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The Invasion of Florence by Badpacing

By SlavePonyGeneral
Created: 2020-12-19 00:02:29
Expiry: Never
/spg/

  1. 1.
    [Copied from https://pastebin.com/2b1khP8z]
  2. 2.
     
  3. 3.
    >Day The Invasion of Florence.
  4. 4.
    >The first thing you hear are trumpets.
  5. 5.
    >Distant at first, but with every passing minute they grow closer.
  6. 6.
    >Then the drums.
  7. 7.
    >Oh, the drums.
  8. 8.
    >Pounding rhythmically, incessantly.
  9. 9.
    >You feel your heart racing.
  10. 10.
    >They told you that the Venetians were coming, but you didn’t believe them.
  11. 11.
    >Twice before you were warned.
  12. 12.
    >Each time, the Florentines were able to beat them back.
  13. 13.
    >That’s why you didn’t try to hide your few bits of silver and copper.
  14. 14.
    >You notice you have been scrubbing the same place this whole time.
  15. 15.
    >One spot on the wooden table gleams much brighter than the rest.
  16. 16.
    >”That’s enough. There’s no one here.”
  17. 17.
    >You look up at the familiar voice.
  18. 18.
    >Marco is beside you, brushing his beard.
  19. 19.
    “What am I supposed to do?” you ask.
  20. 20.
    >You’re surprised by the fear in your voice.
  21. 21.
    >If the Venetians arrive, they will probably kill everyone.
  22. 22.
    >Who knows what they will do to a pony.
  23. 23.
    >Your pink coat will probably hide a few slaps.
  24. 24.
    >Hopefully they won't pull your golden mane.
  25. 25.
    >Marco doesn’t answer your question as he looks out the window.
  26. 26.
    >He probably doesn’t know either.
  27. 27.
    >You place the rag on the table, as Marco walks to the door.
  28. 28.
    >He stops at the threshold, but doesn’t leave.
  29. 29.
    >In the opposite direction, you hear a single horn.
  30. 30.
    >Then more.
  31. 31.
    >Deeper, louder than the trumpets.
  32. 32.
    >A few footmen run past the inn.
  33. 33.
    >Their armor is rough, and poorly fitted.
  34. 34.
    >Their helmets cast a shadow over their faces, but you already know what they are feeling.
  35. 35.
    >Dread.
  36. 36.
    >You rush outside, and Marco doesn’t stop you.
  37. 37.
    >Instantly you stop, and turn.
  38. 38.
    >Wordlessly, you ask him if you can see.
  39. 39.
    >He offers only the slightest nod, before closing the door to follow.
  40. 40.
    >Together you walk up the street toward the sounds.
  41. 41.
    >You’re surprised at how many people are outside.
  42. 42.
    >Their outfits are bright and cheery, though their faces betray their thoughts.
  43. 43.
    >A few ponies jostle for position.
  44. 44.
    >Those that can fly are sitting on rooftops to watch.
  45. 45.
    1/15
  46. 46.
    >Marco sees an opening and pushes through the crowd.
  47. 47.
    >You follow close behind before the others can fill the void.
  48. 48.
    >Just as you pass the last person, the music stops.
  49. 49.
    >On opposite hills, stand the two armies.
  50. 50.
    >There are thousands of people.
  51. 51.
    >Maybe, tens of thousands.
  52. 52.
    >The flags are just as countless.
  53. 53.
    >Behind you, another pony talks with his friend.
  54. 54.
    >”Most of them are mercenaries,” the pony says in Equestrian.
  55. 55.
    >It’s easier to talk freely with Equestrian, because so few people understand it.
  56. 56.
    >”How can you tell?”
  57. 57.
    >”Look at their flags.” It takes a moment before he continues. “Swiss, German, Milanese.”
  58. 58.
    >Again he pauses.
  59. 59.
    >”What is it?”
  60. 60.
    >”Those are ponies.”
  61. 61.
    >You turn around before you can stop yourself.
  62. 62.
    ”What?”
  63. 63.
    >He gives you a scowl, but quickly shakes it away.
  64. 64.
    >With a hoof, he points at the far side of the army.
  65. 65.
    >”Those are ponies,” he repeats.
  66. 66.
    >You have to squint, but finally you make them out.
  67. 67.
    >Sure enough, there are armored ponies on the flank.
  68. 68.
    >Most carry spears.
  69. 69.
    >A few men break away from the army and ride their horses toward the Florentines.
  70. 70.
    >One carries a large flag with a winged lion over a red field.
  71. 71.
    >On the opposite side, you see the Florentines responding in kind.
  72. 72.
    >The Fluer-de-lis isn’t quite as impressive as the angry lion.
  73. 73.
    >You’ve seen it every day.
  74. 74.
    >All the shops display the flag proudly.
  75. 75.
    >But today it doesn’t look proud.
  76. 76.
    >The men stop when they reach the center.
  77. 77.
    >”This is it. They are delivering their terms.”
  78. 78.
    >”Our men will never accept them.”
  79. 79.
    >”Ours now?” The pony bitterly laughs. “We will never be one of them.”
  80. 80.
