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By No Means Perfect! (SPONSORED- Ponyville)


SteelEagle

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Boulder set down his glass and refilled it for his forth drink.  So far he was handling himself well and felt confident for his part in the challenge as he let out a slight but very small belch as he wiped his mouth with his hoof.  "Pardon folks" he said in slight embarrassment as he drank his fourth serving.

 

As he drank, his ears caught the sound of an argument taking place.  He didn't know what it was about and he didn't care; but he wasn't going to let a petty squabble ruin the evening planned by the Princesses and Mayor.  However Princess Twilight's actions seemed to end it instantly and in doing so he came to respect the young Princess of Friendship very well for her diplomacy.  As she came up to join the game herself and stood next to him, he watched in shock as she lined sixteen cups for herself.

 

"Easy your Majesty, I'm here for ya if ya need a shoulder to lean on, but don't strain yourself now" he whispered as he finished his fourth cup and readied a fifth.

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"I am Fire Walker, First Lieutenant of the Royal Equestrian Army, trainer of new recruiters and occasional princess escort.", she technically should have said 'and their friends' but that would have sounded odd. "And if you do not mind me saying, you are one very lucky fella as Chieftain Sigrun is one very special lady." Why doesn't anyone want to be a queen anymore? Technically Celestia should be a queen as she apparently has no living parents. Did they die? Were they immortal like the Alicorn sisters? Or were they sent to an pony farm where they can run around all day just like her foal-hood dog Mister Iggy Piggy Pants? The only one who seemed to wear the Queen title proudly would be the unmentionable and probably disposed Changeling queen and that Hippogriff queen. She also might be a sea-pony, which may or may not be the same thing as an meremare. Maybe it's an age thing? Queens are older and matronly, while Princess were young and adventurous.
 
Eggnog? She could only assume they were drinking it properly. Not just the regular stuff you get at your local Cantermart, but the really good stuff with whiskey and cinnamon. Or cinnamon whisky and then more cinnamon as the mare did love her cinnamon. But she was probably already at her limit...But another couldn't hurt. And the Caribou with the missing back left leg mentioned there was a drinking contest! Normally if she were sober and hanging around with her -pony- friends that would be a suitable challenge, but there were just too many hefty caribou about. She would lose very badly. But he was talking trash! Oh no! If only her father were here! He would drink all these silly bulls under the table. But nope, he was probably either getting into an big old political debate with Cordy. She would have to leave it at that.
 
Thankfully an earth pony stepped in for the challenge. He was handsome and strong. Fit to plow fields, but not to beat an Caribou in a drinking contest. Poor guy. And speaking of poor guy, there was Miss Naj!  "Yeah, crazy magic. That's Ponyville." They really needed to find a nice, safe place away from the citizens for Twilight to practice her magic. Call it an 'Twilight Zone'. Thankfully, changelings heal very quickly, or are they able to shift the damage away? 
 
"Happy Hearth's Warming to you as well, Miss Ice." She had been mad at the Dunder-Stealer for about a year and then finally got over it. Things could have been handled better with that whole fiasco, but as they say, time heals all wounds. Except maybe decapitation. Nothing heals that. Not even ointment.
 
The red Pegasus pony turned her attention to the Mayor who gave a short, but informative speech. They were having an donation drive and a raffle! Good fun! After throwing a few bits in the box, she decided to purchase one ticket for everypony in her family. There! She might win a prize and she was doing a little bit of good. After snatching up her tickets, she spied the good Princess as she was in the middle of giving someponies a good talking to, and one of them was Swift. "Ah feathers", she grumbled as she made her away towards her stallion. "Come on Swift, let's just watch the contest and soak up the atmosphere.", she cozied up by his side as she spoke.
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Gulp. Around Windwright's fifth mug, Princess Twilight joined in and lined up sixteen mugs of eggnog. THAT was a challenge Windy didn't think she was up to, and she cast a wary glance in that direction. Which meant she kept it where it was since Twilight had...probably accidentally...placed herself between Windwright and the loudest of the dragons present. 

 

She was still tilting the mugs back and simply pouring the fluid down her throat in a single long swallow, but in a couple more mugs she'd need to start slowing down. Too much sloshing around was bound to cause some sort of an issue. Thank Luna this wasn't spiked eggnog or she'd end this little game in the hospital. Though come to that, where WAS the princess..? It was too lovely a night for solitude, especially with the warmth spell and the slight sheen everything had taken on from the crystal spell.

 

"So." the pegasus said between two mugs. "What's your wager, princess? I've wagered any scent the winner wants. Calder clanless has wagered his gevir, and Halvard of Breen has wagered a donation to the Mayor's cause in everyone's name." It was presumptuous, but presumption and bravado were a part of the game as much as the actual drink. "You as well, Bolt!" the mare called out. She REALLY hoped he didn't join, if only because she wasn't actually sure what kind of scent he'd like and she didn't like her odds with a dragon in the mix. But no backing down now. "Step up and make an introduction and a wager if you're game."

 

Seven mugs down now. Sisters help her, nine more to match Twilight if she finished all of hers.

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Calder found it funny that Twilight was joining, more so with how many glasses she lined up. "Hæ!Twilight." He had to give her some respect too that, even if he was worried about beating her. Last thing he needed was her drunk and angry she lost! With that bloody magic she has she’d trash him worse than a king sea serpent. So to play it safe he keeps count of her drinks and took care to stay one drink behind her. Feeling like that was safe he slows down on his drinking and looked at the others. His wager was feeling small now… But that was a good thing with… whatever that pony was here. She looked so much like the moon pony. Luna was it? Was she related? What did she do? Stars? Well whatever her powers in the sky are he took no shame in losing to her and having such an easy wager to pay off.

 

The next thing to bother him was the talk about the drink not being spiked. What did that mean? Spike in pony talk was… something sharp or with a point. So the drink did not have points or sharp things in it? Was that a problem around here? That was stupid… He has to be misunderstanding something. So he leans over to Halvard and nudges the blue bull. “[What in the gods name do they mean] “it’s not spiked” [I’d hope the drink did not have sharp things in it, but I think whatever slang is being used here was lost on me.]”

 

Soon as he asked that he felt the need to fix something as well. Slamming down another cup, laging just one behind Twi, he looks at Windwright. “No no, not Calder clanless. Calder THE clanless. May not be good at pony talk but know you need that. Clanless not name, just what I be. At least now, maybe one day the old cow toss me in pant. Hehe.” He smiled as he watched Twi put down her next drink, than follows along downing his. “And how you put smell in cup? That seem…. Funny. If win make you put uh…” He thinks, if he had a sent in cup what will he have? He snorted as his brain drops out a few fun ones but he picks the more calf safe offer. “Ash. Love smell of ash and fire.” He says with a nod.

