Remedy

Love this episode!! My favorite of the season by far! I've been waiting for a fancy-rich pony episode where they weren't complete jerks. Haha. Rarity! I love this pony.

As the pony listened, observing the napkin, he didn't realize how far forward he had begun to lean. A part of him was stricken with disbelief, and the other part, amazed. "I didn't know you were such an entrepreneur, Sir. What's your doing is going to be astonishing. I'm honored to be a part of it." Bastion smiled and sat up straight in his chair, finishing off the tea with a final sip. "Count on me to get the envelope where you need it to go," he tilted his nose into the air, "Did you say you needed me to present it?"

Another pony from Manehattan was here? It would have been hard to believe at first. They must be crafting some really humble ponies in the big apple recently. He smiled.

"You haven't told me the details of your project, sir. You merely hinted at it in a few words, but even with that I couldn't figure it out. So, what does my humble master have up his fine-pressed sleeve?" He continued drinking his tea, leaving a few minutes between each sip.

"A hot citrus tea if you have, two lumps. Also, may I have some honey in that as well," he smiled to the waitress and slipped into his seat. "Coming right up, sirs!" she immediately left to place their order. It was odd indeed to be sitting across from his employer, but this kind of informality was to be expected of the other pony by now. He wasn't going to complain either. It was delightful to be treated like a living, breathing pony for once in this position, not that he never got used to being treated like a doornail. Quite frankly, he expected it. So with all of this coming into view, a pony might be able to understand how boggled he was. Still, he kept his calm demeanor.

"You must come here often," he let his eyes wander around the small cafe and made sure to smile at every pony who glanced in their direction. The waitress took only a few moments to gather their hot beverages. She placed the orders in front of their respective pony and stood around a moment longer, "Would you sirs like anything to eat as well?"

The white stallion smiled at her and shook his head politely. "I'm fine, thank you." The waitress smiled and looked to Maximillian for his reponse.

Bastion turned to his teacup and admired its decoration. This was the last place he'd expect to find anything intricate. Then again, Maximillian Rockefilly lived here. The thought made him chuckle slightly, and he lowered his muzzle to the rim of the cup. The brew was delicious, with just with the right amount of honey and sweetener.

Bastion noted the reaction he got, and was relieved that the Rockefilly didn't get offended by it. This was a relationship that was going to be an interesting one, for sure. A nod later and they were on their way once more. The sky had turned a warm shade of orange since they left, but it was by no means near nightfall. "Coffee does sound wonderful. Though I'm more of a tea pony, myself."

As they came closer to their destination, the white stallion trotted ahead and held the door open for Maximillian. He could smell the wonderful things wafting out of the doorway of Madame Bistro's. He could tell this was going to be one of his favorite places.

Was this conversation over yet? It was starting to annoy him. "No questions, sir."

Bastion followed after the other pony, walking in stride next to him. His wings were beginning to droop. He corrected it once he caught himself and held those feathery appendages tight against his body. The pony looked ahead at the other buildings and spoke into the air. "You'll get stronger. Then you won't have to be so insecure." His eyes came back to Maximillian's blue eyes. He just gave a gentle smile. That line may have been harsh, but he figured the Rockefilly would be able to handle such comments.

"I've talked more honestly with you than I ever have with anyone at the Academy." The pony relaxed. "A steward should be their master's silent second shadow... That's what I was taught. I never cared for that rule, but that's what they wanted. It was the one thing there was no loopholes around, it seemed." He blinked again, and turned to the road ahead of them. "I made it through with few words, and now I am here, using my tongue more than I am accustomed to. However, you asked me to speak my mind. For that I am grateful. If you hadn't told me to, I'd probably be as silent as a, well..., a shadow."

The pony blinked and looked at him squarely. "If circumstances change, I would be honest with you. Giving me the opportunity to pack up my things and leave whenever I want makes it seems like you're trying to get me to second guess my decision." Perhaps he was diving too far into this topic. It wasn't often that he over-analyzed things that shouldn't matter, but it made him think Rockefilly was insecure; that it would be easier for him if Bastion left quietly and never came back. The white stallion shook his head free from those deductions.

"But do what you will. I am here to do as you ask."

Bastion slowly shook his head. "I don't think having a ticket in each of my paychecks is fair at all." He huffed and began walking somewhere, anywhere. Maybe towards Madame Bistro's. He stopped and looked back at the Rockefilly. "We have more sight-seeing to do, yes?"

