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The Invasion of Florence by Badpacing
By SlavePonyGeneralCreated: 2020-12-19 00:02:29
Expiry: Never
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[Copied from https://pastebin.com/2b1khP8z]
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>Day The Invasion of Florence.
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>The first thing you hear are trumpets.
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>Distant at first, but with every passing minute they grow closer.
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>Then the drums.
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>Oh, the drums.
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>Pounding rhythmically, incessantly.
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>You feel your heart racing.
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>They told you that the Venetians were coming, but you didn’t believe them.
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>Twice before you were warned.
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>Each time, the Florentines were able to beat them back.
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>That’s why you didn’t try to hide your few bits of silver and copper.
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>You notice you have been scrubbing the same place this whole time.
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>One spot on the wooden table gleams much brighter than the rest.
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>”That’s enough. There’s no one here.”
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>You look up at the familiar voice.
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>Marco is beside you, brushing his beard.
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“What am I supposed to do?” you ask.
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>You’re surprised by the fear in your voice.
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>If the Venetians arrive, they will probably kill everyone.
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>Who knows what they will do to a pony.
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>Your pink coat will probably hide a few slaps.
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>Hopefully they won't pull your golden mane.
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>Marco doesn’t answer your question as he looks out the window.
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>He probably doesn’t know either.
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>You place the rag on the table, as Marco walks to the door.
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>He stops at the threshold, but doesn’t leave.
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>In the opposite direction, you hear a single horn.
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>Then more.
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>Deeper, louder than the trumpets.
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>A few footmen run past the inn.
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>Their armor is rough, and poorly fitted.
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>Their helmets cast a shadow over their faces, but you already know what they are feeling.
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>Dread.
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>You rush outside, and Marco doesn’t stop you.
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>Instantly you stop, and turn.
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>Wordlessly, you ask him if you can see.
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>He offers only the slightest nod, before closing the door to follow.
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>Together you walk up the street toward the sounds.
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>You’re surprised at how many people are outside.
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>Their outfits are bright and cheery, though their faces betray their thoughts.
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>A few ponies jostle for position.
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>Those that can fly are sitting on rooftops to watch.
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1/15
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>Marco sees an opening and pushes through the crowd.
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>You follow close behind before the others can fill the void.
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>Just as you pass the last person, the music stops.
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>On opposite hills, stand the two armies.
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>There are thousands of people.
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>Maybe, tens of thousands.
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>The flags are just as countless.
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>Behind you, another pony talks with his friend.
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>”Most of them are mercenaries,” the pony says in Equestrian.
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>It’s easier to talk freely with Equestrian, because so few people understand it.
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>”How can you tell?”
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>”Look at their flags.” It takes a moment before he continues. “Swiss, German, Milanese.”
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>Again he pauses.
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>”What is it?”
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>”Those are ponies.”
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>You turn around before you can stop yourself.
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”What?”
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>He gives you a scowl, but quickly shakes it away.
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>With a hoof, he points at the far side of the army.
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>”Those are ponies,” he repeats.
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>You have to squint, but finally you make them out.
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>Sure enough, there are armored ponies on the flank.
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>Most carry spears.
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>A few men break away from the army and ride their horses toward the Florentines.
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>One carries a large flag with a winged lion over a red field.
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>On the opposite side, you see the Florentines responding in kind.
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>The Fluer-de-lis isn’t quite as impressive as the angry lion.
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>You’ve seen it every day.
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>All the shops display the flag proudly.
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>But today it doesn’t look proud.
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>The men stop when they reach the center.
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>”This is it. They are delivering their terms.”
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>”Our men will never accept them.”
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>”Ours now?” The pony bitterly laughs. “We will never be one of them.”
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>The Florentine general suddenly pulls on his horse’s reigns, and his men retreat back to their army.
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>”So you think Venice will free us?”
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>The leader of the Venetians waves his arm, and the music returns.
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>Just drums this time.
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>His men straighten up and hold their weapons ready.
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>”Never.”
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>The leaders split up among the army, and a trumpet sounds.
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2/15
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>The Florentine horns respond with their own low tones.
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>”We should go,” Marco says.
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“Why? They haven’t done anything yet.”
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>As if on command, lightly armored men rush forward.
