A gentlecolt of an era long winded. Will the veil of the past overshadow Concrete Lime or, will the present break him?!
He was there a millennia ago.
He awoke from a spell that had cast upon him during his encounter with a beast, now slain long after he had been victim to its fury.
A spell which had propelled himself towards the writhing chasms of time memorial. He, suspended and frozen.
Forced to watch his proud country collapsed and overgrown. He was there when Sister Moon was banished. He was there when all left for Canterlot. He watched as the surrounding withered among roots and crumbling stones.
Now He is forced to meet his peers descendants, and his returned Diarchy once more.
A sudden blare of noises reverberates all around me, the faint scent of paint and leaves, the quint squeaks of wooden furniture present in the mix as I struggled to leave my mess of a bed.
I glanced through the slightly ajar windows on my left side, only for my eyes to bear witness to a crowd of stallions, mares both adult and old with foals teetering alongside chanting a celebration with joy and excitement.
Forming at the base of the Castle of the Two Sisters, the crowd seemed to stand at reason, postures of seriousness to only then chant the names of the special day today represented "Inquiry. Acceptance. Selection" said in sequence, each having a moment to be said by each participant within the crowd.
My form began to twist to a groggy posture, soon having chills as I struggled to stretched my joints and muscles, I trotted away with its struggles of maintaining an attitude befitting for the wondrous occasion of today's specialty, from my bedframe to the washroom for my bathtub as I readied to prepare a nice, cold wash for a work day.
The 'Inquiry. Acceptance. Selection' or Offering Day occurs on the 7th day of the month of every 4 months, it details the allowance for a selected group of ponies chosen at random of having their inquiries granted by the Diarchy of Equestria.
The special requests would be handled by the many enterprises whom manages certain aspects of the kingdom's economy, I am one of them, my enterprise is specialized in construction and excavation.
My role had been crucial in the road networking system employed to connecting to settlements across the known, unknown frontiers and plateaus around, centered to lead backwards to the Everfree City.
"Its going to be a very long day" I muttered under the guise of the falling pours of water hammering my mane, "Sir, are you bathing?" spoke Roll,
Whom functions as the primary and only helper of employment within my abode. "Yes, I'm hoping the sound of running water would imply that I am Butler".
Though I would utter my servants personal name in times of normal circumstances. Today however, restricts that very ability as from dawn to dusk am I relegated to speak with formality and not familiarity, of which is an oath made personally myself to disassociate normality and specialty, especially special occasions.
My name is Concrete Lime, this was a name I had been bestowed upon discovering my talents for construction and excavation.
This had occurred back at the outskirts of North 13 Outpost, what would later be known as Pan Bermanedino, I had originally fulfilled an occupation of economics and administration of logistics. However, I had opted for the more physically demanding portion of the job market for the bits are bi-weekly paid.
Which was substantially more hopeful than a boring and mentally demanding job of an accountant assistant, reasons being for one, pay and second, opportunities. The bits earned would be saved for my prior future goals of owning a paper mill.
This changed when I was tasked with fixing a run down section of the railway connecting the main lumber works to the pontoon shipbuilding works which were logged with Geo Logs from the previous wind storm yesternight. Back then, we hadn't fully established pegasi weather stations across the southern hemisphere, which made for sporadic weather events to occur every few times a year.
I was made to do the 3-mile stretch of rail that had the most presence of Geo Logs concentrated. Geo Logs are ancient wooden debris with a transmutation element which made susceptible to housing gemstones, unfortunately making them a hassle in removal works.
The whole structure is at risk of buckling from the immense gnash the geo logs had impaled the rail's foundations. I was exasperated upon having not improve the overall situation with a hand in pulleys and carts.
"The pieces of debris aren't moving an inch even" I spoke, strain from all the heavy pulling. The lodged debris in-between the rail and foundations are in quite a precarious spot, the angle making them more probable to destroying the rail line than dislodging it from the rail lines.
