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

[Ashti Sandburst]

(O-R : here, I hope it fit you. if not I can still change it.)

It was the end of the day and dark just went on Ponyville. The fresh and snowy air passed thought the almost desert streets, messing the mane of a mare which looked to the sunset becoming evening. Before closing the window of her room, shivering. At her side stood another pony, a stallion which gazed to her mate, a bit worried even if the mare seemed excited: After-all, tomorrow will be a bit special, for the first time she will travel back to her homeland along another mare… not really a friend, but a mare that had her sympathy.

Arabesque turned towards the stallion, thanking and embraced him before sharing a kiss. She took her time, even if she have spent a whole lovely day with Ashti, she know that she had to left her husband to return in Deerham ; it not really bothered her, in fact the sun and heat from her homeland motivated her… and also, she know that Ashti could join her anytime. Even if he had duty now, and cannot comes back in Deerham.

The kiss finished, she putted orders to her outfit, to look presentable: these cloths were not only to look nice; despite their expensive prices and quality they were too a protection against the cold… and curiously it was cooler in this city than Manehattan.

Wearing a long and warm coat, the one used on Stalliongrad, a headband over her ears and a fluffy Russian hats which with, her sandlandic appearance, made her look like rather as a lady from URSS, maybe Uzbekistan, instead of one from Pakistan… yeah, Deerham is a substitute of Pakistan… Anyway she thanked inwardly Bastion and Servio to have chosen such nice, comfortable and warm attire.

Thank you again, Sala'… I have spent one of the best days of my life.
… Eheh. Well, I am glad you liked it… despite the weather and… that late… night-

Ashti suddenly feel Arabesque's lips on his own… it has been short, but likable.

My happiness is your happiness, right? To me, as long as I am with you, I am happy. I have enjoyed this day… because we were together… it most important to me than any issues occurred. Fahemaja ? (Understood ?)
… Erêsrim! (yes ma'am) ^^

Then they finally say goodbye, in rubbing their muzzles and in a last glance and "ana pyar tu"(I love you), Ashti vanished in a flash of light, leaving the mare alone.

Arabesque wiped away a tear and sat, waiting her contact Mad Cap, for the Assistant lead her to her "home".

[CableZ]

Mad Cap had spent that day being quite excited, she was going to visit and new land and spend some time with her new friend. It was rare that she got to get out and see new places with someone who wasn't Quip, she was excited and nervous at the same time, she was sure she really was going to miss him. Still there was always that nervous feeling before going somewhere new, like looking down from the diving board. She was wearing a dark blue and yellow Cotton harlequin costume, it was a little more traditional than the usual latex ones she wore, but she thought it would be nice, plus it would keep her warm. Wrapping a scarf around herself, she looked around for Quip so that she could say that she was going to pick up Arabesque. The performing pony had spent the day rushing around his cart packing all the stuff he would need for the trip to Deerham, as he would be taking the cart and it needed to all be nailed down in case some rough terrain were 'accidentally' traversed.

She managed to stop him for a few brief moments to give him a hug and say good bye, as she turned to leave she had a slight tear in her eye, she just hated saying goodbye to that stallion. Making her way through the cold Ponyville streets was a bit of a task, the wind was rather unpleasant as it beat against Mad Cap's face with bone chilling force. Still she powered through it and soon she saw a lone mare standing in the street waiting for somepony....wait that somepony was her! Quick rushing over, she looked at Arabesque with a big smile, although it faded when she saw that Arabesque had a tear in her eye.

"Hello Arabesque, wow you must be frozen, come on lets go back to Quip's cart" She had to shout over the window slightly.

[Ashti Sandburst]

Scrutinising the place by the window, Arabesque looked to snow, chilling, waiting any sign of Mad Cap. Sincerely, Arabesque would be happy that the Assistant be late… not because she don't wanted to see her, but because as long as she wait, she will not have to go outside, in the cold.

Some minutes passed, and finally the Archivist thought she could try here warmth outfit. Then she left the hall and walked outside.

Her steps were hesitating, and the contact of the snow under her hooves was very unpleasant… but she noticed that despite it, she didn't feel the cold. Despite the wind.

But then she saw Mad Cap arrived and the Sandlander wept always her tear, and looked to the mare with a smile. And joined Mad Cap.

"Hello Arabesque, wow you must be frozen, come on lets go back to Quip's cart"
G-greeting, Anisa Cap. Well… actually I feel quite hot, thank you for your concern. I follow you ^^

Arabesque looked to her saddlebag and took a vacuum flask/thermos bottle , fulfilled with hot jasmine tea, that she poured inside the flask that she extended to mare.