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>They aim into the sky, and you see a wave of bolts fly.
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>The Florentine archers aren’t as fast, and many of them are hit by the crossbows.
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>A few men scream in pain.
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>You flinch at the sound.
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>Arrows fly toward the Venetians, and soon their men are screaming as well.
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>The trumpet lets out several notes.
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>It plays three times, and pikemen start marching forward.
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>They walk through the crossbows, just in time to meet a volley of arrows.
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>Many fall.
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>Their screams and shrieks are almost unbearable.
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>Florentine pikemen move to meet them.
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>Now you can see other soldiers.
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>They carry swords, spears, halberds and other things that you don’t recognize.
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>They wait for the pikemen to advance and the crossbows to fire before moving.
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>All the while, the boom of the drums urge them on.
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>Behind them, you see men with massive swords resting on their shoulders.
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>They don’t move.
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>Men on horseback change positions, and you can see the ponies more clearly now.
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>They wait at the rear.
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>”We should go,” Marco repeats.
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>You watch as the pikemen approach each other.
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>The Florentine men hesitate, but the Venetians keep marching forward.
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>”Those Swiss are something. I heard they were fearless.”
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>In a few moments, the pikes are nearly touching each other.
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>The Florentines stop, but the Venetian men continue.
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>More screams, as the pikes finally make contact.
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>You feel your lip quivering.
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>That sound.
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>The screaming.
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>Your breathing quickens.
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>They aren’t going to stop?
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>More screams.
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>More shouts.
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>The drums continue beating.
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>Marco grabs your withers and urges you to follow.
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>You resist for a second, before doing as he wishes.
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>It takes a few minutes to return to the inn.
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>All the while you can hear the crash of men charging into each other.
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3/15
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>High pitched noises fill the air.
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>It almost sounds like when you throw all the silverware together.
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>Except you know this is the sound of weapons clashing.
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>Marco pours himself a drink, and sits at the bar.
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>You move beside him, but he doesn’t budge.
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“Can I?” You ask.
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>You need something to calm your nerves.
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>He nods, and you pour yourself a drink from the cask.
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>The sweet taste of cider makes you feel a little better.
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>You sit beside him.
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>Marco breaks the silence.
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>”You should run, Lily.”
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>You swirl your drink once.
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“Where would I go?”
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>”Somewhere. Anywhere. If the Venetians win they will take all the women and rape them.”
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>You take a long drink.
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”What about the ponies?”
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>He turns to you with a frown.
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>”Probably the same thing.”
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>You examine your cider, before taking another drink.
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>He clears his throat.
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>”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.”
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>You shake your head.
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”What about Lemon Drop?”
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>”I’m sure she’s gone by now. I don’t blame her.”
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>Marco’s sister owns Lemon Drop.
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>She helps out when it gets busy, or when you’re sick.
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”You’re the only person who has ever been nice to me.”
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>Marco pours himself another drink.
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>”That’s why I’m telling you to leave.”
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“But what will they do to you?”
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>He brushes his beard.
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>”I imagine they will come in here, look for anything valuable, and then let me go.”
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>You press your lips together.
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>Why does he think he would be spared?
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>As if sensing your unasked question, he answers.
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>”I’m an old man. What would they want with me? Besides, I have always lived here.”
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>Where would you go?
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>Blossom lives only a town away.
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>You could go there if you ran right now.
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>She could hide you for a few days.
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>You would be very quiet.
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>Maybe her human wouldn’t even notice.
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>But then what will happen to Marco?
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4/15
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>When he bought you all those years ago, you were scared of him.
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>His rough hands and thick beard seemed like a warning sign.
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>Now.
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>Now… you know better.
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“I want to stay.”
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>Even as you say it, you wish you hadn’t.
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>He shakes his head, but doesn’t respond.
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>Instead you both sit quietly and enjoy the drinks.
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>This continues for an hour or so.
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>Each of you take a drink, and wait.
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>All the while, you hear screams and the clash of weapons.
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>Finally, a there’s a loud cheer.
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>We won.
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>You count three cheers.
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>Marco looks up from the bar and smiles.
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>The weight on your shoulders lifts.
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>You knew those dirty Venetians wouldn’t win.
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>We won.
