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

[Ashti Sandburst]

Arabesque have listened, she have heard all attentively, memorising every informations… but the word of Quip, his claim, been unexpected... although not really surprising. The Archivist believed that if Quip doesn't looked to Mad Cap it was because she never revealed her feeling to the Performer, and it was why he never noticed Mad Cap's feelings. Or that he was no able to understand such feelings… Arabesque admitted to not have the whole story, so she based her thoughts on what she saw and heard.

The mare felt bad for Mad Cap, and had a sad glance… the idea that Quip sees her as a sister never came in her mind before, but it was possible in the fact she already lived such situation with Ashti : She had romantic feeling for Ashti but she never showed or told him because she feared to be rejected by Ashti. This one considered her as a friend and a kind of sister… he was like a Knight to his princess.

It was only several years later and a dramatic situation, for that Arabesque revel her love to the Ambassador, If the Tiresias' ordeals never happened she would probably not been Ashti's spouse. So she perfectly understood the situation now…

"Oh..um..sorry, I got carried away"
Ah, no, no, It's fine… ^^

She mentally sighted. Well, it was something foreseeable… she didn't been enough Genre Savvy. But now the problem was must she tell it to Mad Cap ? Nah, she it would worsen the situation or bring nothing good for now. Well, if Mad Cap ask, she could still reply… but for now…

Arabesque looked at the pony and smiled to him, before looking back to the kitchen.

Well, thank you. You just helped me with a puzzle I was trying to resolve since days now… ^^

Now the mare was feeling better, and without explaining the sentence's meaning, she returned to the kitchen, bringing back her tea… maybe she could remain and speak a bit with him. To know to learn him better.

So, Sayyid Crack… is there something you are desiring to do or speak about ^^ ?

The following day...

[CableZ]

Quip and Arabesque spent most of the night talking, among other things. They eventually returned to bed, having become a lot closer as friends. It was all a bit fuzzy in Quip's memory frankly, it was very late, so he was quite tired, but he could recall a majority of it.

Anyway, it was morning now, and Quip was already up. He never really slept for long, so he was sat in the kitchen drinking some orange juice (Arabesque had shown him where some of the food and drink stuffs were last night. He sat at the kitchen table with his glass, and his mask just beside him on the table. He was still wearing the wrap from the night before, finding it quite comfortable. He was on his own at the moment, looking at the clock, they still had an hour and a half so he didn't know when others might wake up. He sat staring at his 'face' wondering if he should put it back on before they got to the show. Hearing a noise from upstairs, he immediately slammed the mask onto his face, unwrapping the wrap in the same swift motion.

From atop the stairs, a certain harlequin came rushing from her room and dashed into the kitchen. She slammed into the clown pony with a huge hug.

"Morning Quipy" She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before sitting opposite the table from him. "Did you sleep well?" She asked sweetly

"Oh, well I had some trouble getting to sleep at first, but me and Arabesque spent some time together last night, getting to know each other, so that was fun."

"Oh YAY, I'm glad you two are starting to get along" She smiled happily.

[Ashti Sandburst]

Lying on her bed, the fennec in her side, Arabesque was waking up. Her blurred sight scanning aimlessly the area. She remembered the last night event, the chat with Quip… and also the "behaviour" of Cap. Sincerely she doesn't know if Mad Cap was feeling better now, well-rested.

Nonchalantly she went out of the bed under the yawn of Nadir which stretched before leave the bed as well. The mare opened her wardrobe and dressed up: not a ceremonial outfit, more of a everyday traditional tunic , an embroidery which exhibit her social status however. Like this ; www.readliterature.com/folklor10.jpg (Minus the slacks, shoes and headwear-)

However despite her dress' allure, it was a practical outfit, not heaving which doesn't obstruct moves. Despite the dress' ostentatious finery.

Salim was no more in the home, however he have left a basket full of Deerean pastries…. And also conventional Equestrian one : bread with jams, fruits and even cornflakes. It was however for the guests, because Arabesque as Ashti, doesn't take breakfast. Or just a fruit and pastry. Ashti likes dates, she was more into banana.

Thus it was what she saw when she glanced to her nigh table, a basket with a banana and a pot of tepid coffee. A smile in face, she sat on the bed's edge, and took the coffee that she poured on a cup. Drinking it in looking to a picture of Ashti.

The image was old, very old because Ashti had mostly Finder's age, around 13-14. And it was funny how he not so much changed during those years: he was still cute and handsome.