Jasmin tea ? ^^

[CableZ]

Mad Cap looked back at Arabesque with some slight curiotusty, however she understood once she saw the flask, she chuckled a little.

"No thank you, I have milkshake" she then proceeded to show Arabesque her own brightly coloured flask with a smile

The two walked through the cold weather chatting as they went, despite their rather extremely different lives, they had quite a bit in common. Their chit chat made the walk go all that quicker, which quite frankly was a good thing considering just how cold it was. They soon arrived in the park where Quip had parked his ever so mysterious cat, which had quite a bit of snow around it, filling most of the crevices it could be blown into. The cart was something of a by gone era, something mystical and magical while only being made of wood. The small windows on the side were hard to see into due to their height placement, still the cart invoked a child like happiness just by looking at it. Mad Cap approached the door and produced a large old brass key, which she inserted into the large heavy set wooden door that was on the side of the cart, 2 wooden steps allowed access to the imposing door. She then put all her strength into pushing on the massive door, and it slow creaked open, sliding on the wooden floor below it.

As the 2 mares entered the cart, Arabesque would instantly notice something. The cart was bigger on the inside, no really it was. Quip himself didn't know how it worked, but on the inside of the cart, it was almost the size of a normal house, it even had an upstairs!! The interior of the cart itself was probably one of the friendliest, happiest, warmest places in Equestria. The home of a clown and jester didn't cover it. The place was impeccably furnished, with masterfully crafted tables, chairs, desks, bookshelves all of the highest quality. All around the walls were colourful decorations and other such things, one entire wall was devoted to fan mail, leaving the wall absolutely covered in paper with drawings of young foals and the like. In one corner of the room was a desk that was covered in blue prints for Quip's famous tricks, some tricks needing 5 sheets of planning, most thought Quip just made it up on the spot, however it was not the case...he only made half of them up on the spot. There was a doorway leading into a kitchen that could just been seen from where the two mares were stood. There was a spiral stair case to the far left of the room. The large room was the living room of sorts, with a metal log burning fired surrounded by beautiful tiles on one side of the room, that had a couch and 2 seats facing toward it, a crackling sound of wood burning came from withing the metal structure, which a pipe that lead up out of the room. The room was well lit, warm, and just a incredibly pleasant place to be.

Mad Cap moved over to the left side of the door and closed it to let Arabesque in, she then took her scarf and placed it on the coat hooks to the side of the door, she then turned to the mare.

"Can I take your coat Arabesque?" She asked sweetly.

There then came a rather large crash from upstairs, one which Mad Cap didn't even flinch at, then quick as lightning, Quip rushed down the stairs in a blur and into another room, however a screech could then be heard and he seemed to move in reserve and rush back into the room.

"Hello Arabesque, welcome to my home" he giggled, before rushing off in a blur again.

"Don't mind Quip, he has a lot to get ready for his trip." The harlequin smiled.

(Quick History of Quip's cart, it was made for a great dignitary in Prance who loved the performing arts as his travel cart, however when that pony passed with no heirs, it was put up for auction. For years it was sold and passed around, until one day it ended up in Manehatten in a flea market being sold for 100 bits, and it became the new base of operations for Quip. The firm that made the cart had one of the best Enchantment division in the entire world, as such they were able to magically make the cart large on the inside, the power of which is maintained by the happiness caused by the ponies it houses, if a pony who owned it ever made another pony cry, the Cart would just be that. however Because quip owns it, it will probably never run out of juice, at least as long as he owns it)

[Ashti Sandburst]

Arabesque smiled to the mare and slightly shrugged, but still with elegance, at Mad Cap's refusal and then the Archivist drunk his cup and followed her.
The wind was cold and blew snow… sincerely Arabesque was quite "scared" by the snow, it was one of the rarest time that she saw it, and at every gust she wondered is a storm will occurred.

But thanks to her cloths and tea she didn't felt the cold, but still, to be reassured; she then started to chat with Mad Cap about their respective way to spend the day, and the archivist enjoyed it enough than she didn't noticed they passed thought the park – park in which she had some bad memory about this place, by the way- and suddenly went to Quip's home.

At the sight of the cart she remained quite silent… of course, she has been warned by Ashti about it… and also it was quite logical to her that they use such cart… however she remembered her husband's words and imagined the thing as… more sized.

The cart's appearance also makes her to react, but in another way : Arabesque thought quite nice, and sincerely she supposed it would be less joyful, a bit more troubling as Quip's mask… but no, in fact she even though it entertaining.

