Deerham Holds The Key To Thy Heart [Mad Cap] [Concluded]

[CableZ]

Mad Cap waited for the story of Arabesque's past that didn't seem to be coming, she felt bad that Arabesque felt the need to do that, but she did appreciate it. It was nice to have somepony that you didn't even need to ask to cheer you up, Mad Cap had missed having somepony who was attentive like that. At mention of the band not playing Mad Cap was slightly disappointed, she loved a good band performance some times, she didn't like to admit but she was a pretty good dancer. However Mad Cap became slightly confused as Arabesque rose from her seat and trotted over to the instruments, Mad Cap followed soon after, wondering exactly what her friend was planning. As she saw her pick the guitar up, Mad Cap got a big grin on her face.

"Arabesque, you can play guitar?!" She hopped on the spot a little, excited to see what she could do.

(MEANWHILE in cameo town)

Down in the luggage hold of the ship, a certain suitcase seemed to be moving, a knocking came from within, followed by 3 barges into the inside of the suitcase. After some serious effort, the cases topped above the possessed case fell, and the suitcase was free! as it fell from the mountain of suitcases and bags, each collision was met with a muffled grunt of pain from within the case. As it slammed into the metal floor of the ship, A grey pony came shooting out and landed in another pile of suit cases. Looking around with eyes hidden behind thick shades, and a hat atop his head.

"Woah, how did I end up here?" Came a raspy yet smooth voice.

The shaded pony walked over to the fallen pile of cases and from it pulled a small black case, causing a few more cases to fall. However the pony didn't really care about that, he had exploring to do. It took him 10 minutes to find the hatch out of the storage deck, but at least he was finally out. He wandered around for a few minutes before he finally found his way to the main hall that seemed to be attracting quite a bit of attention. Seeing such a large room with no ponies dancing and no music made the pony kinda down, especially seeing as there seemed to be a large assortment of instruments, what was going on?! However hope came back when he saw a beautiful mare heading over toward the instruments and pick up a guitar. Not being one to be left out of the fun, the pony made his way over toward the mare, who seemed to be followed by a clown. Weaving his way between the tables and chairs and serving ponies rushing around the place, still carrying his black case with him, walking with a quiet calm, slowly and yet determined at the same time. He approached the mare with the guitar, a slight smile on his face.

"Hey there, mind if I play with you?" He asked in that tone that was like honey to the ear, everything about this pony was suave, smooth and just heaven to the ear, and to the eyes as well

[Ashti Sandburst]

Arabesque, you can play guitar?!"
^^

Looking to the mare, Arabesque had a gentle smile and winked to Mad Cap. Playing guitar ? Well… it was more complicated than this. The Archivist learned to play oud and by extension lute and sitar… it was a hobby, something that she practiced years ago when she heard Ashti's playing simsiqanbüs (a traditional lute-lyre hybrid) but Ashti never know it, never been aware of the fact that Arabesque play instrument.

Arabesque decided to improve her skill in the Guild of Bards and Minstrels of Camel Mushait and learned some songs. Finally, she joined Ashti in Equestria and during her week with her not yet husband, and one day she saw a show on the Grand Starshine Theatre, a concerto with a guitarist. She was so charmed by the exotic tune of the guitar that she spoke with the guitarist to congrats him. And this one, under the charm of the mare accepted to give her some quick advanced lessons and tricks.

She didn't have a lot of difficulty because lute, oud, sitar and guitar were basically the same things… only sounds where different. But she managed to do with and even learned a couple of Equestrian songs. But it was a couple of years ago, she hopped to be good. Checking the strings, Arabesque seemed unsure… determined yet unsure.

"Hey there, mind if I play with you?"

Quiet, she didn't noticed the presence of the stallion when this one came to here, too focused about what to play with to sing and her own skill, if her repertoire will please the people on the room. And at the voice Arabesque gasped and jolted… before looking to the stallion.

During a moment she fought it was one of the musicians, member of the music band… but his look and his words…
Looking to the stallion, the archivist bowed the head and blushed : This stallion was cute, maybe I bit too young for her, but nice looking. At his gentle proposition she nodded… however she was a bit bothered : her repertoire was limited and she could maybe not be able to accompany him, especially if she don't know the music. She putted the guitar on the floor and bowed the head in greetings.