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As everyone else at the table turned their attention to Twilight, Ejaz realized that he wasn’t needed all that much, there were already so many willing to help, not to say he shouldn’t bother... but rather he shouldn’t try so hard. So, putting a bit more space between himself and the alicorn princesses, Ejaz finished his sixth cup and refiled for a seventh. Already the mechanic could tell he might stop soon, not because he couldn’t drink more, but rather, he really liked Eggnog and rather fancies the idea of not being utterly sick of its taste or remembering vomiting whenever he so much as looks at it. So the pegasus was sure he’d probably drink 4 or 5 more cups of the cake-like beverage before stopping.

 

Then the question asked by Calder reached his ears, pausing and looking across the relatively small table, Ejaz smiled a little as he answered Calder’s question.

 

”What I meant is that, well, there’s no alcohol in these drinks... So uh... Ideally nobody should be getting drunk... As for getting sick... Eeh.. no guarantees...” The stallion explains with a slight shrug before drinking his cup.

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Squall didn't said anything. Oh sure, he had at least a five different retorts come to mind, but in the end it wasn't worth the effort. Sigrun was only one present here that he really wanted to have bout with, and figuring out that it was hardly a place for another chapter of their rivalry (as one sided as it was) killed any strident thoughts noblepony had.

 

The dragon tried really, really hard to be intimidating. but when he having to gaze upwards to stare unicorn into the eye (As Squall's stature made him almost as tall as Princess Luna) kind of dampened the effectiveness. Still, as if to oblige him, Swift answered Bolt's stare with unblinking glare of his own but in complete silence. After all, they say that dog that lacks the bite barks the loudest. Nobelpony didn't stopped even when Ice intervened with magic of her own, but he still raised his eyebrow in surprise. That was a rare event to be sure, Ice taking his side.

The stare-down would probably continued still if not for Princess Twilight choosing to get intervened. So his name was Bolt huh? How fitting. Still he couldn't really agree with what purple alicorn was trying to say.

 

"When in Roam, do as Roamans do." he said in response to Twilight's description of dragon customs while maintaining the eye contact with the blue drake. Still, that explained a few things. For example, no wonder that so many founded themselves on pointy end of sword or spear of valiant adventurer. Their ego's overshadowed their self preservation instincts. And their self-control it would seem.

"But very well, I will oblige your request Miss Sparkle. Let's see if he is willing to learn...." Squall said aloud, before adding in his mind "....or a mere slave to his instincts."

He was sure that if he spoke that part aloud Bolt would throw another tantrum and orange stallion was definitely not wasting more of his time going through that.

 

Nopony else could be as soothing on his mood as his Love. As soon as she found herself next to him, Swift could feel his frustrations evaporating rapidly.

"Yes. Let's do just that. The evening is still young." he said, giving Bolt one last look with the squinted eyes before turning around and leading the way.

First he made his way to Ice. While Fire may have already gave the blue unicorn her best holiday wishes, Squall was yet to do so, and besides he wanted to exchange the word with his friend, among few other things.

"This is a rare for us to agree on something Ice. Does sea and sky switched places or something?" he asked jokingly. "But to seriously, thanks. I could get used to that warm feeling. I guess we start to understand each other better. By the way Ice, how is your wife? You must've pretty busy between making her very, very happy, your business and our shared 'workplace'. " he mused while dropping their standard euphemism for their EPIC work.

"Oh and Happy Hearth's Warming Ice. I have something for you. Well two somethings."  Swift said while reaching inside his longcoat. A seconds later Swift was holding a beautifully ornamented silver box along with a large envelope.

 

"I heard you were trying to extent your business into Las Pegasus - don't ask me how, I have ways - but had trouble finding good venue. So I and Grandfather pulled a few strings." Swift explained. "A deed of ownership for the land, along with freshly build estate on it - just for you - in the very center of the city. With 'Silver Pyramid' , 'Six Knights' and 'La Mettalica' few steps way." nobelpony names-dropped a three famous casinos. "That would be, what, your seventh's restaurant? Heh, before I notice you will be going international Ice. I am sure your treats would be hit in Saddle Arabia." he said with a wink.

 

"And this...this is very special indeed. It was made just for you, and took forty wizards, ten enchanters, a very rare materials and some collaboration from your wife to make. Mind you, I wouldn't put so much effort if I didn't know you were such phenomenal spell-caster that could put these to good use. So...Ready?" Swift said while putting his hoof on the lid.

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Multiple ponies and caribou came over to try and speak with Twilight, each one offering a shoulder for her to lean on. It was an excellent reminder of all the great virtues that Equestria had with compassion and friendliness being on stark display It helped embolden her in a moment of concern. Each one brought something significant in their own way.

Ejaz was a stranger and yet he was first. Strangers were not always so forthcoming but in Equestria you were always likely to find somepony willing to help. A holiday like Hearths Warming Eve helped inform the Equestrian spirit, and such a spirit helped ponies feel strong and righteous in their desire to help one another even if they did not who they were trying to help. Selfless love and care. “I'll be fine, but thank you, Ejaz. Most of my worries are self-inflicted, and all are things I need to learn to control better.”

Halvard was a warm presence of steady courage and hearty goodness. Far from perfect like all others he nonetheless focused on the current exchange of relations and friendships between all creatures in the game rather than worry about the possibility of danger outside of it. The ability to rely on certain friends for an escape from the vexations of life was a trait common to all peoples but Equestrians, and those who dealt with them, were infected with a certain boundless enthusiasm and optimism that allowed for them to traverse any obstacle and end as joyfully exuberant as before. “Actually, yes. I also make my own eggnog for use at night around this time of the year. Of course I didn't bring it out this year because it is spiked. I tend to have Applejack try it. I know I've reached a good level when one drink puts her out,” she said with a smile. Alicorn physiology had its advantages.

Boulder Dash was strong in body but it was the strength of his heart that was most endearing. He cautioned her to ease up, which allowed her continue her smile. “Oh, don't worry. I taste-tested three kegs of this in the past week, and that was just the winning brew. Other meaderies and drink makers didn't make the cut, though the few kegs I received from Baltimare were really delicious. Maybe I should give you their address? They only do special orders but I gotta say that it'd b worth every bit,” she said, happy to give him any gift she could this year.

Windwright asked for a wager. Twilight thought about it as she downed a few of her cups, replacing each one in line as she did so, therefore always having sixteen more to go. Hmmm,” she pondered before coming up with a decent enough idea. “A week in my castle, living there. Room and board, free,” she finished it up hopefully. She downed another. That was a good one, right? She downed another, her magic making the process mechanical. “And if I win, second place gets it,” she said, downing another, filling up another.

