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Vacation Days! (attn IceStorm)


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Cloudy did agree that cloud machine technicians deserved higher pay. There had been major strikes at the factory over wages when she was still an intern, and they were justified. It wasn't like Cloudsdale didn't make enough to pay their workers, and although repairing a cloud machine came easily to most of the factory workers, it still wasn't an easy job, and when things went really badly, it could require lots of extra time and effort on the part of the repairmen. Of course, there were harder jobs in the factory. Working the lab certainly wasn't stimulating. It had almost driven her crazy when she did it. And while she had never been inside the rainbow factory, she had heard working there was no picnic, even compared to replacing a Neighsa tube.

When she had asked older ponies why the wages were so low, they had replied that it was simply the result of working for a government-run organization. Towns across Equestria didn't pay for rain (they hadn't done that since before the founding of Equestria), so all of Cloudsdale's funding came from taxpayers' dollars. She had supposed that made sense. After all, pegasi alone could control the weather. Charging high prices for such a vital service would be criminal. Besides, she was happy to do the work, and she didn't know anypony at the factory who wasn't, so why should the wages matter?

As far as Windy not deserving bits for the work she did, however, that was a claim Cloudy just had to dispute. "Oh don't be so modest! You do so much more than dance! You inspire ponies everywhere! I've lost count of how many ponies today have stopped us to tell me how much you helped their families or blessed their lives! (Then again, I wasn't actually counting to begin with, but still!) What you do is so deserving of the benefits it affords you! You are by far the kindest and most generous pony I've ever met!"

 

As much as she wanted some more pie, however, she politely refused the offer. "I'd better not. I think that one piece was enough sugar for me today! Hahaha" Her parents had raised her in a minimally-sugar home, preferring to keep their already-hyperactive child from having even more energy than she already did. As such, she had kept a similar diet in her life, though she indulged herself a bit more than her parents let her as a filly. Her parents never would have let her order pie like that on a vacation. At home, perhaps, but they wanted to keep her as calm as possible when they went out.

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~~~Wind Dancer~~~

 

 

Wind Dancer couldn't help but blush quite a bit from the praise that she was receiving as a bit of a bashful smile came into her face. She loved praise just as much as anypony else, but it still has it's effects on her. Plus, whole it was true that she probably more than affected the lives of a lot of ponies at this point, but it still felt like she should be doing more. "I have helped a lot of ponies, but I still don't feel like it's been enough. I'm just happy everypony gives me a chance to help them and make them smile," she said as her last piece of pie was set in front of her, and then was promtly gone. 

 

"Hey! Let's go hot the gift shop before we head to the arena! We should have a little bit of time, and the gift shop here always had some interesting things! Last time I was up here, they had a neat lamp that was a carousel made from clouds! I can't wait to see what kind of stuff they have now!" Wind Dancer smiled as she left some bits on the table as well. "At least let me get the tip," she smiled happily before realizing something... "Oh, I just realized, we've done a lot of stuff that I suggested today... Is there something that you were wanting to do before the jousting matches? I don't wanna make anyone feel like we're only doing stuff I wanna do," she said with a smile.

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"You're so sweet, Windy," Cloudy said in response.

 

As they prepared to leave for the gift shop, Windy stopped her to ask if there was anything Cloudy wanted to do before going to the matches. Cloudy blinked for a moment. "Jousting matches..? Oh! The jousting matches! Of course! Um... No, not that I can think of! I have a list back in my hotel, but having a Las Pegasus native to show me the sights beats anything on there I'm sure! Although, I've heard they recently replaced the Wild Blue Yonder in the Flim Flam Brothers' Casino, and I would like to check that out at some point... But that can wait! I'd love to see the gift shop!" She followed Windy to the front of the restaurant, where they both paid, then allowed her to lead the way forwward from there.