Pulleys were meant only for carrying merchandise from lower ground to higher ground. However, the issue present is the weight league limits of the pulley construct and it couldn't handle the geo logs debris pieces and fragments.
If I can't remove the debris with the available tools, I would just have to dig out some parts of the lodged spots and build upon the gnashed foundation layers using those very same logs, to further alleviate the stressed rail line. Finally, chunk out the parts where it over consolidate across the affected area.
"For the Everfree sake...the crowd is most unrelenting in attempts of outvoicing one another!" I said, "Time is less now as of now I must hurry, wouldn't want to miss breakfast. The occasions schedule would not allow a duration of rest and eat".
hah, I hoped I has arrived a moments time before the Sisters. However, this circumstance became false, once the familiar sounds of cluttered utensils has made itself known. Was when I'd arrived at the castle lobby, It was evident the occasion for a lengthy session of consumption has past for some time.
Everypony had left for the venue, having dine their brunch already, I quickly grabbed a set of slices, of cream-sliced sandwiches and galloped toward the venue scheduled.
As I drew near proximity to the halls leading to the auditorium of Speakers of Harmony, I heard the last statement spoken by both Sister Celestia, Sister Luna say, "...may the choosing of individuals commenced". Upon arriving, I had narrowly directed myself away from the Speakers of Harmony auditorium, towards the opening ceremony venue.
Booths for the submission of inquiries are located in the adjacent, repurposed ballroom to the auditorium, to which sits in the far corner my booth. Albeit, smaller in size and area compared to the other bustling tents sprawled about the floors of the ballroom situated.
That may be due to how little few ponies ever consulted on matters concerning construction or excavation, considering few ever have the incentives to splurge they're small fortune on things best left for public services to handle. A business of which I'm responsible for. As the Sisters embellished themselves by small talk with nobles and friends, both mentors and compatriots alike.
The crowd cheered and waited abated for the selection process to follow through to their assigned number cards, with a shower of trumpets. 50 ponies will be chosen from the 1,760 populace numbers of Everfree settlement, it may seem unfair to have only 50 selected out of the other 1,710 potential cases.
Worry little as the event holds a system that with every missed chance, the next time would be considerably higher for those whom had they're issues presented missed.
For a considerable amount of time afterward I waited for somepony to stumble upon my kiosk for an inquiry concerning an issue correlating to ore mining problems to the issue of the construction of the planned railway to make connections to their planned stopping points.
If the Sisters chooses to push through with myself and House Plymouth's council members idea of the project proposal to begin operating in place across the plateau of Equestrian Soil.
What was presumably a large crowd of potential candidates for inquiry depositors came dwindling to a small splinters of ponies wandering about, finding in places which suites their problems best solved. One was caught eyeing my booth, to which I returned with a motion gesture.
"Good evening, Sir Stallion. How may I be of service?", "Good evening, Sir..." he gestured on what hints to my name, "Concrete" I replied, with a small smirk.
I waited momentarily for the stallion to continue "Sir Concrete, may I wish for your consultation on a small leakage crack of mineral oil in the Color Drop Fields".
Ecstatic, for somepony had finally decided to ask for help personally, and not a proposal sent through official government channels. I backed away to fetch myself with the proper stationaries with the clipboard side-by-side, and proceeded to write his number card of 13 into the appropriate slot.
Scheduling the appointment to be handled for the available time of next week. For time is needed to reserve a spot in my tight schedule and contacting the specialized team of ponies necessary for inspectors, evaluators, and repair-ponies.
The event finished with evening light dimmed to a purple hue, how gorgeous was the night, however more awe was the setting of the sun and the rising of the moon. The stars emblazon across the skies makes one truly certain how wondrous of Diarchy goddesses are, Sister Celestia and Sister Luna. We were also blessed with the notion that we could call out themselves of their personal names in times permitted either for time having seen each other was distant or for matters truly grave.