What I lovely cart.

When Cap entered inside, Arabesque rose an perplex eyebrow… is there's really enough place ? Then she entered too… a stopped herself, took aback. To be sure she then do some steps backwards and looked another time to the cart next the inside… and let a "Vâh… !" (Wow…!).

The surprise fading away, she then analysed the place… she had to admit it was quite cheerful, a bit creepy, but cheerful… and also she noticed that they had every good taste for the furniture.

It is… is there a trick or… ?
"Can I take your coat Arabesque?"
… hn? Oh yes, yes, of course. Thank you.

Letting the mare undressing her, arabesque gazed another time to the room until that Quip came…

Good evening Sayyid Crack…Thank-

But he vanished and it was Mad Cap which resumed.

Oh, I don't mind, I perfectly understood. ^^ And I would like to add, you have a very nice home, very surprising.

[CableZ]

Mad Cap smiled at Arabesque's reaction to the cart, it was something that truly defied logic, most ponies found it hard to take in to begin with. Mad Cap closed the large door as the cold was started to get in, meanwhile Quip was still shooting all around, more like a background occurrence by this point. Turning toward Arabesque as she spoke, Mad Cap had to chuckle.

"Yeah its a real house of fun, surprising is usually the word ponies use." [/color]Mad Cap looked around the strange house "To be honest we don't get guests much" Mad Cap said with a smile.

Mad Cap walked further into the house without any hesitation, she turned back to her guest.

"Oh don't worry, its perfectly safe, this thing is hundreds of years old"[/color] She reassured her friend "Would you like something to eat or drink?" Mad Cap really wasn't sure how to entertain guests, she figured that would be a good start.

[Ashti Sandburst]

Oh, I see ^^. Well if you have a little snack, thank you… Oh, speaking of which…

Putting a sudden hoof inside of her saddlebag, the Archive took a box, like for patsy, and posted and a near table, smiling.

I have done it for you, they are "bâqlavâ"… it is a pastry from my homeland, hoof-made. It is puff pastry called "Yufka", it content honey, nuts and a bit of jasmine and cinnamon.

Then she opened the box, showing the baklava which looked like desert rose before resuming.

Typical Deerean recipe. I thought that, as you will visit Deerham, you would like to taste a bit of Deerham's cook… we use spice most of the time. And for these pastries match pretty well with tea, or milk.

The remain of the day, Arabesque and Mad Cap have spent it to spoke, chatting during hours about the fastest way to go in Deerham and how it will be. And the next day;

Arabesque was standing in the front of the cart's door, wearing her coat and putting the hat on her head, waiting for Mad Cap. The itinerary for Deerhams was quite… touristic, but also the shortest… until they have their own prestigious airline as Deerham Airways : they will have to take the train towards Hoofington and to join the harbor of New Saddle, then to come at Fawtaine in Cervidas, Deers' nation and to take the train to its capital Concordia, and Estagna to reach the Sheikdom of Shams'ayyil's port via Lake Blue and to finally go in Deerham to take a good rest.



During our tripe, could I teach you some ways and customs, for dignitaries : Deeraim grandly appreciate respect and politeness.

[CableZ]

Mad Cap was unsure of the snack, she'd never seen it before, sure she'd seen pastries but this was something else. This excited Mad Cap, she liked new things, especially new sweets! She tentatively took the pastry from Arabesque with a smile and a thank you. At mention of the pastry going well with milk or water, 2 pitchers and a set of glasses appeared in front of the two, one with water and the other with Milk in it. Without hesitation Mad Crap grabbed one of the glasses and poured herself some milk.

"Thank you Quip!" she called out into the house.

The Next Day:
Mad Cap descended the stairs wearing yet another harlequin outfit, This one was a more traditional red and black. She saw Arabesque waiting there and shot her friend a big smile. Mad Cap made sure she had all he necessary travel, passport and boarding passes etc etc. She also had a few spare changes of clothes.
"That sounds really fun Arabesque, shall we get going, and don't worry about me, I've met royalty before?"

[Ashti Sandburst]

The Archivist gave a quite look to Mad Cap and smiled back to her. And nodded to the Assistant's word.

Deerean protocol is maybe not something you already seen, but it is not too complicated. It would be fine. ^^ So... our train will come, let us go. I have our tickets.

Minutes later their reached the train station in these cold and snow-covered streets. It was the morning, and the city was quite deserted, only some few ponies here and there, working while most of the others were still at home, in the warm. At least, there was some sun-rays to light the thine morning fog.

