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

[Ashti Sandburst]

When she imitated Mad Cap, Arabesque had some difficulty to keep her serious… but not that it was the Performer which impersonated her she could retrain herself… it was quite good, even really good.

And she thought "fortunately that I have lost my Deerean accent whilst speaking in Equestrian", otherwise it would have been more complicated for Mad Cap. Anyway Arabesque had a little laugh and some clops resounded.

It was perfect… you know what? Maybe an "O" would make it more fluid. Like : "O sir the Reis of Deerham". Yeah, we are one of the few cultures to still use the vocative case to address high-ranking people.

Then she moved a page from her notepad, posted on the seat and read it.

I do not know if the Sheikh will be here… however I think, I will prepare you to this eventuality. So… If the Sheikh and the Reis are in the same room, you can do the Deerean salute only once. However, after you have greeted the Reis with "O sir the Reis of Deerham", you can directly greet the Sheikh with a "Your Elderly Sheikh Sadalbari". Sadalbari is his name, and he is the elder brother of the Reis… if you see a 70's old deer with a crown and royal-like attire, it is the Sheikh. Like this ; "Namaskar, O sir the Reis of Deerham, Your Elderly Sheikh Sadalbari. I am Arabesque el-Shazia, may the sun keep you."

Arabesque looked another to Cap, to see if she had understood and then started the other lessons. During hours… Speaking about the way to act, the gestures to do and the words to say, until they reached New Saddle. Forewarned that they arrived, Arabesque finished this lesson by a :

…And to conclude, for the dignitaries, you can address them at "Sáyyid", sir, and "Anisa", ms. Both are acceptable and polite ways to address people you do not know the social status -and names-. ^^

Putting her notepad on her saddle, taking her coat and headwear, Arabesque politely made sign to Mad Cap to pass first. Before left the train, looking to the little train station. Little, and a bit dated, really few buildings… it was how New Saddle looked.

However when walking a bit more, the noise of a boat's stream resounded from behind… and finally revealed the whole city having the double of the size of Ponyille in a Traottinghamian architectural-style.

[CableZ]

Mad Cap couldn't impersonate Arabesque anymore otherwise she wouldn't be able to stop laughing, she cleared her throat a little to get back to her own tone of voice as Arabesque explained the protocol for if another dignitary was there. It made her wonder how many high ranking ponies the pony who had hired them actually knew, she was still confused on how he had even heard of Quip. Still best to be prepared for everything, she listened to Arabesque intently before trying herself.

"Namaskar, O sir the Reis of Deerham, Your Elderly Sheikh Sadalbari. I am Mad Cap, may the sun keep you...like that?"[/color] She asked hopefully.

She wondered if there were this many rules for meeting Princesses Celestia, Luna or even Twilight, Mad Cap had been surprised when she heard about that. She knew it was one of Quip's goals to perform for the royalty of equestrian, would she have to learn some rules for meeting them as well? Then came a bit of a worrying thought, however before she could voice it, their train was screeching to a halt. As they disembarked, Mad Cap at first though the town to be a little smaller than she had imagined for a big port, however as the steam around them began to dissipate, she took that thought back.

The place looked similar to Trottingham, which she had visited a number of times, they loved Quips acrobatics routine there. It was interesting to see another town with this sort of look, she had always thought that Trottingham stood alone in that regard. Still it was pretty cool! She could see the boat that they were going "Arabesque do we have time to look around?" She asked excitedly

[Ashti Sandburst]

"Mad Cap do we have time to look around?"
Sure, Arabesque... but not too long. Our ship is in one hour. ^^

She said in a friendly tone. However the Archivist took her notepad with the timetable of the ship. Then she tuned the head to look at the train station's watch and nodded to herself; she was correct with her guess and calculation. But what she forgot to take into account is that the city was outside of the train station and it will require more than ten minutes to join the city.