    >The Florentine general suddenly pulls on his horse’s reigns, and his men retreat back to their army.
  81. 81.
    >”So you think Venice will free us?”
  82. 82.
    >The leader of the Venetians waves his arm, and the music returns.
  83. 83.
    >Just drums this time.
  84. 84.
    >His men straighten up and hold their weapons ready.
  85. 85.
    >”Never.”
  86. 86.
    >The leaders split up among the army, and a trumpet sounds.
  87. 87.
    2/15
  88. 88.
    >The Florentine horns respond with their own low tones.
  89. 89.
    >”We should go,” Marco says.
  90. 90.
    “Why? They haven’t done anything yet.”
  91. 91.
    >As if on command, lightly armored men rush forward.
  92. 92.
    >They aim into the sky, and you see a wave of bolts fly.
  93. 93.
    >The Florentine archers aren’t as fast, and many of them are hit by the crossbows.
  94. 94.
    >A few men scream in pain.
  95. 95.
    >You flinch at the sound.
  96. 96.
    >Arrows fly toward the Venetians, and soon their men are screaming as well.
  97. 97.
    >The trumpet lets out several notes.
  98. 98.
    >It plays three times, and pikemen start marching forward.
  99. 99.
    >They walk through the crossbows, just in time to meet a volley of arrows.
  100. 100.
    >Many fall.
  101. 101.
    >Their screams and shrieks are almost unbearable.
  102. 102.
    >Florentine pikemen move to meet them.
  103. 103.
    >Now you can see other soldiers.
  104. 104.
    >They carry swords, spears, halberds and other things that you don’t recognize.
  105. 105.
    >They wait for the pikemen to advance and the crossbows to fire before moving.
  106. 106.
    >All the while, the boom of the drums urge them on.
  107. 107.
    >Behind them, you see men with massive swords resting on their shoulders.
  108. 108.
    >They don’t move.
  109. 109.
    >Men on horseback change positions, and you can see the ponies more clearly now.
  110. 110.
    >They wait at the rear.
  111. 111.
    >”We should go,” Marco repeats.
  112. 112.
    >You watch as the pikemen approach each other.
  113. 113.
    >The Florentine men hesitate, but the Venetians keep marching forward.
  114. 114.
    >”Those Swiss are something. I heard they were fearless.”
  115. 115.
    >In a few moments, the pikes are nearly touching each other.
  116. 116.
    >The Florentines stop, but the Venetian men continue.
  117. 117.
    >More screams, as the pikes finally make contact.
  118. 118.
    >You feel your lip quivering.
  119. 119.
    >That sound.
  120. 120.
    >The screaming.
  121. 121.
    >Your breathing quickens.
  122. 122.
    >They aren’t going to stop?
  123. 123.
    >More screams.
  124. 124.
    >More shouts.
  125. 125.
    >The drums continue beating.
  126. 126.
    >Marco grabs your withers and urges you to follow.
  127. 127.
    >You resist for a second, before doing as he wishes.
  128. 128.
    >It takes a few minutes to return to the inn.
  129. 129.
    >All the while you can hear the crash of men charging into each other.
  130. 130.
    3/15
  131. 131.
    >High pitched noises fill the air.
  132. 132.
    >It almost sounds like when you throw all the silverware together.
  133. 133.
    >Except you know this is the sound of weapons clashing.
  134. 134.
    >Marco pours himself a drink, and sits at the bar.
  135. 135.
    >You move beside him, but he doesn’t budge.
  136. 136.
    “Can I?” You ask.
  137. 137.
    >You need something to calm your nerves.
  138. 138.
    >He nods, and you pour yourself a drink from the cask.
  139. 139.
    >The sweet taste of cider makes you feel a little better.
  140. 140.
    >You sit beside him.
  141. 141.
    >Marco breaks the silence.
  142. 142.
    >”You should run, Lily.”
  143. 143.
    >You swirl your drink once.
  144. 144.
    “Where would I go?”
  145. 145.
    >”Somewhere. Anywhere. If the Venetians win they will take all the women and rape them.”
  146. 146.
    >You take a long drink.
  147. 147.
    ”What about the ponies?”
  148. 148.
    >He turns to you with a frown.
  149. 149.
    >”Probably the same thing.”
  150. 150.
    >You examine your cider, before taking another drink.
  151. 151.
    >He clears his throat.
  152. 152.
    >”It wouldn’t be for long. Maybe a day or two before you can come back.” He lets out a single laugh. “Well, if there is anything left.”
  153. 153.
    >You shake your head.
  154. 154.
    ”What about Lemon Drop?”
  155. 155.
    >”I’m sure she’s gone by now. I don’t blame her.”
  156. 156.
    >Marco’s sister owns Lemon Drop.
  157. 157.
    >She helps out when it gets busy, or when you’re sick.
  158. 158.
    ”You’re the only person who has ever been nice to me.”
  159. 159.
    >Marco pours himself another drink.
  160. 160.
    >”That’s why I’m telling you to leave.”
  161. 161.
    “But what will they do to you?”
  162. 162.
    >He brushes his beard.
  163. 163.
    >”I imagine they will come in here, look for anything valuable, and then let me go.”
