemed like a good idea when I thought of it last week, and I promised myself I wouldn’t chicken out, but I don’t know. I always feel different inside her house.” “It’s the flowers,” said Spoiled Rich. “My husband has been buying, what he calls special flowers from Lily Valley. Everytime I so much as smell one I get strange urges.” “Urges to do what.” Twilight asked. She looked around, to make sure nopony else could hear them. “I hug my daughter every day now, and with the odd way I’ve been acting, she actually wants to hug me back.” Everypony just looked at her, as though to say ‘Seriously.’ A purple blazer, a pink scarf, and some jewelry were neatly folded and hidden in Lily’s closet. Before you think that this is turning into one of those stories, remember that nudity is a perfectly normal fashion alternative for most ponies. Her hair was curled up, and she’d gotten a crash coarse on the not scary happy smily face. She felt strangely confident, like this trick might actually work. The final touch was washing off her temporary tattoo, and having lily, paint a pretty sunflower upon her flank. When the girls entered the cottage, Lily was already sipping tea with another pony. “Hello ladys. I’d like you to meet my cousin from out of town. Her name is Marigold Merryweather. 2 Book ClubWarning, ahead there are spoilers for a Daring Doo novel that doesn’t actually exist. You have been warned. “Hello, Ladies. I’d like you to meet my cousin from out of town. Her name is Marigold Merryweather.” A million thoughts were racing through Ms Harshwhinny’s mind at this moment. How did that Lily mare talk her into this? What do I even think I can accomplish here? They see right through this disguise, surely they do.” Rainbow Dash eyed her suspiciously for a moment. She moved her muzzle in uncomfortably close then jumped back and let out a laugh. “Hah! Nice try Lily, but you gotta get up pretty early in the morning to pull one over on Rainbow Dash.” Lily was flabbergasted. She was sure this trick would work. She gulped down some tea and stuttered nervously. Rainbow Dash then turned to the Mare who called herself Marigold. Ms Harshwhinny nibbled on her hooves, nervously anticipating what was to come. “So Applejack, when did you get that new hairdo. It looks pretty good on you.” Marigold (Harshwhinny) chuckled nervously. “Thanks, but I’m really not Applejack. It is a new look for me though.” “C’mon, drop the act. I’m onto you.” “Rainbow Dash,” Twilight cut in, “that’s not Applejack.” “What! Of course it is.” “It’s not come look at her cutie mark.” Twilight was refering to the flower that Lily painted on Ms Harshinny’s rump. It was a fake cutie mark and not even her usual fake, yet it fooled the princess of friendship. “Sorry about my friend just now, it is nice to meet you. Say, the name Merryweather, is that spelled with an M-A-R, or M-E-R.” “M-E-R,” Marigold told her, though she really hadn’t even thought of that particular detail until then. “Oh, so it’s not M-A-R-E, like a pony?” “No, it’s M-E-R-R-Y, as in cheerful.” “That’s such a cute name.” “Thank-you…” As Marigold turned, she was surprised to see who had said that. Of all the things she wanted to say to Starlight Glimmer, she never-ever-ever thought she could possibly begin with a thank-you. The two mares eyed each other, one suspicious, the other obliviously pleasant. The group consisted of Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Fluttershy, Rarity, Spoiled Rich, Strawberry Sunrise, Rainbow Dash, Lily Valley, and now Marigold Merryweather a.k.a. Ms Harshwhinny. It was an odd assortment. Book club had been a tradition in town since before Twilight moved to Ponyville, Fluttershy convinced her and Rainbow Dash to join, mostly because some older members left and she didn’t want to be alone with Spoiled Rich. Spoiled, drifted in and out of the group herself, often boasting of her many important responsibilities that made it difficult to remain. Actually some of those older members were town celebrities whom Spoiled wanted to be known to associate with, so Twilight becoming a princess was what brought her back into the fold. A few minutes later, the girls were munching on cucumber sandwiches, and doing what the group was intended to do; talking about the book. “I think,” Fluttershy paused, fearing her statement might be controversial. “I think it was really nice when Daring Doo forgave Bitty Rain Puddle.” “Yes, it was.” “I agree.” “Sure.” “It may have been nice, but that Bitty certainly did not deserve it.” Marigold (Ms Harshwhinny) crossed her arms and looked sternly. Everyone was surprised with Marigold’s proclamation. While the eyes were on her, Lily made a gesture motioning her to tone down the seriousness of her expression, lest ponies suspect who she really is. “I’m with Marigold.” Starlight Glimmer announced. Twilight practically gasped when she heard this. “Starlight, how can you say that.” “Yeah Glimmer,” said Rainbow Dash, “you of all ponies know that forgiveness is the cool thing to do, and Daring Doo is not just cool, she’s awesome.” Twilight, Fluttershy, and Rarity nodded in approval of Rainbow Dash’s statement. “Bitty Rain Puddle just broke down crying when she lost. She seemed pretty happy in betraying Daring Doo and giving the amulet of Chicomoztoc to Dr Caballeron when she had something to gain. Maybe if she’d shown remorse, or switched sides before Daring Doo defeated Ahuizotl, then I’d feel it was more earned.” Strawberry Sunrise began flipping through her copy of the book. Was it Caballeron or Ahuizotl that was the villain in this one. Darn these books blended together. “I get what you’re saying Starlight, however, I’m pretty