When Twilight returned, Luna and I had finished our tea and were lounging idly in the sitting area of the library. Or at least Luna was. I was currently standing up and waving around a rolled-up newspaper like a makeshift sword.

“And then all at once he snaps to. He stops trying to attack me, the wild look in his eye is gone, he just stands there staring at me,” I continued.

“Just like that?” Luna asked.

“Just like that,” I answered. “The effect had run its course, and worse yet he didn't even know why we were fighting in the first place.”

“My goodness that is funny,” Luna remarked.

I fell back into the chair opposite Luna, with a grin on my face.

“And that's why we don't use poison joke in the mead anymore,” I finished, turning to Twilight. “Oh hey, Twi. You done shitting your brains out?”

“Augh I was not…” Twilight began, only to pause and shudder in disgust. “Can you please lay off the vulgarity?”

“Whatever crime I just committed by swearing in front of royalty couldn't have been as bad as the one you perpetuated on that toilet. You were up there for ages,” I retorted pointedly.

“Fareeah’s foul tongue aside, you were up there for a while,” Luna added.

“I was just… thinking,” Twilight muttered, her blush fading quickly.

“Really? So that's what you call it,” I mused in faux contemplation.

“Har har,” Twilight retorted.

“What’s on your mind?” Luna pressed.

“I was just thinking about… look, it doesn't really matter,” Twilight concluded, turning to me. “What were you two talking about anyway?”

“Oh not much,” I remarked with a shrug. “Just regaling Luna with the story of when Merry Mead thought it was a good idea to use poison joke in his mead.”

“That couldn't have been good,” Twilight murmured.

“Nope, it sure wasn't,” I replied.

“Say, Twilight. May I have your opinion on something?” Luna asked, raising the invite I had received from Pinkie Pie.

“Sure what is it?” Twilight replied curiously.

“It seems as though Pinkie Pie has set up a little shindig for our prisoner here and has invited us as well as her to the event,” Luna continued, gesturing to me, and then to Twilight.

“So can I go Mom, huh, huh can I go?” I asked, giving Twilight the best puppy eyes I could muster.

“No,” Twilight stated firmly. “We are in the midst of a serious legal investigation at the moment.”

“Oh come on. This is hardly serious,” I dismissed. “You know I never tried to murder anyone. You know the worst crime I could possibly be accused of is petty theft but once you hear that tale I’m fairly certain you wouldn't even think what I did was wrong.”

“I doubt that very much,” Twilight retorted, turning up her snout.

“Be that as it may,” Luna interrupted. “Pinkie Pie has likely gone to great lengths to set this up in such a short time and I would rather enjoy another of her parties.”

“Ya’ll deserve a break, and I may or may not deserve a beer or two after dealing with you two,” I declared, glancing at Luna. “Mostly Twilight though.”

“It doesn't matter what we deserve its about our duty to the crown. The sooner we complete this investigation the sooner we can be done with this whole business,” Twilight exclaimed.

“We can't use the spell for another twelve or so hours anyway why not take the chance to relax? If anything you can think of this as an opportunity to interrogate Fareeah here under different circumstances,” Luna offered.

“Yeah! I bet I’d be willing to spill a whole ton of secrets after I’ve drunk a whole liter of spirits,” I added.

Twilight sighed.

“I’m not convincing you otherwise of this, am I?” Twilight asked.

Luna smirked.

“No, no you are not. Best just accept it, and figure out our little security issue,” Luna declared.

Twilight sighed.

“Okay,” the bookish mare began. “But I am hooking you up to a violence inhibitor, and you’ll have an armed escort with you at all times.”

“Goddamn Twilight. What next, are you going to demand I use a chastity cage or something?” I retorted with a frown.

“That won't be necessary,” Twilight blubbered, the mare’s face going red.

“Pardon me isn't that for males… oh I see,” Luna muttered.

I grinned.

“If you wanna see for yourself we could always skip this party and have one of our own,” I offered, wiggling my eyebrows at the dark alicorn.