Arabesque and Mad just had to wait a couple of minutes in the cold that the train for Hoofington came, in the steam of the car.

So, let the adventure begins
Tickets, ladies.

Looking to her side, Ashti didn't noticed that a pony was standing near of them. Greeting him, Arabesque showed the first-class ticket to the pony which then allowed them to enter into. The earth mare then removed her coat, a bit excited : it was the first time she was in first class. She also removed took off her hat and placed inside of her saddlebag, before siting on the classy couch; The two mares were alone here, and the train must count five ponies in all.

And then, in a last signal, the train left the station. In four hours they will join their first stop.

[CableZ]

Mad Cap thought about what could be the different protocols between Equestria and Deerham, well the difference in distance was quite substantial, maybe that had something to do with it.

"Oh...well I'll try my best to be good, I won't be any trouble I promise you"

Turning to see their train arriving, Mad Cap gave a big smile, this trip was starting to get real for her, she was excited!. Frankly she was also glad to be getting out of the cold, she always preferred warm over cold. As they entered the car, Mad Cap's jaw almost hit the floor, she had never been on a first class car before, she rarely got to ride the train.

"Wowee this train is amazing!" She said with gasp.

"Well, what do you wanna do while we get to hoofington? this is gonna be a loooong trip!"

[Ashti Sandburst]

"Wowee this train is amazing! Well, what do you wanna do while we get to hoofington? this is gonna be a loooong trip!"
What to do, eh? Arabesque was at the moment thinking to this. Of course she could start to teach Deerham's stuffs to Mad Cap… but it was the morning and it thus should not be the best way to start the day… plus they have three days for this.

Well, Arabesque can also chat about Quip but she was sure that their relationship didn't evolved since they have left, yesterday… And it was out of question to speak for Arabesque to speak about her day spend with Ashti: It was… too intimate, especially during the last hours.

They didn't saw each other since months, so… and it would certainly not interest the Assistant.

The she replied to MAd Cap's comment, remembering a old memory : the first time she went to Equestria.

Well… hm… indeed. I have already done this once, years ago...

Then someone entered in the room, a pony looking like a butler or a waiter. This one bowed the head respectfully to the two mares, a white cloth with the initial letters of the train company. This stallion was maybe in the late 20's and he smiled warmly to the guests, and greeted them.

Good morning, Ladies. And welcome to our train… I will be your steward during your journey. Are you desiring something to eat, or drink ?
Oh… ? hihi, Good Morning. Well…

Arabesque looked to Mad Cap then to the Steward and spoke with a polite and gentle voice. Which made the waiter to blush, charmed.

Croissants and an earl grey would be fine, thank you. ^^
Understood, I will prepare you this. And you, Miss ?

After it he bowed the head and left the car, before coming back several minutes later with the orderings, and a bill, slightly torn up, token that the orders has been paid. Fact which made the Archivist to wonder.

Excuse me, sir. May I ask why the bill…
Of course. All of your orders will be free during your travel on our company.
I… am surprised… it is only for first class ?
Mostly, but our offer is available for our others customers. It is a new system, from Prance. Can I see you ticket ?
Oh… of course.

The Archivist dived a hood on her coat's pocket and took a ticket that she showed to the waiter ; Unlike normal ticket, this was white but with golden lines, for first class, but also a symbol on the corner with a little number.

This is special ticket; this symbol here means that your expenses are already settled. In fact they would be debited on a given bank account. Let see…

At his turn, the stallion took a notebook and look to the same number that on the ticket.

Apparently, your expense are all paid for by… somepony called Sal- Salea… pardon me, Sa-la-maaa-lec Sandburst.

Then he looked to the ticket of Mad Cap, and looked to the number –different than Arabesque's one- but this time under another count.

For you, Miss, it is at the Deerean Embassy of Manhattan's expense. You are referenced as diplomatic guest.

Arabesque thanked the steward, and this one vanished in another time, leaving the mares alone.

… ^^. Well, money can't buy happiness, but it sure helps to. Anyway… what I wanted to say before be interrupted by our charming steward… ?

[CableZ]

While Mad Cap was very much a hopeless romantic and really wanted somepony to be close with, she found most stallions resoundingly boring, most had very little that was overly exciting about them and few were funny at all. Looks meant a little but not everything, and while she could agree that their waiter had a little something about him that was nice, his charm was mostly lost upon Mad Cap. In fact she just gave him a little smile and a wave when he said hello, she was still feeling a bit tired. However she was pretty hungry, though she wasn't sure what sort of food they would be serving, oh well worth a shot.