sure Daring was moved in Chapter 17 when Bitty told Daring Doo her backstory while she was hanging from a deathtrap.” “Bitty could have gotten her out of that trap at any time.” Starlight seemed to have replaced Marigold in arguing the point. “Look, tragic backstory or not, a cute pony begs for forgiveness and Daring Doo just gives it away unconditionally. Do you think she’d do the same if Caballeron or Ahuizotl did the begging.” Somewhere far away, Discord was having tea with princess Celestia. The Draconequus suddenly stood up and said “Hey-Yo!” The princess will never know why. “Were they both in this one!” Starberry Sunrise squealed in exhasperation. “She did!” Rainbow jumped in, litterally. “In book eight, when Ahuizotl was dangling over a cliff, he begged Daring Doo to have him, promising that he’d change his ways if she did. “Book eight!” I thought we were only on book five. Strawberry was losing her mind. “No, this meetings for book four.” “Wait, didn’t Ahuizotl pull a knife on Daring Doo immediately after that.” “You’re spoiling. We’re four books behind you.” “I have to read another four of these! Please no, don’t make me. Why I’d even let Lily pick the next book.” Hearing her cue, Lily picked up a copy of Clive Cloppers Hare-raiser, showing the cover to the entire group. “Why does that bunny have pins in its…” Twilight used a wing to cover Fluttershy’s eyes. 3 I Don't Know What That IsTwilight tried to make it clear to every-pony that they would not read Clive Cloppers, ‘Hare-Raiser - The Tartarus Bound Heart’ for their next book club meeting, only to have Strawberry Sunrise act indignantly, and tell her “just because you’re a princess doesn’t mean you can speak for every-pony here.” Strawberry Sunrise had no idea what that book was about, and really wanted a break from Daring Doo. “Why don’t we put it to a vote?” Starlight Glimmer suggested. Lily, of course, voted for Hare-Raiser. Twilight voted for Daring Doo. After Twilight whispered some plot detail in her ear, Strawberry turned beat red and voted for Daring Doo. “I vote for Daring Doo,” said Rainbow Dash. She spoke in her usual boastful manner. Merigold / Ms Harshwhinny chuckled a bit. She addressed everyone yet made her eye contact with Rainbow Dash. “I wil probably vote for Daring Doo.” She turned her eyes a bit, noticing that Lily seemed a bit disappointed. Merigold continued. “If even the adventurous Rainbow Dash is too scared to read this book, then what chance does a timid flower pony like me have.” “Scared!” Rainbow Dash seemed appalled by that statement. “I’m not scared. I’ll prove it. I’m changing my vote. I’ll read that book cover to cover.” Spoiled Rich voted for Daring Doo. “I read Daring Doo to my adorable daughter every night before bed.” Spoiled was holding a pot with one of Lily’s ‘special’ flowers, the same hybrid that her husband filled their home with. She took another large snort of the flowers pollen. “Her joy is my bliss.” Twilight eyed Lily, suspiciously. Lily just batted her eyes, innocently. Even though Rainbow Dash had changed her own vote, she still hoped the remainder of the ponies would cast their ballots for Daring Doo. She held up the Daring Doo book for Fluttershy, Rarity, and Starlight Glimmer to see, then raised and lowered her eyebrows in a gesture intended to signal to her remaining friends. When it cam to Rarity, and Fluttershy to vote, there was an awkward pause. “Darling, we all know what to expect for the next Daring Doo,” Rarity spoke with a hint of cattiness, she was a little tired of Daring Doo, “However, none of us have even heard of this Hare-Raiders.” “Hare-Raiser, The Tartarus Bound Heart.” “Rarity makes a good point,” Twilight admitted. It’s not fair if the voters are uninformed or misinformed.” “We don’t want to spoil the books either.” Fluttershy added. “So what do we do.” “We can read a ‘Shadow Spade’ book instead.” After a little back and forth, Twilight suggested that one pony give a spoiler free critique of each book. Rainbow Dash loved the idea, and insisted on going first. “Okay, the book I want to read is Daring Doo. Daring Doo is awesome. She goes on all kinds of adventures where she does all kinds of cool stuff. You learn things to, she goes to other countries, she does clever things to survive different dangers.” Next Rarity declared that it was her turn, even though no-pony realized her book was even in the running. “Shadow Spade, she solves mysteries, and looks fashionable doing it. Just look at the cover, how her extra wide brimmed fedora covers one eye to draw her with an air of mystique. See how her coat…” “Are you just going to talk about what she’s wearing.” Rainbow Dash interrupted. Rarity was visibly annoyed with the interruption. “Shadow Spade solves mysteries, and she does so by noticing the tiny details others miss. It’s about the interconnectedness of all things. Everything we say and do and feel weaves together like a tapestry, and if one pony tells a lie then a flaw occurs somewhere in the otherwise perfect stitching.” “You’re talking about clothes again.” Rarity stuck out her tongue at rainbow Dash. Finally it was Lily’s turn. Unfortunately for her, she’s more afraid of public speaking then Fluttershy. “She stepped before the ponies in the room. Hello every-pony. The book I want to ready is called, she looked at the cover, her hooves shaking slightly. Seeing how poorly it was going, Merigold decided to step in. “This book is a story about a passion, unlike any you have ever or will ever know.” Twilight couldn’t argue with that much. She new just what kind of passion was in this particular book. Marigold Merryweather continued. “Allow me to read