Twilight seemed ready to turn a wholly new shade of purple, while Luna was seemingly unbothered. I did notice that she smiled the faintest bit at the suggestion, however, so I counted her response as at least a partial win.

“Perhaps another time,” Luna replied after a pause. “I rather enjoy a good party and have been in the mood for one for some time.”

I was about to shoot back with some other cheeky response of some kind but the sound of someone whispering in my ear suddenly stopped me. I couldn't actually hear what it said, though the voice was close to that of Luna’s, only different somehow.

“Did you just say something?” I asked.

“Yes. I mentioned my enjoyment of a Pinkie party,” Luna declared.

“That's not… never mind,” I murmured.

“Yes, well. So long as there isn't any opposition to my decision I suppose we three could attend this party together,” Twilight stated.

“I have no such qualms,” Luna added.

“Ahh come on. You guys don't really think I’m gonna start stabbing people with a broken bottle or something right?” I asked, looking from one mare to the other.

“Well, not exactly but the alternative is having you in cuffs, which Pinkie Pie would say is a quote-unquote mood killer,” Twilight answered.

“Yes, we must have some manner of restrainment with you, though I will note that I don't like the necessity of this decision,” Luna offered. “Mind magic, even bound to an enchanted item, should always be the last resort.”

“Wait, mind magic?” I muttered, holding up my hands. “You aren't going to root around in my skull or something are you?”

“Nothing of the sort,” Twilight dismissed. “The spell itself isn't even particularly invasive so to speak. Rather than stopping you from being able to think violent thoughts, it makes you unable to actually injure someone intentionally.”

“In that case, I hold no such qualms,” Luna offered.

“Yeah, it's not exactly like back in your time when such a spell more or less lobotomized the target,” Twilight added.

“Wait, you were willing to lobotomize me? Luna, I thought we were at least friendly acquaintances,” I exclaimed, a little more shocked than I let on.

For her part, Luna did seem a bit guilty, but her expression was swiftly schooled, returning back to its usual neutrality.

“Yes, well. It would have only been temporary, as it still will be,” Luna proclaimed, rising from the couch. “I will now depart. I must ready myself for the soiree, and have much I must do before then.”

“Err alright. I’ll see you soon Luna,” Twilight offered.

“Indeed,” Luna replied.

The alicorn then trotted away, her expression stony, giving little indication as to what she may have felt. The rest of her body was a bit more honest, as I could detect a nervous energy running down her spine. Not only that but the mare’s neck was tense, indicating that she was purposefully clenching her jaw. I was about to look away when I noticed something move in the alicorn’s shadow, though it vanished as did the pony in question after the door to the library closed behind her.

“So umm,” Twilight began. “Do you need anything before we go to the party later?”

“Nope,” I replied. “Showered this morning. I’m fed, watered, and ready to go, though normally I’d appreciate something a bit more relaxed than my armor, but I think given the circumstances I’ll stick to something with protection.”

“Probably for the best,” Twilight admitted. “I’ll see about getting Manacle squad ready to accompany you later but for now put this on, and get used to how it feels.”

The bookish mare lit her horn, and summoned out of nowhere, a ring that seemed perfectly normal at first glance. Upon closer inspection, I saw that its smooth silver surface was actually inlaid with dozens of small runes too small to see normally. I had a pretty high perception at this point so I noticed it fairly quickly, though I couldn't tell what they meant or said. They appeared magical though, likely tying into the spell that was going to make me unable to hurt anyone.

“Go on. The sooner you put it on, the sooner you’ll adapt to it,” Twilight encouraged.

“Augh, fine,” I murmured.

Snatching the ring out of the air, I slipped it onto my pinky, which was the only finger it even had a chance of fitting on. Once secured it pulsed once, lighting up my hand and sending a small electric charge up my shoulder. It was uncomfortable, but when it passed, I was left feeling oddly normal, as if I wasn't under the effect of a spell at all.

“Think fast, Twilight,” I exclaimed.

I then attempted to flick her in the nose but found my hand moving out of the way at the last possible second without me consciously making the effort to move it.