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>Then you hear shouting.
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>Your heart sinks.
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>You were wrong.
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>We lost.
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>People run through the streets.
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>You hear glass breaking.
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>The sound of an axe hitting wood makes you wince.
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>That only lasts for a few minutes before there is silence.
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>It was probably people running, and taking what they could save.
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>The silence has you confused, and you walk outside.
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>When you arrive at the main road, you see an army setting up camp.
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>The banners are hard to make out, but they aren’t red and white.
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>They’re red and yellow.
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>The winged lion.
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>You slowly go back to the inn.
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>What will happen to you now?
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>You hope Marco was wrong.
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>That you won’t be treated like a plaything.
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>When you arrive, the door is wide open.
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>Marco pulls down the Florentine flags decorating the room.
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>You can tell he doesn’t want to, but he has no choice.
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>When he finishes with the last one, he sits behind the bar as if ready to take an order.
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>The trumpets come back to life.
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>This time other instruments join in.
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>It sounds like a victory song.
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>Soldiers arrogantly march though the town.
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>A few men ride horses slowly, and look at the buildings.
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>They point and don’t move aside as others march past them.
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>You aren’t sure what will happen next.
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>Men walk up and down the streets, but they don’t destroy anything.
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5/15
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>It takes two hours before the first person walks in.
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>His face is dirty and you don’t know the flag on his tabard.
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>A few others follow behind him.
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>”Drink. Three,” he says in very poor Tuscan.
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>He lifts three fingers so you will understand.
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>Marco pours and you carry over their order.
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>The men greedily take their drinks and chug them.
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>You crinkle your snout as you catch their smell.
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>Copper.
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>Blood and sweat.
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>This time the man doesn’t bother trying to speak Tuscan, and simply spins a finger around.
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>You nod and bow slightly so he can see that you understand him.
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>Marco takes the drinks to them.
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>It looks like he is congratulating them, but you don’t understand the words.
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>Still, the men are smiling and laughing.
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>Then something strange happens.
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>A pony trots in.
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>No.
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>Not one.
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>Several.
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>Then many.
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>They cheer and congratulate each other.
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>You greet them in Equestrian, and they all order the same thing.
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>Cider.
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>Lots of cider.
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>One of them tries to grab your flank, but you move away the instant he touches you.
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>His friends hoot and holler.
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>It’s probably best to just ignore that.
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>”Need some help?”
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>You look toward the voice.
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“Lemon Drop? You’re still here?”
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>Her purple mane bobs as she nods.
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>Her coat is yellow, almost the same color as your mane.
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>”I saw the chimney smoke. I figured you and Marco decided to stay, so here I am.”
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>”Music! We need music,” one of the ponies shout in Equestrian.
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>Before long a couple of the ponies are setting up in a corner.
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>The ponies cheer as the band starts off with a traditional Equestrian song.
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>After a few songs they hit their stride and the entire bar is singing along.
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>Even the people in the back are trying to mouth the words.
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>You open more windows as the smell of sweat and blood seems to grow stronger.
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>It’s not enough and you go outside for fresh air.
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>You take three deep breaths before opening your eyes.
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>A man wearing a bright outfit rides up on a horse.
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6/15
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>He is flanked by two ponies riding smaller horses.
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>Somehow you never thought you would see that.
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>He isn’t wearing armor, unlike his friends, or the ponies inside.
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>He probably washed up before coming out.
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>In a practiced motion he slides off the horse and walks to you.
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>The ponies do the same, but it’s much more awkward.
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>He speaks, but you don’t understand his words as he ties the reigns down.
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“I’m sorry, but I don’t understand you.”
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>”You don’t understand Venetian?” He asks in Tuscan with a soft accent.
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>You shake your head.
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“I never learned that.”
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>This makes him smile.
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>”You should learn. Soon the Doge will conquer all the city states.”
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>The ponies by his side are listening, but they clearly can’t understand your conversation.
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“That’s what you think,” you say in Equestrian.
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>”You’re right. That’s what I think,” the man responds with a heavy accent.
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>Your ears perk up.
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>You’ve never heard a person say more than one or two words in your language.
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“Who taught you Equestrian?”
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>He adjusts his sword.