Minute passed, and Arabesque was marching towards the kitchen, bring her crockery. Immediately she saw the two ponies and, a warmth smile in face, she greeted them with a bow.

Good morning, Anisa Cap, Sáyyid Crack. ^^

Then she putted her crockery on the kitchen, glancing to both guess before aiming the table where the breakfast for the guests was putted.

I see that my father have prepared you a good breakfast. Please, serve yourself.  ^^

On those words she cleaned her crockery.

So, the big day huh? Are you desire something cold or hot to drink ?

[Time Skip]

Later in the morning : it was finally the time, the audience with the Reis, and Arabesque was leading her two guests inside towards the palace.

The couryeard was empty of any performers, deserted. Only some guards were here an there, whilst the installations for the show were finished, giving a view of what the place will look like during the show. Before coming here, Arabesque have taught to Quip the basis of Deerean politeness. Just enough to act well with the Reis.

The guards greeted Aarbesque which greeted them in return before entering inside of the edifice. Passing the hall, they went in the throne room : a large room with Horseshoe arches on columns, decorated with gold leaves and arabesques and sandlandic patterns, on the floor a red carpet finely woven which connected the entrance to the platform, some large stairs upon which laid the throne.

On the throne of wood and gold, Alderamin Ist, Reis of Deerham, was sat. Near of him nine other deers was also sat.
Impassible and silent. In heavy armors made of gold and gems : They were the nine members of the Javidan, the elite soldiers of Deerham and royal bodyguards of the Reis.

The Reis was wearing his crown between his antlers, a very classy and fancy tunic adorned with pearls and gold ornament. Around his waistline a scarf was wrapped, holding his royal saber.

Without his antlers, his body was more sized than an average stallion, but still less than Celestia. However with his antlers he looked a bit more sized than the sun alicorn. Alderamin was nice looking for a 40's old deer, distinguished and authoritarian...yet he seems kind enough.

Alderamin glanced to the newcomers, a welcoming smile in face. Immediatly, Arabesque putted on hoof on her hear and bowed the head politely.

Namaskar, Hamara Şakin'el-Shaan ya. Ni, Arabesque el-Shazia, mojood kō ya. Sath hamara za'êfim.
(My respectful greetings, O Our Majesty. I, arabesque el-Shazia, show myself to you. along our guests)

[CableZ]

Quip and Mad Cap sat discussing how their show would go, they had a few things planned, and wanted to make it a great show, as always. They were in the middle of discussing where the saw blades would go when Arabesque came into the kitchen. Mad Cap immediately got up and hugged her friend, and whispered in her ear that she was sorry. Quip was sketching something on his napkin, working out more ideas and such. He turned and smiled at the sight of the two mares hugging, honestly he was glad that Mad Cap finally had a friend, he was not the right sort for her. Mad Cap stood back from Arabesque and looked at her outfit, gasping slightly

"Wow Arabesque you look incredible" She gave a big smile.

Quip stood up and walked toward the kitchen door, passing the mares without really glancing at them.

"Where are you going Quip?" Mad Cap asked with a slightly tilted head.

"Just need to go and get my bag, then we can go" He giggled before dashing off in a puff of smoke.

---

After Quip return in his jester's hat, along with his saddlebag, the group headed off. they walked together, with Mad Cap in the middle of her two favorite ponies, a big smile on her face. However she wad nervous, its not everyday that you meet the leader of an entire country, in fact she had never met the leader of an entire country, and the fact that she and Quip were honoured guests just made it all the more nerve wrecking.

Quip however just skipped along, oblivious to the importance of the pony they were about to meet. He just hummed a merry tune while skipping to the beat. The little bell on his hat jingled as he skipped, he really didn't seem like the pony who was about to meet the king. When they arrived at the palace, Quip gave the guards a silly salute and walking in, which got a concerned look from the guards.

When the Reis came into site, Mad Cap gulped, seeing the imposing figure sat on the throne surrounded by some of the most intimidating guards she had ever seen. Quip on the other hand thought it all looked very silly. Quip was one for showmanship (obviously) but this just looked like it was trying to hard, plus the gold armour with jewels just looked silly to him. He had to stifle a laugh, pressing his hoofs over the mouth part of the mask (somehow) managed to stop himself.

Upon Arabesque bowing, Mad Cap did the same, pressing her hoof to her heart and bowing.

"Namaskar, sir the Reis of Deerham, I am Mad Cap, may the sun keeps you." She said in a respectful tone.