“Wha, hey!” Twilight whined. “That's rude.”

“I just had to see if it worked. Besides, I was only going to flick you in the nose,” I retorted, rising back up to my full height. “Right then, let's get me back in my suite so you can go powder your nose or whatever it is you ponies do.”

“Whatever, just get moving,” Twilight shot back.

I did as was asked, and made my way downstairs. Once in front of my cell, Twilight unlocked it, I entered, and the bars were sealed behind me once more. When I turned around Twilight was already walking away so it was hard to tell what expression she had on, but it appeared to be one of vague amusement.

I liked to think she was getting used to my jabs and prods at this point though that may have been wishful thinking. Either way, I put it out of my mind and got to work cleaning up as best as I was able. I didn't need a shower, but I could pick the dirt out from under my nails, straighten my hair, and do a bit of light grooming.

It would have been easier and more effective if I had the brush collection from camp but my claws were a surprisingly good replacement. Once done I looked at least a little better, and that was enough in my mind so I decided to just relax for a while. Before I did so, I got a bit curious and decided to pinch myself. Sure enough, I was able to do just that, even though it rather hurt due to my claws. With that nugget of wisdom at the back of my mind, I laid back and let my eyes fall shut. Before I noticed it time passed me by, and suddenly I was lurching forward, awakened from a surprise nap by the basement door opening.

From the light, slightly nervous clops it was probably Twilight and sure enough, the bookish mare appeared a second later. She looked a bit better, having taken a shower, put on some cherry-scented perfume, and a bit of makeup. She wasn't exactly dressed to the nines, but neither was she completely casual, easily showing me up if nothing else.

“Not bad,” I remarked, giving Twilight an exaggerated inspection. “You almost make me feel underdressed. That is if you weren't the least-dressed creature I know.”

Twilight chuckled, though she caught herself quickly and stopped covering it up with a cough.

“Yes, well. Etiquette class may have been one of my least favorite courses but I excelled in it nonetheless,” Twilight declared.

The alicorn then lit her horn, and opened my cell, allowing me to exit. As soon as I was standing outside I stretched and yawned, smacking my lips as I did so.

“That wasn't a bad little nap,” I remarked. “What time is it anyway?”

“Eight o'clock,” Twilight replied, trotting up the stairs and prompting me to follow. “More than enough time to get there for our eight-thirty invitation.”

“Hmmm,” I hummed, my mind already floating away while my body followed Twilight dutifully.

I couldn't help but think about this little soiree that we were heading to. My first thought was of safety, and if Shining Armor would try something but that didn't seem likely. As unhinged as that fellow was I doubted he would endanger his own sister out of a desire for revenge.

After that, my mind went to ruminating on what there was to enjoy at such a party. Actually seeing all the ponies that were no doubt going to be there didn't interest me much though snacks and a drink would be nice.

“I hope they have something alcoholic there,” I murmured to myself.

“Did you say something?” Twilight asked.

I blinked and glanced down to find that we had left the library behind. Not only that but we had been joined by a fully armed and armored manacle squad.

“Nothing,” I replied. “Just thinking, really. It's been a while since I’ve been to something like this. Are there going to be many ponies there?”

“I don't think there will be that many,” Twilight dismissed. “Pinkie Pie knows better than to overwhelm new people. That and…”

“There won't be many interested in meeting a supposed demon and chin wagging over hors d’oeuvres,” I finished.

“Yeah pretty much,” Twilight admitted.

“That's fine. I don't like many of you four leggers anyhow,” I replied, only to pause. “That isn't a slur or something is it?”

“No, and before you ask, I will not teach you a list of slurs,” Twilight retorted.

“But how else am I going to know what word choices to avoid?” I whined dramatically. “I could start an incident totally by accident.”

“I…” Twilight sighed. “Ask Rainbow Dash.”

“Will do,” I exclaimed with a chuckle.

We trotted along in silence for a few seconds before I was approached from behind.