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  • 2 weeks later...

~~~Wind Dancer~~~

 

 

 

Wind Dancer couldn't help but giggle a bit as over the course of their conversation and lunch that Cloudy had forgotten about the jousting matches. She quickly remembered though after mentioning the gift shop. She also mentioned The Wild Blue Yonder and the new coaster that replaced it. "Oh! I've been on that a couple times myself! We can definitely hit that up after the matches. I don't think we have time to get there and back. Unless you'd rather do that, then we can head that way after the shop," Wind Dancer smiled. 

 

When they entered the gift shop, the shelves were lined with cloudstone statues. They were all shaped like the old Pegasopolis architecture, and several of Commander Hurricane and several other figures of other leaders of the past as well as some models of the Cloudeseum. There were also fliers, banners, and Caesar style dresses and kilts on displays throughout. "Wow, I always forget how much historical artwork they have here. And all kinds of ancient candies to. We should get some of these for the show tonight!"

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Cloudy thought about it for a moment, but then remembered that Wind Dancer was very pregnant (how could she forget??), and that going on a roller coaster was probably not the best thing for her at the moment... She decided to sweep the topic under the rug and hope Windy forgot about it. She could go some other time when no one's unborn child would be at risk. "No, let's go to the matches first. I want to see some jousting!!" 

 

As they entered the gift shop, Cloudy was impressed by the selection. In particular, she admired the cloudstone statues. Cloudstone was tough to work with, and the machines back at the factory weren't equipped to produce it. It was a wonder they were selling it here in bulk! She perked up and turned away from the merchandise to look at Windy when candy was mentioned. "Oh most definitely! The only thing that can make a show better is a snack!" She joined her new friend to select several different varieties. "Do you think they'll sell popcorn there? If not I think I better get some pretzels to balance the sweetness and the saltiness..." she said contemplatively.

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~~~Wind Dancer~~~

 

 

Wind smiled and nodded when Cloudy said that they could go to the jousting first. Truth be told, she was a bit relieved. Sure there roller coaster was actually a bit less intense than her dance routine, but those forces were applied differently, and she didn't really want that many g-forces put directly onto her foal. Still, she would be more than willing to give Cloudy a VIP pass to the coaster, letting her bypass the line. "Thanks, while I love the coaster, the forces that it puts out would put pressure on spots I'd rather not have on at the moment..." Windy admitted

 

She also seemed to be in agreement with getting candy for the show tonight, as well as popcorn if the show had it available. "Oh, there's always popcorn available at most shows. With the exception of the bleacher seats at the Mareage when I'm performing... But that's because the popcorn won't survive past the third song oh the performance. You'll see why when you come tomorrow," she giggled. She then gathered a few scoops of the taffy like candy, as well as some more modern hard candies in assorted flavors and mixed them into the bag. "Alright, that's a good assortment. See anything that you would like? Doesn't have to be candy. Can be a souvenir or anything. My treat, since you bought lunch," Wind smiled.

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  • 1 month later...

"Yeah... I kind of figured hahaha," Cloudy said in response to Windy's aversion to the roller coaster. She mentally praised herself for guessing the other pegasus's thoughts. She grinned in excitement when Windy alluded to the next day's performance, already anticipating the mist and splashes from her seat. She could feel the air and the clouds, which of course reminded her of the cloud machines she worked on and the formula she would be making for Windy (possibly) if all went well. She came back from her daydream just as Windy was beginning her next sentence.

 

"Oh no, I couldn't! Besides, who needs a souvenir of Las Pegasus when I got to spend my trip with the coolest pony in the city!? Now come on! Let's get to those jousting matches!" and with that, she zipped out the door.

 

Then sheepishly floated back in moments later, having realized she forgot to pay for her share of the concessions. "Uh, how many bits for all this?" she asked the clerk, blushing from embarrassment .

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~~~Wind Dancer~~~

 

 

Wind couldn't help but blush a small bit at the praise that she was getting yet again. It did feel kinda good though to be called the coolest pony in Las Pegasus. Though technically she thought that title would belong to Ice Storm. After all, she is almost literally an ice pony. She was pretty sure that mare could go into the Frozen North and be perfectly fine. Shoot she might even be able to control it and make it habitable for other ponies. She also couldn't hello but giggle a bit at Cloudy's excitement as she zipped out of the store with the candles, only to float back in to wait for the clerk to ring it up. "Don't feel bad," she told her with a smile. "It happens with the best of us." 

 

The clerk herself was about the call out the pony for leaving, but before she even had a chance to, she was already back inside and standing in front of her. Seeing the pony that she was with, the clerk couldn't blame her for being excited. It wasn't everyday a pony got to spend the day with one of the superstars of Las Pegasus. She wasn't really surprised either. Whole she didn't know Wind Dancer personally, she had friends that did, and she's knew a lot about the mare. One of the few good natured ponies that's left in this city. 

 

The clerk too the candies, weighed them and rang everything up. "Looks like the total comes to nine bits," the clerk said with a smile. 

 

Wind Dancer smiled and dropped a small bag of bits on the counter. "Here's a hundred. Used what's left over on the next orders until it's empty," she smiled, gently wrapping a wing around her friend. "Now, to the matches!"

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Cloudy's jaw dropped when Windy plopped the pile of gold on the counter, and remained in the down position as Windy waltzed them out the door. One hundred bits??? That was a full day's pay in the cloud factory! And she had just plopped it down like it was nothing! Windy never ceased to astonish her.

 

As they flew off to the matches, Cloudy nearly lost Windy a couple times in the throngs of ponies heading the same direction. She would get distracted by the noise of an arcade machine or a flashing sign, and the next thing she knew, Windy was gone. But she managed to find her quickly each time, which was fortunate, because Cloudy wasn't sure she'd be able to find anything in this city without her.

 

When at last they arrived at the stadium, Cloudy looked around excitedly. Fans filled the bleachers and the two competitors were putting on their last bits of armor and visibly getting their heads in the game. The sun glinted off their polished armor, leaving a couple spots on her eyes. Her excitement only built as the trumpets blared and an announcer dressed in authentic Pegasapolus peasantry attire stepped up to introduce the two ponies.

 

"Fillies and gentlecolts, it is my highest pride and deepest honor to introduce to you today's champions in the jousting ring. On my left, a vision of true strength and nobility, a shining example of chivalry and honor, the Clydesdale from Cloudsdale, Marcus Gallopus!

 

"And on my right, with unmatched precision and voluminous mane, the appaloosan envy, Canterlot's crown champion, Pike Pierce!

 

"And now, with no further ado, let the games begin!" And with that, he dropped a checkered flag and the two ponies charged at one another, lances at the ready.

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  • 2 weeks later...