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Kojo was lagging behind a bit in the contest, currently on his third cup. To be fair though, he was both the smallest competitor and distracted by the hubbub Bolt and the others were causing. The small dragon frowned as he watched the confrontation between Bolt and the two unicorns play out, about to go over to help break it up when Twilight beat him to it. Just as well, her method definitely worked. 

 

For now, Kojo finished off his third cup and filled up for his fourth, though he was definitely keeping an eye on Bolt. That dragon seemed like he needed a friend, and who better to bridge the gap than another dragon that lived among ponies? Maybe he was just being egotistical himself, but he hoped he was right...

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Ejaz finished his seventh cup and refiled it for the eighth, quietly listening to the others as he drank, before blinking as he recieved thanks from Twilight. He looked over at the princess with a tint of surprise, the pegasus then smiled gently and gave a nod.

 

”You’re welcome...” came his quiet answer before he drank up his eighth cup. Ejaz once again silently listening to the conversations around him, he was honestly surprised to hear that multiple others had their Eggnog denied, and that the princess made her own alcoholic Eggnog. Knowing that this was the best Eggnog availble made the pegasus re-think his decision to stop soon, if this was the best, and well... It was free, might as well say damn it all and have fun right? Besides that was the whole point of the event, to crazy and have fun correct? So, why hold back? Now Twilight’s bet did linger curiously in Ejaz’s mind, but the mechanic quickly pushed it out as he decided to focus on how many cups he’s consumed. So far it’s just become eight, now let’s see how he feels after nine.

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Ice Storm was content to let Princess Twilight have the final word on the matter. She let the words of the dragon roll off of her. Petty insults were beneath her and she wouldn't let someone with a lower intelligence get the better of her. If he wanted to believe that she was racist, even though she had made no remarks other than simply addressing him and telling him about how he was expected to behave at their cultures. It's not xenophobic, it was common bucking sense. Apparently that wasn't taught to this young dragon. Still a bit of her felt for him. She knew the pain of being alone in a place that you weren't really wanted in to begin with... or at least felt like you weren't wanted in. She had to deal with that when she came to Canterlot the first time, and perhaps she let it get the better of her at first. Ultimately though, she learned. She moved on from the experience and when she came back she was a completely different mare. In fact, she was one of the wealthier mares in Canterlot now, but she still only partook in very few noble gatherings, and to this day still refuses to attend that anything that Upper Crust is hosting. Spoiled Rich as well. She despised how those two would walk all over somepony else if given the chance just for an extra bit.

 

At that point Fire Walker had extended a simple greeting to her. It sounded a bit more sincere than it had in previous events so she wondered if things had finally settled over from the events past. It had been more than a couple years now since then, and Fire knew that she didn't have to worry about her going after Swift Squall. She was already married for one, and two, they simply wouldn't be compatible with each other. They would always be butting heads over something. Not fighting persay, but griping at the very least. Plus with their work place environment, that could prove to be a bigger danger than an asset.

 

She watched as Twilight made her way over to where the bou's were drinking before turning back as she heard Swift Squall addressing her. His initial question made her giggle a bit. Wondering if the skies and seas had inverted because they had agreed upon something. That he could get used to that warm feeling, and perhaps they were finally starting to see eye to eye on a few things. Ice nodded gently. Truth be told she could always see a bit of the reasoning behind his thought, even if she disagreed with him most of the time. The main thing she felt is that he relied on gadgets too much rather than good old fashioned intuition. He further asked about her wife, which made her smile, though inside a bit ached her. She wished that she could have been here tonight. She actually missed her more a lot. With recent events she barely got to spend any time at home with her because of missions and expeditions and the like... She was hoping that she would have gotten to spend more time with her in the winter, but they both had just been so busy, it's been come home and sleep. They really needed to take a vacation together at some point. The fire between them has never been lost, but the gap is a bit bigger than it's been recently.

 

"Fire Heart is doing well, although we don't get to spend near enough time together as we would like to. I've been wanting to surprise her with something special. I think the Fire ruby neckless with her cutie mark in it that I left in her stocking will help, but it's still insignificant than just having time with her. And don't sell yourself short. We see eye to eye on quite a few things, but somepony has to be rational and plan the escape routes after you charge in," she told him with a playful wink.

 

She was a bit shocked though when she heard Swift say that he had something for her. Or rather two somethings. True she had something for him as well, but she didn't bring it with her! She didn't have any idea who was or wasn't going to be here! So she only brought the gift that she had already donated to the table, ad even then, that would be better suited for Fire Walker anyway. When he mentioned that he had heard that she was planning on expanding to Las Pegasus, she lifted an eyebrow. She didn't think that she had made it that public of knowledge but it was Squall and he confirmed that it was mostly from his resources that he had found this out. What really surprised her was when he pulled out the deed to land and an estate on it in the heart of Las Pegasus. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. That location would easily have to be her biggest store. So much potential hoof-traffic there...

 

"Swift.... I ummm I don't know what to say.... Thank you very much!! It'll actually only be my sixth store, but still more than most ponies have going. I actually have a few things for you and Fire as well! I unfortunately do not have them with me though. I didn't have any idea who was going to be here tonight, so I only brought my donation gift. I'll be in Canterlot though for the next week. I was already planning on making a trip to Las Pegasus to look at some land, but now it will be to do finalizations and hire some architects for the design of the store. It's going to be a much larger project than any of my other stores have been, so will take a bit longer to get prepped." she smiled a bit.

 

When he started describing the last gift though... she felt..... proud? Heavily honored? that Swift would go through that much trouble for her. These feelings intensified when she heard him say that he wouldn't have went through as much trouble as he did for this last gift if it wasn't for the fact that he knew that she was such a phenomenal spellcaster, and would be able to put it to good use. Gosh though, she didn't know what could be so potent that it required so many ponies to make... whatever it was... it had to cost a lot more than what the land in Las Pegasus..... actually perhaps not. That particular plot of land with the location and proximity to the high-bit casinos.... was very high-bit real estate. Still when he asked if she was ready to see what it was, she nodded, her curiosity starting to get to her.

 

 

Spoiler

((Aloe and Wind Dancer posts will come tomorrow. I wanted to get this out before bed.))