Putting the notepad into her saddle. They resumed their walk towards the city, looking to the lands of green grass. They followed the little road which leaded them through the hill, and the city.
This one was a situated nearby the white cliff which overhanged to city.
(here the landscape of New-Saddle, red means the city)

It made a dozen of minutes that they have walked, and finally entered inside of New-Saddle. A lot of buildings and ponies and the streets, the city was quite animated and walking further they entered on the main square which, like Manehattan or Trottingham, was full of shops, cafés, restaurants and public building.

It was like in Arabesque memory, nothing have changed in two years and the inhabitant was still affable. The stallions lowed slightly their hats to greet the two newcoming mares and something welcome them.

The harbour was quite visible where the two mare stood, they just had to go down the avenue to join it... and even if they get lost, the white stream from the boat and ferry was visible enough.

So, what do you want to do or see, Anisa Cap ?

[CableZ]

Mad Cap found the walk to New Saddle a bit boring, also it was slightly cold, the untamed sea air cooled the area and left a lingering cold that was only worsened by the mild season they were in. Still it was nice having Arabesque to keep her company, as they near the city, Mad Cap became more and more excitable, she loved new places. She breathed in the sea are with a small smile, her nose twitching slightly at the sea salt smell. As the stallions nodded and smile at the two mares, Mad Cap really didn't pay attention, she was aware of their interest or pleasantries, she just wans't too interested. She had upset or frustrated many Stallion's advances by simply ignoring them. As Arabesque questioned Mad Cap on what she wanted to do, Mad Cap stopped for a moment.

There was so much to do in such a city and they had little time to do any of it in, plus Mad Cap had never been to this city, so she didn't know where was good to visit. There was too much for the eye to see, and soon Mad Cap was spinning around looking at all that surrounded her. However she soon got dizzy and feel down.

"Umm, I dunno whats good her Arabesque, what do you suggest we do?"[/color] She groaned from the floor.

[Ashti Sandburst]

Arabesque looked to a bit surprised, a bit worried. During some seconds she thought that Mad Cap had a faintness or fainting fit... but it was no so grave and the Archivist sighted in relieve.

Their ship was still moored since an hour and the sound of the stream called for the two mare that it will left the harbour soon.

"Umm, I dunno whats good her Arabesque, what do you suggest we do?"
... Well, huh... I... actually have no ideas... maybe, my only desire, would be to go in warm place.

Then she looked to the boat and nodded. Anyway it would be better to be on the boat before it departure she thought.

Anisa Cap. Maybe would we join and explore the ship... ? what do you say? ^^

[CableZ]

Mad Cap thought about it, and looking around the boat sounded like like great fun, Mad Cap had only been on a boat a few times in her life. Getting herself up from the floor, she quickly dusted off her costume and tried to get her footing properly, she was still pretty dizzy. When she was comfortable in standing up, she looked at Mad Cap with an embarrassed grin.

"That sounds like fun, lets go!" She said excitedly

Mad Cap began walking toward the dock, her pace was quite fast, it was obvious she was excited, however she came to a halt when the boat came into view. Her jaw dropped slightly at the sight of it.

"Wooooooooooow" was all she could say

The boat was massive, a true marvel. It was a combination of metal and wood, multiple stories made it up, each with walkways running along the outside of the boat. 2 large steam stacks rose above the entire boat, while at the rear of the boat was a colossal paddling wheel that drove the boat. The boat had an incredible length, being almost 60 meters long, and quite wide as well. At the base of the boat were large metal panels and nearly everything on the boat was reinforced for ocean travel.
(Here is what the boat looks like

Mad Cap was frozen in place, she had never seen anything quite like it, the boat was like something Quip would make. The colours of the ship wre beautiful, it was masterfully crafted and she couldn't take her eyes of it. She was so astounded that she didn't notice Arabesque standing by her side.

"Are we really going to be going on THAT?!" she asked very excitedly

[Ashti Sandburst]

"Are we really going to be going on THAT?!"
Huhu^^ . Like on my memories…

Arabesque looked to the ship with a nostalgic glance : It was the boat she took the first she came in Equestria, a wonderful voyage to meet Ashti, years ago. Neither the paint nor the shape or size of the boat has changed. The "Royal Sea-Elk" was still impressive.

