Calm and Collected (RGRE)


                                            > Be Twilight Sparkle, going over some fascinating readings

                                            > Not just because this is the first time a stallion let you do a full body scan

                                            > But also because of who that stallion is

                                            "Anon, this is amazing! As far as I'm able to determine, you have no magical foci, nor a thaumaturgical membrane!"

                                            > He frowns

                                            > "And what would those be?"

                                            > You set your parchment aside and focus on him

                                            > Not that that is hard to do~

                                            "A magical focus is the part of your body that concentrates and manipulates the mana in your body."

                                            > "Like a unicorn's horn?"

                                            > You nod happily

                                            "Or earth pony bones, or pegasus feathers. As for the thaumaturgical membrane, it's a sort of barrier your body creates as you grow older. The membrane of a foal is almost non-existent, and so they are affected very easily by the currents and eddies of ambient magic. That's why they perform a lot of involuntary magic, they are trying to reduce the pressure on their foci by using up that magic. As you get older, your membrane grows and creates a sort of harbor for your foci, or perhaps a reservoir. It slows the ambient flow of magic into you, but you are able to retain more mana."

                                            > You realise that you have slipped into lecture mode

                                            > You give Anon a sheepish smile

                                            "I'm not boring you, am I?"

                                            > He shakes his head, a strange glint in his eye

                                            > "No, this is fascinating. So what you are saying is, I would need a magical focus to use magic, but even if I did, it would be prone to spontaneous spells, since I have no membrane."

                                            > You feel your heart sink as you remember why Anon asked for the full body scan in the first place

                                            "I'm sorry, Anon. I'm afraid you won't be able to use magic at all."

                                            > He shrugs

                                            > "It's probably because there is no magic where I come from, so I wouldn't grow the organs necessary to use it. I was expecting that, to tell the truth."

                                            > A thought occurs to you

                                            "Anon, there's something you should know. The thaumaturgical membrane also lets you resist spells. Since you don't have one..."

                                            > You frown, thinking of some of your creepier classmates from Canterlot

                                            "You wouldn't be able to resist a charm spell, or anything like that. Let me know if you suddenly feel strange, and don't believe in love at first sight with a unicorn. Especially if she doesn't seem surprised about it."

                                            > He raises his eyebrows

                                            > "Good to know. Is there some sort of ward, or anything that would protect against that?"

                                            > You chew on your lip, thinking

                                            "Crystals have something like a membrane, so if you wear some around your body, it should disrupt whatever spell  they throw at you. Make sure you hide a few, the sort of mare that would try something is used to normal jewelry arrangements."

                                            > Anon nods thoughtfully

                                            > "Thanks Twilight, I'm glad I talked to you about it."

                                            > You smile

                                            "Glad to help!"

                                            > He gets up with a sigh that almost sounds indecent

                                            > "Sounds like I should visit a certain fabulous horse. See you around, Twilight."

                                            > You walk him to the door of the castle

                                            "Likewise, Anon. And if you ever want to know more about magic, just let me know!"

                                            > He chuckles

                                            > "I'll do that."

                                            > As he walks away, you eye his shifting posterior

                                            > ...

                                            > You do still have his body scan

                                            > Perhaps you could fabricate a pillow, as well as something for, ah, penetrating self-insight


                                            > Be Rarity, minding the counter

                                            > It is something of a slow day, as you are in the middle of the spring season of fashion

                                            > You pass the time sketching out designs on a pad, searching for inspiration

                                            > Then the door opens with a chime, and you put on your business smile

                                            "Welcome to Carrousel Beautique, where- oh, Anon, how may I help you?"

                                            > The tall janefilly smiles sheepishly

                                            > "Remember when I said your designs were too gaudy?"

                                            > You huff, partly sincere in your anger, however,

                                            > Delight bubbles up inside you

                                            > You can practically taste the fabulousity  that is about to occur

                                            > But you absolutely must not let that show

                                            "I do remember you saying something of the sort."