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>”It would be hard to lead a company of ponies if I didn’t.”
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>He offers you a smile.
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“Well, I wish you didn’t. Then all those people would still be alive.”
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>One of the ponies pushes you.
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>His cutie mark is hidden under his armor.
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>”That’s enough out of you.”
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>The man laughs as you stumble back.
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>”I didn’t realize Florence was so kind to ponies. You actually think you could be one of them.”
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>You don’t answer him.
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>You just glare.
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>After a moment he turns away from you and prepares to enter the inn.
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>The two ponies enter first.
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>”Now presenting, Captain Anon Ymous.”
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>He waits a second before entering to cheers.
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>Both arms extend and the patrons become silent.
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>”You all fought well today. For that, we will stay here for a few days while we deliver terms to Florence.”
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>Again the crowd cheers.
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>Anon waves his hand several times before they quiet down.
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7/15
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>”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.”
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>The sounds of laughs and cheers fill the room.
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>The men in the back are confused, but a pony tries to explain.
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>They gesture to each other several times before the humans understand.
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>The ragged men raise their cups.
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>A traditional Venetian song plays, and all the ponies sing along.
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>Anon settles down near the fireplace and continues drinking.
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>It’s probably a cider.
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>That’s all ponies ever drink.
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>Marco makes his way over, and begins talking with the Baron.
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>Anon points at you.
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>What does he want?
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>Anon squeezes his hand before making it flat.
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>Marco responds in confusion.
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>He presses the tips of his fingers together.
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>You don’t know what they are saying, but with the hand motions it’s clear that Anon is angry.
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>Finally Marco waves you over as he walks back to the bar.
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>”What did you say to him?”
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“Nothing!”
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>Marco pulls a cask out, and pushes it in front of the bar.
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>The rollers below the barrel make it easy to move.
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>”He says that I should get rid of you for being insolent.”
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”So? They will be gone in a day or two.”
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>Marco shakes his head.
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>”No. This entire town is his now. He won’t leave, even if the rest of the army moves on.”
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>That’s why the army didn’t pillage everything.
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”He’ll forget about this tomorrow.”
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>”Take this cask over to him as an apology.”
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”But I didn’t do anything.”
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>”Then it won’t matter. Why are you arguing with me, Lily?”
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“Anon’s a murderer. He killed all those people.”
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>Marco stands up straighter.
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>He pauses before responding.
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>”I’ll bet most of these people killed someone today. You don’t want to be next, do you?”
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>You press your lips together.
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>This is for Marco’s sake.
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>Anon watches you as you slowly move the cask toward him.
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>You bow as low as you dare.
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8/15
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>Everything in your body knows he’s going to kick you, but it doesn’t come.
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“I’m sorry for what I said earlier.”
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>It takes a moment before you feel you should rise.
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>”You know I could have you killed right now. If I wanted it…”
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>You clench your teeth together.
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>He could.
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“I know.”
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>This makes him smile.
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>”Put that over there, and then come back.”
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>He points toward his ponies.
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>You see Lemon Drop pushing another cask near the people in the back.
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>It’s probably wine.
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>When you return Anon taps his hand on the seat next to him.
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>Reluctantly, you sit on his bench.
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>It takes every fiber in your body to keep from jumping when he puts his arm around you.
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>He hands you a glass with his free hand.
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>”What was your name again?”
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>You take a sip of the drink.
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>It’s cider.
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“Lily.”
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>”That’s a nice name,” he says pleasantly.
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>You turn to him.
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“Are you going to kill me?”
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>He laughs.
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>Maybe he thought you were joking?
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>You let out a few weak chuckles.
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>He looks back at you.
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>”I suppose we should talk about that.”
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>He shifts to stretch out his back.
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“I was being silly back there. I shouldn’t have talked out of turn,” you lie.
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>You didn’t know any of those men, but they were fighting to defend their homeland.
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>”They killed many Venetians as well. We didn’t start this war.”
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>His hand wanders and starts rubbing your shoulder.
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>You shake your body so he won’t touch you.
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>He lets go, but keeps his arm resting on the booth.
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>Immediately you regret that.
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>It was just a harmless touch.
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>Besides, he could do anything with you if he wanted.
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>”About what you asked earlier.”