While the two mares bowed and the Reis watched, Quip had...disappeared. There was a silence, this was a foreigner after all, the guards, shuffled slightly, getting ready to draw their blades. Silently, from behind the throne, Quip appear, and leaned in to whisper something into the Reis' ear.

"Psssst...you have something on your head" Quip laughed, before leaping from the throne and doing several flips over the guards only to land back next to the mares. He placed his hoof on his face and bowed, giving his respect like he heard Mad Cap do so

"Nascar, sir the Rice of Deerham, I am Quip Crack, may the gum keep you" He smiled, proud that he remembered it correctly. The gaurds pointed their weapons at Quip after he raised his head, as he had pretty much infiltrated past them...and they had no idea how. Quip just laughed at the site of the blades pointed at him.

[Ashti Sandburst]

(O-RP ; Sorry if the post is a b bit short.)

When Quip vanished, the Reis remained perplex… scrutinising the room with a discreet and swift glance. He doesn't look like but the Reis were fighters, they know the secular Arcanum and how to fight, close combat as sabermanship. But Alderamin however have dropped his guard, surprised that someone would act like this.

The Javidan were, for the occasion, wearing ceremonial cloths, armours slightly different than their usual ones. Normally every Javidan have a custom weapon: spear, sword, magic book, dagger etc… but as they didn't needed to use their special weapon, they were all equipped with ceremonial sword. Sword that they unsheathed… more by principle than need of.

The Javidan as Alderamin knew that the guesses were not a danger or didn't have any meant intention. Arabesque had the eyes wide open to Quip's deed, and facehoofed… embarrassed.

… Kya entezarja ni ? (…What did I expected ?)

The reis looked to the flips of Quip, raising an eyebrow.

The behaviour of Quip could be seen as a lack of respect towards the Reis, but this one have kept his composure and made sign to the Javidan to sheathe their weapons.

What Quip did was not realy formal; however Alderamin decided to overlook about it… there was no harm, and Quip was like a jester... so it was the kind of stuff  Alderamin had to expect. Actually it even amused and impressed him a bit, the way Quip have managed to come to the Reis, and the performing he did, the maneuvers. There was a silence and it was a clapping from the king which broke it before stopping, glancing to the three ponies.

Greetings, Srimati Aeabesque, anisa Mád Khaip, sáyyid Ku'ip Qrạ̉kh. And welcome to Our homeland.

Making sign to the ponies to stop the reverence. He gave another welcoming smile and started to speak, with an unfazed and relatively friendly voice.

We hope your travel been restful, and our land to your taste.

[CableZ]

"Don't worry every pony, I'm just a clown...not need to fillet the...ah, yeah I don't know any words that begin with f that mean clown...hm" Quip rubbed his chin thoughtfully, before looking to the Reis with his metallic grin.

"Hehe...sorry" He said sheepishly

Even as the king clapped, Quip chuckled nervously, then again, he knew in his head that if he could go back, he would do that again. Quip stood back on his hind legs, and did a formal bow, bringing his leg/arm out to his side, before leaning forward and bringing it in front of him, an impressive feat due to ponies usually 4 footed stance.

"Rice..Reis, um..my name is Quip Crack, Equestrian entertainer extraordinaire, here at your request to dazzle and amaze." Quip may have been a bit disrespectful at time, but he knew who he worked for. "For all your entertaining needs, acrobatics" He then did a back flip, landing perfectly on his hind legs, still standing on two hooves, holding his font hooves out to the side in a 'ta-da' like manner. "Magic" from behind himself he pulled a beautiful bouquet of flowers, then shook them and they disappeared just as fast "Ventriloquism" his voice came from one the guards when he said that. "Anything you could want" He laughed in his usually manic laugh, he loved doing stuff like that.

"And this lovely mare is my assistant, Mad Cap, who will be giving you a little show of her own, she's really very good" Mad Cap blushed and waved nervously at the ruler of the country as Quip built her up

"I hope we'll be good enough for your tastes, sir" Mad Cap smiled sweetly

[Ashti Sandburst]

Alderamin looked to the display of skill from Quip, interested. Actually It was not Alderamin which have hired Quip and Mad Cap, it was the prime minister which did it, under the agreement of the Reis. So, to be honest, Alderamin thought that Quip only performs acrobatic… so he was surprised to see that he was a magician and a ventriloquist as well. On this some of the guards had inaudible taunting laugh or slight smile when the guard been subject to Quip's ventriloquism remained serious.

Actually, even if the Javidan have the same rank, the one that Quip made speak was the head of the squad. At least the one chose to take the head in emergency state.