  164. 164.
    >You press your lips together.
  165. 165.
    >Why does he think he would be spared?
  166. 166.
    >As if sensing your unasked question, he answers.
  167. 167.
    >”I’m an old man. What would they want with me? Besides, I have always lived here.”
  168. 168.
    >Where would you go?
  169. 169.
    >Blossom lives only a town away.
  170. 170.
    >You could go there if you ran right now.
  171. 171.
    >She could hide you for a few days.
  172. 172.
    >You would be very quiet.
  173. 173.
    >Maybe her human wouldn’t even notice.
  174. 174.
    >But then what will happen to Marco?
  175. 175.
    4/15
  176. 176.
    >When he bought you all those years ago, you were scared of him.
  177. 177.
    >His rough hands and thick beard seemed like a warning sign.
  178. 178.
    >Now.
  179. 179.
    >Now… you know better.
  180. 180.
    “I want to stay.”
  181. 181.
    >Even as you say it, you wish you hadn’t.
  182. 182.
    >He shakes his head, but doesn’t respond.
  183. 183.
    >Instead you both sit quietly and enjoy the drinks.
  184. 184.
    >This continues for an hour or so.
  185. 185.
    >Each of you take a drink, and wait.
  186. 186.
    >All the while, you hear screams and the clash of weapons.
  187. 187.
    >Finally, a there’s a loud cheer.
  188. 188.
    >We won.
  189. 189.
    >You count three cheers.
  190. 190.
    >Marco looks up from the bar and smiles.
  191. 191.
    >The weight on your shoulders lifts.
  192. 192.
    >You knew those dirty Venetians wouldn’t win.
  193. 193.
    >We won.
  194. 194.
    >Then you hear shouting.
  195. 195.
    >Your heart sinks.
  196. 196.
    >You were wrong.
  197. 197.
    >We lost.
  198. 198.
    >People run through the streets.
  199. 199.
    >You hear glass breaking.
  200. 200.
    >The sound of an axe hitting wood makes you wince.
  201. 201.
    >That only lasts for a few minutes before there is silence.
  202. 202.
    >It was probably people running, and taking what they could save.
  203. 203.
    >The silence has you confused, and you walk outside.
  204. 204.
    >When you arrive at the main road, you see an army setting up camp.
  205. 205.
    >The banners are hard to make out, but they aren’t red and white.
  206. 206.
    >They’re red and yellow.
  207. 207.
    >The winged lion.
  208. 208.
    >You slowly go back to the inn.
  209. 209.
    >What will happen to you now?
  210. 210.
    >You hope Marco was wrong.
  211. 211.
    >That you won’t be treated like a plaything.
  212. 212.
    >When you arrive, the door is wide open.
  213. 213.
    >Marco pulls down the Florentine flags decorating the room.
  214. 214.
    >You can tell he doesn’t want to, but he has no choice.
  215. 215.
    >When he finishes with the last one, he sits behind the bar as if ready to take an order.
  216. 216.
    >The trumpets come back to life.
  217. 217.
    >This time other instruments join in.
  218. 218.
    >It sounds like a victory song.
  219. 219.
    >Soldiers arrogantly march though the town.
  220. 220.
    >A few men ride horses slowly, and look at the buildings.
  221. 221.
    >They point and don’t move aside as others march past them.
  222. 222.
    >You aren’t sure what will happen next.
  223. 223.
    >Men walk up and down the streets, but they don’t destroy anything.
  224. 224.
    5/15
  225. 225.
    >It takes two hours before the first person walks in.
  226. 226.
    >His face is dirty and you don’t know the flag on his tabard.
  227. 227.
    >A few others follow behind him.
  228. 228.
    >”Drink. Three,” he says in very poor Tuscan.
  229. 229.
    >He lifts three fingers so you will understand.
  230. 230.
    >Marco pours and you carry over their order.
  231. 231.
    >The men greedily take their drinks and chug them.
  232. 232.
    >You crinkle your snout as you catch their smell.
  233. 233.
    >Copper.
  234. 234.
    >Blood and sweat.
  235. 235.
    >This time the man doesn’t bother trying to speak Tuscan, and simply spins a finger around.
  236. 236.
    >You nod and bow slightly so he can see that you understand him.
  237. 237.
    >Marco takes the drinks to them.
  238. 238.
    >It looks like he is congratulating them, but you don’t understand the words.
  239. 239.
    >Still, the men are smiling and laughing.
  240. 240.
    >Then something strange happens.
  241. 241.
    >A pony trots in.
  242. 242.
    >No.
  243. 243.
    >Not one.
  244. 244.
    >Several.
  245. 245.
    >Then many.
  246. 246.
    >They cheer and congratulate each other.
  247. 247.
    >You greet them in Equestrian, and they all order the same thing.
  248. 248.
    >Cider.
  249. 249.
    >Lots of cider.
  250. 250.
    >One of them tries to grab your flank, but you move away the instant he touches you.
  251. 251.
    >His friends hoot and holler.
  252. 252.
    >It’s probably best to just ignore that.
  253. 253.
    >”Need some help?”
  254. 254.
    >You look toward the voice.