The white stallion listened to his story. "Misfortune can befall a pony that he may not have been able to control, true. " Bastion tilted his head as he spoke intellectually, "The past is already carved in stone, sir. You can only hope that flowers and vines grow over it and cover up what is written beneath. Metaphorically speaking, of course." He offered a small smile. "But as you said, you are attempting to fall off that 'terrible' path, and I will take your word for it. We left an impression on one another, sir, that one evening in Manehattan. I, for one, do not believe that following my gut instinct is fanatic, though pompous ponies might tell you otherwise. Like they told me."

With a small sigh, he turned away from the other stallion as he offered the train ticket once again. "I find it odd that you carry around such things, Mister Rockefilly. Do you not enjoy my company," he teased. Bastion followed the rich pony's example by lowering his voice and appearing more stern. He eyed the envelope. "The next train ticket I see wasn't supposed to be a choice, remember? So, does this count? Do you wish for me to leave?"

He leaned his head in and held out a hoof. "Let me hold onto that silly piece of paper. It looks much too heavy for you, sir."

baby pony isn't that creepy. I thought it was cute º^º (although it could do without the diaper).

Agreed. I thought it was the cutest thing! Newborn pony! AH!

She didn't learn anything in that episode. She started with "I want a pet to serve my needs" and she ended up getting one, even if she was wrong about her needs.

Of if I'm not going to be a troll, I'd say that she learned not to judge OTHERS by the wrong standards, and here she learned not to be so boastful. Just like we learned in Boast Busters

This episode was BAD, you guys. Second bad episode in a row. I'm losing faith in the show. </3

Yeah, I was thinking that after I made my post, but still.

I'd say that it's too early to lose faith in it! We're getting a third season, aren't we?

The episodes might not be in order. This episode might have happened before the last. We didn't even see Rainbow's pet.

They air them out of order?

You think RD would have learned to not be so shallow in "May the Best Pet Win!" but apparently she's forgotten her previous lesson. I don't like how knowledge between episodes doesn't carry over.

The white stallion let his concerns slip away as the other pony assured him that everything had been taken care of. "Alright, sir. It's out of habit that I become... 'enthusiastic', as you put it, about these kinds of things. I'm not used to being around a pony so organized." It was a relief to him to know that he had become employed to such a considerate stallion.

But there it was again. His tone had changed. Bastion straightened up and gave the other pony his full attention. How much he knew about the Rockefilly family, huh?

"Not much, I'm afraid. I've only met you, and I've heard nothing of others who may be of your ilk." He frowned as he continued. "After we had our meeting when I was still a student, some ponies approached me and filled me in on the 'misfortune' Maximillian Rockefilly had stumbled upon. I only know what they told me, and I am not inclined to believe any of it. It had something to do with plants and... the untimely destruction of your old mansion in Manehattan." Bastion shook his mane. "I don't care to remember silly rumors like that. I don't even know if you would like to remember such a thing, if it is true. So I apologize if I rubbed some salt on your would there, if it is a wound at all."

Bastion went on, smiling, "I disregarded their mockery because I felt like you would be a great pony to work for." He shifted on his hooves a bit. He really shouldn't say such things aloud. "But... perhaps I'm getting a bit off topic." He drew back his ears and lowered his nose, patiently awaiting a response.

Bastion nodded at his reply and stood next to him as he came to another stop.

"No questions as of now. If I get any, I'll be sure to let you know," he smiled and changed the subject. "About the envelope from earlier. You say I have a few days to deliver it to Stalliongrad. That's quite the trip. I feel like it would take exactly a few days just to get there." He could be wrong of course. The pony never did much of traveling. "If it would be alright with you, I would like to leave for the trip early, and plan how I am going to get there later this evening."

Appleloosa wasn't that big of a town, so he knew that he would become accustomed to the shops around here in time. It was the kind of place that had a few shops that had multiple specialities, and only sold what the people needed. He would keep Madame Bistro's in mind, although if Rockefilly allowed it, he would be more than willing to serve tea and treats. That brought up something else.

"So there is only one other pony working for you in Appleloosa. How do you get your meals? Does Scarlet cook for you?" He tilted his head in curiosity, his silver mane waving in the dry breeze blowing across the prairie. He wasn't a cook by any means, but he did know a few things, such as how to brew teas and grind coffee beans. This was so important that the Academy taught Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced classes. He even participated in their silly competitions. "I am more than willing to improve your staying conditions in Appleloosa in anyway I can, sir."