Good evening, sayyid… It do not mind me ^^. but I am afraid, I do not really know a lot of songs... maybe can we perform a song in turns, what do you think?

[CableZ]

Mad Cap looked at the new arrival with interest, he sounded so cool, and seemed really laid back. Still she wasn't one to trust straight away, but she also wasn't one to judge straight away, he seemed nice however. Not wanting to get in the way, Mad Cap just watched Arabesque and the new pony interact. She caught Arabesques eye and raised her eyebrows suggestively at Arabesque, she could see that her friend found the stallion cute.

~

At hearing the mare's hesitance, Baritone smiled a reassuring smile. Placing his case down by his side, he looked at the mare for a moment.

"No need, I'll be able to play with you no matter what you can play, I'll back you up, should be fun." He smiled, his smooth voice ever present.

Magically picking up his shining golden saxophone, he walked over to the speaker equipment and set up a mic at the end of his sax to pick up the sound. He double checked all of the equipment, even setting up Arabesque's microphone for her with a smile. Once everything was set up, he gave Arabesque a nod to signal that all was ready, bringing his sax up to his lips, Baritone was ready to jam!

[Ashti Sandburst]

"No need, I'll be able to play with you no matter what you can play, I'll back you up, should be fun."

At the sight of Baritone's smile Arabesque blushed a bit more but remained quite calm. Even if the stallion's voice was deep and really fascinating for her, she remained composed. Even if his gentle behaviour charmed the mare, her thought was mostly about what to play… and what was on the sheath. She immediately had the answer : However she was unable to recognise the instrument… Deerham and Sandlandic nations don't have wind instruments, at the exception of some kind of flute like the "zurnâ" (sornây), the "ghaita", the "ansuri" or the "ney".

In fact Sandlandic culture was more into drum and strings instruments... Shams'áyyil even have a kind of violin called the "Khushtar". Arabesque had some notion of khushtar, so she must not have too much difficulty with western violin. But it was the first time she saw a sax, and therefor don't know how it sound like

I… I hope, eheh… well, I feel reassured nonetheless. Sukriya.

Looking another time to the stallion, Arabesque thanked him when he putted the microphone in her front, smiling back to the Baritone and nodded at his signal. "al-tâsim ar he'ífja" (The dices are casted). However before to play, she rose from her chair and took the microphone, looking to the room.

Ladies and Gentledeers, you do not know me as I do not know if I… if we please you. I just hope we will spend a good time, or an interesting moment together. Thank you, and have fun.

The mare then looked to the stallion and had a cheerful smile illustrated in such emotion "(^^)", before took the instrument under the glance of the room's guests.

My repertoire is not really large, I hope it will be at your taste ^^

Then, she started to pass her hoof on the guitar, freeing some notes, and sighted.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhTAyG-m5PA

When I find myself in times of trouble, light comes to me
Speaking inspirational words : "let it be"
And in my darkest hours it light up in front of me
Dispelling the grim and I let it be
I let it be, let it be, let it be, I let it be
Whispering words of comfort, let it be

If when Arabesque speaks, she doesn't have any accent… due to a last experience which made her lost it, she however kept some sandlandic trace of it when singing. A bit unsure, her voice became quite firm when she closed her eyes to don't looking to the audience's reaction.

However she didn't noticed the gleam from her amulet… which made her resuming the song in her language. However everyone on the room understood her… without noticing it neither, like if it was magical. And it was the case : thanks to the Djinns' power, the amulet could act like a translator.

Everyone could understand her… but Arabesque don't master/was not synchronised enough with Rughbah to understand other languages… she actually had to learn them, like for the Equestrian. But as she normally don't travel, it was not really a problem to her.

Jab al-ajśaam hast hakmêrze taman hast neechay ek-nájma kod qada ana-e khuffr
(when the night is moonless there is still a star which lead my hoof )
Haseen aur neşelen ni, Ijazat yok…
(Sheen and cheer me up, let it be… )

Some were speaking, whispering, others shut up, listening. Even if arabesque did some mistake and wrong chord, the sound of Baritone's instrument hide it… which really reassured her. Finishing her song, song that she has listened when she visited Canterlot.

… khusar śabdim de tashfi, Ijazat yok. (…Whispering words of comfort, let it be.)