"Concrete, you're home" Roll spoke with tinge hint of tire from the duties of maintaining a small mansion whereas I resigned for the night. "Roll, could you interest yourself in making a jug of orange lemon juice". "Right away-", "and do pour for three cups. Two for me and One for yourself".
I gestured myself to lead away to the small set of seats and a small rectangular table. After a brief moment, Roll came out with two filled cups of chilled orange lemon juice, to which the third presumably did finished during the delivery process of stated beverages.
I for drank one before making my to the washroom to place the 2nd cup of orange lemon juice on the adjacent counter where belonging several childhood heirlooms, both for achievements made during and after gaining his cutie-mark.
I need a bath and I need my sleep, I trotted past Roll. I squeezed the handle and let loose of the stream of cold water brush my lemon coat and my messy grey mane soaked, I let out a grunt upon the droplets making contact to my eyes through my brow, came it ended. In earnest wore my simple wardrobe clothing and slipped into the covers of my bed, I whistled till the darkness came for my vision subsided into a dream.
The streets were quiet and the buildings hollow, without a soul on site other than the mumblings of sounds coming from within my basement, I peeked beyond the veil of my doorway to the entrance of my house, where it was there left decayed.
Foreboding for someone to me whom has a duty for restoration, building and excavation, the walls cracked and the windows grinded to sand and came shine of light, a figure with appendages of many species and a head of a dragon. Whoever the figure may be, it sends a chilling message which it chuckled soon right after, "Are you willing to wait?".
The facade of masonry and timber wither to bridge the brief absence of time and soon, it became apparent as the being took shape. Unmistakable, it was a creature of legend, a one of few that bore such caliber pertaining to its one's only source of both power and disaster chaos.
Both in awe and terror, baffled by the image that seems so vivid, seemingly within my grasps. It, or Discord descended, grounding himself upon the timber surface and clinging upon a post of masonry to lean upon. Then it took one step, which was quickly followed by a 2nd step, striding both too quick and accordingly across the glistened surface of waxen timber, clawing the mason walls which trembled upon contact.
A sizzle of orange and yellow became apparent when those very same claws etched ever further to the inner foundation of the masonry walls, further alongside, its footings dulled the waxen wooden planks till the very surface became uneven with light motion in weird ways that came into contact upon the flooring semblance.
Discord stopped, the stature of masonry prevented the deity of chaos to be fully visible when he halted just several feet from my position and several dozen from the doorway. Then asunder torn my vision, as the walls began to erode and the floor planks screamed as it waxes, wanes.
At the very moment spoke the being which tore my spirit apart, "Are you willing to wait?"
I screamed, wailed. Yet, I remained, having never did concoct my actions as the being bore its glares of regurgitating spasms of magic, wonders and dull, rot. Soon the fabric of the dreams which both us inhibit began to tear and crumble, the foundations disappears and I find myself flung across the dark chasms below.
*Thunk*..*Jingles..CRACK*
A sudden series of breaking ceramics and movement of bedding furniture abruptly, ears perked upward. Roll turns his head towards the noise, trying in identifying where the noise of disturbance came from. 'its coming from upstairs', trotting quickly towards the cause of noise, Roll turns swiftly arriving upon the the doorstep leading to his master's bedroom. "Concrete, are you alright sir?!"
I was presently shook from whatever had ailed me within my sleep. The nightmare had haunted me to the daylight waking hours, Princess Celestia's sun soon broke the veil of Princess Luna's night, the peeking of orange hue across the horizon of mix lighting blue and white.
My mind wrought from the thoughts of the chaos deity depictions, "...-re you alright?!" I turned to gaze to Roll who with genuine worry, wore a frown.
"ye...-Yes, I'm fine Roll, just a spooked dream" I stammered, "If you're tired, I could cancel all appointme-" "Cease your worries...I'm merely shaken" I bellowed.
"Concrete..., I'll take heed of your clothes ready and transportation", "Do as you need to and...thank you" I replied albeit with a less enthusiastic tone.