you an excerpt” “Well, here he was. They could save each other, the way the poets promised lovers should. He was mystery, he was darkness, he was all she had dreamed of. And if she would only free him he would service her - oh yes - until her pleasure reached that threshold that, like all thresholds, was a place where the strong grew stronger, and the weak perished. Pleasure was pain there, and vice versa. And he knew it well enough to call it home.” Clive Clopper - Hare-Raiser, the Tartarus Bound Heart She spoke each line with a cadence and gravitas most narrators could only dream of. The ponies stood speechless. They decided to cast a silent ballot this time, and when it was over, don’t misunderstand, no story blew away the competition, and yet Hare-Raiser was the clear victor. It was Spoiled Rich who was the first to leave. She said she wanted an early start on supper, because she was preparing one of Diamond Tiara’s favourite meals. Spoiled took another snort of her flower. “Sometimes she helps me in the kitchen. We have so much fun together.” As Starlight Glimmer was getting ready to go, Ms Harshwhinny, still dressed as Marigold Merryweather, cautiously approached her. Still not recognizing this mare, and believing her to be somepony whom she’d only met today, Starlight assumed she was just a little shy. It was nice to have seen her express herself a bit in the book club meeting. “Excuse me, Ms Glimmer.” “Please call me Starlight.” “Starlight,” Marigold paused, “It’s just, well, I was surprised about some of you opinions at the club today. You see, I know a little bit about your past. “Oh that,” Starlight thought for a moment. She realized that maybe Marigold was still a little afraid of her, and that made her sad. “I meant what I said.” She lowered her head a bit. “I’m very grateful that Twilight forgave me. I can’t imagine where I would be, or what sorta mare I would still be if she hadn’t. Please don’t think I’m not grateful. It’s hard to say this to her, because we talk to each other like we’re just friends, like the past is completely behind us, and I was starting to feel like it was.” “I see.” “Recently I was reminded of another horrible thing I did. There is another pony out there who might never forgive me. I don’t have the right to be forgiven for what I did to her.” “So what are you going to do.” “Everything I can to make amends. Even if I’m never forgiven, I’ll do whatever in my power I can to fix my mistake and help her.” Marigold eyed the clock, noticing the time. “Okay then. I suppose you have to go meet her now. Don’t let me keep you.” “Oh she won’t be in town for another month.” “What? Are you sure?” “This pony lives in Canterlot, and travels all the time. She wouldn’t even talk to me directly, so she made an appointment through my friend Spike. I got the date off a letter.” Ms Harshwhinny remembered every detail of that letter. She was so nervous, her teeth chattered when she wrote it, ruining her normally impeccable penmanship. Did she make a mistake? “We’re meeting on August 7th.” Starlight Glimmer told her. That was it, Harshwhinny thought. The date was supposed to be July 8th. Normally she would write out the names of the months so that there could be no error, but on that letter she wrote numbers: year, month, day. In some towns it was custom to write the dates as year, day, month; a ridiculous practice by the way. She even knew that that was how it was done in that town for which Starlight was a cult leader. What was Harshwhinny to do? Should she reveal the truth, demand or beg to be helped sooner. “It was very nice talking to you Marigold. I hope we get to do this again before you leave.” Marigold just let her go. When Marigold returned to the cottage, Lily was cleaning up after the small tea party. Lily asked if Ms Harshwhinny had learned what she wanted to learn. She answered yes. “I suppose I should go find a hotel.” As she turned to leave, Lily spoke. Ms Harshwhinney half expected that she would invite her to stay. “Ms Harshwhinny, thanks for convincing every-pony to give my book a chance.” “Don’t thank me. I suppose the air here made me bold. I can’t deny there was a naughty fun in it. After my little bit of poetry, even that Fluttershy wanted to read a book that’s teeming with sado masochism.” Lily looked confused. “What is sado masochism? I don't know what that is.” “Lily, have you read the book?” “Not yet. I only have the free time to get through one book a week, and this one has been on my reading pile ever since I saw the movie.” “Oh, you saw the movie.” “Well, actually it was one of the later movies, so I don’t know what happens in the first book.” Ms Harshwhinny turned to leave. She stopped one last time to ask a question. “Lily, what do you think the Cenobites are?” Lily looked up from doing her dishes. “They’re bad guys who want to rule the world, right?” “Happy reading Lily!”
