Up and down they went, giggling as the scenery rushed past them. Pound Cake waved at the other ponies whilst Pumpkin Cake busied himself chewing on the mane tip of their carrier. The bouncing pony suddenly stopped with a gasp, her ears perking as she turned to face the direction of the post office.
“It’s time. Ooh, I need to get some ice for that!”
Blueblood ignored the stinging on his cheek, staring on in shock as the mare started to breathe heavily. Her eyes darted to her coworkers and then to him, finally settling on the partially open door. The other mare came over and wrapped her forelegs around the grey pegasus, looking at him in confusion.
To the shock of all, another mare walked out from the ‘employees only’ area, her pink mane bouncing as she hummed and walked towards Blueblood, two foals in a carrier over her back staring around in wonder. Once she was in front of him, she took his hoof and placed a cold item in it, then moved his hoof to his cheek.
She leaned back, took a look at what she had done, gave a nod, and then bounced out of the customer door as if it was a completely normal thing during her day.
Blueblood shook his head a couple of times, then looked to the gray mare, still held tightly by the white pegasus. He took a couple of steps closer, but the goldened eyed mare began to hyperventilate, which prompted the pegasus stallion to place himself between Blueblood and the mares, looking over his shoulder at them.
“Blossomforth, take Derpy out the back and get her some air.” Blossomforth nodded to Poste Haste and began to guide Derpy out, Poste holding a hoof up to stop the unicorn stallion from following. Once the door closed, Poste sat down with a sigh and turned to face Blueblood, giving him a once over. “Listen, Derpy’s a good mare. So you showing up outta the blue like this and upsetting her… it doesn’t sit right. You obviously mean something to her, so just give her some time, okay?”
Blueblood opened his mouth to reply, but then closed it and nodded, then he picked up the parcel in his magic and left the building. He felt numb as he walked through town, the sounds of other ponies distant to him. Even when he came to the library he still wasn’t aware of his surroundings, bumping right into somepony’s flank, the startled gasp not even registering with him.
“Blueblood, there you are! I know who your mystery mare is!”
Forcing his mind to focus, Blueblood’s gaze finally settled on to something solid, and it took him a moment to realise he was staring at Rarity. Seeing that he was in a state of distress, Rarity opened the door with her magic and nudged him into the building, leading him to one of the couches.
“Blue?”
He still didn’t respond, his gaze staring off into the ether. Taking a deep breath, Rarity sat down in front of him and lowered her head.
“Blueblood, I have some news for you.” Still no reaction, so she lifted a hoof and turned him to look at her. “The mare you are looking for is called Derpy. I would have come told you the other day, but I had to rush off to help Fluttershy with an emergency in a nearby village. Now, Derpy works at… the… post office.”
Recognition entered Rarity’s mind, the way he was being so distant like when a pony suffered from shock, and the fact he was carrying a parcel that, after a quick check, showed it had a stamp from the local post office. “Blueblood, please say something.”
He pulled his head away from her comforting touch and his eyes fixed on the floor, his horn glowed a pale blue and his mouth curled into a sad smile. From one of the rooms above came a glow of the same colour, Rarity watching with interest as a set of saddlebags floated out and over the railings, coming to a stop in front of Blueblood, who slipped his hoof in.
She gasped and held a hoof to her mouth when he pulled out a sparkling blue gem on a silver chain, which he placed in one hoof and gently stroked with the other, tears slowly starting to fall. Rarity leaned in a little closer, her knowledged of gems coming up short on what she saw, something she had only heard rumours about.
“Is that a…”
“Yes, it’s an Ice Diamond, held on a chain of platinum. It belongs to one mare, and one mare only.”
“But… that must have cost a fortune!”
To Rarity’s surprise, Blueblood threw his head back and had a heartfelt laugh, wiping the tears from his eyes with a hoof whilst carefully holding the jewel in the other. He waved Rarity closer, pulling the mare into a loose embrace.
“You have no idea, Aunt Tia almost sent me to the dungeons for it.” The two shared a laugh this time, Rarity pulling away and watching the stallion with interest as he gently brushed the gem once more, speaking in a whisper. “Derpy… you know I am here now, and here I shall remain until you are ready.”
