There is a saying that good times are not supposed to last. Otherwise, you would just get used to them, and they wouldn't be special anymore… or something like that. You are not really sure. You can't really quote a pony who said that. But still, you are sure somepony, at some point, penned those thoughts onto paper.
Still, the details don't really matter.
What matters is that you hate that saying.
You hate it, and you hate the fact that you agree with it even more.
Cadance's marriage is finally over. Of course, you are only referring to the "official" event. Because although the festivities ended several hours ago, when the royal couple took their leave to begin their honeymoon, the "unofficial" festivities went on for several hours after that.
Heavens, you are sure that some ponies are still celebrating. Even though it is almost midday of the following day. Every now and then you can still hear fireworks in the skies above Canterlot, or the very distant murmur of a song echoing throughout the city.
However, the fact remains that, for all intents and purposes, Cadance's marriage ceremony was "yesterday". It was "yesterday", and now you are living the "today" that comes after that.
And that is… well, it's not bad. But it's not mind-numbingly good either.
Still, time only marches in one direction, so you have no choice but to keep up with it.
Your family is making its way back to Ponyville right now, after spending one last night in the Royal Castle with you. Your poor husband looked a little worse for wear, but he assured you it was just regular tiredness. Of course, you were worried about him, but only until he reminded you that… well, he can't really copy your methods so of course he wouldn't be fully rested after just half a night of sleep. Especially given the size and proportion of yesterday's party.
And you suppose that makes sense… still, you asked the fillies to look out for him, and reluctantly let them go their way.
Rarity is also going with them, of course. She offered to stay with you for a while longer, and let Stormchaser take her sister back home, but you told her there was no need for that. After all, you don't really think anything will be happening in Canterlot for the next few days.
In fact, you don't think a lot of things will be happening in Equestria for the next few days. After all, yesterday and today were declared official holidays. And you just feel like things will take a while to settle down back into normalcy.
Regardless, you still thought that staying here in Canterlot would be for the best.
So this is why you are currently in your guest room, inside the Royal Castle, talking to a… particular guest.
Or would it be better to say that you are collecting a debt you are owed?
"You know, in a better time this sort of thing would have cost you Sprintiae. Actually, do you even know what Sprintia is? Eh, whatever. Those were actually worse times when you think about it, anyways."
You patiently nod as Baldomare, her horn glowing with soft magic, gently unbuckles her saddle-bag from her back. You can hear the clinking sound of glass bottles coming from inside the thing, as she very carefully places it on the ground, but you try not to think too much about it.
Or rather, you try not to think too much about how many bottles you can hear. Because you know for a fact that you instructed the kitchen staff to give her two bottles, but you are sure that you can hear more than just that coming from her saddle-bag.
Still, you are not about to lock horns with a Name about that. Especially when you still need said Name to uphold her part of your bargain.
"Be that as it may, Baldomare, you still agreed to a price, and we made a deal. So, what can you tell me about this… anchor? That was the word you used, right?" you ask, still hoping the mare won't just change her mind.
"Yes, yes, I know. And a promise is a promise, as long as you have standards, so I'll keep to my word as well."
She says that, looking around for a place to sit after she is satisfied with the safety of her precious package. Still, you can tell that she is now dedicating her attention to you, rather than just making idle chatter.
"So, the anchor. Let me start by saying that you already know about it. What I am about to tell you isn't really anything new, because I am just helping you connect the dots. But again, I was honestly surprised when y-"
"Wait, what do you mean I already KNOW about it?!" you say. Or rather, the surprised words leave your mouth before you can stop them.
To which Baldomare responds by rolling her eyes in annoyance.
"Yes, I was about to get there, Velvet. Mansus' light, I forgot how… eager you could be, during our conversations," she says.
Although she is talking to herself more than she is talking to you. She has already given up on chastising you for your curiosity, you think.
"But if you think back to… how long was it, five months ago? Five and a half? Well, right around when you summoned me for the first time, you told your cult about something you found here in Canterlot." She says that, and then she looks you in the eyes. Her previous annoyance completely gone, and replaced by something else.
You don't really feel that she is looking into you, but her expression is still…
"Don't you remember it, Velvet? It wasn't the kind of thing an adept would overlook. Even though you knew you couldn't comprehend it, back then, you still realized you had stumbled upon something that was beyond you."
The way Baldomare is saying that… the specific period she is referring to… you think back to everything you told the Cult, when you were still a part of it. You think back to all the tasks your former Master gave you, and the reports you presented to it…
You think back to all the times you have been to Canterlot, before entering the Royal Castle became more routine to you. And you remember…
Oh.
"Yes, exactly," Baldomare says, as if she could see what you are thinking about right now. As if your eyes were showing her the very memory you are recalling.