“Pinkie Pie breaks out the good stuff after ten,” whispered the soft masculine voice of what I assumed to be the squad leader. “Just ask for something stiffer if you don't want her watered-down hard punch.”

“Oh thank the stars,” I whispered back. “Say, she wouldn't happen to serve something like, vodka would she?”

“No,” he retorted.

“A shame. I’d love to have a drinking contest with one of you,” I offered. “So far not a single quadruped has been able to match me drink for drink, not even Merry Mead, though he did get close.”

Silence followed, though the squad leader whose name I had foolishly forgotten, didn't return to his spot. I was about to ask him what he had on his mind when he spoke up suddenly.

“If the princess deems you innocent you'll have your competition, on me,” he replied before trotting back into place as our rear guard.

The way he said princess made me feel like he respected but one of Equestria's royalty. Even still, I could sense that initial feeling wasn't completely true. I had seen how he looked at Twilight, and I could tell that there was something there, though what exactly that was I couldn't be certain.

Either way, those were thoughts for another time, now I was in enemy territory and despite the company I kept I should still stay on guard. With that thought in mind, I immediately began glancing up and down the street, reacquainting myself with my surroundings. There was predictably, very little going on, though it was a bit more lively than I would have thought given the town's size.

I noticed fairly quickly that most of whom I spotted were guards, or seemed to carry themselves like guards. The ones not in armor were no doubt enjoying their off hours, while those still suited up were likely out on patrol. This didn't make much sense to me personally, I had already been caught and the chances of me busting out while being watched by two alicorns was slim to none.

I could even catch the occasional glimpse of Shining Armor’s camp at the edge of town. Tents had been erected, trenches were being dug and I could see what looked to be wooden palisades slowly rising in the distance. It was like they were readying for a bloody siege, and not only that but there were a lot of bodies moving about.

Then they were gone, obscured behind a row of houses that hid the entire encampment from sight. I tried to crane my neck, but I couldn't see anything of note from my position. Brushing that thought aside for a moment I decided that I would ruminate on that odd development later.

We were, after all, nearing Sugarcube corner, as well as a small crowd of ponies standing next to the door. More of Shining Armor’s guards, they didn't seem to be there in any official capacity however as only one wore armor. They were just loitering for lack of a better word, chatting while a pair of them shared a thickly rolled smokable of some kind.

Twilight seemed to stiffen slightly upon spotting the small group but said nothing even as we passed them by. The discomfort was mutual, though I ignored their pointed looks and waved like an excited child.

“Hiya fellas,” I exclaimed. “Wonderful night, ain't it?”

They seemed put off by my overly friendly demeanor as they couldn't muster a response before we were already inside. I snickered to myself and made a note to play some kind of prank on them once I could move around without an armed escort.

“Hmm, I thought Luna would beat us here,” I muttered.

Looking around, I noted that there were only about two dozen ponies here, most of whom I at least somewhat recognized. Twilight's friends were the most obvious, but there were a few others like a couple of off-duty guards that I had seen before. Thankfully none of Shining Armor’s underlings were present, only the odd bat pony soldier who had been milling around the library or carrying supplies.

“Whelp, here we are,” Twilight exclaimed. “I’d appreciate it if you stayed in the dining area. You may be allowed more freedom than most but you are still a prisoner of the crown.”

“Yeah yeah,” I dismissed, waving a hand at the alicorn. “I’ll stay where you can see me and resist the urge to stab anyone.”

“You’d better,” Twilight shot back.

I watched as the princess moved to join her friends, embracing them in a series of quick hugs before sitting down together at a booth. Not about to join them, I looked around, seeking out the exits just in case I needed to make a quick escape.

“Big place,” I murmured to myself.

Sugarcube corner was larger than I would have thought, with a wide open dining area to the right, a counter to the left, and the kitchen just out of sight behind a pair of saloon-style doors. There were two obvious entrances, that being the one we had just come through, but I could also tell there was one in the back. In addition, there was also a set of stairs placed slightly out of the way, presumably leading up to where the Cake’s lived, but I wasn't about to confirm that.