1 Source of the Urban LegendKnow also, O Princess, that in those selfsame days that Twilight of Canterlot did stalk the Equestrian Kingdoms, one of the few swords worthy to cross with her horn was that of Lilly Valley, flower Mare known to reside in majestic Ponyville. Forced to flee her homeland because she spurned the advances of a king and slew him instead, she rode west across the Everfree Forests and into the shadowed mists of legendry. -- The Celestial Chronicles Sometime Before Season 5 Ice water filled her lungs. Coughing, she gasped for air, only to suck in more of the cold wet. She flailed her hooves and by fortune or chance managed to find the tubs basin. Ms Harshwhinny pulled herself out of the bathtub, choking and vomiting water. She took some deep gasps of actual air before taking stock of her surroundings. She must have rolled over in the tub. That’s what happened. She had been asleep or unconcious and she tossed and turned until her head was under the water. It was lucky that the shock woke her. Lucky, except why was she in a bathtub of ice water, and how had she fallen asleep in such a place. The last thing she remembered, she had sought out a mare. What was the mare’s name? She tapped her brow, trying to think. Starlight Glimmer, that was her name. Sore and achey, she carefully pulled herself out of the tub. Her job required her to travel, and she had some minor business in an obscure village where Starlight was known to be head mare. The village was off somehow. There was something odd about it. All the ponies, they were Missing their… Her stream of consciousness interrupted by a dreadful thought, she looked upon her flank. She checked once, she checked again. She screamed in horror. She checked one more time. She checked five more times. It was gone! She didn’t even have one of those creepy equals signs in its place. Her cutie mark was gone. She was a thirty-eight year old Blank Flank. Two Years Later The forty year old blank flank was riding the friendship express on her way to Ponyville. After she had heard that Twilight had reformed that villain, she still waited a full year to confront Starlight Glimmer. Best to be sure the reformation wasn’t some clever ruse in a bid for even greater power. Ms Harshwhinny had still yet to be convinced that it was not. If only Celestia had agreed to send a contingency of guards with her. She looked at her flank, as she did compulsively now. The temporary tattoos she used to fool ponies never looked quite right. Often she felt like she was the one being fooled, like maybe everypony could see it was fake, and pitied her too much to say anything. The mare next to her thought she was peeking at the book she was reading. “It’s the seventh Daring Do book.” She told her. “Oh,” said Ms Harshwhinny, trying to pretend she wasn’t just starring at her own flank. “We’re reading the whole series in my book club.” “I see.” “We have one member in the club who really likes Daring Doo. I think they’re okay, but we should break it up with something else, right? I mean we’re not a Daring Doo fan club.” “Makes sense.” The two continued on quietly for a little while. “So what do you wish to read?” The other mare thought for a minute: “Mare-y Shelley’s Frankenstein, The Fall of the Stables Of Usher, Parasprite Cemetery.” “Oh, so this mare likes to be scared, Ms Harshwhinny thought.” The train entered a tunnel, and the lights went out. When they came back on, Lily was in the fetal position in her seat, chanting “The horror, the horror.” Caught off guard by this behaviour, Ms Harshwhinny looked around. No other pony was stepping in to help. Was if because she was closest? Did that one pony in seat twelve just role his eyes? Awkward, and uncertain Ms Harshwhinny eventually tried to stroke poor Lily’s mane. She inched in cautiously, like she was petting a timber wolf that might bite. After two strokes, Lily turned to face her, giggled a bit, then smiled. “You’re very kind.” Lily complimented. That pony rolled his eyes again. Ms Harshwhinny just blushed, not sure if this Lily mare was only messing with her. “I’ll be okay.” Lily spoke meekly. “My episodes haven’t killed me yet.” Now her tone was foreboding. After they passed the second last station, and there was nowhere else to go, Lily asked, “So what brings you to Ponyville.” “I’m going there to confront a pony who did me an injustice, and demand reparation.” “Wow.” “Are you sure it’s safe.” “It ought to be. I’ve already reported to her superior and scheduled an appointment via her dragon assistant.” After she mentioned the dragon assistant, it was really obvious to Lily who Ms Harshwhinny was talking about. “Oh. So what time is your appointment?” Lily asked. “Three o’clock.” Lily seemed to mull that over. “Book club is at one thirty. I hope Twilight and Starlight don’t rush for the appointment.” “Book club.” Now Harshwhinny was furious. “They both scheduled book club ahead of me. The couldn’t have cancelled, this wasn’t a little bit more important to them.” Lily shrank backward in her seat. She didn’t handle it well when other ponies were mad at her. “It’s a good book.” “You just said you’d rather be reading other things.” “Did I?” “Besides, I can tell you exactly what happens in this book. There’s a magic artifact. They never mentioned it before, and it’ll be forgotten in the next book, but apparently it’s the most important thing in the whole world. Daring Doo will go through the Criminal underworld to find it. She’ll acquire some plucky side-kicks along the way. She’ll brave a bunch of ancient booby traps, and just as she’s about to get the artifact, theres some last minute betrayal. It’ll probably have something to do with that guy who’s the surprise villain in every other Daring Doo book. Daring Doo will have to escape another death trap, then go get the artifact back. Maybe it’ll turn out to really be magic and the bad guy will have lost control of its power. Daring Doo wins, then this artifact goes wherever it needs to go and I repeat it is forgotten in the next book.” “Hey careful with the spoilers!” “That’s every Daring Doo book in the entire series.” “Aw, now they’re all spoiled.” Ms Harshwhinny seethed with anger. “What would it take for me to join you in this book club.” “You just have to read the book, and uh.. not hurt me. Though once or twice I didn’t finish mine, and just faked it. ” “Give me that.” She yanked the book from Lily’s hooves. “Hey, I still have two