And the light vanished whilst Arabesque opened the eyes at the silence, a bit stressed. If she did right? Did she failed ? She looked to the andience... and then some claps resounded, followed by others, It was not a standing ovation, but it was enough for the Archivist to have a rise of confidence.

[CableZ]

Baritone waited for a moment as Arabesque began playing, he let her notes draw in the attention of the surrounding crowd, to make sure the focus was on her. Once she was into the song, Baritone began playing his backing up music. He started out slow, simply playing soft notes that complimented Arabesque's soft singing. The notes were held long, not being too complex, the song didn't call for it, all it needed was a few soft and long notes. Together, the song sounded beautiful, Baritone's sax complimented the soft tone of Arabesque.
As they played the song, Baritone got lost in the music, not really paying attention to anything, however he was brought back to reality soon after the song had finished. The crowd response was pretty good, but he knew that he and this mare could get them cheering the roof of this tub.

Walking over to Arabesque's side, he looked at her with a smile, his Sax floating by his side. He leaned over and whispered in her ear.

"You're really good, got any more songs in you cutie?"His voice was even nice in a whisper, especially when it was closer to her ear. He smiled waiting to see if she would start playing again.

~~

Mad Cap had pulled up a seat closer to the performing are to watch her friend and this new stallion as they performed, and wow were they good. Mad Cap had no idea her friend was so talented, her singing and guitar were so beautiful, and with that stallion playing sax in the background it was so pretty to listen to. She watched, mesmerized as the music flowed around the room, it was intoxicating. When the song was done, Mad Cap clapped very enthusiastically, and made some whistling sounds, indicating she wanted more.

[Ashti Sandburst]

"You're really good, got any more songs in you cutie?"
Oh huh… hahem! Maybe…

Arabesque smiled awkwardly when the stallion came closer of her ear. It was… maybe a bit too informal to her… however it doesn't really mind her. If she has been raised like a lady, she didn't have the background with. Unlike Ashti, she was not born into nobility, not raised too especially that there is no "aristocracy" in Deerham. But if her husband has to be formal due to his job, Arabesque was a bit more "free".

She was not a partygoer, and she was quite reserved. But then, at the moment, she really feels having fun. The claps of Mad Cap resounded made her to brought her back to reality. And she twinkled to the mare, a smile in face. Before remembering another song.

I am sure to know other… how, it does ? hm…

Focusing, she "saw" the other song in Equestrian she know… but the melody was, confuse, hard to remember because she didn't worked so much on this one. She have listened a couple of time, but neither the lyrics nor the melody came… only the title. Then, she had an idea… and she hoped it will work. Taking the micro, she glanced to the room and let the fate do its work.

Excuse me… Lady and gentledeers, gentlecolts. I apologise to bother you but there is a song I would like to play… but... huh… I would like to know first if you know this song ? If I tell you, "your song", what do you hum ?

There was a silence from the audience… which whispered under the questioned and unsure glance of Arabesque. It lasted dozen of second… until somepony, hummed the melody… at the joy of Arabesque. She then made sign to the pony to come, and she greeting him, giving the micro.

Could you… do it for me, again ? ^^
…huh… sure.

And then he started, without lyrics. But suddenly other voices followed his, other people in the room which knew the song. During a minute they hummed it, until Arabesque thanked them and took the guitar. Actually it really helped her, the melody and the lyrics were clear. A bit more reassured. She glanced to Baritone and nodded.

Let's go…

www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4DA4OTAH-k

It is quite amazing this feeling within me, I'm not from those ponies who can easily hide
I don't have much money but I think at least; I have a heart where you could reside.
If I was a scholar unicorn, but then again, no. Or a pegasus knight fighting for a cause
I know, I am not special but it's the best I can do.

Phew! All seemed to go right, now. A quiet yet touched voice came from the mare. The song was not really related to her story, however she loved the melody and she tried to give it the same emotion that she felt.

My gift is my song and this one is for you, and you can tell everypony this is your song
It may be quite simple but now that it's done
I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't mind that I put it in writing
How wonderful life is while you're in my side...

Now here's come the hard part… the instrumental. If it sounded less difficult than singing while playing, for the mare it was different. She has heard the song with lyrics, and actually the lyrics helped her to "see" what to sing, which part to play, leaded her. The instrumental of this song was so a bit annoying, but she managed to play it. And then she resumed the last part then the last sentences.