~~~Wind Dancer~~~

 

 

Wind Dancer smiled a bit when she saw the reaction that Cloudy had as they left the gift shop. She had to slow down a few times though as they started making their way to the jousting matches so that she didn't lose her new friend in the crowd. Here in Las Pegasus, getting lost in a crowd of ponies that you didn't know was very much a possibility for anypony, including herself. There had been several times where she and Sky had been separated by the crowds when once of them would get distracted by something, usually her, and usually looking for a way to help somepony else with something. Usually they would just shrug their shoulders and meet back at a designated point. She had several of those for such situations. However, she did not have anything set up for Cloudy, and she didn't want Cloudy's vacation to get ruined because she promised her something, only for her to get lost in the crowd and not be able to find her again. 

 

Thankfully Cloudy was able to catch up with her pretty easily and Windy was able to get the tickets paid for. She made sure to get them as close to the action as she could, and the seats that they got were right next to the ring. She had just sat down when the trumpets started blaring, and she could see the excitement building in Cloudy as they started to introduce the competitors for the first round of the event. With a wave of then flag they were off, and with a loud clank, the lances that they were wielding parried off one another as they looped around for a second go. Once they had the line on each other they charged in again, "Let'em have it Pike! Show them why you were part of the guard! Wooooo!!!" Windy yelled starting to get into it. Marcus was the crowd favorite by far, as he had a reputation here, but Pike was starting to make a name for himself as well. While she didn't follow the jousting circuts too heavily herself, it's still Las Pegasus. Ponies hear things down the grape vine all the time. 

 

She looked back over to Cloudy and gave her a cheerful smile. She can definitely say that this was the kind of day that she was planning on having, but this was way more fun than going to get lunch with Icy and the going back home. True her and Sky probably would have went out later, probably to a different show, since theirs was a matinee act today, but it would have been nothing like this. Plus today she got a new friend. One that she would hope would stay friends for a while and maybe they could do something like this when she hopefully comes back to Las Pegasus. Of course now that she's been back home and gotten over everything that happened in Cloudsdale, going to visit her on occasion wouldn't be out of the cards either. "So, what do you think? Pretty fun huh?" she asked with a smile. 