The dream was indeed a worrying thought, the thought though chilling however it be, shouldn't be taken too seriously. Discord, the chaos deity had been sealed for decades by the Twin Royal Sisters. It may just be the gravity of today's importance that had conjured such apparitions.
Trotting through the usual routine of bathing, wearing the apparel provided by Roll and storing of documents to my satchel for proper sendoff in regards to the legislation of the first commercial rail line by the authority of the Royal Civil Administration of Funding.
The arriving coach carriage was provided by the bureau for its most accomplished investors, the travel from my estate to the bureau's external perimeter grounds was a rather breezy endeavor.
Dropping off, a group of judicial ponies and myself are then escorted to the pavilion outside of the administration legislation halls to greet the team responsible for later handling the public unveiling of the commercial rail line opening, and the proper procedures of introductions with the required demeanor to the Royal Princesses.
Excusing myself to greet the the lead earth pony Ink Tipper, his companion Ink Dipper and marefriend Shale Bank.
"Good morning, Inkers", "Good morning sir Lime, I've sure you've met my family?! Haven't you?" replied Ink Tipper. "You're a lovely bunch. That I surmise", "Please, let us proceed to the engagement. Dear could you lend the plans, please" Ink Tipper asked, Shale Bank nods and reaches for her saddlebags for the papers relaying the engagement course and reason for action.
The course of engagement would be for Ink Dipper guiding the Royal Solar and its appropriate counterpart the Royal Lunar guards to the venue station, whereas Tipper's mare will guide the media outlets to the venue areas appropriate for them specifically.
Ink Tipper would give the speech and small mentions of my contributions and enterprise works, then would proceed to greeting the Royal Diarchy and presenting the finished product with a ceremony of a moving railroad hand cart.
----
I motion the crew to finishing the small discrepancies on the stage's props, then following up with the motion for letting the ceremony move accordingly with schedule. Ink Dipper trots to the Double Barracks for his part and Shale Bank begins filing in the reporters to the designated spots. I give notice for Ink Tipper to prepare whilst himself moving towards the stage prop.
"Good afternoon fillies and gentlecolts to the grand unveiling of Equestria's first public railway", announced Tipper. "The event of which marks new beginnings for the progression of industry and transport of all beings sapient-", finishing the sentence, I and Tipper see notice of the Royal Diarchy of Sister Celestia and Sister Luna arriving by carriage onto the surface of the venue. "-and I would like to honor our sponsors of the project, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna!"
Setting upon the stage of the event. The Princesses announced "We thank thee for yourself mentions of our contributions" said Princess Luna, "-and I wish for all others make use of these carriages for all future travels", interjected Princess Celestia.
"We are delighted of our workers and bright minds of Plymouth in their excellent works of craftmanship and impeccable speed in finishing establishing the railway!" "Thus we would like to announce the commencement of function to begin tomorrow!" said Princess Celestia.
The crowd cheered and showered the princesses and representatives alike on-stage with petals together with shredded papers.
The news to the announcement of the revolutionary public service that would propel the travel of ponies to anywhere at speeds comparable to sky carriage services in a more stable and price affordability-orientated. To begin operation tomorrow incurred great reception.
----
As the crowd cheered, I had signed the contract of dual proprietorship which the Equestrian government owning the operation of train carriages and use of railway connections including its future expansions. Whilst, Plymouth.co will own the trainyard R&D department works.
I had included a 99-year maintenance warranty of the railway construction and its other branches attributed to the function of people, economic and statesponyship movement.
"Thank you for working with the Equestrian Royal Civil Administration of Funding Works or Royal for Civil Finances (R.C.F) Concrete Lime", commented Rising Graph.
"Pleasure doing works with yourself included public servant Rising Graph", "I'm hopeful for the future dealings we, Plymouth.co will be doing. Once completion of our other assignments are done that is".