Bastion held his poised stance, ears hitched forward, as he listened to the other pony talk. There was no doubt that Rockefilly had a terrifying air about him at times, but what he spoke was imperative, in both tone and context. If Bastion were to fail on the missions entrusted to him, then the rich pony wouldn't have no choice but to send him back home to Manehattan. That would be the absolute worst. It would an embarassment to his name: to his graduation. And he would let down his family. The butler flicked his tail to the side when Rockefilly stood before him, who afterwards retrieved a large envelope. A few days to complete the delivery? That didn't seem difficult. Still, he should never underestimate the journey, as he had learned today.

The white stallion would not allow that ticket to ever be waved in front of his nose again. He would not be sent home because of failure. "I would greatly appreciate the tour, Mr Rockefilly. Although I have been eager to explore, you've done well to keep me on my hooves." He chuckled. "I get the feeling you aren't going to let me feel right a home just yet. These assessments of yours have been galvanizing." He could analyze and put two and two together, but when it came to orders, he would do anything no matter how ridiculous. "If you don't mind my asking... what does a pony do with 103 cactus needles?"

I do this:

http://www.zebrastripe.net/stuff1/barr1.mp3

And this:

http://www.zebrastripe.net/stuff1/preview1.mp3

With a little bit of this:

http://www.zebrastripe.net/stuff1/dragonsky_preview.mp3

This is amazing.

The pony nodded in response to Rockefilly's orders and found a clear spot on the mahogany desk to place the salt lick box, basket of cactus needles, and the apple pies-- also in boxes. He stacked the two pies and put the smaller salt lick box on top. Next to it, he left the basket of needles. “I shall return momentarily,” he grinned and left the office, heading a few doors over to the rich pony's bedroom. He left the blazer, vest and cowpony hat st the foot of the bed where it would be easiest to spot. Satisfied with his work, he left the bedroom and returned to his own quarters on the opposite end of the hall.

All he could think about was getting cleaned up. Thoughts of Rockefilly's 'reward' didn't cross his mind one bit. He made sure the door to his room was closed before stepping into the small washroom that was connected to it. The stallion ran the water and removed his dirty clothing, dumping it into a basket next to the tub. “Glad to be out of those filthy things. What a day.” He sighed and made himself presentable once more.

Twelve or so minutes later, he was all clean and had half a leg in his coat tails. He'd never actually worn the jacket before. His mother and father bought it for him weeks before his graduation at the academy. Bastion smiled as he examined his flank in the tall oval mirror next to his bed. He told his parents that he didn't like how old fashioned this style of coat was... But they told him that he held a certain elegance in it, that a modern suit didn't do his charm any justice.

'Your new outfit should be just as unique and special as you are,' was written on a small card that stuck out of his left breast pocket. The pony chuckled and was suddenly reminded of the letter on the bed. Bastion walked up to it slowly and retrieved the envelope. He detached the wax seal from the back with a silver rose letter opener that he always kept at the ready, and spread out its contents across the quilt. Money, a note, and a train ticket. He blinked. Having more interest in the note, he unfolded it and brought it up to his nose. It was from his mother. As he read it tears began to collect in his eyes, though he refused to let them fall. He looked to the train ticket briefly, but shook his head. No. This was were he belonged. His duty would begin here at Maximillian Rockefilly's side.

Bastion scooped everything, including the money, back into the envelope and tucked them into a slide out tray within a nightstand by the bed. “There.” He wiped his eyes in the fold of his wing and trotted back to Rockefilly's office. Two knocks later, he was inside once more, alert and awaiting orders.

“Witticus Bastion at your service.” He lifted his muzzle confidently and smiled.

Bastion understood Rockefilly's gesture and excused himself from the office. As much as he wanted to change into his coat tails, he decided to wait until he finished the second part of his first assignment. His beret would have to do for now. With the list in his pocket, he set out into the small settlement of Appleloosa that he would come to know in the following days, weeks, months? The dirt beneath his hooves wasn't new, but the color was. It had a slight orange tint to it that stood out against his white fur. Something told him.. things would end up messy if he wasn't careful.

Although the dry cleaners was first on the list, Bastion figured it would be better if he got the other items first. After all, where was he going to get cactus needles? Surely he wouldn't want to bring along a recently washed and pressed blazer. Since the needles were the most ridiculous item on the list, the pony sought to get them first. He stopped by the general store and asked the shop keep if they held cactus needles. The pony just looked at him funny, then replied, "If you want strange things like that, try going across the road to the doctor. I hear that pony grinds up all kinds of things. Maybe he'll have these cactus needles you want so bad." Taking the general store pony's advice, he trotted over to the shop right across. The medicine pony didn't store cactus needles either.