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  • 2 weeks later...

By the time Windy asked her, Cloudfeather was too immersed in the action to hear her. It wasn't until she was prodded that she realized she'd been asked a question. "Huh? Oh! It's amazing!! Marcus is really good! Well, I mean, of course he is! He's from Cloudsdale! But Pike is putting up a good fight, too! I've never been to a jousting tournament, but now I think I'm going to start going more often! This is amazing!! I need to find out where the local ring is in Cloudsdale!" Before she could say anymore, her the competitors were charging for one another again and her attention was stolen away once more. She let out a cheer and hovered several feet off her seat as the lances shattered against the stallions' armor. She had no idea how this sport was scored, but she was certain that was a good thing for Marcus! Then again, based on the cheering from Windy and a good portion of the other patrons, it could very well have been better for Pike. Maybe she should learn how to tell who was winning...

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  • 2 weeks later...

~~~Wind Dancer~~~

 

 

Wind Dancer was happy to hear that Cloudy was enjoying the tournament! She was apparently enjoying it enough that it was making her want to see where the local ring is in Cloudsdale! She was going to respond, but as she got ready to they charged forward once again. She watched excitedly as Pike's lance shattered against Marcus's armor and she could feel Cloudy hovering next to her, cheering on. This was bad for Pike. Without his Lance he would be a sitting duck. That briefly reminded her of the Lucky Ducky dance she did in Cloudsdale a while back and had to stop herself from quacking when she remembered. That was a fun night and she needs to do that again.

 

Back to the action that was in front of them though, Pike now no longer had a weapon, can and the way their charges lined up, Pike would have to go through Marcus to get to the weapon rack to get another, if that was even allowed. She wasn't entirely sure of all the rules herself. Sure enough though there was a whistle and the competitors stood down. "Annnnd the winner of the first round is Marcus! Both competitors please pick and resecure your weapons and this best two of three match will begin. The second match between Wing Beat and Shock Wing with begin afterwards with a short intermission. Both contestants please proceed to the warm up area," The announcer announced.

 

"Oh, that one should be good! Shock Wing is a part of that new military base that's in town. She's also the one that tracked us down earlier. I didn't think that she would be competing in this, my bits are on her!" Wind said.

 

"It looks like our two combatants are ready once again! 3! 2! 1! ~~Trumpets sound~~," Wind heard, and Pike and Marcus took off at one another again. 

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Cloudy watched the lances connect and let out a cheer when Marcus came out on top. There was a brief pause between matches as the two competitors grabbed new lances, and the next match was announced. Then the stallions were back at it. Cloudy was too engrossed in the current match to hear Windy's remarks about the upcoming one. She knew that during intermission, she was going to find a rule book and figure out how this sport was scored!

 

A painful crack resounded through the ring, followed quickly by an eruption of cheers as the two lances exploded off their targets once more! A few splinters landed in Cloudy's hair, but she didn't take notice of those, either. She was too busy cheering for Marcus! Although, she was forced to snap back to reality for a moment as some frustrated patrons behind her called for her to return to her seat so they could see. From the sounds of it, they'd been trying to get her attention for some time. She returned sheepishly to her seat. She often blocked out the world around her by accident like that. It could be frustrating both for her and the people trying to communicate with her.

 

Her momentary guilt was whisked away by the sound of hooves again as a fresh pair of lances shattered only a few metres in front of her! This time, though, she was careful to remain in her seat.

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  • 2 weeks later...

~~~Wind Dancer~~~

 

 

 

Wind Dancer was watching in earnest to the jousting in front of her, and she herself didn't really noticed that Cloudy was airborne maybe a bit further than she should be for an event like this. Or rather, at least for the location that they were in. The patrons behind them couldn't see, and Wind Dancer found it especially important that everypony get a chance to see everything. Being a performer herself, that was kind of rooted into her. She didn't like it when ponies couldn't see her. If they couldn't see her then she couldn't make them happy! And making them happy was the number one reason why she did everything that she did. Thankfully the ponies behind them didn't seem to be too upset once she sat down, but there was still plenty of excitement to be had when both the lances splintered off of the shields. They sent splinters into the crowd and Wind had to raise a wing to block some from hitting her face.