With the skies mostly clear and the odd cloud around, one mare relaxed on her own soft cloud, glad her work was done for the day. To most observers she looked lazy, but the truth of the matter was that she was prepared to assist with any emergency at a moments notice.
Having actually slept enough for once, Rainbow Dash rolled over and looked at the town below her. From her high vantage point she could see several possible pranking prey, but her plan for such fell flat as her gaze settled on the backyard of the post office.
Sitting on a garden bench was Blossomforth, who was holding Derpy. Rainbow had not only heard about but witnessed the altercation in the tavern the previous night, as had most of the town, but even she could tell something was off.
Stretching as she stood, Rainbow took a moment to get her bearings before leaping from the cloud. Her descent was a spiral centred on the post office, and she came to a gentle stop just outside the back gate. She knocked a couple of times just to let them know that she was coming in, slowly trotting over to where her flockmates sat.
“Blossom, what’s going on?”
“Some stallion just turned up at the post office, and it upset Derpy a bit.”
Rainbow nodded and placed her hoof on Derpy’s shoulder, the grey mare keeping silent as she breathed heavily. The trio sat in silence for a time, until Derpy coughed a little. Rainbow was gone in an instant, coming back a moment later with a glass of water from inside the post office, holding it steady Derpy drank. Rainbow looked over at Blossomforth and nodded at Derpy, Blossomforth giving a sigh as Derpy finished her drink
“So… who was he?”
“He… he’s… it’s him, Blossom! Why is he here? What does he want?” Derpy began breathing heavily again, but the door opening drew their attention, Poste Haste walking out with a well dressed unicorn stallion following.
“Good morning, Miss Hooves.”
Derpy sat up straight, frowning in confusion; she had seen this stallion around town, but had never had a reason to interact with him. “Uh… y-yes, that’s me.”
“Excellent.” Using his magic he pulled out a scroll from his pocket and unfurled it, clearing his throat. “By order of the town mayor, Miss Derpy Hooves is to report to Town Hall as soon as possible.”
“She’s not going anywhere!”
The stallion glared at Blossomforth, then went back to reading from the paper. “She is to answer to charges of assault that took place last night in the The Royal Sisters Tavern. If she does not attend, Miss Hooves is to be placed under arrest until her case can be rescheduled.”
Leaving the scroll on the outside coffee table, the stallion walked through the back gate and into town, leaving the four pegasi stunned. Blossomforth looked from the letter to Derpy, and gasped when she saw the seething hatred in Rainbow’s eyes as she stared at where the stallion had just been standing.
“Looks like somepony is going to have to pay a visit to Cipher Splash.”
Rainbow went to take wing, but something latched onto her tail and kept her from flying off. She looked over her shoulder with a glare, raising an eyebrow at Blossomforth. The white pegasus spat out the multi coloured tail and gave Rainbow a glare of her own.
“Do you really think that would help Derpy? All that’s going to do is make it worse! You were there last night, so if you want to help, then you’ll come as a witness.”
Rainbow opened her mouth to argue, but her words died before they even started when she saw the pleading look she was getting from Derpy. Hanging her head with a sigh, she trotted over and wrapped her friend in a hug.
“Yeah, I’ll be there.”
“This is so wicked!” Pip exclaimed as he grinned, walking alongside Dinky as they walked the through the streets of Canterlot.
Dinky was also beaming too, literally prancing as she looked up the see the palace come into view. “I know! I can’t believe Princess Celestia and Princess Luna invited us to the castle… for lunch.” Dinky giggled uncontrollably as she heard other foals speaking about the the sudden invite.
“That was mighty kind of them…”
“Do they serve hayburgers?”
“You think we can get our cutie marks there?!”
Dinky tittered at the the mention of cutie marks, remembering what wild antics the Cutie Mark Crusaders had gotten themselves into. Looking back at her own blank flank, Dinky sighed inwardly as she had yet to discover what her talents really were. A smile slowly formed onto her muzzle though when she looked at Pip.