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>He means about killing you.
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>You look up at him.
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“Yes?”
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>”I haven’t decided yet.”
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>He sticks out his thumb and index finger and waves it in front of you.
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>That means you should leave.
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>You slowly slink off the chair and walk toward the bar.
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>So are you safe or not?
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>Marco is pouring wine for ponies who have grown tired of cider.
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9/15
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>”What did he say?”
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“He says he hasn’t decided yet.”
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>Marco gives you a confused look.
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>”Did you talk back to him again?”
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“No. I was being polite.”
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>Marco frowns but returns to his work.
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>”What was he like?” Lemon Drop asks.
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“Who?”
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>”You know who. Anon.”
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>You look over at him.
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“He was fine.”
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>”Just fine? You have to tell me more. Was he scary?”
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>You look at your friend.
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>You can feel your cheeks burning.
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“A little, but he wasn’t mean.”
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>Lemon nods.
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>The band takes a break and they join the others.
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>You shouldn’t have moved away from him.
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>Now he will hate you.
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>”What did you talk about?”
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“The war mostly. He speaks Equestrian.”
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>Lemon perks up at this.
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>”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.”
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“Well he did. Maybe you should talk to him, Lem.”
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>You shouldn’t have said that.
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>She will probably get herself into trouble, like you did.
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>Several hours pass.
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>A few of the clearly drunk ponies leave, but others take their place.
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>You see a few mares enter, and the soldiers are quick to offer them a drink.
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>With the casks out, you and Lemon Drop have very little to do.
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>The ponies pour themselves drinks, and only occasionally ask for a new glass.
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>You watch as Anon talks with one of his soldiers.
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>The pony gives him a slight bow before returning to the others.
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>This repeats over and over.
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>No doubt they are congratulating him and asking for his favor.
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>You see a lull as most of the ponies have already spoken to him.
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>”Now’s my chance.”
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“Lemon Drop,” you call as loudly as you dare, but she continues anyway.
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>With the band no longer playing, the room is only filled with the low roar of talking.
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>You watch Anon and your friend.
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>She sways over like a filly.
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>It takes a moment for her to catch his attention.
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>Anon listens as Lemon introduces herself.
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>You wish you could hear what they are saying.
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10/15
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>Lemon gestures wildly with her hoof in a poor imitation of people.
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>They both erupt in laughter.
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>Without an invitation she sits next to him.
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>He moves his arm over the booth, but doesn’t touch her.
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>Against your better judgement, you decide to pick up some glasses and clean near Anon.
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>”You can speak really well. I don’t have any trouble understanding you.”
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>”It was tough at first. But, I get a lot of practice.”
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>You stack a few glasses together, and wipe down a table.
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>”So you must travel a lot.”
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>”I do, but only during the summer. No one wants to fight in winter.”
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>”I’ve only been to the ocean once.”
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>”You should see Venice.”
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>”I heard it was an island.”
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>”It’s a bunch of islands. Over a hundred.”
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>”So they have bridges between them?”
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>Anon laughs.
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>”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.”
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>Maybe he doesn’t know the word for boat.
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>You carry the glasses back to the bar.
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>Marco isn’t there so you wait for someone to place an order.
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>Instead, a drunk pony makes his way over.
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>His clothes are black with blood.
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>”Hey, Cutie.”
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“That’s not my name.”
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>”Well, what is it then?”
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“Lily.”
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>He thinks it over.
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“I like Cutie better.”
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>He laughs loudly at his joke.
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“Did you want something?”
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>He looks you up and down.
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>”Yeah. You.”
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>He takes a step closer.
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“Well I’m not on offer.”
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>”Don’t be mean to me, Cutie. We just finished fighting. Who knows the next time I’ll see another mare.”
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>He nuzzles your neck and you take a step back.
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“You probably say that to everypony.”
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>”No, just the ones I like.”
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>Again he tries to nuzzle you.
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“I said get off!”
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>Without thinking you turn and buck him.
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>He falls backwards and lands on his haunches.
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>A few of his friends laugh.
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>”Stupid bitch,” he says as he gets up.
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11/15
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>One pony waves him back and he gives you another look.
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>Thinking better of it, he rejoins the others.
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>You look to your friend.