"You mean the other two projects we helped commissioned" Inquired Rising Graph, "That's precisely what I'm referring to Rising Graph"
"Nevertheless, I won't be hindering your leave then sir Concrete." spoke Rising Graph. Trotting away to the exit channel of the bureau, sitting outside the exit way stood a carriage that would direct myself towards Plymouth Excavation Works for a haste look.
Seeking to promptly, look upon the progression rate of a certain project that had been commissioned, assisted with a royal decree marking indicating its utmost importance to the Equestrian government. Whatever it may be, It suggests an request of monstrous magnitude.
"Sir Lime, we've arrived", the Exca' Works structure appears abruptly. Concrete reaffirms his stature after the nauseous dive landing aftereffects subsided.
"Thank you for the smooth...*coughs...sailing Wing Rose" temporarily forcing the buildup of expired air from his system. "Just doing my job. Sir Lime" replied Wing Rose, aiding me on the descend from the coach.
"Please do audit my performance afterwards, paying the fa-...sir?" Wing Rose pauses upon notice of my sudden belching of air.
Heaving, "I will do...I will do" sparingly said after the peak of the ordeal had come to pass. "You may leave as need be of your schedule Wing Rose"
"As to your presence, I be excused...and have a nice day!" quickly scurrying off to handle other reserved bookings. Having calmed my inner workings, "Alright, so as to today's agenda" trotting towards the main yard works.
----
Alcom Press urges the workers to finish the installation of the newly acquired Aluminum Rollers from OrePress incorporated. "Quickly fasten those bolts and weld the chassis in place!" he exclaimed, "We need to complete the refurbishment of the works!, as to have a proper break for this coming Years 'Eve".
As the finishing touches of the contraptions came done Alcom Press expresses "Alright coltponies! prepare to be handed your checks for the month and that also includes your wares", momentarily positioning himself towards the entrance "Please enjoy your Years 'Eve!".
The entryway soon gave view to a crowd of ponies gently laying their wares to their assigned lockers and assumed their checks of bits for this month's work. As the ponies came barreling out, a figure crisscrosses throughout the leaving audience.
Alcom recognizes the figure which had revealed himself upon his gaze, "Alcom Press, sorry for the inconvenience."
----
Screeching noises heard from the movement of heavy machinery to their changing direction of use, the addendum of new equipment installed for the better operation of the factory and the lessening of burden to its workers wellbeing. The monstrous stature of the machine towers over the predecessor which lay disassembled on the exit of the bay doors across the north side of the factory compound.
A shout of orders and instruction are heard announcing, "-ecks for the mo..." the rushing headwinds made the following less audible. However, the end was a discernable bit, "-our Years 'Eve!". Then came the flurry of clops on the concrete stone floors, echoing throughout the assembly area and briefly, within the workers comp' area.
Hoping in not missing the agenda communication to the head officer in duty, hurried did I through the crowd abruptly leaving the entranceway into the facility. Weaving about to avoid trampling issues or accidental collision with an unfortunate, hurrying colt and filly.
Once the majority of the way hurdles were averted, promptly I shouted, "Alcom Press, sorry for the inconvenience". Upon identifying the officer in duty. Alcom Press on turn received the statement and had developed a scowl expression when having recognized the voice individual belonging.
Alcom Press proceeds to motion an formal stance, "Greetings to the founder, Sir Lime.", "Greetings to the officer in duty, Officer Alcom" I replied. "What is the purpose for the abrupt, unscheduled visit?" questioned Alcom, "I had been informed of a new development regarding the establishment of a separate capital for administrative purposes", "And what of it?" added Alcom.
Repositioning myself to better meet the look of Alcom Press, "Two things! One, is the addition of royal quarters whose purposes is the Princesses intent to relocate and convert their now Castle of the Two Sisters, into a monument."
Breathing in, "And... secondly, the Princesses had endowed the responsibility upon us on the excavation and construction of the capital on the side of Mount Canterhorn." The issue with the assignment is not its importance nor its difficulty, it is the time of which it is issued which is most troubling.