At least I’m not alone…
When the class finally reached the gates leading to the castle, they were greeted by two royal guards standing post outside. “Good afternoon, and welcome to Canterlot Castle,” one guard called out, raising his hoof to block the group’s progress and maintaining the seemingly disinterested look. “May I please take your name and ask your business here today?”
“Cheerilee, and these are my students… we were invited by—”
“Ah yes! The Princesses are expecting you.” The guard’s tone lightened, if only a little, as he and his colleague opened the gates leading to the palace. “We hope you enjoy your visit.” He nodded as Cheerilee and the foals walked past him and towards the castle.
The main doors opened as they approached, and Cheerilee was greeted by an elderly stallion in a tuxedo smiling courteously at her. “Greetings, my name is Wise Words. I shall be your escort during your time at the castle.” Wise Words said politely, bowing to Cheerilee as he maintained a mild smile. “Allow me to show you to the dining hall, the Princesses are awaiting your arrival.”
“Thank you.” Cheerilee replied before following Wise Words down the hall towards their destination. As she walked through the passage, Cheerilee couldn’t help but look around herself in amazement of the architectural design of the palace. I wonder what it looks like in the evening? Cheerilee’s thought came to an abrupt halt when she saw Wise Words stopping in front of another set of large wooden doors. Turning to face the crowd that was gathered behind him, Wise Words lit his horn to swing the doors open, revealing Princess Celestia and Princess Luna already seated at the table with others.
A maternal smile etched upon Celestia’s muzzle when she saw Wise Words entering with Cheerilee and the foals. “Ah, Cheerilee… glad to see you made it.” Celestia greeted Cheerilee as she waved a hoof, beckoning her to come forward. “Please, have a seat.”
“T-thank you, Princess…” Cheerilee replied nervously as she took seat not too far from the Princesses, with the others doing the same. Seizing the opportunity, Pip and Dinky hurried to the open seats close to Princess Luna, the latter pleased to see them both seated next to her.
A gentle smile etched onto Wise Words' muzzle before he bowed to Celestia. “I shall take my leave now, Princess…” Wise Words trailed off as he turned to leave, but was stalled when Celestia called out to him.
“Oh Wise, why don’t you come join us?”
I knew she would ask me that… Wise Words sighed and shook his head slightly, still smiling as he turned to Celestia. “Very well, Princess…” Wise Words looked around for an empty chair, finding one that was adjacent to Princess Luna.
As everypony was waiting for the servings, Dinky looked to Wise Words who was sitting perfectly still with his eyes half opened. “Um, excuse me… Mr. Wise Words?” Dinky spoke softly, enough to get the attention of the elder pony. “How long have you been a…”
“Butler?” Wise Words finished her sentence, receiving a nod from the filly before him. Wise Words chuckled as his eyes rolled upwards to the ceiling above. “Since I retired from the Royal Guard, the Solar Guard to be exact my dear.”
Pip’s ears flickered as he heard Wise Words speak. “You were in the guard?”
“I was Captain of the Solar Guard before I stepped down.” Wise Words finished speaking, only to have every foal present look at him in wonder. After a moment of silence, he was bombarded with questions from the foals.
“Is it true!? You were a captain?”
“How many times a day did you have to train for?!”
“Is it true you can marry a princess if you’re a captain?!”
As the questions went on, Cheerilee could only plant her face in her hoof as she sighed, shaking her head before clearing her throat out loud to gain the attention of her class. “Children! Please behave yourselves…” Cheerilee instructed her class, just as the servants were arriving with the trolleys.
“So…” Pip began to speak again, in a hush whisper. “You were really a captain?” He asked Wise Words, receiving a nod as his answer. “Is it true only unicorns can become captain?”
Wise Words chuckled as he covered his mouth with a hoof. “My boy, anypony can reach the rank of Captain of the Guard, both Solar and Lunar,” Wise Words said as he leaned into Pip’s ear. “And let me tell you, I’ve seen earth ponies who triumphed over unicorn and pegasi in combat.”
“Really?”
“Oh yes, in fact… my commanding officer before I took the post was an earth pony, Captain Stone Cold.”
Across the table, Celestia gazed at Wise Words conversing with the young colt as a serene smile formed on her face. Celestia’s mind lingered to her nephew Blueblood a moment, causing her to look out the window.