chapters left.” “I’m a speed reader, don’t worry about it.” Sure enough she handed the book back in twenty minutes, and Lily still had on hour to finish. Lily was almost always the host of book club. When they reached the cottage, Lily invited her inside. The cottage smelled of flowers. That wasn’t too surprising, Lily was a flower pony. She owned a flower shop, she has a flower cutie mark, she even smelled of flowers herself. Once inside, Lily offered Ms Harshwhinny some iced tea. “No thank you.” She said. “Are you sure you don’t want any iced tea? It’s really hot today.” “I’m not a tea drinker. Coffee perhaps, if it’s not so much trouble.” She spoke derisively, like she thought a cup of joe was more then she could possibly expect from this flakey mare. Lily wasn’t a coffee drinker, but she kept some around for company. Her percolator was meant for serving five ponies, but she made it anyway. While waiting for her cup, Ms Harshwhinny looked through Lily’s bookshelf. Under two rows of horror novels, were mostly books about plants. That wasn’t surprising but the focus wasn’t on growing the prettiest flower, it was which plants are poisonous or have hallucinogenic properties. When the coffee finally came, Ms Harshwhinny just grabbed it impatiently. There wasn’t even a Thank you. Lily returned to the kitchen, saying she had to prepare daffodil sandwiches for the book club. She offered to fix her something, and Ms Harshwhinny declined. “So what’s with all the books on poison.” Harshwhinny asked, across rooms. “Don’t mind those. Poisons are just a guilty pleasure. My real interest is in the drugs that effect your mind.” Ms Harshwhinny sipped her coffee and wondered if she ought too be making a run for it. She seemed to recall Glimmer being able to charm her somewhat, just before the bathtub incident. “You’re not a drug dealer, are you?” Lily giggled. “No, nothing like that. Although, ponies tend to think of drugs as… well specifically being drugs. Every pony feels happy when they smell a pretty flower, so maybe, that flower is releasing some chemical, which it evolved to make ponies want to protect and cultivate it.” “Aw, I see.” That actually was an interesting idea. She seemed a little off by implying that evolution carried any intent, but perhaps this pony wasn’t a total idiot. “So every-time I buy flowers, that’s how, I’m being manipulated. I thought it was just sweet-talking florists.” “Oh, it’s no worse then seeing a tasty apple and wanting to eat it. More apples trees mean more apples.” “I see.” “Lily breathed in and out.” “If you think that flowers have these effects on ponies, then why do you surround yourself with them.” She wasn’t kidding about being surrounded. There were plants at every window, and the building connected to a private greenhouse. “Oh you never really get away from nature. It’s better to understand it, and work with it.” Ms Harshwhinny held the coffee cup closer to her muzzle, as though trying to supplant the smell of the flowers with the aroma a fresh roasted beans. “That won’t help you y’know.” Lily sneered evilly. “caffeine is a stimulant. It makes breathing and blood-flow faster. You’re just getting more of it in you system.” She held up her own cup. “Perhaps the real antidote is in the tea.” Slowly, Lilly sipped her tea. “Do you feel it yet? First a calm comes over you.” “I feel it.” “Then a small upturn in your mood. You’re happier then you would normally be.” “I feel that to.” “Next it opens up your mind. You feel a creative spark.” “A spark?” “Yes, you see connections you didn’t notice before, you’re willing to entertain ideas you’d normally reject out of habit alone.” “I feel it.” Lily placed a hoof on Ms Harshwhinny’s leg. “And your mind is now open to suggestion.” “Yes, I feel it.” Lily rolled on the floor, and burst out laughing. “Silly mare. I made that last one up.” Special flowers or not, Ms Harshwhinny fumed. She was embarrassed, angry, and… strangely disappointed. “Ms Valley, what you did just now was absolutely awful.” “I know, I know. I’m sorry. It’s just that you come off so stern and uptight, it makes me want to have fun with you.” Harshwhinny wouldn’t respond. She just sipped her coffee and fumed. “C’mon, cheer up.” The mare’s expression was stoney as a gargoyle. “C’mon. I wasn’t kidding about everything else the flowers do. First timers have to really try to stay mad while they’re inside this house.” “So you are a drug dealer.” Lily stuck out her tongue. The two were silent for a few minutes. To break the tension, Lily said, “C’mon, I was so over the top. You couldn’t have really believed by little joke was real.” “After what I’ve been through, I don’t know what to believe.” “Yeah, about that, you haven’t really told me the details. I even had to figure out myself that your issue is with Starlight Glimmer.” “She took my cutie mark.” Lily looked at her flank. “You already got it back right?” “Can’t you see that’s just a faded temporary tattoo.” Lily looked closer. She really couldn’t tell. “Stop pretending. I know everypony sees right through me. And it’s not just the mark. I’m not as good at my job anymore. I was on my way to being the right hand to the princess, now I think the only reason she keeps me around is out of pity. I lose forms, I can’t remember the information in larger documents. Even when I sped read that book earlier today, I lied. I’ve read Daring Doo before, and I was just brushing up on a few key points. I used to be able to speed read. Now I can’t even remember the name of the stupid magic artifact in that stupid book that I just reviewed.” “It was the Amulet of….” “Lily I don’t really care what it’s called. You were right