"What would he need cactus needles for anyway?" He thought to himself as he walked out of the doctor's shop. Left with no reasonable option, he set out into the prairie with a basket on his flank to collect them. His worked quickly since he still had many things to do. The needles would pinch his nose as he plucked them out of the cactus by his teeth. But he was diligent, and counted them one at a time. Bastion's white fur was stained with the red clay of the desert, but you bet he got those damned needles. That took him way too long. He only had thirty minutes left to complete his other tasks. The pony gasped and galloped back to town. Once there, he walked into a store that had clothes showcased in the window. He found what he needed in there-- one vest and one cowpony hat-- and paid for it out of his pocket.

Next was the bakery. They had the salt lick order wrapped in a box. When Bastion asked for the apple pies, they offered them free of charge. He refused the first time, then the second time. The third time he was supposed to accept right? He had no choice but to take those apple pies for free. Bastion never liked getting things for free. He put his pride aside and let the pony have her way. Fifteen minutes left.

Finally Bastion made his was to the cleaners. He was surprised that Appleloosa even had one of those. Suppose with all the dirt, you'd need something like that. All of the buildings looked very similar though, so finding it was going to be a bit of a task. Or so he thought. Upon asking for directions from a nearby pony, he trotted to the building that was sure to be the one he was looking for. And it was, to his relief. Inside, he stepped up to the counter and rang the bell. A pony emerged from the back room and greeted his customer with a smile, "Gooday, Sir. What can I do ya for?"

"Good evening to you too. I'm here to pick up a--"

The cleaner pony leaned his head over the counter and got a good look at the white stallion. "Ah! I haven't seen you 'round here before! So yer new, eh? Where ya from?"

"Oh, uh. I am from Manehattan. I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot of each other.. Now if you don't mind, I'm in a bit of a hurry..."

"That vest and tie suit up reminds me of that Rockerfillay fellow that settled here a while back. You know em?"

Bastion smiled and nodded his head slowly. "I'm here to pick up his blazer, actually."

"Well, why didn't ya say so! I have it right here..." he reached behind the counter and withdrew the garment hung on a hanger. But then he realized Bastion's disheveled appears. "Golly. You're all covered in dirt. Aren't you just going to get this jacket dirty if you carry it looking like that?" He put the blazer in a bag and then placed it across Bastion's back," There. That should hold steady. Be careful with that."

The white stallion frowned and blinked up at the pony. "Do I owe you anything?"

"Nah! Was all payed fer. Go on and return it quick 'fore it gets a mess!"

Bastion nodded at him and left back for the mansion. Those two hours couldn't have been longer. He was an ungraceful mess. His mane and tail had collected dirt and cactus needles. His beret had met oblivion. It had fallen off so many times on his needle-hunting expedition that he constantly trampled it without realizing. He just didn't even want to think about his physical appearance right now. Scarlet was there to open the door to the mansion for him, and that was all he could have asked for.

"Thank you, Scarlet." He lowered his head to her and ascended the staircase. There was no time left to spare... and he didn't want to be late. Bastion had no choice but to let Rockefilly see him in his current state. Pride. He could push it aside one more time today, couldn't he? The pony knocked twice as he did earlier on Rockefilly's door, and entered. "Mister Rockefilly. I have everything else you asked for." He put on his best face, trying not to look exhausted. "Where would you like me to put everything?"

Bastion wasted no time in getting started. The moment his employer went out the door, the pony got to work. He took to the wooden seat behind his new desk, propping his rear onto it, and then began sorting through Rockefilly's mail. It was a mindless task, but he made it a test of his own vigilance to see how fast he could be done with it. Sorting the mail took up less of his time than he expected. The initial pile looked big, though the majority of the letters weren't important according to his judgement.

The stallion looked around the room and eyed for anything similar to a serving tray. He found one over in the corner on a small table. There were a few things on top of it, but nothing that couldn't be moved to the side. He placed a few stacks of letters on top that he loosely tied together with a thin string he found in one of the drawers. Under the string on top of each stack was a small slip of paper. The stacks read: 'Priority', 'Invitations', 'Expired Invitations', and 'Secondary'. Bastion would see how the rich pony responded to his style of sorting. This was something he came up with himself. The Academy would teach him one thing, but he would innovate and go about it in a less efficient manner, though it would be more aesthetically pleasing.