If the Reis were not able to do ventriloquism he could however perform acrobatic moves, and maybe a little contest between him and Quip would be fun. Sat on his throne the elk admitted that he lacked a bit of exercises.

At the presentations made by Quip, the Reis bowed the head slightly too.

We are pleased to meet you.
"I hope we'll be good enough for your tastes, sir"
^^… We are sure about. However, the show will not be in our name. It is for the sake of our diplomatic guests from Concordia.

Then Reis glanced to Quip, a nonchalant voice.

Sáyyid Ku'ip. Would you agree to a short acrobatic contest against us ? We would require just some moves.

Actually, even if having authority and power, Alderamin's request was not commanding and was open to any reject from Quip. Unwilling to force his guest.

[CableZ]

Mad Cap bowed her head slightly when the Reis spoke to her, not exactly sure how to act when being addressed by a king. But she kept her happy smile that melted hearts and made sure to stand straight and what not, basically all the things that her parents had told her to do as a foal. Quip was still stood on his hind legs, with one of his forelegs crossed in front of his chest, supporting the joint of the other as he rubbed his chin with his hoof in thought. The kings request was odd, frankly Quip had never been the competitive sort, he didn't have the attention span for it. He paced on and forth on his hind legs, a truly impressive feat, making thoughtful 'hmmm' sounds as he did so. He stopped in front of the throne and went back onto all fours, only to lift his hind legs off the ground and bring his body vertically up, so he was doing a front hoof stand. Easily moving one of the hooves away so he was balancing on one hoof, he looked up at the king.

"Well...sure, but if I win you have to promise not to have me executed" Quip giggled before pushing of the ground and rotating his body 360's while flipping back onto all fours with a laugh.

[Ashti Sandburst]

"Well...sure, but if I win you have to promise not to have me executed"

Alderamin replied with neutral chuckling, at least a chuck which was neither mocking nor anything, like emotionless. He however shook the head slowly.

Actually Alderamin wanted to joke around Quip's words, like "We'll see" or "We can't promise it" or also "Nooo, we don't do it…"

But he didn't, not because he doesn't have the sense of humour, but because he was the leader of an nation and have to be careful. Careful because Aldermin knows that his words can be misunderstood, or removed from its context. As an example and the protector of his people, therefore Alderamin have to think carefully before speaking. For any bad people could even twist a claim and use it against him or his citizens… even if he was sure it was not the case for the ponies in his front.

I am your obliged.

The Elk removed his crown that he putted on the table next to him : It was a traditional sign to inform that at this moment he's not Reis and just a Deerean (even if aristocrat) citizen. As another mark, Alderamin no more used the royal "We" : It showed that he was speaking not as the Reis of Deerham but for himself. The We means "My people and myself" or "me and the power granted to me", however when he used "I" It was to inform that his opinions/word were personal and not in the sake of his nation.

Arabesque then went closer of Mad Cap and explained her with a low tone.

When Our Majesty remove his crown, it's to signal that he is no more the leader and instead just a Deerean citizen.

The Elk downed the march of his throne, walking towards Quip.

Henceforth, I am no more the Rees, just Hafid'sekûn al-Waris ud-Uyunsetâre. It would be a pleasure to test Ikē'stryânn performing.

Arabesque, again commentated it, diving the other mares further informations.

"Alderamin" is not the birth name of Our Majesty. Each Reis can chose a name from a constelation0s star, as a token that the Reis is over the citizen yet that they are the light guiding them out of the darkness and protect them.

She glanced to the Reis then resumed.

"Hafid'sekûn al-Waris ud-Uyunsetâre" means, rougly, "Guardian of peace, the heir of the Uyunsetâre". Uyunsetâre is Our Majesty's clan name, the "Eyestar"or "Stellar eyes", one of the nine clans where the Reesim are elected. "

[CableZ]

Quip dropped to all fours as the king descended his steps after placing the crown on the table, watching with a raised eyebrow. Frankly Quip wasn't in the mood for this, he didn't care about stroking ego's or whatever this king wanted to do, he just wanted to do the show. Sadly he had to oblige the Reis, even if he didn't exactly want to. Oh he knew he could say no, but what sort of pony would that make him come across as? So Quip decided to play along, stepping back and allowing the Reis some space.

"By all means, you first" Quip giggled Bowing and moving backwards, giving the Reis some space to perform.