Smiling to Mad Cap, the Archivist patted her shoulder before doing the first step towards the ship… but before she can climb the gangway, a shout made her to stop and to look around.
Here, a stallion came forth from the wharf. Wearing a naval uniform, this unicorn was the captain of the ship… and the one which control the ticket.

With a polite blow he apologised and positioned himself in the front of the two mares.

Good afternoon, ladies. Your valid tickets, please.

Bowing the head in greeting, Arabesque putted a hoof inside of her saddlebag and took a paper, a card that she showed to the stallion which examined it.
Deerham, Cervida, Shams'áyyil and Camelu were ally nations and to show their friendship and union, the governments of these nations have done a common agreement called the "Sandland Travel Bond" allowing citizens from those nations to travel for free. As a citizen of Deerham and thus a titular member of this bond, Arabesque could go on the boat without ticked as long as this boat goes in Cervida or Camelu.

The Unicorn looked then to the picture and the writing on this identity card before gave it back to the Archivist.

Welcome on board, Kulasri el-Shazia.
Sukriya, Captain.

Then the stallion looked to Mad Cap… and her "commandment", a king of ticket gave to the distinguished guests. A paper on which was written that Mad Cap was a guest, invited by Deerham and thus all the cost was for the Sandlandic Union. To valid it, the seal of Deerham's government was putted. Rubbing his mane, the unicorn then bowed the head to Mad Cap. And invited the two mares to reach the Royal Sea-Elk.

So, Anisa Cap ? How it is to be a special guest from a nation ? ^^

When entering inside they arrived in a kind of hold, the sub-desk were some boat's crew were standing. One of them, a doe, walked towards the mares and greeted them with welcoming smile.

Pardon me, you must be... Mrs. Cap, right? and Mrs... el-Shazia ?

The Archivist nodded and greeted the doe which bowed the head and politely made sign to the performer to follow her. Along the deer and Arabesque, they reached the upper desks, to finally lead Mad Cap to her cabin, a suit on the first class, reserved to the guests and diplomats.

Here's your suite Mrs.Cap. I hope you will spend a good time here.

The doe then looked to Arabesque which nodded. She know how this work : First and second class people don't have accredited room, they have to chose one which not occupied. And naturally the archivist took a suite which was near of Mad Cap's one. And by chance she found one, a first class cabin really classy one, like all the first class rooms, a dozen of numbers after Mad Cap's cabin number.

In her new cabin, she removed her dress and saddlebag that she putted on her bed, and was happy to be in a warmth place whilst the snow started to fall outside of the porthole

[CableZ]

Mad Cap gave Arabesque a smile as she patted her shoulder, stepping onto the ship after her, Mad Cap took in as much of the exterior as she could before they entered the ship. At mention of her ticket, Mad Cap got a little flustered, she still couldn't believe that she was a diplomatic guest, she was a simple performer.

"Well It's a little overwhelming" She chuckled, smiling at the ticket master, her attention then came to the doe that had approached them

Mad Cap bowed with Arabesque as a sign of respect to the deer, having a big grin on her face when she rose her head. She'd never met a Deer before, they were a rare sight in Equestria, she'd seen them before, just never really spoken to one. It was all very exciting for Mad Cap. As the doe led Mad Cap to her room, Mad Cap was a little preoccupied with staring at every little thing about the interior at the ship, she was always very curious. However her attention once again returned to the doe as she showed Mad Cap her room, to which Mad Cap's jaw once again dropped.

"Woooow, this is MY room?!" [/color]She looked around the room for a moment before rushing to the doe and giving her a big hug "Thank you!" She smiled before rushing off to explore the room in full.

(10 minutes later)

There was a knock on Arabesque's door, on the otherside was Mad Cap, greeting her friend with a big smile as always. She entered Arabesque's room with the same expression she had entered her own upon seeing it.