 

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Bolt's jaw was agape when Princess Twilight came to his defense, he wasn't expecting her to get involved over such a trivial matter and it was things like that, that made the purple alicorn his obsession over the white,navy blue and pink ones. Bolt gave a two fingered salute casually addressing Twilight as he chirped with a happy tone. "You got it boss." His smile turned to a frown when Squall just had to have the last word. "Yeah that's real friendly you ya jerk." He spat as the swordsmen walked away adding a flipped up middle claw to drive his point home that was swiftly hidden behind his back the moment any of them looked back. While he respected Twilight that didn't change his feelings towards Squall and the unicorn he had some nasty things planned for them sometime after the holidays, after all who could predict somebody who moved faster than light and smash through stone walls? Bolt took a seat next to the griffon nodding to Ejaz whom he remembered from the encounter the other day he also received a lecture from him not too long ago, ponies sure liked telling people how they should act Bolt through slapping ten bits onto the table. He didn't say anything nor did he pick up any of the jugs before him he was lost in Twilight's eyes own while his own pupils formed into red hearts beating as he day dreamed about the former unicorn, resting his head upon his claws.

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Six... seven...

 

The key was to get into a rhythm, a period of hard chugging, followed by a brief rest to allow the stomach contents to settle.  Had the drink been spiked (a term that seemed to cause some element of confusion to Calder; fortunately someone was keen enough to aid in understanding while Halvard's mouth was full), a glass of water between flagons of eggnog would have also worked wonders in keeping one's head straight.  As it stood, however, the one thing was to drink as much as possible.  And that mean making room....

 

"UURRR-AAAPPP!"  Whether or no the bull could out-drink Boulder, he could certainly out-belch him.  "Phwoo, you don't need to ask any pardon from me!  You didn't shake the table!"  And with a laugh, Halvard poured himself another flagon.

 

Eight... nine....

 

Calder was getting on well with his fellow-contestants, which was good.  Both Ejaz and Windwright were doing good work in helping to put the young bull at his ease.  Speaking of Windy, there was that offer of a scent... "This might sound a little odd, but I don't suppose you could bottle the scent of a caribou?  Sigrun and I travel a lot, you see, and not always together.  It would be good, when I'm overseas, to have a reminder of home like that."  He couldn't complain too much, after all, Fire Walker was right when she called him a lucky fellow.  Still, the separation could be hard.  Hm, that might actually be a possibility for Ice Storm and Fire Heart as well...

 

Ten... Eleven...

 

Halvard couldn't tell if Princess Twilight was doing a kind of understated brag, or what, but if half of what she was saying had weight in it's implications, she could go hoof-to-hoof with the High King in a contest!  As if the sixteen mugs weren't hint enough of that.  "Indeed?  Well, I don't suppose I could ask for a barrel or two to take home, as a cultural exchange.  I'll promise to send a gift of mead in kind, when the aging finishes."

 

Twelve... thirteen....

 

Halvard had to break for another table-rattling belch, asking pardon from all present.  Judging by the others, he was making a good pace.  Seemed Kojo was not so great a challenge as he had anticipated, and Bolt... well, that other dragon seemed distracted right now.

 

Fourteen... fifteen...

 

Going for a refill, Halvard only found a few drops going into his mug.  "Eh!  Have we drained the town dry?"  That would be no small accomplishment, but that certainly left the results of the contests up in the air.  Would nopony honor their bets, or would everypony?  Halvard would honor his, at any rate!

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Calder was utterly dumbfounded that the drink has no alcohol. But at the same time impressed at the ponies sharp wits to work out what he was asking without  speaking in the rubbish ponys call talking. “No alcohol?” He says looking at a mug, than doing a one shot down the hatch with it. “Sad.”

 

Calder flicks his ears as Halvard belchs, well if he was going do it… Calder follows along. Well he can’t out-belch Halvard he did put up a good try with good, long belch that can make a father proud. Wiping his muzzle he fills his mug up and gets back to drinking as he hears Twilight talk about some eggnog she makes just for herself… It sounded wonderful. “Eh, haha.Twilight can buy some of that eggnog? I so want. After some day running  shop I wish I drop that fast.” He says chuckling with a grin.

 

He keeps filling his mug and drinking until he brings it to his lips and found nothing in it. He blinked and saw Halvard had the same thing, they drank it all. Good thing, he was starting to feel full. Patting his belly he belched another time. “Well, I not win against Twilight. You be one mug ahead of me.” He says with a grin, at least he thinks she was. He stopped counting and had no clue ware he was in mugs down. 

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Ejaz could faintly hear some of the conversations taking place around him, the pegasus too focused on drinking Eggnog to really pay attention to the exact words that were said. He had been watching Halvard curiously to see how to down these cups so quickly and not accidentally puke his guts out. But in watching the caribou, a real sense of competetiveness started to rise in the mechanic, who not only challenged himself to try and drink in a similar matter, but to also try to drink as fast as the other male did. With some trouble, (mostly with the sudden increase in burping) Ejaz began to drink as much as the caribou, but internally, the mechanic almost immediately knew there was no way he could keep this pace. Ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen and fifteen, Ejaz drank it all, and felt that if he had to down another cup in that fasion, he wouldn’t be able to hold it in his stomach. Filling up a sixteenth cup, Ejaz was going to take all of his time drinking it as to not utterly ruin his day, however, the mechanic paused as he heard Halvard complain about there being no more, it was then at this moment that a revelation came to Ejaz. If this was the best non-alcoholic Eggnog, and it was free, and they were doing this drinking contest, and there’s no more Eggnog, then they just stole an oppoturnity from who knows how manu others! Ejaz then paused and stared long and hard at his drink, contemplating whether he should consume it, or maybe he should save it for someone else? But would it really mean all that much to save one cup? Well, maybe to some, but to others, it might mean everything....  Then again, he might at least be in second place if he drank this last cup.... But selfishness wasn’t in his nature... The stallion was legitamately at a crossroads on what to do.

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“Seriously?”, The red mare could not believe her ears. “They’re having a regular old eggnog contest? No rum? No whiskey? No brandy? No nothing? Just milk, cream, sugar, whipped egg whites, and egg yolks?", She glanced over at the Pegasus stallion, "The worst the 'winner' of this contest will get is a slightly bloatly feeling, and maybe a case of salmonellosis if they used the original raw egg flavor." Fire Walker silently wondered what sort of party Applejack and her clan were having? Probably lots of friends, family, moonshine, apple cider and music. A real Hearth's Warming Hootenanny! Still, she would not dare to crash the farmer's party. That would be rude.
 
And speaking of rude, the officer's husband to be was still being a typical stallion. Puffing out his chest and trying to make himself look taller. Would he dare pick a fight on an holiday that celebrated ponies getting together as friends? Rejecting old racial prejudices to side with those you disliked to defeat an greater foe? Thankfully Swift decided to do what the Roamans did, and that was roam. As in away. To thank him for his wise choice, she gave him a quick little kiss on the cheek once he was at her side.
 