                                            > You make a show of examining your forehoof

                                            "If you still feel that way, I can't imagine why you would be here."

                                            > Anon sighs

                                            > "I'm sorry Rarity, I didn't realise you were just trying to protect me."

                                            > You look up abruptly, searching his face for some sign of duplicity

                                            "Protect you?"

                                            > He nods

                                            > "I heard about charm spells from Twilight, and well..."

                                            > He shudders

                                            > The poor dear, to have been sheltered from the dark side of mares for so long, finding out must have been a shock

                                            > At once you realise the reason for his change of heart

                                            > You had hoped to get a little flirty with the measurements, but that would be in poor taste now

                                            "I understand completely, Darling. Now, there are few options for what you are looking for. If you want completely hidden protection, I can make something with very thin, flat gems sewn between two layers of cloth. It is significantly warmer that may be comfortable for you, however."

                                            > He nods

                                            > "I'll probably want some of those for winter."

                                            "Indeed. For warmer weather, the trade off is between how many of the gems will be in the open, and how many you can stand rubbing against your skin. I can hide a few in collars and hems and such, but for the most part, it's either comfort or more easily avoided protection."

                                            > Anon rubs his chin, considering

                                            > "Let's try one of each, and I'll see how I feel about it after wearing them around. How much would it be for one of each kind of outfit?"

                                            > You wave your hoof dismissively

                                            "I wouldn't dream of charging for your safety, Darling. Once we get you into something where you can feel safe, then we can start talking about prices and adding to your wardrobe."

                                            > He smiles softly at you

                                            > "Thank you, Rarity, I appreciate that."

                                            > Your heart beats ever so slightly faster at the sight

                                            > You do your best to ignore it, focusing instead on measurements and possible designs for Anonymous' unusual frame

                                            "You are quite welcome, Anonymous."

                                            > As the last word of the pleasantry leaves your lips, you devote yourself to the cause of Fabulousity once more


                                            > Be Roseluck, minding the shop

                                            > The bells on the door jingle as it opens, and you are not surprised to see that resident alien walk through the door, pulling his little shopping wagon

                                            "Welcome back, Anon. Thinking about adding to your flower garden?"

                                            > He smiles

                                            > "Got it in one. I figure I should have a large crop for when company comes by. I'm thinking tulips this time, twenty should be good."

                                            > You raise an eyebrow

                                            "You sure lilies wouldn't be better?"

                                            > He tilts his head at you

                                            > "Are they?"

                                            > You grin knowingly

                                            "Didn't you hear the rumor? A secret somepony has been planting flowers in the Ponyville cemetary. Imagine my surprise when I find that it's the same assortment as your flower garden."

                                            > Anonymous starts to sweat

                                            > "What a coincidence..."

                                            > You roll your eyes at his poor acting

                                            "Well, I think it's sweet. As a matter of fact, if I were ever to meet that special secret somepony, I might offer them a discount on their order."

                                            > He blinks

                                            > "Oh. Well, yes, I think I will buy the lilies then."

                                            > You head into the back and load up two trays of the potted flowers

                                            > As you do, you call over your shoulder

                                            "If you don't mind telling, what inspired your little project?"

                                            > You grab the first tray with your forehooves and totter back to the counter

                                            > Anon is looking down at his shirt, an understated black polo with actual emerald accents

                                            > "I've been on the receiving end of a lot of kindness here at Ponyville, and I thought this was something I could do to pay it back a little."

                                            > Not specifically to Rarity?

                                            > You have a chance, then

                                            > You smile at him

                                            "As I thought, you're just the sweetest thing."

                                            > He blushes, speechless

                                            > You set the tray before him and turn around, sashaying slightly on the way into the back room

                                            > When you return with the other set of flowers, he has recovered a little, but his cheeks are still noticiably pink

                                            > You regrettably return to business

                                            "That will be twenty bits, Anon."