  255. 255.
    “Lemon Drop? You’re still here?”
  256. 256.
    >Her purple mane bobs as she nods.
  257. 257.
    >Her coat is yellow, almost the same color as your mane.
  258. 258.
    >”I saw the chimney smoke. I figured you and Marco decided to stay, so here I am.”
  259. 259.
    >”Music! We need music,” one of the ponies shout in Equestrian.
  260. 260.
    >Before long a couple of the ponies are setting up in a corner.
  261. 261.
    >The ponies cheer as the band starts off with a traditional Equestrian song.
  262. 262.
    >After a few songs they hit their stride and the entire bar is singing along.
  263. 263.
    >Even the people in the back are trying to mouth the words.
  264. 264.
    >You open more windows as the smell of sweat and blood seems to grow stronger.
  265. 265.
    >It’s not enough and you go outside for fresh air.
  266. 266.
    >You take three deep breaths before opening your eyes.
  267. 267.
    >A man wearing a bright outfit rides up on a horse.
  268. 268.
    6/15
  269. 269.
    >He is flanked by two ponies riding smaller horses.
  270. 270.
    >Somehow you never thought you would see that.
  271. 271.
    >He isn’t wearing armor, unlike his friends, or the ponies inside.
  272. 272.
    >He probably washed up before coming out.
  273. 273.
    >In a practiced motion he slides off the horse and walks to you.
  274. 274.
    >The ponies do the same, but it’s much more awkward.
  275. 275.
    >He speaks, but you don’t understand his words as he ties the reigns down.
  276. 276.
    “I’m sorry, but I don’t understand you.”
  277. 277.
    >”You don’t understand Venetian?” He asks in Tuscan with a soft accent.
  278. 278.
    >You shake your head.
  279. 279.
    “I never learned that.”
  280. 280.
    >This makes him smile.
  281. 281.
    >”You should learn. Soon the Doge will conquer all the city states.”
  282. 282.
    >The ponies by his side are listening, but they clearly can’t understand your conversation.
  283. 283.
    “That’s what you think,” you say in Equestrian.
  284. 284.
    >”You’re right. That’s what I think,” the man responds with a heavy accent.
  285. 285.
    >Your ears perk up.
  286. 286.
    >You’ve never heard a person say more than one or two words in your language.
  287. 287.
    “Who taught you Equestrian?”
  288. 288.
    >He adjusts his sword.
  289. 289.
    >”It would be hard to lead a company of ponies if I didn’t.”
  290. 290.
    >He offers you a smile.
  291. 291.
    “Well, I wish you didn’t. Then all those people would still be alive.”
  292. 292.
    >One of the ponies pushes you.
  293. 293.
    >His cutie mark is hidden under his armor.
  294. 294.
    >”That’s enough out of you.”
  295. 295.
    >The man laughs as you stumble back.
  296. 296.
    >”I didn’t realize Florence was so kind to ponies. You actually think you could be one of them.”
  297. 297.
    >You don’t answer him.
  298. 298.
    >You just glare.
  299. 299.
    >After a moment he turns away from you and prepares to enter the inn.
  300. 300.
    >The two ponies enter first.
  301. 301.
    >”Now presenting, Captain Anon Ymous.”
  302. 302.
    >He waits a second before entering to cheers.
  303. 303.
    >Both arms extend and the patrons become silent.
  304. 304.
    >”You all fought well today. For that, we will stay here for a few days while we deliver terms to Florence.”
  305. 305.
    >Again the crowd cheers.
  306. 306.
    >Anon waves his hand several times before they quiet down.
  307. 307.
    7/15
  308. 308.
    >”The Doge has seen fit to raise me to Baron for our service. This town, and all around it are now my holdings.” He takes a drink from Lemon Drop. “And for that, tonight is on me.”
  309. 309.
    >The sounds of laughs and cheers fill the room.
  310. 310.
    >The men in the back are confused, but a pony tries to explain.
  311. 311.
    >They gesture to each other several times before the humans understand.
  312. 312.
    >The ragged men raise their cups.
  313. 313.
    >A traditional Venetian song plays, and all the ponies sing along.
  314. 314.
    >Anon settles down near the fireplace and continues drinking.
  315. 315.
    >It’s probably a cider.
  316. 316.
    >That’s all ponies ever drink.
  317. 317.
    >Marco makes his way over, and begins talking with the Baron.
  318. 318.
    >Anon points at you.
  319. 319.
    >What does he want?
  320. 320.
    >Anon squeezes his hand before making it flat.
  321. 321.
    >Marco responds in confusion.
  322. 322.
    >He presses the tips of his fingers together.
  323. 323.
    >You don’t know what they are saying, but with the hand motions it’s clear that Anon is angry.
  324. 324.
    >Finally Marco waves you over as he walks back to the bar.
  325. 325.
    >”What did you say to him?”
  326. 326.
    “Nothing!”
  327. 327.
    >Marco pulls a cask out, and pushes it in front of the bar.
  328. 328.
    >The rollers below the barrel make it easy to move.
  329. 329.
    >”He says that I should get rid of you for being insolent.”
  330. 330.