This news struck Alcom like a steam to paper, "That's an impossibility, Sir Lime. It mustn't be made now, we've had just unveiled the new railway and... the renovation phase is ongoing!", "That is true... I am very much troubled by the inconvenience wrought by the assignment. That is why I am here to relay the message Alcom and would wish to suggest, perhaps discuss a possible workaround to the issue at hand."
"You're emphasizing the term 'workaround' to which entails...? " Inquired Alcom, "We both are very aware of the present work exhaustion our main enterprise labor is currently experiencing from the prior completed projects in rail transport, and the renov - ", "Again. What workaround have you suggest?" Interjected Alcom.
"Delegate the labor contribution to our associate companies and newly acquired subsidiaries from the recent merger with Grisson.co - " I suggested, to which I promptly added, " - and ourselves relegated to performing consultation of operations, thus limiting the work to our planning & management branches!"
Finishing off, I looked to Alcom Press for his thoughts on the possible solution. "That is brilliant, Sir Lime. Just brilliant!", "I merely had offered a possible workaround. Hast thou had any imagining formed beforehand the discussion ends?" I inquired, "None that could match to the caliber thou had propose. And yet the issue comes not from the appraisal of staff, Sir Lime"
"Thou are not wrong, we would hast to appoint some of the enterprise's and the recently merged Grisson.co representatives, to a meeting with the Princesses, with the Council of Equestria together to approve the changes" This incurs the utmost hurdle, that is convincing the Royal court, Administrative court of the changing development of the assignment.
It would've not be difficult, if for refinement of role. However, the aim is to contribute lesser physically, for a position in direction of function within the project, an action foreign within and without the Equestrian system. Surely -
"clank*... clank*... clank*"
A blaring noise was made known as the time reached seven-twenty two PM, this had made any plans brewing to be put on hold for tomorrow afternoon.
"clank*... clank*... clank*", "Hmm... Sir Lime?"
"Mmm. ay. ay what is't, now. O right! the time?", "Marry our time does call upon's, i'd prefer we could continue to-morrow noon Sir Lime" Alcom suggests, "Please compose it so officer Alcom"
"Farewell to the founder, Sir Lime" stated Alcom as he gestures himself towards the exit doors. "Farewell to thee, Alcom" I quip. The day was truly at its rest, the night full moon has adjourned upon the center of the night sky, as I made way to switch off the igniter fuses outside. A gentle breeze caress my mane, a sudden arrival unknown make known. "Pleasant evening Sir Concrete"
Hovered down came a spectacle unexpected, Princess Luna has descended upon the meagre soil I stand upright. Expressionless from the sudden surprise appearance of a Moon goddess, quickly bending both knee and head to bow to the royal Diarchy sister, Princess Luna.
"A presence most welcome Princess Luna. A goddess of the lunar skies" a formal tone accompanied the title. Lifting her hoof, "Refrain the formal tone. I wish to speak of thy series of changes to thee original proposition", having calmed down from the pressure emitted of Princess Luna. "Apologies Luna, I hadn't thought thee be present", "Is there a rule insinuating, I require prior inform visit sent" a serious tone replacing the relaxed tone before.
"There is none." Gazing down, "Then is not a matter! Have thee absolve thy worries that may I continue my intentions". "Princess. Thy may -", I then remembered. "-Wait! I do have one issue", "And that is?"
"The proposition in regards of the... Sole contributor. We wish to abdicate-", "You wish to abdicate our offer, building the capital!" The regal tone shocking, tremors rocked the unsteady platform.
Eardrums assaulted, my body became heavy, lightheaded. Noticing the sudden rocking, I leaned onto the wall for support. "We Plea!" I shouted, stopped the vocal barrage. "Speak" ordered Princess Luna, toned harshly.
"Princess Luna, I am burdened with responsibility as a servicepony of Equestria. I am given a responsibility to from a prior event", "Thou mean the day the dukes pay heed to our civilian worries?!" Affirmed Luna. "Indeed, it per say an appointment fixture that cannot be absolved by your own rulings! Princess."