... So excuse me forgetting but these deeds I did. They said you are not clever and not really beautiful
However the thing I am really sure about you : You are the nicest pony… I've ever seen.

Three-four more notes resounded, finishing the song in the silence. Leaving the mare to open her eyes.

When she did, applause resounded from the audience, more than the previous time… she had to admit, most of them must have finished eating. So, Arabesque smiled to Baritone and bowed to thank him. It remained a last song.

[CableZ]

Baritone took the time between the song to make sure everything still working properly, it was a good thing he did too because the mic attached to his saxophone was about to blow if he play using it anymore. Swapping out the mic, he waited for Arabesque to get a song going, take the extra time he had to quickly get a glass of water, he also got one for Arabesque and placed it on a little table that was behind her. When he was done, the song was just getting started, so he positioned himself ready to play and really make this boat rock.

During the lyrical parts of the song, Baritone played much as he had before, with simple yet long notes that made up the meat of the backing music, it complimented the guitar with the sax's more solemn sound, it echoed out after the guitar and resonated after the fact.

The instrumental however was where the sax and guitar really came into their own, Baritone put all his power into his notes and it showed as the liquids in the room began vibrating and the power of the song really came into it's emotional peak. Baritone was once again lost in the music, he loved it, it was his life, everything he did usually had something to do with music.

As the song began to come to its end, Baritone opened his eyes to see the cheering crowd, and for once he was kinda happy they weren't cheering for him, they were cheering for this mare. Baritone gave her another smile as she turned to face him, and magically levitated the glass of water to her, offering her the drink, he knew singing could be a pain on the throat.

"So, one more?" He asked, either answer was fine by him, he was having a great time.

[Ashti Sandburst]

Turning back, Arabesque saw the glass of water and smiled cheerfully to the stallion, bowing the head in thanking. Then, delicately she took the glass and drunk the content, with a satisfied smile; it made time since her last drink, so the water vanished quickly. However, in a corner of the room, a waiter with two meal passed through the room, followed by the Archivist gaze, and saw him come closer of Mad Cap: Apparently, the meals were served.

She looked to Baritone and, and nodded gracefully. A smile in face.

Indeed… a last. I hope we will have the same success. But before, I would like to thank you, Sáyyid, I never player in the front of an audience and be accompanied by another musician. It was a pleasure. ^^

On her words she rose up, the micro in hoof, glancing to the audience.

I would like to thank you all, thanks to you have spent a good moment… and Anisa Cap, I hope you too. As my dinner is come, I will perform I last song, a classic from the Sandlands. I am sure you that some of you know the Cameli version, and therefore the most famous one, of the song "Salma ya Salaama" ? I will sing my native one, the version from my homeland. I hope you will enjoy it as I will.

Then, she looked to the stallion and passed him the micro to let him say some word, before took it back, sat on her chair, and took the guitar in hooves. Normally this song was played with traditional instrument, and a simsiqanbüs. Closing her eyes, she started to perform the instrumental, whilst her amulet shone, making the lyrics understanding to the audience. Apparently, Rughba wanted to make the last performance of her bearer perfect.

www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=rFv7b7101Jc#t=19s

Dherti de ane atmā ya, ajśaam aur din tum jivanse ind ane dimagh.
(O earth of my soul, night and day thou livest in my mind.)
Itna amiq, itna jivan, itna śakt, itna pyarse an
(So deep, so living, so strong, so amorously that)
Ana cahna khaya'al tu, salêb al-arsakim
(I want to remember thee, across the distances)

Dyrhe'am, ane Dyrhe'am ya. Ana salham tu, amesh Dyrhe'am.
(Deerham, O my Deerham. I greet thee, Deerham of mine)
Ana rehnay tu, zameen de ane baćhâpan, neechay eme tareek.
(I leave thee, land of my calfhood, under this setting sun)
Dyrhe'am, ane Dyrhe'am. ana bargaštji, Dyrhe'am ya.
(Deerham, my Deerham. I will come back, O Deerham.)
Milna al-bakht aur eme taraqqise niyaz.
(To find the fortune and this thriving desire)

If the sound of Arabesque's voice was quiet and sweet, like a ballade or a slow. She stopped immediately, leaving a silence. During ten seconds… then she performed some notes, gentle, before accelerating the tempo, making the song more dynamic.