Ice Storm got her a gift? As the natives in Gallopocus Islands would say, 'Ah Pappapisshu!', she thought to herself. She would have never known to bring the gal who stole he colt-friend a Hearth's Warming Eve gift! She didn't even have plans originally to wander around Ponyville after the family party! What did she know about this mare? Besides colt-napping, she liked tea. She owned a few ice cream parlors. She was a unicorn. Maybe a gift card? There were a few stores in the area. House of Hats. The Joke Shop. Tricks, Jokes, Fun. Fool your friends. Would Ice appreciate a dribble glass or an whoopie cushion? Or how about Rich's Barnyard Bargains? Also....the mare was trying her luck in Las Pegasus? Hopefully she was familiar with the lay of the land. You couldn't just toss one of her regular old timey ice cream parlors there, she needed to be EXTREME. Crazy flavors like Honey Jalapeño Pickle and Sweet Potato Cashew! Her shop needed to STAND OUT. Maybe put it on an replica volcano? Or one staffed by pony pirates! Arr!
 
 
 
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"Hmm well I am sure you will be in even more lose of words after seeing those. But be warned Ice, you may feel a bit strange at first." Squall warned the blue mare before starting to lift the box lid.

 

Swift wondered about Ice thoughts and expectations about the contents of the box.

The four ball of pale blue fire that flew out of it towards her probably didn't fit any of them.

But instead of hitting her and exploding like a proper fireball, they just....froze in midair in front of her face. Squall smirked to himself. By now the blue mare must've felt the connection that took place.

The one that linked her with the Spheres.

 

"I am sorry for that. But I really wanted that to be a surprise. Can you forgive me for such simple pleasure?" noblepony said, his face distorted by the flickering flames between him and Ice. If he was correct, by now Ice could realize three things.

First, the flaming spheres didn't radiate any heat. Actually the opposite was true - they seemed to be even chiller the the winter surroundings around them.

Second, what was pale blue was actually the solid core of the Spheres, that Ice Storm could now see now that balls were up close. The flames themselves were shimmering with spectrum of colors that one could consider 'cold'. Somehow that made the hovering balls resemble opals.

The third was surge of 'joy' that she could feel. Not from the Squall, any other pony present or even herself. It was coming from the Spheres.

 

That apparently 'decided' to express it visually, as they started to 'happily' encircle her head at high speed.

"You don't need to worry. The effects that you feeling are normal when it comes to Opalus Spheres*." Squall said, while giving a content smirk. He was sure that at least some ponies present recognized the name of such valuable relict. "It means that they properly connected to you magic reserves. After all they were made using some of your aether. Again I must've' express gratitude towards your wife for help in creating such gift. I explained the situation to her and she was very helpful in gathering a bits of your magical energy so those would be made." swordpony explained.

 

"I am sure that you may have heard the name before Ice, but the topic is rather obscure. The Sorcerer Sphere is relicts that help with spell casting - whatever is enhancing the magic cast, serving as extension of your aether pool, replicating the spells cast and other useful things. It is also able to 'store' and cast the sorcery that their owner otherwise couldn't. Spheres are also emphatic, not unlike some golems. This allows you to issue it the commends with your mind alone when you get enough practice. The Opalus Sphere ais variations of it, one that focuses on element of ice." Squall said, while in the meantime the Spheres stopped encircling the blue unicorn and took positions over her head and shoulders.

 

"Mind you all of those functions are yet to come. While the connection was made it will take both practice and passage of time for them to fully synth up with you. To ensure you will have actually have to occasion to do so I made sure for those to be extra durable. I subjugated one in the stream of dragonfire for two hours and as you see it's not worse for the wear."

Swift said while Ice could feel...irritation? It was indeed coming from one of the spheres.

 

Squall couldn't help but smile after Fire kissed him. "Well, it seemed like the mature thing to do." he answered quietly to his fiancée unspoken question.

"Mind you Moto, I don't believe that he can be anything but self-centered glory hound with a trigger temper." swordpony said in a whisper. "But at the same time I still have faith that Miss Sparkle sees in him room for growth that I do not.  So I will wait and and see if Twilight's judgment is correct and if his actions will prove my impressions wrong. And in cases like these I like to be wrong"

 

Fire was apparently not impressed after hearing about the true nature of the beverage used in the contests.

"Dear, do you really would want to deal with bunch of drunk caribou AND drunk alicorn at the same time, in the same town? Because that would be the likely result if those glasses had any 'spike' in them. And as an officer you would been expected to." noblepony pointed out. "Still, if I knew that those were non-alcoholic I would have joined. Pity."

 

After the Ice the next person who Squall approached was....Mayor Mare?

"Heh, I can see how this mare still has her position after all those years." he though after hearing town official speech.

"Greeting Mayor, it's been some time. While I don't wish for a tickets, I want to make donation regardless. Let's see...." he mused while drawing the bill and the fountain pen - one of the fancy new inventions, the supposed to be vanquisher of the writing quill. "...Would...I don't know? Seventy thousand bits be acceptable?" he asked while writing the amount and signing the cheque, before hoofing it to town official.

 

Swift didn't stooped for long to watch Mayor reaction. After all there was more friends and close ones in the vicinity that he didn't gifted yet. The presents for his Beloved Fire were saved for the last, so unicorn moved to Naj next.

"Spring, I believe it's time to give you presents as well. For you I too have two special somethings." businesses-stallion revealed.

 

*

Spoiler

Based on Verdant Spheres. I guess Ice is Kael'thas now. Except pony. And female. And not insane.

 

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As she listened to Mayor Mare's words, Naj remembered her own time alone in the cold.  Granted, hers had been a unique case.  That situation had been a little more deliberate than most ponies, at least in some ways, and it likely would have taken more than money to get her out of it.  That didn't change the fact that she could likely empathize with those ponies in such unfortunate circumstances.  And while she was by no means wealthy, she didn't have much in the way of expenses either.  She would give something.

 

And, if Naj was being entirely honest, she was a little curious about that raffle.  She'd head over to the donation boxes once she was done here.

 

On 12/22/2017 at 12:13 AM, tacobob said:

"Yeah, crazy magic. That's Ponyville."

That reaction caused Naj to grin.  “Ha!  Ain't that the truth!  Ahh, but I wouldn't have it any other way.”  Ponyville, she'd found, had a certain insane charm to it.  “It's funny actually, I might have never come here if it wasn't.”  She'd been trying to avoid other changelings, and thus looking for a place that was strategically unimportant, yet hazardous enough to not be a target of opportunity for changelings looking to feed.