After he was done preparing the tray with letter stacks, he folded the shopping list neatly into a vest pocket, and then hoisted the tray onto his nose. The stallion headed out of his office and walked across the hallway to Rockefilly's. He knocked twice, as he was told, and then pushed the door open. “I have finished sorting your mail, Mr Rockefilly.” That last part tasted odd as it rolled off of his tongue... Bastion was all too familiar with using the word 'Sir'. He entered the office with the tray still balancing on his nose, and approached the other pony's desk. Was he even in here? That would be embarrassing. He turned his head and eyed the large mahogany desk in the middle of the pony's office, expecting to see him sitting behind it.

Bastion turned the page in his mental notebook and began jotting down the new information Rockefilly was giving him. There was Scarlet, the other pony who also lived here. If that was the case, he would be seeing a lot more of her. The stallion dropped his suitcase onto a table when they entered the room he would be staying in. He resumed his mental note-taking. There would be time to look at the room later.

Rockefilly's quarters were at the opposite end of the hall. To record messages. Take care of appointments. Call him 'Sir' when in public and to refer to him informally when at home. Ask questions. Knock twice. No drinking on non-holidays. Speak.

That was most of it, right? Bastion focused on Rockefilly the entire time. When he asked if Bastion had any questions, the stallion rose his head. “I do have a question... Would it be all right if I went about doing things here as I have learned to during my study at the Academy? And if you disapprove of something in particular to let me know? Unless there are any other specifications you would like to make, I think this would be the wiser option, so we can avoid my asking you if I'm doing things 'correctly'-- or rather, the way you have certain chores usually done.”

The pony trotted over to his new bed and examined the plush pillows. His eyes caught the letter nested on top of one of them. He turned his head. “What is this over here?”

Bastion was attentive during the tour of the small town. He tightly clutched his belongings under his wing as he kept up with Rockefilly's trot. Everything the rich unicorn pointed out to him was recorded mentally for later use. A good memory was one of the many important skills any servant should have. The other stallion spoke up and gave him his first bough of orders.

It made sense what the pony said. It didn't seem like a very formal town. In fact, it was nothing like Manehattan, so it didn't come as a surprise that he would be asked to act otherwise. The only odd factor was the rule about receiving gifts. He merely nodded. As he had gotten most of his bearings, Bastion was relieved to see that they had arrived at Rockefilly's home with little trouble. The outside didn't look spectacular, but the inside was magnificent. The white stallion nodded at the servant pony who had opened the door-- he figured he would be seeing more of her (him?) later.

Since he entered the building, the pony appeared to be more relaxed. So much so that the grip on his suitcase was lost and it slipped to the floor below with a thud. He apologized for the noise and looked at Rockefilly to answer his question. "This is a wonderful home you have, sir. It will be a pleasure to work here for you." Formal as his upbringing was, every word was filled with genuine emotion. This was the one moment he waited for ever since he discovered his desire to serve.

Bastion took the suitcase under his wing once more and stepped beyond into the foyer. He examined the structure of the staircases, and the choice of carpet on the floor. The pony also admired the waxed marble that accented the room. "A very lavish domain to be found in Appleloosa, for sure." He smiled and looked to the small pony who had opened the door for them. "Sir Rockefilly, how many other servants do you have here? And if you don't mind my asking, what position do you plan on putting me in?"

Bastion never covered so much distance by train before. It was as bumpy as he remembered from his previous experience as a colt. Regardless of the ride, he was fine. Since he boarded, the stallion had changed into another set of clothing. With his suitcase tucked under his wing like before, he carefully stepped off of the train. A charcoal beret nestled between his stark white ears, on top of that silver mane. Upon his chest was a lavender pinstripe vest over a white collared shirt. Wrapped beneath the collar and tucked under the vest was a silky black tie.

A part of him considered that he might have been overdressed for stepping out of a dusty train onto a dusty wooden platform in the middle of a desert, but upon seeing the fabulous pony in a tux standing a few steps away, the concern vanished. It was the pony that he was here to meet, and to serve. Bastion approached his employer in confident stride and bowed before him respectfully. "Good evening, sir," the white stallion offered Rockefilly gentle smile, "It's a pleasure to see you again, especially under these circumstances." The stallion stepped to the side as to not get in the way of the other ponies getting off the train.

The graduate put on a spectacular appearance of remaining calm in the unfamiliar terrain... or at least he did for a few minutes. Then his eyes began to betrayed him, then his ears. Those steely gray hues darted around the small town. He took note of every building he could see from where he stood; their color, their shape. His ears swiveled, taking in every foreign noise.

Bastion shook his head lightly and focused his attention once again on the other pony. "Sorry about that. This place is a bit..." He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "It's a bit of a culture shock for me, but I will just have to come to peace with it." The smile reappeared on his muzzle.