I hope everything is well with him…
As she sipped her jasmine tea gingerly, Rarity eyes' never left Blueblood, who merely looked deeply into his beverage that she had poured for him. A ting of sorrow and pity coursed through her, knowing the poor stallion had a lot on his mind.
“So…” Rarity trailed off, lowering her cup before continuing. “What will you do now, Blue?”
What could I do? Blueblood thought to himself, keeping his eyes on his tea before sighing and scrunching his lips. “Honestly… I don’t know.” Blueblood answered her. What should I do?
A tremor shook the books lining the walls and the china on the table, surprising Blueblood and Rarity as they looked around in every corner. “What was that?!” Rarity exclaimed, before the door leading to the basement level opened, polluting the main floor with dark smoke. Coughing violently to the offending substance, Rarity lit her horn to open the windows of the library, letting all the gaseous vapours disperse. As soon as the room was clear Rarity saw Spike walking towards them, holding a letter in his claw.
“Blue, this is for you.” Spike informed Blueblood as he handed him the letter, dusting himself off afterwards.
“Spikey Wikey! Are you okay?!” Rarity panicked, looking for any signs of injury on the little baby dragon. She knew too well the kinds of dangerous tasks he was involved in when Twilight was experimenting with something.
“I’m fine,” Spike replied, smiling a little as he was flattered by Rarity’s concern. “I can’t say that same for Twilight though…” Spike trailed off before he went to the kitchen, leaving Rarity and Blueblood to ponder his words.
The sound of hoofsteps and huffing alerted both Rarity and Blueblood, causing them to turn around and see a slightly charred and irritable Twilight Sparkle.
After what seemed like an eternity of silence, Blueblood was the first to speak. “I take it the experiment I got you didn’t go that well?” He asked sheepishly, a little scared as to what Twilight might do or say.
Twilight simply walked to the couch, planting herself hard on it whilst mumbling grumpily. Just as she opened her mouth, Spike entered the room again with an ice pack that he gave to Twilight. “Thanks…” Twilight said softly as she took hold of the pack with her magic, nuzzling Spike before placing it gently on her head.
Remembering the letter, Blueblood levitated it and opened it carefully. As he read the contents, a small scowl formed on his face and he soon clenched his teeth in rage. “Oh for Faust’s sake!” Blueblood shouted out, quickly shutting his mouth. “Excuse me.”
“What is it?” Twilight asked curiously, lowering the ice pack as she got up from the sofa and walked towards Blueblood.
“Funding for an orphanage, Silver Lining, has ceased unexpectedly and now I have to head back to Canterlot to rectify this before the establishment closes down for good.” Blueblood told Twilight as he handed the letter to her, rushing up the stairs and coming back down with his briefcase. “But the thing that really ticks me off, is that this is not an isolated case concerning an organization aimed at foal welfare.”
Rarity peered over Twilight’s shoulder, scanning the letter before looking at Blueblood. “Whatever do you mean?”
“Somepony is embezzling bits, bits that are meant to go towards the foals…” Blueblood opened his briefcase and packed a few items, the last being the Ice Diamond pendant. Looking at it for a few moments, he sighed and carefully stowed it away in a compartment inside his case. One last thing I need to do...
“I’m sorry, Twilight, but I have to dash. Miss Rarity, it has been a pleasure, I hope I can visit again soon.” Blueblood quickly bowed his head to the mares, then his horn flashed and he disappeared from the library.
Blueblood hated teleportation travel, as it always made him feel light headed, no matter the distance. Shaking his head to clear it, he looked up and smirked, then pushed the door open and marched up to the counter, where he rang the little bell.
The pegasus stallion from earlier that day trotted over with a smile, which faded as soon as he saw Blueblood. He glanced to the side, somewhere out of the unicorn’s vision, then turned back to Blueblood with the sort of contempt only a service manage could muster. “I must not have made myself clear this morning, because this is certainly not enough time.”