 

Swift Squall admitted to Naj that he didn't enjoy making criticism as he had, but felt it necessary.  Naj gives him a look.  Did he really claim to be a master of magic such that he could give advice to Twilight?  Did he even realize he's implying himself to be a better teacher than Celestia?  There was a small part of her that bristled at such a thing being said of her 'queen', especially when the role was filled by such a wise and kind-hearted pony.

She held back on saying any of this though, in favour something a little less incendiary.  “You and I are seeing different things then.  She seemed more than self-critical enough, and I don't think she needs semi-random ponies adding to that.”

 

Any further discussion would have to wait however, which Naj was a little thankful for even if she didn't quite approve of the source.  A young dragon was treating the whole event like some sort of drunken party, and looking for dares from the audience.  It reminded her a little of what she'd occasionally see back in the hive after a successful operation.  Although in those cases, the drones had done something to earn their rowdiness, here the dragon was presenting it as a positive thing in itself.

 

Squall as well as another pony, Ice Storm, that Naj recognized from EPIC, stepped up to challenge the young dragon.  Things grew heated, and for a moment, Naj was worried she was going to have a fight on her hooves.  She grew silent, and tense.  She started subtly looking around, spotting exit routes, and thinking of how best to guide civilians or coax the fight away from the city centre.

 

Fortunately, others stepped in including Princess Twilight herself, and cooled things down.  Fire Walker pulled Squall away, and another discussion started up.  Naj breathed a small sigh of relief, relaxed, and turned back to her friends.

 

Squall had some gifts for Ice Storm, which by the sound of things were very, very extravagant.  Naj wasn't sure some of them were a wise use of resources, but then again it was Squall, if anyone could get away with such wanton spending it was him.

 

As Ice Storm received the gifts, with a considerable amount of surprise and appreciation, she mentioned having some gifts for them as well, though not having brought them with her.
Naj was starting to feel like a third wheel, which when she got down to it was why she had strongly considered not coming into town in the first place.  And now that she wasn't really contributing to the conversation, she was considering heading off.  She had thought about going to speak to some of the caribou, to see how things were going in Whitescar, as she hadn't visited in a while.  When she looked over at them however, they seemed mired in their game, and she was loathe to bother them with something so inane.  Perhaps she should make a point to travel up there in future.

 

Having thought her role in the conversation was done, Naj was just turning to leave when Squall turned back to her.  Apparently he had gifts for her as well, which caught her by surprise.  She blinked, and turned back to him.  “Oh, er...thank you...I'm afraid I don't have anything for you, though.”  She wasn't sure she wanted to accept gifts when she hadn't held up her end, yet it might be just as rude or more to refuse a gift offered, so she opted to explain the aforementioned detail and let Squall decide.

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Twilight had consumed five by the time her wager was made public. It was good that her alicorn physiology was so insanely robust because she had already so much to drink and eat earlier. When she had first become an Alicorn she was far less of a fan, of course. The caloric intake and sugar demands of her new species was beyond all reckoning. Eight thousand calories a day was hard to get used to, especially when it was considered more of a minimum than anything else. With sixteen more to go her mind wandered over to what feast may follow, but she banished that thought. She needed to focus more on her company.

And the contest. She was five down, sixteen to go. The tap was now dry meaning there would be no more auto-filling of her cups. This was fine. She doubted that twenty one would be beat, and she doubted that anypony would really want to beat that. She downed one after another and another, taking the whole cup in her magical grasp and downing it quickly. It was a terrifying display of mechanical efficiency that could be accomplished only by somepony who had taste tested a large variety of eggnog recently.

One after another until she reached fifteen, meaning she had six cups left. Halvard, Sigrun, Bolt, Calder, Ejaz, and Boulder. She split the cups across all six of them, smiling. “Happy Hearths Warming, everyone,” she said, aware that she may be throwing the victory away but not really caring about it. She was just happy to share the holiday with friends and newcomers alike.




mayor_mare_sig_by_dignifiedjustice-d49ik


The Mayor considered what seventy thousand bits could do. A few years ago she would have stood, mouth agape, at such amounts for her town. Of course it had grown by leaps and bounds in those few years and with the addition of Princess Twilight and everything that came associated with the royalty and government, the amount no longer stood to gather such wonder. That and the donations were supposed to be more functional or fun items for those in nood. Seventy thousand bits would do a great deal of good, but more so doled out in appropriate amounts to those who needed it- distribution was harder, but the good was greater. “Thank you so much, Mr. Squall. The needy will be enriched immeasurably by this fine donation,” she said warmly, happy to have received such kindness.

A few moments later, she made her final proclamation.

“Thank you everypony for your warmth this season. This is the final call for raffle tickets and donations! We will be announcing the winner in just a few minutes so if you have any donations and any desire to earn extra tickets, please do so now,” she said, excited to wrap it up.


OOC- All donation posts are wrapped up Wednesday the 27th. Winner announed the next day!

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Ejaz sighed as he placed down his sixteenth cup, wondering what to do before blinking as a cup was passed to him. The mechanic stared at the cup in surprise before Twilight’s voice reached his ears and prompted the stallion to look at the Alicorn. Ejaz didn’t even have to think the question, he was sure that the purple mare knew she was possibly forfeiting the competition, but smiled as he was happy that she cared more about being fair rather than winning. Ejaz then looked down at the two cups in front of him, the pegasus staring as he finally made up his mind. Looking over at Twilight again, the smile on the stallion’s face grew both bigger, and softer.

 

“Thank you miss.” He states kindly before picking up a cup with his wing, and leisurely drinking the Eggnog inside, giving a moment to let it settle before then drinking the other cup. After he was finished, Ejaz took a deep breath to relax himself before the Mayor’s words begin to find their way into his ears. Tilting his ears in the direction of the source, Ejaz listened to the rest of her statement before looking at a bag he had attached hidden under one of his large folded wings.

 

“Hmm... How much should I.... eh, what the heck...” Ejaz speaks quietly to himself before shrugging, getting up, and walking over to the Mayor.

 

“It’s Hearths Warming... and I don’t really need to buy anything...” Ejaz finishes quietly as he came to a stop in front of Mayor Mare, the pegasus then used his wings to remove the bag from his side and handed it over to the earth pony.

 

”Here miss.... It’s um... It’s all I have, and I don’t really need it now...” Ejaz states softly with a gentle smile, inside the bag Mayor Mare would find a couple of hundreds to a thousand bits, it was true that he didn’t really need it, Ejaz owned enough food to last him around a month or so, and he never really bought anything unless it was truly necessary, so he had no worries about making enough bits for when he had to buy more supplies. Giving a small nod as if to say there was no need to thank him, Ejaz turned and headed back over to the table and sat back in his seat, taking a deep breath once again to relax in his seat and just simply and silently listen to the happenings going on around him.