    ”So? They will be gone in a day or two.”
  331. 331.
    >Marco shakes his head.
  332. 332.
    >”No. This entire town is his now. He won’t leave, even if the rest of the army moves on.”
  333. 333.
    >That’s why the army didn’t pillage everything.
  334. 334.
    ”He’ll forget about this tomorrow.”
  335. 335.
    >”Take this cask over to him as an apology.”
  336. 336.
    ”But I didn’t do anything.”
  337. 337.
    >”Then it won’t matter. Why are you arguing with me, Lily?”
  338. 338.
    “Anon’s a murderer. He killed all those people.”
  339. 339.
    >Marco stands up straighter.
  340. 340.
    >He pauses before responding.
  341. 341.
    >”I’ll bet most of these people killed someone today. You don’t want to be next, do you?”
  342. 342.
    >You press your lips together.
  343. 343.
    >This is for Marco’s sake.
  344. 344.
    >Anon watches you as you slowly move the cask toward him.
  345. 345.
    >You bow as low as you dare.
  346. 346.
    8/15
  347. 347.
    >Everything in your body knows he’s going to kick you, but it doesn’t come.
  348. 348.
    “I’m sorry for what I said earlier.”
  349. 349.
    >It takes a moment before you feel you should rise.
  350. 350.
    >”You know I could have you killed right now. If I wanted it…”
  351. 351.
    >You clench your teeth together.
  352. 352.
    >He could.
  353. 353.
    “I know.”
  354. 354.
    >This makes him smile.
  355. 355.
    >”Put that over there, and then come back.”
  356. 356.
    >He points toward his ponies.
  357. 357.
    >You see Lemon Drop pushing another cask near the people in the back.
  358. 358.
    >It’s probably wine.
  359. 359.
    >When you return Anon taps his hand on the seat next to him.
  360. 360.
    >Reluctantly, you sit on his bench.
  361. 361.
    >It takes every fiber in your body to keep from jumping when he puts his arm around you.
  362. 362.
    >He hands you a glass with his free hand.
  363. 363.
    >”What was your name again?”
  364. 364.
    >You take a sip of the drink.
  365. 365.
    >It’s cider.
  366. 366.
    “Lily.”
  367. 367.
    >”That’s a nice name,” he says pleasantly.
  368. 368.
    >You turn to him.
  369. 369.
    “Are you going to kill me?”
  370. 370.
    >He laughs.
  371. 371.
    >Maybe he thought you were joking?
  372. 372.
    >You let out a few weak chuckles.
  373. 373.
    >He looks back at you.
  374. 374.
    >”I suppose we should talk about that.”
  375. 375.
    >He shifts to stretch out his back.
  376. 376.
    “I was being silly back there. I shouldn’t have talked out of turn,” you lie.
  377. 377.
    >You didn’t know any of those men, but they were fighting to defend their homeland.
  378. 378.
    >”They killed many Venetians as well. We didn’t start this war.”
  379. 379.
    >His hand wanders and starts rubbing your shoulder.
  380. 380.
    >You shake your body so he won’t touch you.
  381. 381.
    >He lets go, but keeps his arm resting on the booth.
  382. 382.
    >Immediately you regret that.
  383. 383.
    >It was just a harmless touch.
  384. 384.
    >Besides, he could do anything with you if he wanted.
  385. 385.
    >”About what you asked earlier.”
  386. 386.
    >He means about killing you.
  387. 387.
    >You look up at him.
  388. 388.
    “Yes?”
  389. 389.
    >”I haven’t decided yet.”
  390. 390.
    >He sticks out his thumb and index finger and waves it in front of you.
  391. 391.
    >That means you should leave.
  392. 392.
    >You slowly slink off the chair and walk toward the bar.
  393. 393.
    >So are you safe or not?
  394. 394.
    >Marco is pouring wine for ponies who have grown tired of cider.
  395. 395.
    9/15
  396. 396.
    >”What did he say?”
  397. 397.
    “He says he hasn’t decided yet.”
  398. 398.
    >Marco gives you a confused look.
  399. 399.
    >”Did you talk back to him again?”
  400. 400.
    “No. I was being polite.”
  401. 401.
    >Marco frowns but returns to his work.
  402. 402.
    >”What was he like?” Lemon Drop asks.
  403. 403.
    “Who?”
  404. 404.
    >”You know who. Anon.”
  405. 405.
    >You look over at him.
  406. 406.
    “He was fine.”
  407. 407.
    >”Just fine? You have to tell me more. Was he scary?”
  408. 408.
    >You look at your friend.
  409. 409.
    >You can feel your cheeks burning.
  410. 410.
    “A little, but he wasn’t mean.”
  411. 411.
    >Lemon nods.
  412. 412.
    >The band takes a break and they join the others.
  413. 413.
    >You shouldn’t have moved away from him.
  414. 414.
    >Now he will hate you.
  415. 415.
    >”What did you talk about?”
  416. 416.
    “The war mostly. He speaks Equestrian.”
  417. 417.
    >Lemon perks up at this.
  418. 418.
    >”I know. I couldn’t believe it earlier. I didn’t think any people learned it. I mean, we’re basically nothing compared to them.”