"And what of the status of our offer Concrete", I stood rigid, bound to the hooves still. "Consultation Princess. Plymouth.co will only offer consultation within the excavation" a moment of silence prevail the scene, harrowing the thought of cause, "Prin -."
"We will discuss further soon" interjected, swiftly pulse through the clouds moments after the statement had left her muzzle. I beckoned the slab of bricks as comfort for sleep had withered my psyche, slowly impasse my consciousness to the realm of dreams.
Rustling leaves, swaying iron poles. Shaken my slumber, I awoke to a frazzled build, Ngah... The early morning dawn sweeps across the lighting skies, its azure shades lessen to a waking orange hue. The periphery brightens as I blinked out of a state of drowsiness.
A knockback of headaches appears suddenly, with ached pains setting in. I withdrawn the use of visuals and basked myself to light radiate and wind blows. Breathing in, out. Stumbling away from the hard brick slab surface onto the backdoor handle, swiftly opening and closing the door to be let in.
Walking through the craftsman stations, faculty wings that make-up the compound, towards the Officer dept.
Passing through doors and signs till one objectively said 'Self-hygiene room', promptly entering its vicinity and unravelling the shower curtain. The dust accumulated poured away, frizzy fur aligned along the stream of hot water, a session of unadulterated bliss
----
Pastures grazed by scythes and plows, sowing and seeding cycles precedent. The river weeds wade smoothly against the tranquil stream, water that courses through the many swamplands and wetlands alike. Several caravans situated outside the front gates of the settlement Everfree City is seen from the ending route of one.
Whilst the process of mitigating the influx of goods and their proprietary assets were underway. A bellow of trumpets sounded, a sign a known figure is making their way into the gate of Everfree City. A unicorn stallion, a plain white coat and copper blue mane, a cloak fastened onto his shoulders. His flank mark the glistened wear of silver eyeglasses.
"Silver Fleece. hath the travels persisted well?" announced the guard stationed, "Weary am not, hath council and princesses begun thein court?" Inquired Sir Fleece." It hasn't, Sir Fleece" Silver relieved, began making way through the guard posts.
"I must make haste." said Silver Fleece.
----
After washing myself off, I headed towards the locker rooms. Latched a cloak and a top hat as wear, to be presentable when greeting passersby. Exiting the main premise, eager to use the newly-established train services for the very first time, outside testing. Using services made from mine own contributions had always excite me, primarily due to the praises said, I passively receive. From those using the services, its palpable when one is unaware of whom he ,or she spoke to/around.
Arriving to the train station which is merely a platform with a ticket booth, there were apparent signs of traffic. A family of several clumped together to enter one of the carriages, one may be able to seat upwards to 18 passengers. They had satchels of seeds, seasonings latched on their bags, quite peculiar. Nonetheless, I arrived to the booth, seeking to purchase a ticket for the morning ride to Everfree City.
"G' Morning Sir? What is your name, and what destination are you heading to?" the young mare inquired, with a smile. "Concrete Lime. Everfree City, please" a straight face I donned, a facade. Without however, for truth I grin for when the mare likewise understood my credibility.
"Concrete... Concrete Lime?!" exclaim the young mare, a tone tad too concerning, but expected. My mentions are named however, my image is not public. This is to ensure I do not receive unwanted attention.
The noise had caused someponies to swerve their heads to the origin of the spoken statement.
Noticing the sudden increasing attention garnered, "Calm yourself ma'am" interjecting to relieve herself, the surprise.
"My apologies... sir..." hesitant on how to address me, "You may call me Sir Lime as that would suffice. Could I may acquire the general fare?" whispering sternly, a soft tone delivered.
"Of course Sir Lime. Here's your ticket, have a pleasant ride Sir Lime" in a quick succession said. "Missus Faire" glancing at her woven name sketch, "Next time, no need be nervous. You are free to express on how to address me, as long if its not disruptive" advised I.
