//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 // Story: Memoir of the Changeling Incursion by Quill Scrivener // by Adorned ungulate //------------------------------// "Welcome to the castle, ladies and dragon. The Princesses regret their schedules prohibit from greetings in person but I shall be pleased to show you to your accommodations... Wait, where is Miss Sparkle?" "Oh, don't worry over her; she left the train in a huff soon as she got the confetti outta her hair." the one called Applejack responded. "What confetti?" There was a sharp report of a noise maker and I soon found myself amidst fluttering festive paper streamers. "That confetti. We are here for a party after all!" The unmistakable Pinkie Pie bounced out of my peripheral vision. "Oh, my! It is as I was told. The floral accent is a nice touch but We Must do something about your coiffure in time for the nuptials, darling." "Many thanks, Miss Rarity but-" "Is that pink thing going to be up the whole time? How is everypony supposed to see my Sonic Rainboom?" "Allowance will be made, I assure you." The baby dragon crossed his arms and gave me a flinty look. "Mrs. Scrivener." So, I was wondering if he had forgiven me for how the Discord Affair ended. Didn't he realize it wasn't my idea and that I myself had headaches for days after sending back all those letters? The sixth in the company simply slipped in last and offered a greeting I could barely hear. "Miss Rarity, I have arranged a work space with an attached bedroom in case inspiration strikes at odd hours. Do let the castellan know if you require additional supplies." "Many thanks, I wish to get started right away." She trotted off. "Miss Applejack, your room shall be close by the kitchens." "Good'n! I've a few more Apples coming t'help. I'll make sure they don't get lost." "Miss Fluttershy, I had an unused groundskeeper quarters spruced up. It is adjacent to the royal gardens and aviary where you can find your bird friends." "oh, thank you very much." And with that she slinked away. "Miss Dash I-" "Enough with the 'miss' stuff, just Dash is fine." "Erm, I'm afraid bringing cloud lodgings down would be a problem but your tower room has a wonderful view. And yes, here are instructions for where you can exit the shield to practice your aerobatics." Spike cleared his throat. "I can take directions to Twilight once she shows." "Here you go, and I'm sorry for what it's worth." "S'fine. I'll be a Doughnut Joe's if anypony needs me." "Do I get to stay in a tower I've always wanted to stay I a tower I bet if I fired my party canon I could decorate houses WAY far away and they'd throw a party to celebrate and I could make ponies happy All Over Canterlot!" "Erm, it might take some juggling but I will-" "Ooh! Juggling! That's a Great Idea!" The pink earth pony's grin spanned improbable proportions as she bounded off into the castle. Suddenly alone again I reflected for a good minute on how that was more tiring than it had any right to be. "Excuse me." The voice was impatient and commanding. I turned to be surprised by Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. I bowed at once. "Your highness. Can I be of service? Do you wish any letters sent home?" She blinked and lowered her brows. "No, you are in my way! Excuse me." "Ah, yes. Of course." One cannot scuttle away with grace and I cannot say I demonstrated any that moment. Watching her stomp away I was doubly flabbergasted. "Rest now, sister. As usual I shall guard the night" My mistress retired her vigil. "Quill, still here?" "Just to shuffle some guest rooms, your majesty." I incinerated my last bit of paperwork off to it's proper destination. "There." "I realize the hour, but could you check on my trusted assistant on your way home? I read your note that she hasn't been to the castle yet." "Consider it done. Goodnight." I guided my hooves down flights of stairs with my mind churning through past reports. Every pony missing or behaving strangely in the city, it created a lot of false hits. Luckily I spotted Twilight and her compatriots seated at an outside a cafe. It helped that she drew attention by stomping on the table, spilling everypony's drinks. Unfortunately I caught up to her just as she was thundering away. "Miss Sparkle! Princess Celestia sends her re-" "Can't chat now, Mrs. Scrivener; I've got to settle something!" And that was that. There was a rumbling voice over my shoulder. "Better luck next time, mate." Brodie, sans armor was balancing a tray with two frothing mugs. "Good to see you, are you meeting someone?" "Saw a strapping farmmare who needed a new drink. Thought she'd like a cider judging by the sides o'her." I walked with him to the table. "If you are lucky enough for a few more rounds you might switch to applejack. It's her namesake. "Appreciate the wingmare help, old sweat." After providing him introductions to the girls I tapped on Spike's shoulder; he was forlornly pushing around what appeared to be the wedding cake toppers. "Spike, how is Miss Sparkle holding up? And yourself, how are you all doing?" The dragon rested his head in one of his reptilian palms. "She's really out of sorts because this was all just kind of sprung on her short notice. And now she's really suspicious of the bride." I grit my teeth, mustn't say anything ill of my liege. "I can kind of see her point, on both counts." "I was hoping to be in my first really awesome wedding. It's kind of getting old having her go off the rails like this, not thinking of how I feel. I know I owe her everything but it's tough always being in her shadow." I gave him a motherly smile. "Master Spike, I think we have a lot in common." His eyes slid to mine, though he still slumped toying with the figurines. "Yeah... And you didn't have to apologize. You were just doing your job, and we both kinda helped save the day." I nodded, then addressed the table. "Have a pleasant night. I've got a husband who no doubt misses me." They all bid me off. Their was an air of a group chatting and relaxing after a tense moment, everypony trying to put it behind them. I suddenly wished there was a word in our vocabulary for such moments. My own relief was provided by finally sliding into bed with Palatino at last. He did not open his eyes but rolled to embrace me. There was still a lot to do, and a threat to uncover. But the end at last seemed in sight.