Ana tha ke-registanyi iran, de ek-peṛze musattah.
(I was a sandlandic deer, from a woodless plain.)
Ayrilmeh huwesh vatan, adhika al-tibbâkim, ume'ed andar qalb
(Running along his homeland, beyond the dunes, hope within heart.)
Ana ke, al-asoodgi, saknaji sirf ek-bagîcah neechay al-bâriś
(For me, the felicity, could only be a garden under the rain)

Dyrhe'am, ane Dyrhe'am ya. Ana salham tu, amesh Dyrhe'am.
(Deerham, O my Deerham. I greet thee, Deerham of mine)
Ek-din ana janaja, ana baleghja al-samandar
(One day I went, I reached the waterside)
Dyrhe'am, ane Dyrhe'am. ana bargaštji, Dyrhe'am ya.
(Deerham, my Deerham. I will come back, O Deerham.)
Say al-nazar, gulim aur al-kabi'ir nadī de mandi
(On the horizon, flowers and the large river of happiness.)

[/center]

And finally she rhymed the song a bit more, forcing on the notes, making the last part well more powerful and speed, rhythmic but still very melodic. Turning the ballade into a malagueña or a flamenco.

Lekin eme tha ek-sarâb, taman tha mish nadī
(But it was a mirage, there was none river)
Aur eme bayhisaab aur iqraar zameen tha rámil
(And this luxuriant and promise land was just sands)
Ana khul'seja ane chilna taryiq dusra aġbyur
(I resumed my walk towards another source)
Jahāṅ ana khatmji milna eme nakhlistân de nijaat
(Where I will end up finding this oasis of freedom)

Ana rehnay tu, zameen de ane baćhâpan, neechay eme tareek.
(I leave thee, land of my calfhood, under this dusk)
Ayrilmeh de anamesh vatan, adhika al-tibbâkim, istevlija se ume'ed, eme ume'ed
(Running along of my homeland, beyond the dunes, sized by hope, this hope.)
Milna al-bakht aur eme taraqqise niyaz.
(To find the fortune and this thriving desire.)

Dyrhe'am, ane Dyrhe'am ya. Ana salham tu, amesh Dyrhe'am.
(Deerham, O my Deerham. I greet thee, Deerham of mine)
Dyrhe'am, ane Dyrhe'am ya. Ana jana fi tu, amesh Dyrhe'am.
(Deerham, O my Deerham. I come to thee, Deerham of mine)
Dyrhe'am, ane Dyrhe'am ya. Ana bargašt ke tu, amesh Dyrhe'am.
(Deerham, O my Deerham. I am back for thee, Deerham of mine)
Dyrhe'am, ane Dyrhe'am ya. Ana ārām sath tu, amesh Dyrhe'am.
(Deerham, O my Deerham. I rest with thee, Deerham of mine)

She kept the tempo until the end, and finished with a last firm kick on the ground and the last swift notes. Then, the silence. But not from the audience which applauded much more than the last times. It was not a standing ovation or like on celebrities' concerts with screams and faints. Here the audience was quite well-mannered and wealthy individuals, however it didn't prevented them to applause sincerely, having appreciated the show and the songs. Smiling Arabesque bowed the head to the audience to thank them, and looked to the stallion with a happy smile.

Thank you… your, your skill have improved mine… and my self-confidence. ^^

Then she looked to her table, to Mad Cap and gave her a wink before looking back the stallion. Her voice was nice, friendly and sweet, gentle. Still blushing.

Would you… like to join my table, for the meal, Sáyyid?

[CableZ]

Baritone gave the mare a warm smile as she thanked him for the drink, he knew what a pain on the throat singing could be, especially when he sang, due to his singing voice's rough style and tone (he usually sang the blues) He once again double checked all of their equipment while Arabesque spoke to the audience, he liked to be sure things were working and would continue to work for the next song, the reason Baritone did this and knew how to do it was because he rarely had roadies, he had to maintain his own equipment and generally keep his own things in order, nopony else was going to do that for him. He was however a little surprised when the mare passed him the mic so that he could talk to the audience, however he wasn't going to turn it down. Clearing his throat before speaking into the microphone, he looked at to the rather high class audience to get an idea of how he should speak.