  419. 419.
    “Well he did. Maybe you should talk to him, Lem.”
  420. 420.
    >You shouldn’t have said that.
  421. 421.
    >She will probably get herself into trouble, like you did.
  422. 422.
    >Several hours pass.
  423. 423.
    >A few of the clearly drunk ponies leave, but others take their place.
  424. 424.
    >You see a few mares enter, and the soldiers are quick to offer them a drink.
  425. 425.
    >With the casks out, you and Lemon Drop have very little to do.
  426. 426.
    >The ponies pour themselves drinks, and only occasionally ask for a new glass.
  427. 427.
    >You watch as Anon talks with one of his soldiers.
  428. 428.
    >The pony gives him a slight bow before returning to the others.
  429. 429.
    >This repeats over and over.
  430. 430.
    >No doubt they are congratulating him and asking for his favor.
  431. 431.
    >You see a lull as most of the ponies have already spoken to him.
  432. 432.
    >”Now’s my chance.”
  433. 433.
    “Lemon Drop,” you call as loudly as you dare, but she continues anyway.
  434. 434.
    >With the band no longer playing, the room is only filled with the low roar of talking.
  435. 435.
    >You watch Anon and your friend.
  436. 436.
    >She sways over like a filly.
  437. 437.
    >It takes a moment for her to catch his attention.
  438. 438.
    >Anon listens as Lemon introduces herself.
  439. 439.
    >You wish you could hear what they are saying.
  440. 440.
    10/15
  441. 441.
    >Lemon gestures wildly with her hoof in a poor imitation of people.
  442. 442.
    >They both erupt in laughter.
  443. 443.
    >Without an invitation she sits next to him.
  444. 444.
    >He moves his arm over the booth, but doesn’t touch her.
  445. 445.
    >Against your better judgement, you decide to pick up some glasses and clean near Anon.
  446. 446.
    >”You can speak really well. I don’t have any trouble understanding you.”
  447. 447.
    >”It was tough at first. But, I get a lot of practice.”
  448. 448.
    >You stack a few glasses together, and wipe down a table.
  449. 449.
    >”So you must travel a lot.”
  450. 450.
    >”I do, but only during the summer. No one wants to fight in winter.”
  451. 451.
    >”I’ve only been to the ocean once.”
  452. 452.
    >”You should see Venice.”
  453. 453.
    >”I heard it was an island.”
  454. 454.
    >”It’s a bunch of islands. Over a hundred.”
  455. 455.
    >”So they have bridges between them?”
  456. 456.
    >Anon laughs.
  457. 457.
    >”Maybe one day. For now only a few are connected. We have to travel by,” he frowns. He holds up a hand to try to explain. Finally he just says, “small ships.”
  458. 458.
    >Maybe he doesn’t know the word for boat.
  459. 459.
    >You carry the glasses back to the bar.
  460. 460.
    >Marco isn’t there so you wait for someone to place an order.
  461. 461.
    >Instead, a drunk pony makes his way over.
  462. 462.
    >His clothes are black with blood.
  463. 463.
    >”Hey, Cutie.”
  464. 464.
    “That’s not my name.”
  465. 465.
    >”Well, what is it then?”
  466. 466.
    “Lily.”
  467. 467.
    >He thinks it over.
  468. 468.
    “I like Cutie better.”
  469. 469.
    >He laughs loudly at his joke.
  470. 470.
    “Did you want something?”
  471. 471.
    >He looks you up and down.
  472. 472.
    >”Yeah. You.”
  473. 473.
    >He takes a step closer.
  474. 474.
    “Well I’m not on offer.”
  475. 475.
    >”Don’t be mean to me, Cutie. We just finished fighting. Who knows the next time I’ll see another mare.”
  476. 476.
    >He nuzzles your neck and you take a step back.
  477. 477.
    “You probably say that to everypony.”
  478. 478.
    >”No, just the ones I like.”
  479. 479.
    >Again he tries to nuzzle you.
  480. 480.
    “I said get off!”
  481. 481.
    >Without thinking you turn and buck him.
  482. 482.
    >He falls backwards and lands on his haunches.
  483. 483.
    >A few of his friends laugh.
  484. 484.
    >”Stupid bitch,” he says as he gets up.
  485. 485.
    11/15
  486. 486.
    >One pony waves him back and he gives you another look.
  487. 487.
    >Thinking better of it, he rejoins the others.
  488. 488.
    >You look to your friend.
  489. 489.
    >She is leaning against Anon, and his hand is covering her cutie mark.
  490. 490.
    >Both of them are watching.
  491. 491.
    >Lemon gives you an angry look.
  492. 492.
    >You know she would tell you to play along.
  493. 493.
    >That these ponies will be gone soon enough and then you can go back to being antisocial.
  494. 494.
    >Anon just has a smile on his face.
  495. 495.
    >He points at you and Lemon shakes her head.
  496. 496.
    >She crosses her hooves, but Anon gently pushes her forward.
  497. 497.
    >Soon enough she gets up and walks toward you.
  498. 498.
    >”What are you doing?”
  499. 499.
    “I’m not doing anything.”