that I’m a stern and uptight mare. I used to have skills to back up my bossy attitude. Now I act this was to hide, how inadequate I feel. Now I’m going to face Glimmer, the one who made me this way, and the truth is I’m terrified. I’m terrified of her. Around one thirty, the members of the club all appeared. The met on the trail and chatted on the way to Lily’s house. They didn’t talk about the book yet. That was reserved for when all the members were together. “Hey Rainbow, I like the blouse, and your hair is cute tied back like that.” “Thanks I guess.” Rainbow Dash blushed, supremely embarrassed. “last club meeting, Lily told me I’d look cute with my hare tied this way. I thought I’d surprise her by actually doing it.” She did a loop-di-loop in the air, then continued. “It seemed like a good idea when I thought of it last week, and I promised myself I wouldn’t chicken out, but I don’t know. I always feel different inside her house.” “It’s the flowers,” said Spoiled Rich. “My husband has been buying, what he calls special flowers from Lily Valley. Everytime I so much as smell one I get strange urges.” “Urges to do what.” Twilight asked. She looked around, to make sure nopony else could hear them. “I hug my daughter every day now, and with the odd way I’ve been acting, she actually wants to hug me back.” Everypony just looked at her, as though to say ‘Seriously.’ A purple blazer, a pink scarf, and some jewelry were neatly folded and hidden in Lily’s closet. Before you think that this is turning into one of those stories, remember that nudity is a perfectly normal fashion alternative for most ponies. Her hair was curled up, and she’d gotten a crash coarse on the not scary happy smily face. She felt strangely confident, like this trick might actually work. The final touch was washing off her temporary tattoo, and having lily, paint a pretty sunflower upon her flank. When the girls entered the cottage, Lily was already sipping tea with another pony. “Hello ladys. I’d like you to meet my cousin from out of town. Her name is Marigold Merryweather.
2 Book ClubWarning, ahead there are spoilers for a Daring Doo novel that doesn’t actually exist. You have been warned. “Hello, Ladies. I’d like you to meet my cousin from out of town. Her name is Marigold Merryweather.” A million thoughts were racing through Ms Harshwhinny’s mind at this moment. How did that Lily mare talk her into this? What do I even think I can accomplish here? They see right through this disguise, surely they do.” Rainbow Dash eyed her suspiciously for a moment. She moved her muzzle in uncomfortably close then jumped back and let out a laugh. “Hah! Nice try Lily, but you gotta get up pretty early in the morning to pull one over on Rainbow Dash.” Lily was flabbergasted. She was sure this trick would work. She gulped down some tea and stuttered nervously. Rainbow Dash then turned to the Mare who called herself Marigold. Ms Harshwhinny nibbled on her hooves, nervously anticipating what was to come. “So Applejack, when did you get that new hairdo. It looks pretty good on you.” Marigold (Harshwhinny) chuckled nervously. “Thanks, but I’m really not Applejack. It is a new look for me though.” “C’mon, drop the act. I’m onto you.” “Rainbow Dash,” Twilight cut in, “that’s not Applejack.” “What! Of course it is.” “It’s not come look at her cutie mark.” Twilight was refering to the flower that Lily painted on Ms Harshinny’s rump. It was a fake cutie mark and not even her usual fake, yet it fooled the princess of friendship. “Sorry about my friend just now, it is nice to meet you. Say, the name Merryweather, is that spelled with an M-A-R, or M-E-R.” “M-E-R,” Marigold told her, though she really hadn’t even thought of that particular detail until then. “Oh, so it’s not M-A-R-E, like a pony?” “No, it’s M-E-R-R-Y, as in cheerful.” “That’s such a cute name.” “Thank-you…” As Marigold turned, she was surprised to see who had said that. Of all the things she wanted to say to Starlight Glimmer, she never-ever-ever thought she could possibly begin with a thank-you. The two mares eyed each other, one suspicious, the other obliviously pleasant. The group consisted of Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Fluttershy, Rarity, Spoiled Rich, Strawberry Sunrise, Rainbow Dash, Lily Valley, and now Marigold Merryweather a.k.a. Ms Harshwhinny. It was an odd assortment. Book club had been a tradition in town since before Twilight moved to Ponyville, Fluttershy convinced her and Rainbow Dash to join, mostly because some older members left and she didn’t want to be alone with Spoiled Rich. Spoiled, drifted in and out of the group herself, often boasting of her many important responsibilities that made it difficult to remain. Actually some of those older members were town celebrities whom Spoiled wanted to be known to associate with, so Twilight becoming a princess was what brought her back into the fold. A few minutes later, the girls were munching on cucumber sandwiches, and doing what the group was intended to do; talking about the book. “I think,” Fluttershy paused, fearing her statement might be controversial. “I think it was really nice when Daring Doo forgave Bitty Rain Puddle.” “Yes, it was.” “I agree.” “Sure.” “It may have been nice, but that Bitty certainly did not deserve it.” Marigold (Ms Harshwhinny) crossed her arms and looked sternly. Everyone was surprised with Marigold’s proclamation. While the eyes were on her, Lily made a gesture motioning her to tone down the seriousness of her expression, lest ponies suspect who she really is. “I’m with Marigold.” Starlight Glimmer announced. Twilight practically gasped when she heard this. “Starlight, how