 

"Wow! What a shot!" Windy yelled as they watched them get two more lances and immediately break them as well. This continued a bit longer before finally Marcus caught Pike off guard by aiming lower than he had been and when he went to block the balled point of it bent and flung him out to the wall and slumped against it.

 

"And the winner of the first match by the score of 2-0 is Marcus! Let's hear a round of applause for both contestants!" The announcer said. The crowd erupted and Pike was escorted over to a medical tent. Something that Windy was very thankful herself to see. Something as extreme as this needed medical staff on scene, as accidents could very easily happen. They looked to take safety very seriously which automatically brought the sport several pegs up on her like column.

 

"Man that was exciting! I have no idea how this is scored, but the knockout was pretty obvious!" Wind said to Cloudy. "We should probably find a rulebook or something so we actually know what we are watching and what's considered good or bad," Wind smiled. Honestly, she didn't care how it was scored. She was having fun watching it, and the scoring part of it was the job of the ponies in the ring. She was getting kind of thirsty though. Something to go with all the candy they bought would be nice.

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  • 1 month later...

Cloudy nearly had to shout to be heard over the applause and cries from the audience (which she contributed to as she responded to Windy). "You read my mind!" she replied, and quickly the two were off to the shop, Cloudy taking an enthusiastic lead this time, the whole while raving about the match. "I mean, they were as fast as lightning! One second the flag was up, and then as soon as it was down they were at each other!" "I can't believe he really knocked him out! Can you imagine how hard he had to have hit him?? I mean, I knew Clydesdales were strong, but that was insane!!" "And then the lances exploded!! Like tree branches struck by lighting! I mean, look at the size of this splinter! This was in my hair!!" and so on.

 

As Windy was getting drinks, Cloudy interrogated the shopkeep about a rulebook, refusing to believe there were none in stock. As she started lamenting this to Windy, a handsome stallion strolled up to the pair. "Pardon me, but I couldn't help but overhear your... conversation with the attendant, and I thought perhaps --" he stopped midsentence as he appeared to recognize the other pony. He lowered his voice. "Forgive me, but are my eyes mistaken or are you the Wind Dancer?" he asked.

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~~~Wind Dancer~~~

 

 

Wind Dancer couldn't help but giggle at the excitement that Cloudy had from the matches. She said that she knew that Clydesdales were strong, but she had no idea about how strong. She pulled a splinter from her hair that looked more like something you'd see out of a wood chipper. "Haha, yeah! Those were some pretty intense matches! I'll have to admit I was expecting Pike to make it a bit closer than it was, but then again, I'm not entirely sure of the rules myself, so I don't know how close it actually was. 2-0 though seems like a pretty thorough defeat," she commented as they made their way back to the concessions. Windy was getting drinks while Cloudy was getting a Rulebook.

 

Well, that was the plan anyway. Apparently the stalls in the area didn't have any rulebooks for the sport. She was surprised because surely they weren't the only ponies here that didn't know what the rules for jousting were. But by that same logic, those ponies would be wanting rulebooks as well. It was possible that they just got there before the two of them did. Cloudy seemed to be quite upset about it and Windy put a wing over her. "Hey, it's okay. We can still enjoy the show without it! We'll make up our own rules to entertain us while we're still newbies." She giggled before another stallion interrupted them. He said that he had overheard Cloudy's conversation with the shopkeep before his attention turned to her, asking if she was who he thought she was.

 

"Yup! It most certainly is! Just showing my new friend some of the sights of LP. Ironically enough I've heard of the jousting matches here plenty of times, but I've never actually been until today. So this is a new experience for both of us. That makes it even more special!" Wind Dancer said with a smile. "That being said... I can't say that I recognize you, which means we haven't met because I try to make it a point to remember everypony that I run into," she said looking to Cloudy. "Sometimes literally."

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