  500. 500.
    >”So when you kicked that pony it was nothing?
  501. 501.
    “He got too friendly.”
  502. 502.
    >”This is why you’re alone, Lily. You have to at least pretend to be nice.”
  503. 503.
    >You glare at her.
  504. 504.
    “Is that what you’re doing? Being nice?”
  505. 505.
    >”This is a great opportunity for us. If Florence surrenders, this guy will get a giant mansion. He’ll probably build a castle.”
  506. 506.
    “So?”
  507. 507.
    >”Then we won’t have to work anymore.”
  508. 508.
    “You’re being dumb, Lem. Anon doesn’t care about us. We’re just ponies to him.”
  509. 509.
    >”Yeah. He’s the kind of guy that learns our language and leads ponies. He must be a monster.”
  510. 510.
    “Oh, don’t be sarcastic, Lemon.”
  511. 511.
    >”It’s the only thing you understand.”
  512. 512.
    “I don’t know if you realize this, but these are invaders. They are taking our land.”
  513. 513.
    >”This never was our land, Lily. Equestria was supposed to be ours. Now it’s gone.”
  514. 514.
    >She does have a point.
  515. 515.
    >Besides Marco, most Florentines don’t care for ponies.
  516. 516.
    >What was Equestria like?
  517. 517.
    >You hardly remember anymore.
  518. 518.
    >”Fine. You do what you want, but I’m going to live in a mansion.”
  519. 519.
    >She turns to walk away.
  520. 520.
    ”Lem!”
  521. 521.
    >She ignores you and goes to Anon.
  522. 522.
    >Lemon Drop quickly hops on the bench and leans into him.
  523. 523.
    >You watch as his hand rubs her side.
  524. 524.
    >In the corner a person waves you over.
  525. 525.
    12/15
  526. 526.
    >It takes a while to understand what he means, but he is asking for a new cask.
  527. 527.
    >Dutifully, you push another to take its place.
  528. 528.
    >When you return to the bar Marco is back with clean glasses.
  529. 529.
    >The next hour passes quickly.
  530. 530.
    >People and ponies enter and leave.
  531. 531.
    >Some leave with a mare.
  532. 532.
    >The ones who are too drunk leave with their friends.
  533. 533.
    >You look back at Lemon Drop.
  534. 534.
    >Lem pretends to find Anon’s hand very interesting.
  535. 535.
    >He pulls her in close, and she doesn’t resist.
  536. 536.
    >You don’t want to see their kiss, so you look away.
  537. 537.
    >When you look back, she is on his lap and swooning like a filly.
  538. 538.
    >Her rear hooves playfully touch his sword hilt.
  539. 539.
    >He holds her, and waves over Marco.
  540. 540.
    >You can’t help yourself, and follow.
  541. 541.
    >If anyone asks you’ll just say you thought he wanted to signal you.
  542. 542.
    >”How much are ponies here? Five, six florins?”
  543. 543.
    >”Usually around six,” Marco responds.
  544. 544.
    >Lemon’s eyes open wide.
  545. 545.
    >She mouths to you, “He’s going to buy me.”
  546. 546.
    >You can’t believe how happy she looks.
  547. 547.
    >It’s disgusting.
  548. 548.
    >”Then I’ll give you twelve for the pair.”
  549. 549.
    >Both of you?
  550. 550.
    >Marco lets out a single laugh.
  551. 551.
    >”I don’t own Lemon Drop. She belongs to my sister.”
  552. 552.
    >”She won’t mind,” Lemon says quickly.
  553. 553.
    >She bats her eyelashes at Anon.
  554. 554.
    >Marco shakes his head.
  555. 555.
    >”I can’t accept. She’s not mine.”
  556. 556.
    >Anon taps a foot and Lemon bounces slightly.
  557. 557.
    >”And the other one? Lily?”
  558. 558.
    >”She’s a sickly pony,” he lies. “Also she is very headstrong. She’ll argue a lot.”
  559. 559.
    >Anon shrugs.
  560. 560.
    >”She won’t have to last long. Besides, she makes me laugh.”
  561. 561.
    >So he does want to kill you.
  562. 562.
    >You were stupid.
  563. 563.
    >You shouldn’t have said anything.
  564. 564.
    >Marco looks to you, and you shake your head.
  565. 565.
    >He presses his lips together.
  566. 566.
    >You know he wants to accept.
  567. 567.
    >To ingratiate himself to Anon.
  568. 568.
    >Part of you wants him to say yes.
  569. 569.
    >That way he won’t get into trouble.
  570. 570.
    >The other part hates Anon, and wants nothing to do with him.
  571. 571.
    13/15
  572. 572.
    >”I’m sorry, my lord, but I can’t accept. Lily isn’t for sale.”
  573. 573.
    >Anon looks toward his ponies.
  574. 574.
    >Probably to hide his anger.
  575. 575.
    >He only has a few soldiers left.
  576. 576.
    >Most have already gone back to the camp, or rented a room for the night.
  577. 577.
    >Anon moves his hand from Lemon's leg.
  578. 578.
    >He touches her rear hooves with his fingers and she giggles.
  579. 579.