"I'll do well to not disappoint, Sir Lime" Faire spoke, nerves significantly lessen. "I do not doubt your effort, Missus Faire." with that I took the ticket from her hoof, and headed to the waiting platform.
The train conductor motioning the train departure coming near. I aboard the train carriage and headed towards the seating inscribed on the ticket, the seat sighted. I sat obliged to take a gander at the windowsill to rest my head, for the ride may take some time before arrival.
----
Outside, a small number of ponies mainly consisting of crafts-ponies, consultants in finance & construction. Alcom Press, Roll, and Concrete began heading towards the courtyard before the castle gate. Notifying the adjacent guard regarding our team's attention, shortly afterward we were let in.
Passing, we were led towards the waiting area. Prior which hosted the Offering Day yester-week. Rows and rows of seating sections sprawled across the area, "Alcom. I need you to tell the team to standby, alright!" , "Will do sir Lime." I gestured to Roll to come up alongside as we approach the mare receptionist.
"Good Afternoon miss, may I inspect the available time slot for the court session", the mare looked up from her inspections of scrolls, eyeing Roll and Concrete. "Sir Lime, you already have a booked court session" an expressionless gaze accompanied her comment, "And Ma'am when is that coming about?" Roll wishing to know when's the time.
"Now"
"Pardon? what do you mean 'no --" The grandiose doors swung open, revealing both Solar & Lunar guards side-by-side. "You may now enter. Guards!" The guards swiftly moved about around me, my team and papers.
The gate doors swerved inwards, revealing a group of ponies that had collapsed on one another from the express guidance of the guards beside them. As the ponies repositioned themselves to better make sense of their surroundings, a firm series of thuds and cleared throats presented themselves. The Princesses and Council was afront around a shoe hoof shaped table with the disorientated ponies beforehand placed in the middle of it.
"The morning grazes our plains, Princess Celestia! The lunar stars graze our skies, Princess Luna!" I announces, to them nod my greetings. "The knowledge embodies magic, Starswirl! The book's guide the scholar, Clover!", thein too nod. "We have come to present--", "We know of your case, Concrete Lime! We only need your reason why? Concrete Lime." Princess Celestia, Luna synced said, the words reverberates the space within. Slightly taken aback by the immensity of said sayings.
"Concrete Lime, there comes a time where your needs are met, your nations needs are dealt. The Offering you've received can, and will be transferred to else's able!" Starswirl commandeers, "Indeed, would thou be foolish Concrete Lime, to overestimate your appointment has compared our nation's goal!" Princess Luna added.
"Would thee subject Concrete Lime enlightened to us why such a change is needed?" questioned Princess Celestia, "The change is permissible by Equestrian Law, quote; an Offering is made, can be change only with the resign of the offered", Roll straightened, continuing "As such only the recipient Offering may absolved their choice!"
"However, you expunged a detail crucial, Roll! The provider is equal in their will to, otherwise absolve recipient choice!" countered Clover. The law states that to be in truth. As well, the reveal has made my situation a fickle. "Then what decision you conclude Concrete?", Starswirl added, a stoic expression he wore.
Shuddering from the gazes pointed towards me. I trot a few steps front, breathing in and said, "It is in my jurisdiction... Right! to subside, to do the nation's bid, or my recipient's needs" pausing for any additions appoint by any, when none came. I continued, "I hereby choose the third! --", "There is none--", "Silence!" bellowed Princess Celestia, silencing Luna's rejection. Backing down, leered towards me, and my team.
Princess Luna retreated to the side of Starswirl, whilst Princess Celestia met my recoiled pace, a few steps forward she did. "If that is your choice! than the choice is decided. However!, You and House Plymouth will be relegated to consult, and that.. is.. Final!!"
A royal voice it was indeed, my companions heads down whilst mine frozen. Focused is my gaze to the glare that us Celestia's own.