                                            > He carefully counts out the money before setting it on the counter

                                            > "Thanks for this, Roseluck."

                                            > You sweep the bits into the register drawer with practiced ease

                                            > You lean your elbows on the counter and rest your chin on your hooves

                                            "Well, it's not like I don't get anything out of it. The cemetery is practically one big advertisement for my shop now."

                                            > He picks up the first tray, the muscles in his arms tensing in a way that makes you lick your lips

                                            > "Huh. Well, I'm glad it worked out that way."

                                            > He turns around and crouches as he sets the tray in his wagon

                                            > DatFlank.floralarrangement

                                            > He retrieves loads the second tray just as distractingly

                                            > "See you around, Roseluck. And thanks again."

                                            > You smile at the sweet stallion

                                            "No problem, Anon. And come around whenever you like, I can always use the company."

                                            > He nods and pushes on the door

                                            > "I'll take you up on that sometime."

                                            > With that he heads out into the street, door closing behind him

                                            > You sigh

                                            > One of these days you really should ask him out on a date

                                            > Oh well, you'll have plenty of chances later

                                            > For now you stow the receipt in the drawer and settle in to wait for the next customer


                                            > Be Fluttershy, heading home from town

                                            > A sparkle in the distance down the road catches your eye

                                            > You walk sedately towards it, wondering what it could be

                                            > As you draw closer, you recognize the tall, lanky figure

                                            > Sunlight glints off the small gems in his clothes pleasantly

                                            > You are glad for Anonymous

                                            > Ever since he got his new clothes from Rarity a few months ago, he has been much more confident

                                            > You never realized how much he was intimidated by magic users

                                            > In a strange way, you felt a certain kinship with him

                                            > If only you could overcome your fears so easily...

                                            > Oh!

                                            > That's right, you have to tell him about the thing

                                            > You trot towards him, mustering your courage

                                            "Hello, Anonymous."

                                            > He turns and smiles

                                            > "Good afternoon, Fluttershy. Doing well, I hope?"

                                            > You draw up along side him, trotting to keep up with his long strides

                                            "Oh yes, very well. And how have you been?"

                                            > "Can't complain. Oh, and the fish you got me were delicious, thank you."

                                            > You smile at him

                                            "I'm glad to hear that."

                                            > Silence falls for a moment as you try to find the least alarming words possible

                                            "Anonymous, I have something to tell you."

                                            > He raises his eyebrows

                                            > "Yes?"

                                            "My little friends told me about a new monster in the Everfree. I figured that since you also live pretty close, you should know."

                                            > He stops walking and looks at you with wide eyes

                                            > "Is it magical?"

                                            > Oh

                                            > This poor stallion, even with all his precautions, of course he is still afraid of magic

                                            > You smile reassuringly up at him

                                            "It might be, but don't worry. Twilight is tracking it down. I'm sure she can deal with. And, um..."

                                            > You feel your cheeks redden

                                            "If you like, you can stay with me until it's gone. If you want to."

                                            > You said it!

                                            > Aw yeah, you are so marely right now!

                                            > Anonymous smiles gratefully at you, tousling your mane with his hand

                                            > Mmmm, nice

                                            > "Thanks for the warning and the offer, Fluttershy. I think I'll trust in Twilight, and just stay away from the forest. That should be safe enough, right?"

                                            > Oh

                                            > Of course, moving in with a mare is kinda drastic, especially a colty mare like you

                                            > You manage a cheerful expression for Anonymous

                                            "You're right, you'll be fine just depending on Twilight."

                                            > You hold back a sigh

                                            > You wish you could be as powerful as Twilight, so that stallions could depend on you

                                            > Anonymous crouches down, wrapping you in his arms

                                            > You freeze, unsure what to do

                                            > He smells so nice

                                            > "Hey, if I do see that monster, I'll come straight to you, and you can use your stare on it, alright?"

                                            > You smile and return the hug, warmth blooming in your chest

                                            "Of course. You can depend on me."