    >You notice his palm is resting on his sword.
  580. 580.
    >”What about fifteen just for Lily?”
  581. 581.
    >”Fifteen?” Marco’s voice trails off. “That’s very generous, but I have to respectfully decline.”
  582. 582.
    >Anon doesn’t try to hide his frown.
  583. 583.
    >He looks at Marco as if he is weighing the man.
  584. 584.
    >Trying to figure out his weakness.
  585. 585.
    >Anon grips the handle of his sword.
  586. 586.
    >The angle is awkward, clearly not meant to be drawn with his left hand.
  587. 587.
    >You take a step back.
  588. 588.
    >Marco must not have noticed, as he doesn't move.
  589. 589.
    >Suddenly, Anon's mood passes.
  590. 590.
    >He laughs before saying simply, “Fine.”
  591. 591.
    >You let out a sigh of relief.
  592. 592.
    >”Thank you for understanding, sir.”
  593. 593.
    >Anon lets a smile creep across his face.
  594. 594.
    >”Of course. Now, do you have any rooms left?”
  595. 595.
    >”A room?”
  596. 596.
    >”Yes. I’m tired of sleeping in a tent.”
  597. 597.
    >”I only have a few small rooms left. Nothing that would be good enough for you.”
  598. 598.
    >”I’m sure it will be fine.”
  599. 599.
    >”Uh, yes. I’ll show you to an open one.”
  600. 600.
    >Lemon Drop hops off Anon’s lap.
  601. 601.
    >”Don’t worry, Marco. I’ll help Anon.”
  602. 602.
    >She doesn’t wait for an answer and looks for the keys.
  603. 603.
    “What about your horse?”
  604. 604.
    >Anon gives you a confused look.
  605. 605.
    >He hasn't gone to check on her all night.
  606. 606.
    >You wonder if he even remembered.
  607. 607.
    >”Dancer? I had one of my lieutenants take her back to the camp.”
  608. 608.
    “Oh.”
  609. 609.
    >”We have a stable for guests. Maybe next time,” Marco quickly offers.
  610. 610.
    >”This way, Anon,” Lemon says with keys in her mouth.
  611. 611.
    >He follows close behind.
  612. 612.
    >Marco sits down at an open table as the last guest leaves.
  613. 613.
    >The pony can barely stand and has to lean on another one.
  614. 614.
    14/15
  615. 615.
    >”That wasn’t as bad as I thought,” Marco says.
  616. 616.
    “Yeah. It could have been worse.”
  617. 617.
    >You survey the damage.
  618. 618.
    >There are half empty glasses everywhere.
  619. 619.
    >The room still smells like blood, but it is slowly getting weaker.
  620. 620.
    >You get up and grab a rag.
  621. 621.
    >Marco stops you.
  622. 622.
    >”We can clean in the morning.”
  623. 623.
    >You nod and head to your room.
  624. 624.
    >It’s almost over.
  625. 625.
    >You didn’t get raped or killed, so that’s a good thing.
  626. 626.
    >With any luck, these ponies will be pushed back to Venice.
  627. 627.
    >The door closes with a click and you jump on your bed.
  628. 628.
    >Would Anon really have killed you in cold blood?
  629. 629.
    >Somehow you doubt it.
  630. 630.
    >He wouldn't have tried to buy you just to end your life.
  631. 631.
    >Anon did say that you made him laugh.
  632. 632.
    >Maybe he isn't used to a mare not rolling over for him.
  633. 633.
    >That doesn't matter now.
  634. 634.
    >Soon they will all be gone.
  635. 635.
    >You can hear giggling in the next room.
  636. 636.
    >An ear instinctively perks up.
  637. 637.
    >You furrow your brow.
  638. 638.
    >Is that one of those dirty mares with a soldier?
  639. 639.
    >They've probably been with dozens of ponies.
  640. 640.
    >You lean in closer to listen.
  641. 641.
    >Another laugh.
  642. 642.
    >Instantly you recognize it.
  643. 643.
    >It’s Lemon Drop.
  644. 644.
    >You put a pillow over your head.
  645. 645.
    >It does nothing to drown out the sound.
  646. 646.
    >His joke probably wasn't even funny.
  647. 647.
    >She always laid it on thick.
  648. 648.
    >Probably wants to make sure Anon enjoys her.
  649. 649.
    >She really doesn't want to work here anymore.
  650. 650.
    >You can't blame her.
  651. 651.
    >Who wouldn't want to live in luxury?
  652. 652.
    >Anon is the first noble to ever come in here.
  653. 653.
    >Lemon Drop is probably the smart one.
  654. 654.
    >You turn to your side, and away from the laughing.
  655. 655.
    >After a little bit, the laughter subsides.
  656. 656.
    >Finally you can get some rest.
  657. 657.
    >Deep breaths always calm you down.
  658. 658.
    >You don't want to think about Anon right now.
  659. 659.
    >He'll be gone soon enough.
  660. 660.
    >You hear a moan.
  661. 661.
    >You close your eyes tighter.
  662. 662.
    >Why did she pick the room next to yours?
  663. 663.
    fin
  664. 664.
    15/15

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