Well, considering her nature, that might really be what is happening right now, from her point of view.
"The statue," you say to yourself.
"The statue exists in all the Histories at once, yes. Well, that's not really what it's doing. But given your understanding of things, that is the best way to describe it," she says.
You think back to that moment, that day you were walking through the Royal Gardens… or was it at night? You can't really remember. Still, you try to remember it. You try to recall what the statue looked like. Heavens, you try to remember anything about it, but the only thing you can truly recall is…
… that feeling…
"Wait, you said that's not what it was doing? Then what-?" you try to ask, three questions coming up to you before you can even finish your thoughts.
But Baldomare interrupts you. Or rather, she raises a hoof to stop you, and you realize you will not get any answers from the Name that she is not willing to give.
However, you can tell that she is also not done talking.
"Like I said, that is the part you already knew. That statue, or the thing you want to call a statue, is the anchor I was talking about. Something that a creature of my disposition can use for… well, it doesn't really matter. Still, none of this is new to you, and I'm just helping you connect the puzzle pieces you already have."
The mare then lays back on her cushioned seat, looking up as she thinks about something. That is, until she finally shrugs, perhaps deciding that a simple explanation is the best way to get this done with.
"Now, I will tell you two things you don't know yet."
She says that, and you realize that at some point you went to the edge of your own seat, ears perked up as she continues to speak.
"First: that thing you called a statue is actually an Outsider. And, well, given the state it was in when you saw it, I think it's safe to say that it is… or was immobilized. Well, it's probably still immobilized. Outsiders literally play by their own rules, so I think we would have noticed if it was free and operating in the Wake."
Your eyes go wide as she… as she just casually says that. To think there is an Outsider within reach… hay, to think there is one in Canterlot of all places!
You almost say something, but Baldomare once again raises a hoof to stop you. But this time, it is because she already knows what question you are about to ask.
"The second thing is that I don't know where it is. It is nearby, and that is for sure. Within this city, or at least somewhere in this mountain. But looking for it is like… well, the best way to describe it is that trying to look for it is like looking at a kaleidoscope, or a house of mirrors. The thing was moved, for sure, but wherever it was moved to is warded in a way that ponies in this Era probably forgot how to replicate. Scrying for it would have been hard even for me, so I am glad we caught wind of it like this."
Baldomare says that, and then she gets up from her seat. Floating up her precious saddle-bag as she makes her way towards the door.
"So, you will have to look for it," she says as she leaves your guest room.
However, despite the finality in her words, you can't help but notice the smile she has on her face. More than that, you can't help but think the Name sounds a little excited.
Because sure, even though you have no idea of where that statue is… heavens, even though a Name of Lantern just told you she doesn't know where it is either, both of you realize that…
Well, this is the closest you have ever been to it yet. This is the closest anypony has been to reaching Glory, ever since the Summit Gate was locked at the closing of another Era.
Velvet Covers has discovered than an Outsider, perhaps the only one you will ever find in your lifetime, exists somewhere in Canterlot.
She will now have the option to "Search Canterlot" to look for it.
"Search Canterlot" is currently at 0/200 progress, and is influenced by Intrigue and Secret Histories.
- - -
- - -
- - -
Above the skies of Equestria, a flying chariot made its way to the south.
Within its spacious confines, six ponies were waiting for their (relatively short) trip to end. The youngest of them looking out through the window while the older ones engaged in light conversation.
Of course, flying chariots are a rare breed to begin with. And the midnight black-and-purple one that was carrying them was no exception. So, it was only natural that their current transport was one of the topics they were discussing.
"Goodness gracious, is this really how it feels like to fly? And Sweetie Belle, darling, could you please keep your hoofs off from the doorhandle?"
"Don't worry about it, Rarity. The doors are locked, and it takes more to unlock them than just twisting the handle. And to answer your question, no, flying feels a lot better in my opinion."
"Is that so, Stormchaser? Why is that?"
"Well, for loads of reasons. The wind on your face, the sensation of punching through a cloud. Even the scenery is better, mind you. Looking out through a small window like this one doesn't really do it justice."
"I'll take your word for that… Still, I can't thank Velvet enough for arranging this for us. I mean, you heard about it as well, didn't you? About how the trains out of Canterlot are already fully booked for the next few days?"
"Yes, I heard about it. It does make sense, though, considering how packed Canterlot was. Although… I still don't think Velvet needed to go this far for us…"
"Oh, darling, don't give me that. You know how Velvet is. Especially when it comes to you all!"
"Yes, yes, I know. And I am thankful to her, don't get me wrong. But still… telling our carriage-pullers that taking us home was a matter of national security…?"
"It just goes to show how much she cares about you."