Mad Cap stuck close to Arabesque, it was pretty cool when Quip did this sort of thing, she imagined it was similar to the street dances she had heard about growing up. While Arabesque explained what it meant for the Reis to remove his crown, Mad Cap watched with a slight awe, why anypony would take their crown of for Quip is up for thought, but Mad Cap needed no thought on the matter. Leaning in to talk with Arabesque, Mad Cap whispered to her friend.

"Is the Reis trained in acrobatics?" She asked with a curious tone.

[Ashti Sandburst]

In removing his crown, Alderamin was no more "king"… until that he put it wear it again. But it doesn't mean that if someone take the crown that Alderamin no more have power : his power are permanent as long that another Reis is elected.

Also, to be fair, the crown would probably fell from his head with the move he would perform… and as it was an old crown, he was not willing to damage it. Plus it would be more practical without…

The Reis nodded to Quip, and started to position himself whilst Arabesque was replying in a whisper, to the mare.

He is… but it's not performing. As ruler of a war-tribes nation, even if peaceful now, the Reisim are trained in swordmanship, hoof-to-hoof battle, and of course secular arcanum. It's a national military tradition, plus as they are important they need to be able to defend themselves. Especially that once a Reis has been assassinated.

Alderamin's acrobatics were more for battle than entertainment. He has received an intense training since his calfhood as other members of the nine clans. Thus Alderamin's sword was not only a mark of power or to adorn his outfit: it's a real saber, cutting, and ready to use. A royal saber which is granted to every Reis.

However the Elk understood that Quip was not really up to this, not very enthusiasm. So, he glanced another time to Quip and commentated.

You know, if you do not want to… you can still decline my request. There will be no amusements if you are lacking of enthusiasm…
Kya… hast tu yok, al-Adhir'yamin ya…? (What are thou doing, O Alderamin…?)

When those words resounded, Arabesque instantly turned back and immediately bowed the head as she did for the Reis. Entering the room, a old elk, 70's year old wearing a ostentatious tunic and turban on which a coronet was putted. At the sight of the newcomer, Alderamin seemed a bit surprised: He didn't expected to have soon the visit of Sadalbari… especially that the old elk was planning to go some hours before the show. A show which would start around 8 p.m.

[CableZ]

Quip smirked, with a little giggle he shook his head.

"Not at all, I'm fully ready to strut my st-"

Quip was interrupted by the voice from behind him, and he turned to face the source. Mad Cap turned with Arabesque, out of surprise and quick reactions. She even bowed a moment after Arabesque did so, and while their heads were down, she whispered to her.

"Arabesque...who is that?" She asked trying not to break her bow.

[Ashti Sandburst]

Inquisitive, Sadalbari glanced to Quip, then reis and finally the crown raising an eyebrow. His glance went next to Mad Cap and Arabesque, and he greeted them with a slight head bow. As the Javidan which bowed the head to the Sheikh : some were under his command some years ago after-all.

To, ana heníakh yemra hast tumesh za'êfim… al-enjâmyyedim
(So, I suppose they are thy guests… the performers.)

Arabesque then commentated this too, with a low voice.

He is Shams'áyyil's ruler, Sheikh Sadalbari, the elder brother of Alderamin."Ihsane ibn Nabeel min ud-Uyunsetâre", and our former Reis as well.

Alderamin replied to his brother in Deerhai. Sadalbari can understand Equestrian but never learned it, unlike Alderamin which learned how to speak Equestrian because his project was to do a bond with Equestria. Project that Saladalbari didn't really approved because he didn't really see what Equestrian would offer them.

Kya hast tu yok ere, Sa'ad al-Bari ?
(What are thou doing here, Sadalbari ?)
… Salhamse hamera za'êfim kutnitiy. Jahāṅ hast yemra ?
(…To greet our diplomatic guests. Where are they?)
… Yemra mianal-ji jaldi, anamesh berâr.
(… They will come soon, my brother)

The old elk glanced to his brother another time and sighted. He walked to the throne, took the crown and putted it in his brother head.

Sath her'ehtram zabardasti, seyad ham sakna tar hamhapna ke ishanra tashrif, to.
(With all due respect, maybe we could prepare ourselves to their arrival, then.)

Alderamin nodded. There is more important today than exercise. Even if Alderamin have time, now that his brother was here, his Reis duty is to accompany the ruler of Shams'áyyil when this one is in town. Even if they are brothers, there is the protocol.

The Reis turned to the guest and hit his forehoof on the ground, resounding in the room. It was a sign that the audience took end.

We are afraid; there are unexpected matters we have to take care now. The audience is then concluded.