“But… this is important! Please… let me speak to her.” Blueblood saw no change to the stallion’s impassive gaze and he sank to his haunches, lowering his head a little. “Please, let me talk… to Derpy.” He looked up when he heard a gasp. His eyes went wide as the mare appeared on the other side of the counter as she gently nudged the stallion out of the way, although he was reluctant to move.
“Speak quickly, I have somewhere I need to be.”
Blueblood’s heart nearly burst out of his chest as his angel’s voice graced his ears once more, and it took all of his willpower not to jump the counter right there and embrace her in his forelegs. Instead, he took a deep breath and placed a hoof on the wooden work table as he looked into her eyes.
“I have to return to Canterlot, there’s an orphanage about to close down due to lack of funding, and my job dictates I must be there before the final decision is made. I only… wish to ask that you think no ill of me for turning up like this then having to leave, but I assure you, not even Discord himself can stop me from returning once my business is concluded.”
A small ray of hope came to Blueblood as Derpy worked her mouth a few times, before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. Once the opened again, they we both focusing fiercely on him, and it wasn’t until her own hoof gently brushed his did he notice she had moved at all.
“What’s the name?”
“Huh?” Blueblood couldn’t help but arch his brow at that, even though Derpy tittered a little with another mare joining in around the corner. Soon the pegasus stallion joined in as he chuckled a little.
“The name of the orphanage. What is it?”
“Oh. Um… Silver Lining.” It was nearly imperceptible, but Blueblood saw the slight widening of her eyes. As much as he wanted to ask, he really needed to get moving. “I will return, I—” He was cut off as Derpy leaned in unexpectedly, planting a gentle kiss on the tip of his muzzle.
“You go do what’s right for those foals. When… when you come back, I shall try to be ready, but please be patient with me? This is going to be a difficult time, for the both of us.”
“Of course. I shall return as soon as possible.”
With that, Blueblood swept out of the post office with Derpy watching as he began galloping towards the train station. As soon as the door swung shut, she turned to find herself staring into the concerned face of her colleague and best friend.
“You didn’t tell him.” Blossomforth was ignored as Derpy went about tidying up the office, Poste Haste having hastily vacated the area as soon as Blossomforth glanced at him. Reaching a hoof up, she stopped Derpy from working. “Why didn’t you tell him?”
“He doesn’t need to know that I was there.”
“Not that… why didn’t you tell him about Dinky?”
“Blossom…” Derpy turned to her friend as her eyes became moist, albeit with a smile on her face. “The time wasn’t right. I know you don’t understand, but please trust me on this.” The two shared a brief hug as they walked towards the door together. There was one more matter of unpleasant business to attend to, yet Derpy was determined to face it with a smile for she had found something she thought she had long since lost; hope.
Well, at least things are progressing between Blueblood and Derpy, even if only a little. It's a start, and it's going in a good direction.
I hope I didn't just jinx it.
Wow. That was intense. I do love the character history of Wise Words. I also loved how Derpy and Blue's relationship progressed. I can't wait to see what happens next. I assume we are getting near a climax. Good luck with the next chapter. These next ones are going to be intense.
I was kinda expecting Celestia to know about Dinky being Blueblood's due to either somehow knowing about her relatives or some kind of weird genetic mannerism manifesting itself during lunch.
5228873
Remember, Celestia is not omniscient nor is Luna
5228871
Thanks, and you shall see
Hmmm, if your going to embezzle money wouldn't it make more sense to do small amounts at a time and spread them apart to make it less obvious. Their are exceptions of course. For example just prior to King Phillips War in New England the titular King Phillip (Native name Metacom) began selling his lands at a rapid pay to buy more guns and ammo based on the fact he was about to retake it all in his war anywa---
Oh (expletive) all kinds of duck... I doubt we're dealing with a full blown war given how much can go into child welfare even in as nice a nation state as Equestria but that much gold in the wrong hands will be problematic to say the least...
So, it appears Derpy might have some sort of connection with the Silver Lining orphanage...
By the way, I happened to notice a slight error:
For such a large key, the spacebar does seem easy to miss sometimes...
Well, that felt a little contrived.