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Bolt looked down at his reflection in the cup contemplating before shooting up like a rocket, raising his mug to the sky. "Here, here! I Propose a toast to Princesses Twilight & Luna for throwing this magnificent party. With a special thanks to Twilight for sharing this holiday and it's customs with me. The hour grows late and I must depart but I sincerely hope the rest of you enjoy the festivities." Bolt said placing his mug down before dropping onto all fours heading to the edge of town. The moment he was away from the crowds his smile faded and he begun to curse under his breath. The dragon was in a foul mood because all his attempts to be friendly we're either met with preconceived notions about his race or just outright ignored, part of him felt annoyed with himself he didn't put the big mouth swordsmen in his place by ramming him through a wall or at least breaking a few ribs. No longer wanting enjoy the holiday he decided to let off some steam. Now away from the hustle and bustle of the party he stopped at a building that doubled a boutique, peering into the windows he saw piles upon piles of glittering gems. He listened carefully placing his head against the window quickly deducing the owner wasn't at home, little did he know she was in Canterlot tonight. Not wanting to draw attention to himself he avoided kicking the door down and instead picked the lock with his claw. Hearing that distinct POP! the tumblers in the lock retracted and the door creaked open.

Bolt zipped inside closing the door behind him then darting around closing the curtains so nobody could ruin his fun. Finally alone and unleashed Bolt turned on the lights that caused the high fashion outfits and the gems scattered around the shop to sparkle. He waltzed over to the record player and started flicking through Rarity's music collection. Each record title made Bolt question who exactly lived here. "Pretty In Pink, Ugh......Life Is A Runway.....Dude come on....Ponytones Greatest Hits Featuring Fluttershy!? Whoever lives here they have terrible taste in music where's the Speed Metal or the Jazz?" He questioned settling for some pop album sung by a popular pony Bolt had never heard before. Now with upbeat music filling the air Bolt dove into a pile of gems as a gift to himself. He crunched and gnashed his way through the priceless stones only stopping to use the expensive dresses as napkins when needed. As much as a racket he was making it was nothing compared to the noise of the party outside so the blue dragons little escapade would likely fly under the radar. 

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While the party trundled on, another pony was strolling into the town, the stallion's strangely coloured armour clinking as he strolled along the street, a camera hanging from his neck as he picks up a little wrapped item from his saddlebag.

 

Switch stopped before getting to the town hall; he was outside of the Ponyville Boutique, and it seemed the shop was unofficially open for business, he leans against the door frame calmly, noting that although the unicorn was out in Canterlot tonight, her lights seemed to all be on, curtains drawn and music was playing through the door, a set of things that the mare would never just leave on. He casually and silently swings the door open, raising the camera to take a picture of the inside. "You know, it is a time for giving; but normally it's polite to wait for the gift to be given rather than take it yourself." he comments casually, seemingly unaffected by the fact there was a dragon inside. "Also I hate to say it but that music is awful, should be playing something with more bells in."

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Ten mugs Windy had swallowed in a single pour. After her tenth she had switched to properly drinking instead, as she'd noticed one or two of the bystanders staring. Her stomach was complaining at her, but with the potion's effects siphoning off her internal magic she had little doubt none of the drink would remain in her system for long enough to be an issue. Hooray for unintended diet plans?

 

Thirteen cups in, Windy ran into a problem. There was no more eggnog to be had. She drained her mug again, the fourteenth such, then cast around for something to catch up. She frowned and hung her head in defeat. Next time she'd need to be a little bit faster, it seemed. "Seems my count is fourteen mugs, for want of more eggnog."

 

Three litres. Not bad, just not enough to win. All that was left was for the other competitors to give their official counts. Right now it seemed like Ejaz was in the lead, but she hadn't really been watching anyone but herself and Princess Twilight. "Just a moment gentlefolk, I'll be within earshot.

 

The mare flew quickly over to her booth and grabbed a small flask (into the pack it goes), and a pair of boxes on a trolley. The boxes she brought to the donation bin, probably a years' supply of coat-care products for a dozen foals or half as many adults; simple soaps and unscented shampoos mostly, though there was also a sampling of dyes and scented conditioners.

 

Donation accomplished, she brought the flask and a bit of guaze out, then spread a little of the clearish fluid into the cloth. She snipped off the gauze and tossed it over to Calder while she corked the solution again. It could be said to smell like firewood, in the same way that the Pona Lisa could be said to resemble a mare. Windy had this particular solution on hoof to use as part of more complicated aromas, but it wasn't just 'firewood' it was birchwood. From a Silver-birch. That had been cut into quarters and dried before being used in a hearth. Made from granite. With an iron grate.

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"Apologies Mayor. I know that donation in goods would be way more in spirit of the day. However I must've confess I am not well informed what exactly would be well received. Not to mention so far the range of products that my enterprises produce are rather...limited. As such, I feared any gifts in form of items would be botched. I figured out additional funds would be more fitting instead, especially since I have faith that they will be used wisely." unicorn explained.

 

When Naj explained her lack of being prepared Squall blinked a few times. Was that it? Nobelpon shifted his gaze to his Love for a moment, and after an nod of understanding between the two refocused on his changeling friend.

"Spring, how is that an issue exactly?" he started, while taking her leg and gently leading her to nearby bench "For someone who lives among us for long, some things still elude you. I don't want you to give presents because I expect something in return. I do it because you are my friend." Swift explained as they sat down, and he gave the changeling a warmth filled smile.

"And besides....I think you gave me something already." unicorn added before staring upwards to the cnstelations hanging in the sky.

 

"Let me tell you a story Spring. I always thought myself as open minded pony. Before I moved to Fillydelphia I had so many travels, so many experiences and I met so many species  that...well I don't know. I guess I thought I just knew better? I wasn't there when Hive attacked Canterlot. In retrospect I guess it was for the best. If we met back then things would turn...badly. Perhaps we would never be able to speak like this." Squall mused.

"My first known contact in changelings was during the Nightmare Night. And....well, to be honest it wasn't much better. But there was one changeling there that prevented me from putting a black mark on your kind. From what I understood in those few words I heard during the struggle, she wasn't raised in the Hive but by the ponies. And she didn't looked famished, or unhappy. What's more important, she was fighting on our side. I didn't had an occasion to speak with her afterwards - Celestia spell evicted her from Ponyville with rest of the changelings. But I hope that one day we will be able to have one long talk, and that I will be able to tell her 'Thank You'. Because without her there wouldn't be that white dot on 'Black & White' view I had on your race." noblepony reminiscent.