"Ladies and Gentlecolts, There was no music scheduled for tonight, however this mare did not want you all to go un-entertained, we are not being paid for this, we simply want to offer you a good time, I hope you enjoy this next song, it will be our last for the evening." His smooth voice and suave way of talking caused a quite a few of the mares in the audience to blush and swoon, he had a profound effect on mares.

He handed the mic back to Arabesque with a smile as he readjusted the hat atop his head, to cover his eyes slightly, adding a bit of drama and mystery to his look for this final song. He brought his sac back up to his lips, and he smirked when he heard the tempo of this song, he could finally get a bit more lively. The majority of what he played consisted of short yet quick notes that provided somewhat of a beat to Arabesque's guitar, the same way a drum would. Baritone was really into this song, he love the chances to kick it and blast his sax, which is what he was doing now.

The liveliness of his sax was infectious, despite their posh nature, more than a few tapped their hooves to the beat and got into the performance that the two ponies were laying down. Halfway through the final verse of the song, Baritone stopped playing, letting the final beats be Arabesque's and really drive home the song, it let it all sink it and gave it a great feeling. On the final note however, Baritone stomped his hoof down with Arabesque, smiling at the mare when she turned to him. As the crowd clapped, and one mare dressed like a clown cheered and whistled, Baritone walked to Arabesque's side, and bowed with her, while his Sax floated back over into its velvet lined case and was locked shut. As Arabesque thanked him for help with her confidence that he didn't feel he provided, he simply smiled and place a reassuring hoof on her shoulder.

"I didn't do anything, the skill is your own, the confidence comes from the crowd. I simply had the pleasure of being there with you while you realized it."[/color] He smiled, his smooth voice being very reassuring as he gave her a wink. Walking over to his sac case, he magically lifted it and brought it to his side, as Arabesque asked him to dinner. Baritone was a little surprised at this, but when he thought about it, he was quite hungry. "I'd love to cutie" He smiled as he held out his hoof as an invitation for her to hook hooves with him and lead her to the table.

~~

As the food began to get served, Mad Cap walked back over toward their table, not wanting the waiters to pass their table by. She sat down and watched the show from afar, smiling at the entire scene. Arabesque really had a beautiful voice, and that jazzy pony was really good! All in all it was a great show. After the song was done and Mad Cap had cheered so hard that she lost her breath, Mad Cap caught Arabesque's wink and blushed with a little giggle, just what was going through that mare's head. Luckily the waiters had seen Baritone and just assumed him to be another guest of Mad Cap's and had plated up some food and set a place for him.

[Ashti Sandburst]

"I didn't do anything, the skill is your own, the confidence comes from the crowd. I simply had the pleasure of being there with you while you realized it."
… ? ^^ Why, thank you. It was my first time, it was… amazing.

Arabesque putted back the guitar and cleaned the micro but for that its owner comes back. Happy, the mare felt that it was in those surprising and great moments that she likes travel –occasionally-.

Then when Baritone accepted to come at their table, Arabesque had a cheerful smile and both joined the said table. The command of Arabesque and Mad Cap was already on the table, with some drink and appetisers. And they don't have to wait long for that a new plat was bring back for the newcomers.

Dozens of minutes passed, and the three ponies spoke about this and that, about the raison of their travel, what they do as job or stuff like this. Chatting also about kill-time, while eating the succulent yet simple meal of the boat.

The atmosphere was really friendly, and happy. But time passed, and little by little the room became empty, and the trio finally left the table. The meal paid by Deerham's government. While speaking with the stallion, Arabesque feel really charmed by his smooth behaviour, gentle and nice. And by his music, the sax… she inwardly wanted to listen some song about. And wonder if the stallion would mind…

Smiling to the unicorn, the mare bowed the head to him and started with her affable and sweet voice.

Hn… Sayyid. I… I was wonder… would you, could you…. Perfume some song for me, with your sax… in my cabin ? it's the number 34… oh! You will be paid, of course.

[CableZ]

As they ate, Mad Cap stuided the interaction between Baritone and Arabesque, she may not be a psychologist anymore...but she was still damn good! She smirked as she knew what she saw, there was an attraction between the two, Arabesque seemed to have a crush on Baritone. Then again she couldn't blame her friend, the stallion was probably one of the most handsome she had ever seen, plus he was so smooth it was ridiculous. Still the 3 ate and spoke, Baritone talked of his life and some of his wild party stories, While Mad Cap explained some of her tricks and abilities, Arabesque spoke of Deerham and her past. Each pony was enthralled by the other, you could have written 3 best selling books on their stories alone. Still the evening wound on, and soon it was time for them to get some sleep, or at least retire to their rooms.