Manacle squad had already spread out to cover the back and front, leaving only the leader present in the main area. The stallion I had spoken to earlier made his presence obvious by standing in a central location where he could overlook everything. He and his squad seemed confident, as they remained ready but also slightly relaxed.

Leaving the security to them, I looked around once more, this time not in search of entrances an assassin may use but rather for the snack bar. My search didn't last long and I was rewarded with a bevy of delicious-looking treats that made my mouth water. I immediately went over to it and began to inspect the line, focusing first on the small platter of artisanal cheeses.

It seemed a bit fancy and out of place but I wasn't about to complain, and grabbed a small hunk of something white with small yellow bits in it. The cheese was good, and had a bit of spice, enticing me to keep trying more of the surprisingly good-looking food. Popcorn, fruits, vegetables, other kinds of cheese, crackers, pretzels, desserts, and punch were splayed out before me. The spread was fit for a children’s birthday party though I certainly wasn't going to complain.

I don't care how old you are, chocolate-covered strawberries are great and who doesn't like some cherry tomatoes and ranch? That shit’s just plain good.

I had made my way halfway down the line and was currently stuffing a donut in my mouth when I heard someone approach. They then cleared their throat in an obvious attempt to get my attention.

Turning around I noticed that Rarity was glaring up at me with a paper plate held aloft in her magic.

“It's rude to eat directly from the buffet you know,” she remarked.

“What? I’m hungry,” I retorted, grabbing the plate.

“Hunger is no excuse for acting like a barbarian,” Rarity retorted.

“Fair,” I exclaimed.

As I began to load up my plate I noticed that Rarity was doing the same, the mare sticking mostly to cheese, crackers, and vegetables though she did load up on a fair number of chocolate-covered strawberries near the end.

“So, Fareeah, was it?” Rarity offered.

“Yup. You’re Rarity I presume,” I replied.

“I am indeed. Apologies for not introducing myself properly,” Rarity exclaimed.

“Don't worry about it. Punch?” I asked, lifting the server expectantly.

“Please,” Rarity answered.

I spooned out a cup for Rarity as well as myself, before moving out of the way of the line and standing against the closest available bit of wall I could find. Rarity, surprisingly, followed me, her dainty plate of food bearing little resemblance to the small mountain of snacks I carried around with me.

“So…” I began somewhat awkwardly. “Are you here to cuss me out for being a gnoll?”

“No. I am not so quick to judge as some ponies I know,” Rarity replied.

“Well that's a relief because you guys seem to really enjoy whining at me over things that aren't my fault,” I complained.

“It's a good thing I am here to cuss you out over something that was your choice then,” Rarity retorted.

I paused just as I was about to throw back a honey cruller and looked down at her in confusion.

“What now?” I asked.

“I am speaking, of course, about poor Fluttershy,” Rarity continued.

“Oh yeah. Don't bother,” I interrupted, pausing to throw the aforementioned sweet dessert into my mouth. “Twilight’s talk about it like a dozen times already. Even Luna made mention of it though it wasn't like I was the one who dug up her azaleas or built fortifications on her lawn.”

“Be that as it may you have brought much anxiety to the poor girl and I’d appreciate it if you tried to make amends or at least set her at ease,” Rarity added.

“I’ve already apologized and it's not like I can really help her that much. Girl’s got anxieties only shrimp can perceive,” I shot back.

Rarity paused, and for a moment was quiet before clearing her throat.

“Be that as it may,” Rarity began again. “I would still appreciate it if you took the time to speak to her, and express how sorry you feel for the entire ordeal.”

I frowned, and though my first response was to tell her no, I didn't do that. Fluttershy, even while surrounded on all sides by her friends, seemed nervous, and I could see her eyes occasionally flick toward me, as well as the exit.

“I’ll talk to her,” I muttered.

“Thank you, darling, and do enjoy the party,” Rarity offered.

The fashionable mare trotted off, leaving me to mull things over while chewing on a mouthful of crackers.

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