                                            > He gives you an extra squeeze, mashing his chest against your tuft, then releases you

                                            > He stands up and gives your head a final pat, then starts off to his home

                                            > "See you around, Fluttershy!"

                                            > You wave to him

                                            "Y-you too!"

                                            > As you trot home, you hold your head up high

                                            > Maybe you don't have to be as powerful as Twilight, you can just be yourself


                                            > Be Twilight, scanning the Everfree

                                            > You don't have a lot to go on

                                            > Fluttershy's animal friends only told her two things; the monster leaves most of its pretty intact, and it smells like death

                                            > You aren't sure what that last part means

                                            > Does the monster eat mostly carrion? But why would it hunt and then eat so little?

                                            > Perhaps it's some sort of undead...

                                            > You pause

                                            > If it is, then a scan for gravesoil should lead you right to it

                                            > You recall the special composition, shift the parameters of the spell formula, then...

                                            > Your horn pulses

                                            > The chaotic nature of the Everfree interferes somewhat, but you can detect traces near the edge

                                            > As good a starting point as any

                                            > You glide to the largest response area

                                            > As you get closer, you feel uneasy

                                            > Isn't Anonymous' house out this way?

                                            > You flap your wings in earnest, hoping the monster hasn't gotten to him

                                            > You arrive within minutes, just as Anonymous heaves a large chest out of his house

                                            > You descend for a landing

                                            > Wait, doesn't he look bulkier than before?

                                            > And you've never seen that outfit before, white stripes and a guady assortment of colors in between

                                            > It's only when your hooves hit the ground that you understand

                                            > Anonymous sets the chest down at his feet, drawing what you suspect is a gem studded unicorn horn from his hip holster

                                            > The white stripes are bones, the colors are countless feathers

                                            > You feel sick

                                            "Anonymous, where did you get those..."

                                            > He grins, spreading his arms to more fully display his ghoulish suit

                                            > "Impressive, isn't it? Don't worry though, the cemetery was plenty for my purposes."

                                            > You shake your head

                                            "Anonymous, we have to return those bones to their rightful owners. They were not meant to be used this way. You are skirting too close to dark magic."

                                            > He frowns at you

                                            > "Yes, I thought you might say something like that. Well, give my regards to our friends."

                                            > Before you can speak, he waves the bejeweled horn and vanishes in a flash of light

                                            > You immediately cast a scrying spell on his astral tunnel, rapidly fading as it is

                                            > You follow through, bracing the structure with your own magic

                                            > You arrive several miles away from town, with Anon nowhere to be seen

                                            > You scry again for astral tunnels, finding  one far above you, already dangerously small

                                            > He has too far a lead, and he knows where he is going

                                            > With a heavy heart, you return to Ponyville

                                            > You have a letter to send to Celestia


                                            > From time to time as the months turn into years, you hear news of Gravelord Incognito

                                            > Tales of heroism, accounts of war crimes, cities saved and treasures stolen

                                            > He even shows up under a different name in a recent Daring Do novel

                                            > Fluttershy, the poor mare, keeps his house clean

                                            > You knew she had a thing for him, but even so...


                                            > Be Fluttershy, in Anonymous' bedroom

                                            > His scent lingers deliciously

                                            > You lay sprawled on the bed, huffing at his pillow

                                            > Your ears prick at the clatter of bones on wood

                                            > At once, you leap out of bed and glide down the stairs to the entry hall

                                            > You arrive as Anon finishes tucking his suit into the hidden closet by the door

                                            > You lean against the wall, standing on your hind legs nonchalantly like a cool marely mare

                                            > He stands, sweat glistening on his bare skin

                                            > Mmmm, mama likes~

                                            > He gives you a warm smile

                                            > "Honey, I'm home."

                                            "Welcome home honey. Now give me some sugar."

                                            > He leans in and kisses you, filling you with love, confidence, and a little tongue

                                            > You respond in kind, the only mare marely enough to tame this wild stallion