Mad Cap watched as Arabesque invited Baritone to play some music for her at her room, she giggled at how cute Arabesque was when she was nervous. Still it was nice to see her confidence growing enough to ask the stallion, she knew that before that concert she would have never done that, Mad Cap had an eye for these things.

Baritone was a little surprised to hear an invitation to Arabesque's room to play music, he figured that she hadn't heard the saxophone much before and was a bit interested. It was cute, she seemed pretty nervous. He wasnt actually supposed to be on this boat, so he had no where to sleep, when she spoke of payment he'd just be happy being able to sleep on her floor or something.

"Well I'd love to cutie, I gotta go and do some stuff before that though, so I'll meet you there soon ?" He winked her, and then leaned down and planted a kiss on her cheek, with a smile he walked away and out of the room, still magically carrying his case with him. The kiss was Baritone being cheeky, he really meant nothing by it, however he never knew how mares would take these things.

Mad Cap giggled a lot when she saw how red Arabesque turned when Baritone had kissed her on the cheek, it was so adorable. When the stallion had left the room, she ran over to Arabesque with a big smile on her face.

"Oh my gosh Arabesque you just got a date with the handsomest stallion on this boat!!...won't Ashti be a little upset if you're hanging out with other...cuter stallions" She didn't mean to offend Ashti that last remark, but to her Baritone was just more her tastes, he was sweet, kind, cool, and just so darn smooth! She waited for a response from Arabesque, still having a big smile on her face

[Ashti Sandburst]

Arabesque was first a bit "shocked" to be kissed… but she was charmed enough to no more mind. She turned red indeed, but it vanished quickly when she saw the stallion leaving them. She thanked him then looked to Mad Cap at her question. Serene, A bit embarrassed thought…

"Oh my gosh Arabesque you just got a date with the handsomest stallion on this boat!!...won't Ashti be a little upset if you're hanging out with other...cuter stallions"
… A date ? … Hum… hihi, I think you overread it ^^ there is nothing between us. I just wanted to hear his… performance… I do not even know his name, actually. And also... no pony is cutter than my Sala', Eheheh…

Feeling the situation awkward, Arabesque doesn't decide to speak about Ashti. Deerean Weeding give… liberty.due to Deerean culture. When they get married, it's not the faithfulness which is spotted, but the true love.

As long as the married really love each other. And Ashti would be the only stallion in her heart, as Arabesque is for Ashti. Deerean are not unfaithful, they are just more liberal. Thus neither Ashti nor Arabesque will mind if she "date" someone else. Ashti and Arabesque allowed each other to act free as long as they are separated. because both know that their love for each others is more powerfull than any crush or flirt.

The nights a board of the ship gone fast, and Arabesque, understanding that Baritone was a clandestine, even played the game that the musician was her coltfriend, to allow him to remain. Of course there was no big thing between them; it was only for fun, and to help Baritone.

At first the mare wanted to pass Baritone off as her distant cousin, or something like this… but the fact that they slept in the same bed would be a bit… odd. During the whole travel, Baritone has been invited to eat with Mad Cap and her, and the Archivist gave to Baritone some money, to continue his travel.

[CableZ]

The time of the boat was fun for both Mad Cap and Baritone, however they didn't have much chance to get to know each other as Baritone played music in the main room a lot, and he and Arabesque spent a bit of time together to keep up their little ruse. Still they had a little time to talk together, and together the group had a lot of fun. However their little mini vacation together had to come to and end at some point, and soon that day arrived as the boat pulled into the land of sand and mystique. The group parted ways as the ship began to draw into the harbor, Baritone had to charter a way back to Equestria. He didn't want to accept the money that Arabesque offered him at first, but she seemed quite insistent. He vowed to pay her back one day, how he would do that he did not know, but he would.

Once he was gone, Mad Cap and Arabesque were left to eachother, Mad Cap went to collect her satchel luggage from her room, and met Arabesque the mares room. Mad Cap lightly knocked on the door before entering to greet her friend.

"They're gonna start unloading the ship soon, where are we heading too next?" Mad Cap asked excitedly, she was in a new land, she was so excited!