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>She is leaning against Anon, and his hand is covering her cutie mark.
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>Both of them are watching.
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>Lemon gives you an angry look.
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>You know she would tell you to play along.
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>That these ponies will be gone soon enough and then you can go back to being antisocial.
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>Anon just has a smile on his face.
-
>He points at you and Lemon shakes her head.
-
>She crosses her hooves, but Anon gently pushes her forward.
-
>Soon enough she gets up and walks toward you.
-
>”What are you doing?”
-
“I’m not doing anything.”
-
>”So when you kicked that pony it was nothing?
-
“He got too friendly.”
-
>”This is why you’re alone, Lily. You have to at least pretend to be nice.”
-
>You glare at her.
-
“Is that what you’re doing? Being nice?”
-
>”This is a great opportunity for us. If Florence surrenders, this guy will get a giant mansion. He’ll probably build a castle.”
-
“So?”
-
>”Then we won’t have to work anymore.”
-
“You’re being dumb, Lem. Anon doesn’t care about us. We’re just ponies to him.”
-
>”Yeah. He’s the kind of guy that learns our language and leads ponies. He must be a monster.”
-
“Oh, don’t be sarcastic, Lemon.”
-
>”It’s the only thing you understand.”
-
“I don’t know if you realize this, but these are invaders. They are taking our land.”
-
>”This never was our land, Lily. Equestria was supposed to be ours. Now it’s gone.”
-
>She does have a point.
-
>Besides Marco, most Florentines don’t care for ponies.
-
>What was Equestria like?
-
>You hardly remember anymore.
-
>”Fine. You do what you want, but I’m going to live in a mansion.”
-
>She turns to walk away.
-
”Lem!”
-
>She ignores you and goes to Anon.
-
>Lemon Drop quickly hops on the bench and leans into him.
-
>You watch as his hand rubs her side.
-
>In the corner a person waves you over.
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12/15
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>It takes a while to understand what he means, but he is asking for a new cask.
-
>Dutifully, you push another to take its place.
-
>When you return to the bar Marco is back with clean glasses.
-
>The next hour passes quickly.
-
>People and ponies enter and leave.
-
>Some leave with a mare.
-
>The ones who are too drunk leave with their friends.
-
>You look back at Lemon Drop.
-
>Lem pretends to find Anon’s hand very interesting.
-
>He pulls her in close, and she doesn’t resist.
-
>You don’t want to see their kiss, so you look away.
-
>When you look back, she is on his lap and swooning like a filly.
-
>Her rear hooves playfully touch his sword hilt.
-
>He holds her, and waves over Marco.
-
>You can’t help yourself, and follow.
-
>If anyone asks you’ll just say you thought he wanted to signal you.
-
>”How much are ponies here? Five, six florins?”
-
>”Usually around six,” Marco responds.
-
>Lemon’s eyes open wide.
-
>She mouths to you, “He’s going to buy me.”
-
>You can’t believe how happy she looks.
-
>It’s disgusting.
-
>”Then I’ll give you twelve for the pair.”
-
>Both of you?
-
>Marco lets out a single laugh.
-
>”I don’t own Lemon Drop. She belongs to my sister.”
-
>”She won’t mind,” Lemon says quickly.
-
>She bats her eyelashes at Anon.
-
>Marco shakes his head.
-
>”I can’t accept. She’s not mine.”
-
>Anon taps a foot and Lemon bounces slightly.
-
>”And the other one? Lily?”
-
>”She’s a sickly pony,” he lies. “Also she is very headstrong. She’ll argue a lot.”
-
>Anon shrugs.
-
>”She won’t have to last long. Besides, she makes me laugh.”
-
>So he does want to kill you.
-
>You were stupid.
-
>You shouldn’t have said anything.
-
>Marco looks to you, and you shake your head.
-
>He presses his lips together.
-
>You know he wants to accept.
-
>To ingratiate himself to Anon.
-
>Part of you wants him to say yes.
-
>That way he won’t get into trouble.
-
>The other part hates Anon, and wants nothing to do with him.
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13/15
-
>”I’m sorry, my lord, but I can’t accept. Lily isn’t for sale.”
-
>Anon looks toward his ponies.
-
>Probably to hide his anger.