"Wow the rooms on his boat are incredible...oooooh its snowing!" Mad Cap then rushed over to the port hole and looked out at the beautiful scene that was unfolding outside. However she soon remembered what she had come here for. "Would you like to go and get something to eat Arabesque? It's getting close to dinner time." She gave her friend a warm smile, less toothy than her usual grins.

[Ashti Sandburst]

"Thank you!"

The doe didn't had the time to react that she has been hugged… and at this moment she looked very, very taken aback. It was the first time that a customer, even somepoby did it to her… so the doe's surprise turned into embarrass.

And blushed… don't knocking how to react at the moment. This behaviour was totally not formal… and strange to her. Totally different that her homeland.

She however managed to take back her composure, when she was free, readjusting her glasses to hide her awkward face.

I… huh, you… you are welcome…

In Arabesque's room :

Looking to the decorations, the mare was happy to see the same one that he last time she took this boat. The first thing she did was to take her coat and put it on the coat rack, with her hat and putting the saddlebag on the chair of her table. Then someone knocked at the door… and before she could reply, Mad Cap opened it at the surprise of Arabesque which jolted and blushed.

A-anisa Cap! you, you could wait… I am... naked… ^^

Even if the last words were on a kidding tone, the Archivist really seemed embarrassed… because without a dress, her blank-flank was visible. Replaced by a Deerean tattoo… if normally she doesn't wear much cloth in Deerham because the deer and camel don't have cutie mark, towards Equestrian she was hung up about it. And even if no one dared to taunt her, she still remembered the judging and mocking glance over her.

So, she took a tunic inside of her saddlebag, a traditional cloth that she wore, hiding her blank-flank.

"Would you like to go and get something to eat Arabesque? It's getting close to dinner time."
… Oh ? huhu^^ … with pleasure.

Arabesque smiled back to the mare, reassured by her gentle smile. And took the key of her cabin that she closed, making sign to the performer to pass first.

[CableZ]

Mad Cap could only giggle at Arabesque's reaction, the idea of being naked was a rare one to ponies, although it was one that they sometimes felt. Mad Cap would certainly feel out of place without some form of harlequin outfit colour scheme about her, although why Arabesque might feel naked Mad Cap had no idea. Oh well, there was little point on dwelling on it, she must have had her reasons. Upon hearing her agreement to go get something to eat, Mad Cap let out a little Yay, with a hop. Rushing to the door, Mad Cap started closing it and then turned back to her confused friend.

"I'll leave you to get dressed, I'll just be outside" she giggled

Once her friend joined her, Mad Cap gave her a big grin as they began walking down the long hallway of the ship. The first class floor really made an effort to look at exquisite as possible, with white painted walls with a trim running along the panels, nice wall mounted lights, and a soft carpeted floor. As the two walked, Mad Cap looked around with a happy smile.

"Arabesque, how many times do you usually visit Equestria in a year?" She asked without even looking at her friend, she wanted to know how often she might get a chance to see her new friend, she didn't have many after all.

[Ashti Sandburst]

Well, as it's a tradition to wear outfit in Deerham, there was indeed a little feeling of nudity when the mare clothed off. It was not forbidden to go "naked" in Deerham, and no one mind it. But for Arabesque it was different. Her traditional attires were the only way for her to look great and be somepony… without it and as a blank flank, when naked she felt like she had no identity or nothing special.

Sure she still have her title and status, but in Equestria they had no meaning, as for Camelu or Cervidas and any other lands except of Deerham. Even if she only wear a hijab it was enough to her.

It was why she loved Deerham, here the inhabitant have adopted her, don't judge her, know who she is, her title, her status, her personality… even her name. The Archivist doesn't looked to be famous or an intention whore; she remained modest… but as she don't know her parents, her real name and her family, her past and memories are her identity was those gave by Salim and it was what definite the mare… so, if we take off it, she was just a nameless Afghaneithstani war orphan. As Ashti's turban was his Deerean and this homeland's token, Arabesque's attires was the same.