can you say that.” “Yeah Glimmer,” said Rainbow Dash, “you of all ponies know that forgiveness is the cool thing to do, and Daring Doo is not just cool, she’s awesome.” Twilight, Fluttershy, and Rarity nodded in approval of Rainbow Dash’s statement. “Bitty Rain Puddle just broke down crying when she lost. She seemed pretty happy in betraying Daring Doo and giving the amulet of Chicomoztoc to Dr Caballeron when she had something to gain. Maybe if she’d shown remorse, or switched sides before Daring Doo defeated Ahuizotl, then I’d feel it was more earned.” Strawberry Sunrise began flipping through her copy of the book. Was it Caballeron or Ahuizotl that was the villain in this one. Darn these books blended together. “I get what you’re saying Starlight, however, I’m pretty sure Daring was moved in Chapter 17 when Bitty told Daring Doo her backstory while she was hanging from a deathtrap.” “Bitty could have gotten her out of that trap at any time.” Starlight seemed to have replaced Marigold in arguing the point. “Look, tragic backstory or not, a cute pony begs for forgiveness and Daring Doo just gives it away unconditionally. Do you think she’d do the same if Caballeron or Ahuizotl did the begging.” Somewhere far away, Discord was having tea with princess Celestia. The Draconequus suddenly stood up and said “Hey-Yo!” The princess will never know why. “Were they both in this one!” Starberry Sunrise squealed in exhasperation. “She did!” Rainbow jumped in, litterally. “In book eight, when Ahuizotl was dangling over a cliff, he begged Daring Doo to have him, promising that he’d change his ways if she did. “Book eight!” I thought we were only on book five. Strawberry was losing her mind. “No, this meetings for book four.” “Wait, didn’t Ahuizotl pull a knife on Daring Doo immediately after that.” “You’re spoiling. We’re four books behind you.” “I have to read another four of these! Please no, don’t make me. Why I’d even let Lily pick the next book.” Hearing her cue, Lily picked up a copy of Clive Cloppers Hare-raiser, showing the cover to the entire group. “Why does that bunny have pins in its…” Twilight used a wing to cover Fluttershy’s eyes.
3 I Don't Know What That IsTwilight tried to make it clear to every-pony that they would not read Clive Cloppers, ‘Hare-Raiser - The Tartarus Bound Heart’ for their next book club meeting, only to have Strawberry Sunrise act indignantly, and tell her “just because you’re a princess doesn’t mean you can speak for every-pony here.” Strawberry Sunrise had no idea what that book was about, and really wanted a break from Daring Doo. “Why don’t we put it to a vote?” Starlight Glimmer suggested. Lily, of course, voted for Hare-Raiser. Twilight voted for Daring Doo. After Twilight whispered some plot detail in her ear, Strawberry turned beat red and voted for Daring Doo. “I vote for Daring Doo,” said Rainbow Dash. She spoke in her usual boastful manner. Merigold / Ms Harshwhinny chuckled a bit. She addressed everyone yet made her eye contact with Rainbow Dash. “I wil probably vote for Daring Doo.” She turned her eyes a bit, noticing that Lily seemed a bit disappointed. Merigold continued. “If even the adventurous Rainbow Dash is too scared to read this book, then what chance does a timid flower pony like me have.” “Scared!” Rainbow Dash seemed appalled by that statement. “I’m not scared. I’ll prove it. I’m changing my vote. I’ll read that book cover to cover.” Spoiled Rich voted for Daring Doo. “I read Daring Doo to my adorable daughter every night before bed.” Spoiled was holding a pot with one of Lily’s ‘special’ flowers, the same hybrid that her husband filled their home with. She took another large snort of the flowers pollen. “Her joy is my bliss.” Twilight eyed Lily, suspiciously. Lily just batted her eyes, innocently. Even though Rainbow Dash had changed her own vote, she still hoped the remainder of the ponies would cast their ballots for Daring Doo. She held up the Daring Doo book for Fluttershy, Rarity, and Starlight Glimmer to see, then raised and lowered her eyebrows in a gesture intended to signal to her remaining friends. When it cam to Rarity, and Fluttershy to vote, there was an awkward pause. “Darling, we all know what to expect for the next Daring Doo,” Rarity spoke with a hint of cattiness, she was a little tired of Daring Doo, “However, none of us have even heard of this Hare-Raiders.” “Hare-Raiser, The Tartarus Bound Heart.” “Rarity makes a good point,” Twilight admitted. It’s not fair if the voters are uninformed or misinformed.” “We don’t want to spoil the books either.” Fluttershy added. “So what do we do.” “We can read a ‘Shadow Spade’ book instead.” After a little back and forth, Twilight suggested that one pony give a spoiler free critique of each book. Rainbow Dash loved the idea, and insisted on going first. “Okay, the book I want to read is Daring Doo. Daring Doo is awesome. She goes on all kinds of adventures where she does all kinds of cool stuff. You learn things to, she goes to other countries, she does clever things to survive different dangers.” Next Rarity declared that it was her turn, even though no-pony realized her book was even in the running. “Shadow Spade, she solves mysteries, and looks fashionable doing it. Just look at the cover, how her extra wide brimmed fedora covers one eye to draw her with an air of mystique. See how her coat…” “Are you just going to talk about what she’s wearing.” Rainbow Dash interrupted. Rarity was visibly annoyed with the interruption. “Shadow Spade solves mysteries, and she does so by noticing the tiny details others miss. It’s about the interconnectedness of all things. Everything we