Well, we know how much this itchy B (I forget her name) hates children, but to take money from an orphanage? That...is...LOW!! Well, so much for the happy reunion. Poor Blueblood. He was looking for the love of his life for a decade or so and when he finds her, she slaps him. I know it will be awhile before Blueblood and Derpy become the happy couple I'm hoping for them to become. I just hope nothing happens to Dinky because of that itchy B in the meantime.
5229066 How so?
so, Captain Stone Cold.
why that name for a pony, get my mind on a bald earth pony doing the stunner?
anyway, good chapter, i like that Derpy focused her eyes when she is dead serious.
5228835 if you did, my tentacles will find you, and you are not going to enjoy it, trust me.
Derpy didn't told Blue of Dinky, and Blue didn't show the necklace he got her the morning they lost each other, right when everyone was expecting them to reveal them; each knowing it was for the best, I guess. Nothing would've been able to keep Blue from leaving if he was reunited with his love and found out about his daughter, having so much to make up for after being gone for a decade.
The climax is quickly approaching, and I have a fairly good idea who's been stealing money from the orphanage.
What is Derpy referring to here? The bar fight? And why didn't Derpy ask Blue his name when he returned? I get that their both in a hurry, but seriously...
I have only one thing to say to Wise Words, "Hellsing Abridged!"
5228917 that was beautiful man, that was beautiful. There's no other word to describe this chapter. I could say 1 million things about it but, in the end it comes down to one word.
5229313
I took that to mean that she was at that orphanage as a filly
5229169 The whole striking him and hyperventilating nonsense. Didn't even say anything, just hit him and panicked.
FUCK YOU POST NEXT CHAPTER NOW PLEASE
5229481 that was a "I was listening to that conversation" comment.
5229265 Captain Undertaker would be badass.
You know, I don't think Amber Vain is the one doing the embezzling. I mean Blueblood got the letter and got, what i'm guessing given the context, a good clue of who was doing it in about at most half a day and I'm guessing it was going on for at most a couple months, could be horribly wrong there but if large amount of funds are diverted its found out rather quickly so it makes sense that someone else would embezzle large amounts and set someone up who has whats suggested to be not entirely agreed upon views on raising children, Amber Vain, as their patsy. The plan goes patsy gets caught and jailed, the money "disappeared", and whoever stole it enjoys the large sum hes gathered.
And there is me probably looking a bit too much into pony fan fiction, GOODNIGHT EVERYBODY.
5230042 Gah, clever...
Unless, of course, the embezzler decides to suddenly live..quite a lavish lifestyle..
5229052
Maybe the connection is that she was raised in that particular orphanage---and yes, that would imply that we don't know who Derpy's parents were, or if they are even alive. It does have the possiblility that Derpy was left in a basket at the front of the orphanage--probably as a result of born with the derp-eyes and worried that the foal had a defect leading to abadoning filly Derpy on the doostep.
EDIT: I wonder that since Dinky is a unicorn, would it be possible that her potential magic aura's color is the exact same color as Blueblood's? If that came to pass, seems to me that it would be a dead giveaway that Dinky is at least related to Blueblood, though more than likely, the same particular color of the aura shows that the colt/filly is the offspring of a stallion/mare. The color would be directly passed from Mom/Dad to the child without skipping generations.
Wait... Blueblood is a prince, so that makes Dinky..!
*Gaaaaasp*
And if you have to be a Captain to marry a princess...
I hope Pip likes the guard!
5228873 5228917 Well it has been proven that they know a lot more then they let other ponies know.
Luna can dream walk and that lets her see other ponies memories as well as the past, present and future.
Celestia has prolific dreams so you never know what she see.
Plus she has a lot of spies I mean she probably knew and did nothing either not to be a busy body or because it would be fun to see what ould happen.
5230042 5230083 I got the feeling the the embezzling was just a tool, I seem to remember a mare for the foal Protective Services a couple of chapters back not liking the fact the Pip and Dinky were walking together. Like she hated the idea that a unicorn and earthbound were together.
So may be embezzling is a weapon use by this tribe centric mare?
Well, things just got more complicated for both Derpy and Blue. Let the dance begin!
Though I suspect that Derpy will be able to win that, what with Dash being her witness (and a national hero multiple times over at the same time). Though the very best showcase of Derpy's truthfulness would probably be AJ since it's her element. Shame that she was't there though.