Anyway, Arabesque smiled back to Mad Cap and followed the performer, looking here and there. The walls as the ceiling and the floor… it still pleased her. She liked the style, the colours, the elegance… she is from high-society after-all.

"Arabesque, how many times do you usually visit Equestria in a year?"
… Huh? Hm… around 8% ? Do not take it wrong, Equestria is a nice nation but… I only go twice in 26 years of existence. It is really occasional : I… I go… only for Ashti. Deerham is fine to me… but if my brother- my husband, sorry, ask me to join him…

Then she lowed the head and blushed, resuming with a determined but yet very gentle tone.

then I'll do, no matter the ordeals. I have traversed the world once, for him… I could reiterate it. No matter the distances... if he needs me, I will alway be here^^

[CableZ]

Mad Cap was surprised at Arabesque's answer, she had only been to Equestria TWICE?! For ponies from Equestria is was usually a hard concept to understand that not all ponies or other species in the world didn't live in Equestria, usually because most Equestrian ponies don't leave Equestria because they like it so much. She felt kind of bad for thinking that way, and made a little personnel note to not think like that again. As Arabesque talked about WHY she had visited Equestria, and why she would again, Mad Cap could only say one thing.

"Awwwwwww, that's SO romantic!" She was clearly lost in the romance of it all, swooning a little at it all.
"I wish I had somepony who was that in love with me" she sighed.

~~

The talking had masked the length of the journey and they soon arrived in the grand hall of the ship, and what a hall it was. The room was massive, it ran the entire length of the ship, and almost half the width (albeit in positioned in the middle of the ship). It was massive, a truly amazing site. Most of the room was populated with tables and chairs, however in the center was a rather large dance floor. There was also a bar that had a few bar ponies behind it. the room wasn't all too populated at the moment, although there were a few ponies here and there. The Two were approached by a suited pony with a finely trimmed mustache, he bowed to both of them, while keeping a stoic expression.

"Mrs. Cap, Mr sel-Shazia, please allow you to show you to your table" He seemed disinterested, although that was just his professional nature.

The stallion led the two to the back of the room, where the tables were more spaced out for the first class guests. their table was the last table at the back of the room, positioned in front of a large concave window that made up the back wall of the room. They had a full view of the night sky and the ocean, along with the snow. it was truly a beautiful sight.

The waiter pulled the seats out for them, and when they had been seated, be bowed to them once again.

"Somepony will be along to take your order soon, Madame's He bowed once more and left them to chat.

[Ashti Sandburst]

"Awwwwwww, that's SO romantic! I wish I had somepony who was that in love with me"

Casting a sad and comprehensive glance, Arabesque putted her hoof on the mare's shoulder and patted her gently then gave a warm smile and cheering smile. Even she remaining silent, Arabesque behaviour meant "I am sure you will".

Then they left the place to walk further into the ship, and notably the hall which was still impressive. Arabesque remembered the first time she came here: It was her first tripe out of Deerham… out of the sand lands, towards Equestria. She came aboard from the Sheikdom of Shams'áyyil and the first thing which intimidated was that big room… if it collapses, she could not imagine the harm.

To be fair it was the first time she saw a boat… at least for real. And like most of the Sandlander she was uneasy about ship… because unlike Ashti she don't know how to swim, never learned thinking that she will never left Deerham anyway… and she was wrong, because at this time she didn't planned to fall in love for Ashti. But even if they had a sibling like friendship, she still remained his sister of oath, and actually close to follow him thought sea… because, he was dear to her, but also, she know that if she fall… Ashti will be here to save her.

…Always.

The Archivist passed a hoof on his heart, closing her eyes. Before took back her composure under her raising memories. And looked around.

Hn… well, it is still a lovely room... it is just sad that there is no so much activity.