"… and then threatening to fire them if any one of us got sky-sick during the trip…?"
"Well, I… maybe Velvet did go a bit overboard? Well regardless. I have something I have been meaning to ask you, Stormchaser. Right after the ceremony was over, I noticed you were gone for a while. Or so I was told. Could I possibly ask what you were doing, right after the wedding finished?"
"I… nothing important, Rarity. Don't worry about it. Y'know, just… stallion business and all."
"Could it possibly have anything to do with the whispers I heard about how you were seen talking to-"
"Isaiditwasn'tanythingimportant!"
The magical chariot flew across the sky, a tiny dark dot within an endless sea of blue.
Until it finally reached its destination, landing in the growing town of Ponyville.
And after that, its passengers went their separate ways.
- - -
Somewhere in the growing town of Ponyville, within a conspicuously shaped fashion saloon, a unicorn mare prepares for another day of work.
However, if anypony were to look at her at that moment, then almost nopony would be able to recognize her as she currently is.
Because one week ago, she was not just a mere pony. She was Madame Rarity, the dazzlingly beautiful, uniquely talented, and most importantly mysterious unicorn who had soared into the fashion industry one year ago. The cryptic and reclusive, but undeniably genius, designer who was currently releasing hit after hit for the Needle family, under her exclusive line of Designs By Rarity.
Yes, one week ago, she was impeccably dressed, hooficured, and styled for what was the greatest wedding in pony history. And of course, more importantly, she was present for the debut of yet another one of her own designs. One that was worn by nopony other than the bride herself.
By the alicorn bride.
In the alicorn wedding.
Did she already mention she made the dress for the first alicorn wedding ever?
Anyhow, it is safe to say that Madame Rarity was surrounded by a crowd of admirers on that momentous occasion. One that was dwarfed only by the crowd around the Princess herself.
But that was then, and this is now. And right now… well, right now Madame Rarity is nowhere to be seen.
Instead, a unicorn mare who just woke up is slowly making her way to her kitchen, to prepare for another day of work. Her mane still unkept, and her eyes still squinting against the unwelcome light coming from the half-open windows.
She opens her mouth and lets out a loud, unsightly yawn. But still, she doesn't chastise herself over it. After all, the only other resident of that place, her younger sister, is still fast asleep upstairs.
Lucky filly, she thinks, able to sleep in during a weekend… only having school to worry about and…
She thinks about that, and other vague thoughts besides-
-until her thoughts are interrupted by the sound of knocking coming from her door.
Rarity's ears perk up at that. Not because it is strange for somepony to knock on her door, although that has happened a lot less ever since she closed her boutique around one year ago. But still, it's strange that somepony is knocking this early in the morning.
Still, no further knocks arrive. Instead, Rarity hears the low, metallic sound of her door's mail slot being pushed open, followed by the sound of a letter falling towards the floor.
Ah, she thinks, it was just the mailpony. Or maybe the courier from the Velvets, bringing another telegram from the Needles.
Rarity shakes her head, and lazily makes her way towards the front door to collect the letter. She knows that reading something will help her brain wake up more quickly. So, she lights up her horn, collects the letter, and absent-mindedly rips it open to take out its content.
Still, she is so sleepy that she doesn't even realize that the letter is perfumed, and unusually fancy. Even for her own standards.
In fact, she doesn't even realize the sender is… well, that the letter is not from the Needles. Or from anypony else she knows, for that matter.
She just reads it to herself, as she resumes the process of making her own breakfast.
"Dear Madame Rarity…" she reads out loud. "We are so thankful for your delightful presence and attention during the wedding and…"
She reads through the letter without giving it much thought.
Or rather, she reads the letter without giving it much attention… until she does.
And by the time she reaches the end of the letter, her breakfast is almost entirely forgotten. And she is floating the letter right before her eyes, re-reading every single word almost as if she can't believe what she is looking at.
"… and we are willing to cover any breach-fines with the Needles. On top of your own commission. Whatever price it takes for your precious time is…?!"
It takes a long while for Rarity to remember about her breakfast.
And she doesn't dare read that letter again, or even touch it, until she can meet her more-business-savvy best friend.
Rarity is now able to "Take a Commission", accepting a private commission from a wealthy patron for an exclusive piece of clothing. To create another piece from the designer who clothed a Princess during her marriage.
When taking a commission, Rarity will be unavailable for the remainder of the turn, and will automatically fail her "career" roll for that month. However, Velvet Covers will immediately receive a large downpayment of at least 100 bits. (This downpayment is applied at the beginning of the turn that action is taken, rather than the usual end of turn). Performing this option is particularly taxing for Rarity.
More to follow.
forums.sufficientvelocity.com
.