Anyway, next chapter please
twilight get to town hall and pardon derpy.... YESTERDAY!
It was about
fkingtime for the kissu kiss us to return to those two... And Pip is best captain.5228835 The path behind them is straight, the path before them one of many forks in the road.
5228871 Climax to the arc, soon. Story, no chance. Also, there is more to Wise Words' history that will come into play soon.
5228918 Unless you don't care if you get caught because you have political clout to get you off the hook. Leverage over ponies to swing decisions your way.
5229052 More than a connection, but wait until the next arc starts. We should be meeting her... well yeah, family is the right word.
5229160 No, of course not...
5229265 To keep troops in line, sometime's a good clothesline is needed.
5229313 Re-read the section where Blueblood tells Derpy the name of the orphanage. Also, to asking his name... be patient.
5229642 I think you're missing one very key point here; she's hungover as fuck. I've never met anyone who thinks clearly when they are in such a state.
5229702 Well... that's not very nice.
scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/t1.0-9/560026_567767639945202_280013402_n.jpg?oh=ebdaeafd111184afb0f37c1ed0a48b3d&oe=54EF7362
Wanna say that again? (Also, can't post what isn't written.)
5230042 Hmm... that is a good theory. A good theory indeed. But you'll have to wait and see how close you've got!
5230456 Bingo, we have a winner! Her birth parents... dunno, we haven't thought much on them. What she considers her family... we'll be meeting them soooon! Also, maybe with the magic.
5230463 Nope, don't have to be a Captain. In this 'verse, you marry who you wish because you want to, not out of some sense of 'class obligation'.
5230475 Yes, Luna can dream walk, but if she does not go into a particular pony's dreams, then she will not know of their hopes and fears, would she? As to Celestia... remember the whole thing with Pinkie and 'when the time is right?' Celestia is the most attuned with the natural magic of Equestria, so wouldn't it stand to reason she would have 'heard' the message as well?
Foal Protection Services... can somepony say shake up of government department?
5230554 The hearing where she answers charges of assault? The entire tavern saw her commit assault, and not everypony heard what was said. Still thing she is going to win?
5230569 Context. Even Rainbow Dash didn't hear what was said, just saw Derpy punch another mare. If Twilight were to intervene, then she would hear all possible accounts of events and then chose in accordance with the law. Still want that to happen?
5230629 Well theoretically, since nobody heard what provoked the assault... one can hope in the best outcome, right?
But seriously, freaking courts. One gets what they really deserved, and instead of taking it like an adult, they behave like a crybaby and sue the one who was the true victim.
5230475 I suspect that it was more "Blegh, disgusting commoner" stuff than anything tribal...Although that is a possibility.
5228917
I was thinking more along the lines of the movie Twins were Arnold Shwatzennegger and Danny Divito are twins separated at birth and they do the same weird thing before they eat.
That being said I really like what you did with Dinky and Pip, Dinky is a princess and Pip wants to be Captain of the Royal Guard. It parallels Cadence and Shining: adorable.
Ahh, nicely done. I like how they reacted, after all that time it was more sensible than some silly saccharine scene. More natural, and I'm glad Blue got a chance to go back and let her know why he had to leave so soon; it'll avoid unnecessary drama BS later. I'm glad you did that; too many authors would use that to drag out the angst to unreasonable levels.
Now, it remains to be seen just how Blueblood and Dinky are going to interact next, given they're both going to be in the castle, no doubt. It also remains to be seen his righteous fury when he finds out who's been embezzling money from the children. I know I'd want to kneecap 'em, at least.
5230629 Except for 2 factors, number one this is still a monarchy where the monarchs are all most definitely opposed to such embezzlement and any nobles that tried to defend such blatant corruption would come under heavy scrutiny themselves, the risk to reward ratio doesn't add up.
Unless their particularly stupid, can't rule that out though...
5230990 The United Kingdom is still a monarchy, yet there are also still reports of MP's committing fraud of some sort.
5231007 Except Queen Elizabeth doesn't have power over the celestial bodies and it appears that in Equestria the powers of the monarchy are far less ceremonial.