[Ashti Sandburst]

On her room to prepare herself, Arabesque looked to the window with a nostalgic glance. A smile in face when looking to the sandlandic water. It would be a week now that she have left Deerham, however she was yet quite happy to return home. Resuming her archivist's work, and prepare a room for Mad Cap... and eat Nadir, too. And also be gathered with her father.

Sincerely, she felt like she just came back in Deerham after several years... even if Ashti could teleport himself in Deerham, she was not able to imagine how the Ambassador must feel, far from his homeland and living in a less warmth weather. Maybe it was he desire to help Deerham, to accomplish his duties and missions, and the fact that he was not originally a sandlander, that he was able to put up with these.

Then, knocks resounded and Arabesque left her thought and looked to the mare, with a smile.

"They're gonna start unloading the ship soon, where are we heading too next?"
... Hm? where we entered ^^.

Arrived in Shams'áyyil's harbour, the mares' destination… The boat leaving the port behind the two mares, Arabesque took a deep breath, appreciating her homeland's heat.

Sheikhdom of Shams'áyyil. Like a state in the state, this "village" is a vassal of Deerham, a kind of duchy but as important as the capital. In this place the candidates for the title of Reis are chosen. Semi-democratic state, this Sheikdom is totally habited by deers and antelopes and the city is wealth as Deerham.

This is a quite strategist place, which even if looking like a town, was efficiently defended, even more than Deerham. Even if Deerean Military is better than the Shams'áyyil's one.

In the front of Dream and Finder, typical oriental building with Arabian and Persian patterns, styles, and made of sandstone were standing. Merchant of any kind like foods, fabrics, souvenir… It was the morning on the region, and even if the heat was high, it was still less than usual. Around 30° for now, the heat will be 45° in the noon.

So, here we are… Shams'áyyil… or as Equestrian call it ; "Chemsayal" or "Sundeer Sheikdom". hihi

Arabesque didn't explained the joke, for it was a private one, with Ashti, a reference about a funny map that they have found, a geographical one where Deerham and Shams'áyyil where spelled, translated in Equestrian. "Shams'áyyil" which is formed of Shams (Sun) and Ayyil (deer), became "Sundeer" with the little note below "Sheikdom of Chemsayal" and Deerham was called "Kingdom of Deerham" which was even more funny for Deerham never been a kingdom, at least not officially.

Anyway, the Archivist made sign to Mad Cap to follow her towards a merchants of headgear, proposing Mad Cap to choose a turban to protect herself against the sun and heat. Arabesque prepared a mental project. When they will arrive in Deerham they will eat in Arabesque's villa. Then visiting the city, and finally the follow day, if Quip is here too, take audience with the Reis, to present the performers.

[CableZ]

Mad Cap giggled at Arabesque's answer to her question, and rolled her eyes at the mare as they walked from her room. As they made their way from the boat, Immediately Mad Cap felt the blast of heat from outside, the boat was air conditioned and kept cool for the Equestrian passengers it often ferried, but there was no halting the heat from outside. She however didn't focus on that for long, as soon the land itself came into view, and Mad Cap just...stopped.

Seeing the buildings, the scenery, the environment, it finally hit home. She was in a completely different land, a new place, a new adventure to have by simply stepping off this boat. The assault of the senses was incredible, seeing the sights, feeling the heat, hearing the animals, all of it was so amazing to feel. She looked down at her hooves as she stepped from the boat and felt the earth beneath her hooves, and it she just got a big grin on her face. She turned to face her friend and just laughed happily.

"Oh Arabesque, I can't believe I'm here...this is so incredible...Thank you for bringing me" she gave her friend a warm hug, she was so thankful to her friend. She let her friend go and just smiled, it was all so amazing.

Mad Cap didn't know why Arabesque laughed at her own joke, she didn't even know it was a joke, but she didn't question it. She looked around in admiration at the land that her friend introduced, just taking it all in again. She turned to look to her friend as she motioned for her to follow, which Mad Cap did. When picking out a turban, Mad Cap was drawn to a red and black one that was in a classic harlequin design that she just loved. She quickly wrapped it around her head, taking her costume's hood off first, she also wiped away her makeup, as the heat was making it uncomfortable. When she was all ready for the desert, she looked to her friend and waited for some instruction on what to do next.