"Um, can I have some pancakes please? with lemon juice and sugar?" When he nodded it was a pleasant surprise, this was gonna be yummy!

When the stallion returned, Mad Cap happily (and delicately) started digging into her pancakes, she didn't really notice the whole bill fiasco. However upon the waiter inspected her ticket and telling her that she was a diplomatic guest, she made a little noise with some good in her mouth in pure shock...it was sort of like ME?!, but a bit more muffled. When the stallion left, Mad Cap swalloed the food in her mouth and her surprise became a bit more apparent.

"I'm a diplomatic guest? wha-, whu-, whe-....WHAT?! Why in Equestria am I a diplomatic guest?" She was pretty confused and not half surprised.

[Ashti Sandburst]

"I'm a diplomatic guest? wha-, whu-, whe-....WHAT?! Why in Equestria am I a diplomatic guest?"
... ? Oh my... it is surprising indeed.

Arabesque rubbed her chin, questioning ; Why Salamalec give her the diplomatical status... and then she thought of the first time she came in Equestria, a whole week off to see Ashti... she knew what an ambassador is, but Ashti explained to her more about his duty.

An Ambassador is not only a guy standing and representing someone^s nation. In the Deerean constitution he's also a kind of consul. On of Ashti duty was to protect his fellow citizen living in Equestria : it means no one XD. But another of its duty is to watch over royal guests.

Well... I think... it is because you will give a show to the Deerean dignitaries... thus you are a Deerham's guest... Ashti had to be sure everything will be fine for you, to assure your comfort. Like Sayyid Crack... you must be under Deerham's protection. Sala' just did his job's obligation ^^...

In fact, she even wonder if this was not also a kind of gift from Ashti, for that Mad Cap can enjoy of her travel without worrying. Taking a croissant, Arabesque was happy to see it was a fresh one, crusty. Then she noticed a little pot of strawberry and bilberry jam, and dipped the croissant on the marmalade before eating it. At Deerham, it was more fig, datte or even rose and cinnamon jam.

[CableZ]

"Wow, remind me to thank your husband next time I see him"[/color] Mad Cap was still a little taken a back by the news, the solution to this? MORE PANCAKES. She realized her plate was still half full and went back to eating up her lemony sugar delights. Once she was done she sat back in her seat with a happy content sigh. Breakfast was always good, especially when it tasted THAT good. Still they have around 2 hours and 40 minutes of this train ride left, and 69 hours and 20 minutes of the entire trip left, so she would need something to do. Luckily she remembered to pack 2 books in her saddle bag to stave off the boredom. Pulliing the bag up from the side of her chair she started rooting through the various contents, however she was having trouble finding her books. After a fake peanut can opened and around 7 multicoloured spring loaded snakes shot out, she opted to give up, she'd find them later. Still she needed something to do, maybe she could explore a bit?

"Arabesque I'm gonna go look around, I'll be back soon" She smiled sweetly before hopping down from her seat and wandering off.

[Ashti Sandburst]

"Wow, remind me to thank your husband next time I see him"
Oh, I will ^^.

Arabesque took another mouthful of croissant and another and another - but still with elegance - until she finished the last one.

"Arabesque I'm gonna go look around, I'll be back soon"

A bit surprised, thinking that they would maybe speak about their sentimental lives, the Mare nodded to Mad Cap… with a "oh, ok…" but don't followed her. Thinking that the Acrobat could prefer to be alone.

Anyway, minutes passed and the steward came to clean the table, bringing a hot chocolate to the Archivist.

Your chocolate, miss.
…Madame, in fact ^^.
Oh… I am confuse. Ahem! Your drink, Lady… huh…
"el-Shazia"… Arabesque el-Shazia

The steward was surprised… she was a foreigner ? With her lack of accent he thought that she was Equestrian… or maybe from Stalliongrade in looking to the coat. When he took the job, they told him that he will meet stranger ponied, but actually it was the first time he meet a Sandlander. He even wondered where she was from. "el-Shazia" sound like a Latino or Saddle-Arabians name, but he was not sure about.

He of course noticed the tribal tattoo... but just think it was a normal tattoo. Unlike Ashti, Arabesque had nothing which allowed to identify her as a sandlander, except of her palette swap. And of course, even if the Stewards remembered that the ticket was under Salamalec Sanburst, i didn't gave him bonus informations... and he don't wanted to ask; it was not his business.

Well then, Lady Elchazia, there is something else you would desire ?
No thank you. It is fine ^^

He then bowed the head and let the mare drinking her chocolate, alone.