A bit disappointed, Arabesque however bowed the head and greeted the two deers, leaving them alone in the room.
Walking thought the courtyard Arabesque was accompanying the ponies out of the palace. From there they could heard the celebration starting from the crowd below.

The show was this evening but it immediately remembered Arabesque that she have to work this afternoon: in a normal day she is working the afternoon and the evening instead of the morning (even if she was allowed to return at home and take a break).

For this Celebration, most of the edifices are closed. However the diplomatic guests are free to visit them if they are willing to. And the Reis would have to open the said buildings. During the previous celebration, 2 years ago, the Library was open under the asking of the royal guests. It was planned days before their arrival.

However this year, the diplomats have send their desire two days ago... which made the government, even if flexible, to be bothered by this delayed request : that they were no willing to visit the library. So, normally the library must to do preparations for the diplomats' arrival. But as they were unwilling to visit it, it was why there were no preparations at the library when Mad Cap and Arabesque visited it. Arabesque didn't thought was meaning that the library was closed and thus not have to work today.

At least she didn't realised it and it was why she thought that it would be a normal day of work. Then, at this idea, with a remorseful glance she glanced to Mad Cap. But for now, Arabesque was free so…

Anisa Cap, Sayyid Crack… is there something you want to do or you will work on your tricks ?

[CableZ]

Quip was a little confused by the entire situation, he didn't really know what was going on, so he just sort of stood there watching this weird family scene unfold. He tilted his head to the side slightly at the appearance of this new...guy, Frankly Quip wasn't up to date on how things worked in this country, so he didn't really know what was going on...and frankly he didn't really care. Mainly due to the attitude this older brother of the Reis had, he was a very serious sounding type, the type that Quip just got really bored around.

Mad Cap just watched in silence, it felt rather awkward, like seeing your friend argue with their parents. She kept close to Arabesque, feeling safe with the mare, in such a strange land that was a valuable thing. Watching the two dignitary...types leave, Quip let out a yawn and walked over to the mares.

"Well that was disappointing" Quip sighed

"You think that the former ruler of a country that prides itself on respect would have been a little less rude" Mad Cap muttered under her breath. While Arabesque asked if there was something they wanted to do, to which the clowns perked up.

"Well I wouldn't mind trying some of the festival food" Mad Cap smiled

"Yeah and I'd like to see how they party in Deerham" Quip chuckled.

[Ashti Sandburst]

"You think that the former ruler of a country that prides itself on respect would have been a little less rude"

Arabesque heard Mad Cap's comment and nodded a bit. Alderamin was not really like this the remains of the year, even if she admitted that it was not really a good image he has given. Understanding Mad Cap and Quip, Arabesque remained silent. He was her reis, and even if it he does mistake, he was a very nice and respectful leader.

"Well I wouldn't mind trying some of the festival food"
"Yeah and I'd like to see how they party in Deerham"

Arabesque nodded, however before doing anything she turned towards the ponies.

I would like to apologise for this audience… it has been a bit weird, but the fact it was mostly a desire from himself and normally unplanned… I mean, during celebration the Reis didn't have the time for audiences. It's then closed for everyone. The fact he accepted it for me, or you…

Then she stopped and smiled to the two ponies. Or it was possible that Alderamin was willing to show to the ponies guests that he was not a cold and holier-than-thou deer wanted to look nice. However Arabesque was not inside of his head… only the Reis knows.

I am even sure he had prepared something for you, but has been interrupted before. But as the Sheikh is a ruler and that, by protocol, Our Majesty has the duties to spend time with the rulers as an host… It was maybe not the good moment for this, but he seemed really pleased to have met you.

Sure, duties to not justify everything, and even if Arabesque looked like she defended her sovereign, she just wanted to clarify the context. And maybe dispel the bitterness of the meeting. Then the noises from the lower level made the Archivist to think about her friends' request.

Well, I don't know for the party stuff… ^^ the celebration will really start this afternoon. But I am sure that the festival food is already here. However it would maybe be different than the Equestrian way.

When she started to walk towards the stair, a whole view of the city was revealed to the ponies. From there they could see the new layout of the place: the market place was turned into a kind of theatre/stage, surrounded by stands : some were game like the one to win a price, others were stands of traditional food and Deeran biscuit and candies.

It was quite basic, and there was not a lot of stuff like banners and all, however magical particle, little ethereal glow of many colours were fallen even if instead of covering the ground they vanished in a little burst of light whilst touching the ground. It looked more like snowflake than paper cotillion.

When they lowered the stairs, they could see that everyone was wearing a traditional cloth, leaded by the sound of Deerean music.