 

"Still, while a beginning it wasn't enough. 'She grew up  with ponies, basically one of us anyway, but with chitin. An exception that proved the rule.' I reasoned to myself after that  events. It made sense. Life gone forward once again for a while and then....and then I meet You and Flux....." Swift finally arrived to a part that he didn't had to elaborate on further.

"After all this mess with Glass, and after I escorted you to Ponyville I begun to keep my tabs on you, just as I promised. What were you doing. Who you lived with. How you asked the Princess herself to permit your stay. And it...shook me up a little. I had this expectations and imaginations of changelings all already figured out. Chrysalis was the enemy, and so was her Hive. It is easier to think about a foe as a being without any redeeming traits. And then, you waltzed in and smashed that view to pieces. You were no agent, no parasite. You just wanted to...BE." stallion said with emphasis. "And I started to wonder 'How many Spring's could be out there, if circumstances could be different?' " Squall added while taking his eyes off from the stars, and looking Naj into the eyes.

 

"That's what you gave me Spring. The ability to think beyond yourself and your judgments. To second guess your expectations. To ask 'What-If' and 'Maybe There Is More To Her/Him'? Not as a doubt, but a piece of wisdom. And that Spring, that is a gift that is very hard to top." he said reassuringly.

After a momentary pause Swift chuckled before speaking again.

"But 'Titanic Monologues' wasn't exactly a thing I wanted to present you with today. I guess it's time to move to the essence of things..." Squall said while his hoof reached into inside of his long, winter duster....

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Boulder laughed as Twilight assured him she would be okay in her drinking and he found the idea of a Princess who cut loose once in a blue moon very enjoyable.  Smiling his wide grin the country pony leaned close and said, "If it's not too rash to say Twilight Ma'am, your my kind of Princess."

 

He continued to match Haldvar drink for drink and was about to start his 18th glass, when a unicorn ran up to Princess Twilight with a distressed look on her face.  Curiously he listened as the Unicorn began to explain to Twilight what was bothering her.

 

"Twilight I have bad news, the Stallion who was to play Scarlet Hooves the Giver has fallen ill with a stomach virus.  I'm so sorry your highness, he won't be able to preform for the Fillies and Foals...oh they will be do disappointed" she said sadly.

 

Scarlet Hooves the Giver.....a Fillie legend of a kind white bearded stallion in a Scarlet cloak who gave gifts to all good ponies on Hearts Warming Eve....a legend Boulder was told in his younger years.  As he pondered this, he suddenly saw the Unicorn staring at him for a moment before smiling happily and whispering something to Twilight....something about Boulder Dash being similar in "size and appearance" to the preformer.

 

"Princess Twilight....what may I ask is she saying to you?" he asked now a little confused as he set his glass down.

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Ice Storm immediately raised her hoof up to block her face and she saw the orbs fly at her. She was expecting them to hit her, but when thy never did, she paused and looked. The orbs floated around her and while they looked like they were on fire, they were putting off.... an aura of cold? That was interesting to say the very least. She listened to him explain what they were and what they could do, and what they would eventually be able to do. Wait.... did he say that these were... Opalus Spheres? As she listened... she could feel them connecting with her, and the sense that she was getting was over all complacent, except as Swift notated, there was one of the orbs that was distinguishably irritated. She immediately understood why when she heard that he had drowned it in Dragon's fire for two hours. She'd be irritated at that as well. However, that meant, and she picked up on it as well, that these things were somewhat intelligent. These were definitely Opalus Spheres. When he mentioned that this variation focused on ice... her eyes lit up even more.

 

Most ponies probably wouldn't have even have heard of these, but now Swift, and her wife, had four of these made specifically for her? She already wasn't a slouch in her spellcasting power, but these.... if she would have had these during the Crystal Faire..... she could have ended that entire charade before it even started. The spire wouldn't have collapsed, and no pony would have been hurt, or at least a lot less would have been. Regardless of what she felt about the past one thing was now for certain... nothing would ever happen like that again. She now had the power to make sure of that. At the same time though... she knew that this would throw up red flags. Her privacy was pretty much forfeit at this point. She had no doubts that she would have eyes on her at all times. AT least, she would have eyes on anypony else with this new found power. "Swift.... I don't know what to say.... thank you very much.... I'm um.... I wouldn't have expected anypony to go through this much effort for me... it.... really means a lot..." she told him before watching him make his way to some of the other guests.

 

She looked over to where the clock tower was, and she saw that it was starting to get pretty late itself. As much as she would have loved to stay longer, there was still one other pony that she had to spend Hearth's warming with, and with any luck, if she caught the next train home, she wouldn't have to make her wait too long. It was sad that she never really got to interact with Sigrin too much. One of these days she would have to go to whitescar for a visit, just the two of them so that they might have a chance to actually talk and catch up. That would have to be for another night though. She gave princess Luna a small nod and smile from a distance before turning back. Squall and Fire walker had made their way over to mingle with a changiling and a few others, and she wasn't engaging with anypony else at the moment, so this was the perfect opportunity to slip away. With a soft smile, and her new Opalus Spheres orbiting her neck, she made her way back to the Train Station so that she could finish spending the evening with her wife.

 

~~~~Exit Ice Storm~~~~

 

~~~~Wind Dancer~~~~

 

 

Wind smiled a bit and giggled lightly when she heard him ask if she was sure that she wasn't thinking of another detective when she said that she had heard good things. Perhaps that was a common thing among detecives. Not that she'd know, this was the first one she'd actually met. He added that he wished ponies woudl say good things to his face instead of behind his back, and always thought that was supposed to be the other way around. "I can imagine that sometimes it might take time for others to see the good in what you do. I mean, if there weren't good things running around Las Pegasus about you, you know as well as I do you would have been run out of town by now. Las Pegasus, especially the Ground District, isn't for the faint of heart," she stated, though she knew he already knew that.

 

When he commented on her scar, calling it am impressive battle wound, she blushed a bit. It would have been less humiliating if it was actually a battle wound. At least then she could say she was fighting something when it happened. Still though, she listened and Lens told her that he tended to bounce a lot, so he never got any scars yet. He further added that if she wished to dance, why she hadn't gotten everypony together in a park or something so that she could. "Turthfully, it's far too late for something like that. To get everypony riled up, plus it would take forever for the snow to refall, it would make the trek home for them miserable. Might be something I can do in the morning though before I have to leave to go back for Las Pegasus...." she said before a thought popped into her head. "Speaking of, where are you staying? Perhaps you would like to walk with me back to my hotel, maybe share a few spirits?" she asked.

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