5230943 Actually, Blueblood will not be the furious one. Somepony else will be.
Also... just wait until you see how they'll react upon seeing each other again.
5230629 well after all the stunner isn't lethal, so in theory you could use it to keep trops in line.
5230629
Story arcs?! Plural?!
This is going to be fun.
nice capter, can't wait for next one
Well, I should think that somepony might have an idea where the bodies are buried....somepony grey with a bit of a vision problem.
5231833 Bodies? The hell are you talking about?
5231887 It's a rather standard colloquialism for knowing who's been doing something untoward. Or at least it used to be back in the day......
5231902 Oh... I'll debunk this now. No, Derpy doesn't know who it is,
5230629 it's not a democracy, twilight holds a royal title and is therefore entitled to pardon (as in totally wipe from the records any crime committed) anyone within equestrias limits unless celestia herself intervenes. it's not a question of winning or losing, simply the leader of the country saying 'no'
end of story, they arn't allowed to even mention it agian and if anypony where to attempt to use it as grounds for something, say foal protection services? the result would be whoever brings it up being tried for the breaking of a royal order.
5232226 So did Mayor Mare murder the previous mayor and take over? If Twilight were to step in for one case, others would expect her to do the same for them. Something that affects Equestria as a whole, yes, they would be involved, but not for small personal matters like this.
5230629 twilight isn't a blindly stupid mare, she'd make sure to get all the facts from all parties, if equestria has even a fraction of the laws most countries now do, derpy was acting in self defense. twilight may take it upon herself to work something out with derpy and rainbow dash to make sure this never happens agian but she wouldn't let derpy go to prison for reacting in anger at what those ponies said.
5232237 Firstly, attacking another being for what was said is not self-defence, no matter the circumstances. In fact, this is not assault, it is battery, as she wasn't really being provoked.
Secondly, does Twilight even know about the events at the tavern? Even if she did, she wouldn't be able to show any favouritism to Derpy. She'd have to speak to everypony that was there the previous night, and all most of them saw was Derpy attacking another mare unprovoked.
Your arguments fall flat simply because you want Twilight to swoop in and save Derpy from being punished for a crime she actually committed.
TL;DR; It wasn't self defence, as she was not physically attacked first, she committed battery.
5232269 according to the law slander is in fact a notable offense in and of itself and can be considered as good as a physical attack on a being. a particularly loud conversation in a public building (such as a tavern) specificaly:
this is an attack on a person verbally, rather intentional or not it is slander and therefore derpy's reaction under most countries can be interpreted as self defense in the fact that she felt struck by those words and reacted even if that cannot stick it is enough grounds to throw the assualt charges out the door unless the law is willing to add verbal assualt/slander charges to the other party involved. added that derpy has a physical disability and the fact that alchol was involved this case can actualy be argue'd for her.
as for twilight swooping in, dude it's not a democracy she can do pretty much whatever she wants and no one can say otherwise, would she do it normaly? no would she do it to prevent what is to be a miscarriage of justice i think she would.
as for the events of the tavern, she'd likely be asking all parties involved what happened. interpretation of the law is everything.
5232301 No, slander is an accusation detrimental to someone's character, saying nasty things, however, is not slander without being done with the specific intent to damage someone's character. Saying some off-color things in a bar tends to be thrown out, should sander ever be accused.
Now, Derpy here has not acted in self defense. She committed battery upon another patron, that much is a fact. However, what was said may be taken as provocation, like how someone who throws a racial slur can be punched at least one good time, and be unable to do much about the retribution, legally speaking.
Derpy broke the law, with a (slight) defense against arrest and imprisonment.
5232301 Firstly, the United Kingdom is still a monarchy, but the government that makes decisions is elected by the people, giving it democratic elements. If you know what it is we have planned in this story, then please, keep making assumptions.
Derpy with a physical disability? Where have we stated that in this fic? I know she has wall eyes in the show and is a bit clumsy, but I fail to see how that constitutes a disability. Alcohol consumption in the case would in fact work against Derpy.
And lastly
Which country? Where's the source? If you're going to attempt to back things up with facts, give the source of the facts.