-
>He only has a few soldiers left.
-
>Most have already gone back to the camp, or rented a room for the night.
-
>Anon moves his hand from Lemon's leg.
-
>He touches her rear hooves with his fingers and she giggles.
-
>You notice his palm is resting on his sword.
-
>”What about fifteen just for Lily?”
-
>”Fifteen?” Marco’s voice trails off. “That’s very generous, but I have to respectfully decline.”
-
>Anon doesn’t try to hide his frown.
-
>He looks at Marco as if he is weighing the man.
-
>Trying to figure out his weakness.
-
>Anon grips the handle of his sword.
-
>The angle is awkward, clearly not meant to be drawn with his left hand.
-
>You take a step back.
-
>Marco must not have noticed, as he doesn't move.
-
>Suddenly, Anon's mood passes.
-
>He laughs before saying simply, “Fine.”
-
>You let out a sigh of relief.
-
>”Thank you for understanding, sir.”
-
>Anon lets a smile creep across his face.
-
>”Of course. Now, do you have any rooms left?”
-
>”A room?”
-
>”Yes. I’m tired of sleeping in a tent.”
-
>”I only have a few small rooms left. Nothing that would be good enough for you.”
-
>”I’m sure it will be fine.”
-
>”Uh, yes. I’ll show you to an open one.”
-
>Lemon Drop hops off Anon’s lap.
-
>”Don’t worry, Marco. I’ll help Anon.”
-
>She doesn’t wait for an answer and looks for the keys.
-
“What about your horse?”
-
>Anon gives you a confused look.
-
>He hasn't gone to check on her all night.
-
>You wonder if he even remembered.
-
>”Dancer? I had one of my lieutenants take her back to the camp.”
-
“Oh.”
-
>”We have a stable for guests. Maybe next time,” Marco quickly offers.
-
>”This way, Anon,” Lemon says with keys in her mouth.
-
>He follows close behind.
-
>Marco sits down at an open table as the last guest leaves.
-
>The pony can barely stand and has to lean on another one.
-
14/15
-
>”That wasn’t as bad as I thought,” Marco says.
-
“Yeah. It could have been worse.”
-
>You survey the damage.
-
>There are half empty glasses everywhere.
-
>The room still smells like blood, but it is slowly getting weaker.
-
>You get up and grab a rag.
-
>Marco stops you.
-
>”We can clean in the morning.”
-
>You nod and head to your room.
-
>It’s almost over.
-
>You didn’t get raped or killed, so that’s a good thing.
-
>With any luck, these ponies will be pushed back to Venice.
-
>The door closes with a click and you jump on your bed.
-
>Would Anon really have killed you in cold blood?
-
>Somehow you doubt it.
-
>He wouldn't have tried to buy you just to end your life.
-
>Anon did say that you made him laugh.
-
>Maybe he isn't used to a mare not rolling over for him.
-
>That doesn't matter now.
-
>Soon they will all be gone.
-
>You can hear giggling in the next room.
-
>An ear instinctively perks up.
-
>You furrow your brow.
-
>Is that one of those dirty mares with a soldier?
-
>They've probably been with dozens of ponies.
-
>You lean in closer to listen.
-
>Another laugh.
-
>Instantly you recognize it.
-
>It’s Lemon Drop.
-
>You put a pillow over your head.
-
>It does nothing to drown out the sound.
-
>His joke probably wasn't even funny.
-
>She always laid it on thick.
-
>Probably wants to make sure Anon enjoys her.
-
>She really doesn't want to work here anymore.
-
>You can't blame her.
-
>Who wouldn't want to live in luxury?
-
>Anon is the first noble to ever come in here.
-
>Lemon Drop is probably the smart one.
-
>You turn to your side, and away from the laughing.
-
>After a little bit, the laughter subsides.
-
>Finally you can get some rest.
-
>Deep breaths always calm you down.
-
>You don't want to think about Anon right now.
-
>He'll be gone soon enough.
-
>You hear a moan.
-
>You close your eyes tighter.
-
>Why did she pick the room next to yours?
-
fin
-
15/15
by SlavePonyGeneral
by SlavePonyGeneral
by SlavePonyGeneral
by SlavePonyGeneral
by SlavePonyGeneral