say and do and feel weaves together like a tapestry, and if one pony tells a lie then a flaw occurs somewhere in the otherwise perfect stitching.” “You’re talking about clothes again.” Rarity stuck out her tongue at rainbow Dash. Finally it was Lily’s turn. Unfortunately for her, she’s more afraid of public speaking then Fluttershy. “She stepped before the ponies in the room. Hello every-pony. The book I want to ready is called, she looked at the cover, her hooves shaking slightly. Seeing how poorly it was going, Merigold decided to step in. “This book is a story about a passion, unlike any you have ever or will ever know.” Twilight couldn’t argue with that much. She new just what kind of passion was in this particular book. Marigold Merryweather continued. “Allow me to read you an excerpt” “Well, here he was. They could save each other, the way the poets promised lovers should. He was mystery, he was darkness, he was all she had dreamed of. And if she would only free him he would service her - oh yes - until her pleasure reached that threshold that, like all thresholds, was a place where the strong grew stronger, and the weak perished. Pleasure was pain there, and vice versa. And he knew it well enough to call it home.” Clive Clopper - Hare-Raiser, the Tartarus Bound Heart She spoke each line with a cadence and gravitas most narrators could only dream of. The ponies stood speechless. They decided to cast a silent ballot this time, and when it was over, don’t misunderstand, no story blew away the competition, and yet Hare-Raiser was the clear victor. It was Spoiled Rich who was the first to leave. She said she wanted an early start on supper, because she was preparing one of Diamond Tiara’s favourite meals. Spoiled took another snort of her flower. “Sometimes she helps me in the kitchen. We have so much fun together.” As Starlight Glimmer was getting ready to go, Ms Harshwhinny, still dressed as Marigold Merryweather, cautiously approached her. Still not recognizing this mare, and believing her to be somepony whom she’d only met today, Starlight assumed she was just a little shy. It was nice to have seen her express herself a bit in the book club meeting. “Excuse me, Ms Glimmer.” “Please call me Starlight.” “Starlight,” Marigold paused, “It’s just, well, I was surprised about some of you opinions at the club today. You see, I know a little bit about your past. “Oh that,” Starlight thought for a moment. She realized that maybe Marigold was still a little afraid of her, and that made her sad. “I meant what I said.” She lowered her head a bit. “I’m very grateful that Twilight forgave me. I can’t imagine where I would be, or what sorta mare I would still be if she hadn’t. Please don’t think I’m not grateful. It’s hard to say this to her, because we talk to each other like we’re just friends, like the past is completely behind us, and I was starting to feel like it was.” “I see.” “Recently I was reminded of another horrible thing I did. There is another pony out there who might never forgive me. I don’t have the right to be forgiven for what I did to her.” “So what are you going to do.” “Everything I can to make amends. Even if I’m never forgiven, I’ll do whatever in my power I can to fix my mistake and help her.” Marigold eyed the clock, noticing the time. “Okay then. I suppose you have to go meet her now. Don’t let me keep you.” “Oh she won’t be in town for another month.” “What? Are you sure?” “This pony lives in Canterlot, and travels all the time. She wouldn’t even talk to me directly, so she made an appointment through my friend Spike. I got the date off a letter.” Ms Harshwhinny remembered every detail of that letter. She was so nervous, her teeth chattered when she wrote it, ruining her normally impeccable penmanship. Did she make a mistake? “We’re meeting on August 7th.” Starlight Glimmer told her. That was it, Harshwhinny thought. The date was supposed to be July 8th. Normally she would write out the names of the months so that there could be no error, but on that letter she wrote numbers: year, month, day. In some towns it was custom to write the dates as year, day, month; a ridiculous practice by the way. She even knew that that was how it was done in that town for which Starlight was a cult leader. What was Harshwhinny to do? Should she reveal the truth, demand or beg to be helped sooner. “It was very nice talking to you Marigold. I hope we get to do this again before you leave.” Marigold just let her go. When Marigold returned to the cottage, Lily was cleaning up after the small tea party. Lily asked if Ms Harshwhinny had learned what she wanted to learn. She answered yes. “I suppose I should go find a hotel.” As she turned to leave, Lily spoke. Ms Harshwhinney half expected that she would invite her to stay. “Ms Harshwhinny, thanks for convincing every-pony to give my book a chance.” “Don’t thank me. I suppose the air here made me bold. I can’t deny there was a naughty fun in it. After my little bit of poetry, even that Fluttershy wanted to read a book that’s teeming with sado masochism.” Lily looked confused. “What is sado masochism? I don't know what that is.” “Lily, have you read the book?” “Not yet. I only have the free time to get through one book a week, and this one has been on my reading pile ever since I saw the movie.” “Oh, you saw the movie.” “Well, actually it was one of the later movies, so I don’t know what happens in the first book.” Ms Harshwhinny turned to leave. She stopped one last time to ask a question. “Lily, what do you think the Cenobites are?” Lily looked up from doing her dishes. “They’re bad guys who want to rule the world, right?” “Happy reading Lily!”