By "activity", Arabesque thought about show or music… in the bottom of the room there were some instruments, but no sign of the musicians. Sincerely she hoped to see them during the feast. A pony came to their and if she was first surprised that among all the passage he recognised her and her name… unlike Mad Cap she was not a guest… but it was maybe the captain which gave instruction to the staffs. After-all if arabesque was not the guest, she accompanied Mad Cap… therefore she also get the same care.

Nodding to the pony, she followed him and thanked before to sat at the table. However Arabesque's glance immediately gazed to the starry night with wonder… if there is a thing she likes is to see the stars, and Ashti like it as well, so double reason to appreciate it. If Deerean don't have religion, they have believes and one of them was that stars were guardians of the living, glows which light up the way. As the Sun and the Moon and the eclipse, Deerean was flat-out into astral stuff. And they see them as guardians or guides.

Arabesque bowed the head to the stallion at her turn and glanced to Mad Cap with a smile.

You know… I like to gaze the stars, like Ashti. We enjoy watch them, lying on the sand whilst the warm evening wind caressing out pelt and mane. I do not look like, but… I know constellations, their names, their significations… their legends.

Pausing, she looked to the ceiling with a smile, her eyes shining and resumed with a quiet and touched tone

There is a Deerean belief about the stars… it is said that they are the souls of the departed, ancestors as parents… watching on their offspring, and their safety… their happiness… I, sometime I wonder if my parents are watching me or if they even remember me… or are mad that I am unable to remember them…

Inwardly, Arabesque just hope her parents have find peace and if they happy or proud about what Arabesque is became…
To this though, some little tears crossed her cheeks that she wiped away, and then looked to the mare, a smile in face.

Anisa Cap… you have speak to me about your past… would you mind if a say a little more about mine? No worry… it would not be long. ^^

[CableZ]

Mad Cap listened to Arabesque's story about the stars, looking out at them herself with a sigh, she too often found some solace in the stars. She didn't know much about stars, but the idea that some of her family were looking down on her was a comforting one. All she could do was sigh when Arabesque mentioned that her and Ashti used to look out at the stars together, Mad Cap had pictured lying with with Quip atop the big hill in Equestria, looking at at the stars together. She shook her head, trying to get the thought out of her head before she started crying, she didn't want to take attention from Arabesque.

"Of course! I'd love to hear more about your past Arabesque" She gave her friend a smile, but it was clear in her eyes that she was a little bit sad.

[Ashti Sandburst]

"Of course! I'd love to hear more about your past Arabesque"

The Archivist smiled… it was the first time she actually speak of her past with somepony : Ashti already had Arabesque's situation explained by Salim… which on the moment get mad the mare… nut Ashti came to here and spoke about his past too… instead of mocking or judging her. But she noticed a kind of malaise from the assistant which lowered her enthusiasm.

Arabesque was not a psychologist… but she felt the sadness of Mad Cap… and thought maybe it was not the time to speak about her past; her story about the stars was seemed to have touched Mad Cap, she don't wanted to depress her with her past. Then she sighted, and had a cheerful smile to the Performer.

After-all she could speak of this later. For now they could profit of the evening. And as for her wish, the waiter came to take their command… which was an occasion for the mare to ask something about a subject which intrigued her.

Excuse me, Sayyid… do you know when the musicians will play?
…Oh! Well…

The stallion looked towards the unused instruments with an unsure look and rubbed his neck, a bit awkward.

I am afraid, Miss… that there is exceptionally no performance tonight. The musicians are celebrating the birthday of their conductor.
Oh, really ?... thank you, Sayyid.

Bowing the head, the stallion then left the two mares, to take other commands… While Arabesque looked to Mad Cap with a malicious smile.

Well, as they are here… with about having fun? And maybe it could erase the Performer's sadness. Excusing herself to Mad Cap, Arabesque left the table and walked… towards the instruments, looking to a special one, a kind of guitar that she took in her hooves, putting in on her knee whilst she sat down on the musicians' seat, a grin in face. Her intention was clear… playing the few songs she knows and do the show. She just hoped that her repertoire will please.