| 4 |
You thank Tattle Tail for the information, and tip her a hoofful of bits. After all the money she's helped you make so far, it's only fair!
Moonflower: "Ooh, that's true! I'll give ya some too!"
You and Moonflower each give 10 Gold Bits to Tattle Tail.
Tattle Tail: "Much appreciated."
On the subject of your ring, you ask the filly whether or not it would be possible for her to start a rumour about it being lost to backwater seadog pirates or something. The defeated look she replies with leads you to believe that your request didn't sound as good to her as it did in your head.
Tattle Tail: "(sigh) Honestly... if I went around spreading false rumours, what kind of reputation would that get me? Not the kind you'd go to looking for work, huh?"
You admit that she does have a point there.
Tattle Tail: "Listen. If you wanna keep that ring, you do you, but lying will only get you so far, and the consequences will catch up to you sooner or later. I wouldn't recommend it."
Moonflower: "Aww! But the ring's super fun..."
Tattle Tail: "Yeah, I bet. Well, if the enchantment is more important to you than the bits, you can always offer it to some public researchers. That would scuttle the ring's value, but the enchantment itself would become available for everyone to study, and eventually recreate. Then, just get yourself a cheap duplicate."
Apple Basket: "Right. And if some fancy-pants type get their hooves on it first, they might jus' turn it into an exclusive business instead, and not the kind jus' anypony can afford, either."
Curious, you ask where you can find these researchers.
Tattle Tail: "Most public libraries and museums in Equestria take care of this kinda stuff. Just don't expect a good payout, if any at all."
You nod, and thank the filly again for sharing her expertise.
Tattle Tail: "No sweat. Anyway, you've heard what I had to say. Now this filly's got some candy to eat, and games to play. See you around."
You bid farewell to Tattle Tail. Just as she departs northward, you notice another friend passing by, and wave Windcaller over.
Windcaller: "Ah... hello again. I... hope you've been enjoying the festival so far."
You say that you have, and your party concurs.
Moonflower: "What'cha up to?"
Windcaller: "I... was on my way to the buffet. My ensemble should be waiting for me there."
Speaking of which, you ask Windcaller when he will be performing today.
Windcaller: "Oh, um... we will be playing from sunset to the closing ceremony, I believe. But, um... we are meant to play background music. For listening to, while... doing other things."
Moonflower: "Still, we totally gotta check it out!"
You agree, and after pulling the Wind Caller out of your sidereal bag, you ask the soft-spoken stallion if he needs his horn back. He shakes his head.
Windcaller: "Not unless you... don't want it anymore."
Apple Basket: "Hey, ain't that the horn you used to save me from that giant spider?"
Moonflower: "Oh yeah!"
Windcaller: "I... am glad to hear that it has served you well after all."
You nod, and tell Windcaller that you will continue to treasure it. He nods back, seemingly satisfied, and after sharing some hugs and nuzzles with him, you let him continue on his way.
Your pocket watch indicates five to one. Some of the workshops have gone on a one-hour break.
- To the north is: Music Performances, Scarf Knitting, Games & Prizes, Souvenir Shops, and Horseshoes Competition.
- To the east is: Enchanter's Workshop, and Obstacle Race.
- To the west is: Grape-Stomping Contest, Open Buffet, Apple Orchard, and Animal Farm.
Enter a comment
- I'm glad that Tattle Tail is optimistic that researchers will eventually figure out the enchantment, given that in 2016-06-02 Moondancer said, "Somepony would probably have to dedicate a lifetime of studying to perfect a transmutation spell of this complexity." Maybe there are some magic researchers who have done just that for related spells who can research it more easily.
- Donating the ring is for sure the heroic thing to do. Besides solving the ring problem, it would do a lot of good, not just in unlocking new avenues for fun, but in allowing same-sex couples to have their own foals, assuming there isn't something about pony biology or assisted reproductive technology we don't know yet. It's easy for mares, but for stallions, there is wearing the ring for the whole gestation period or the interaction with antimagic. Many avenues for future research!
- If I had a wish, I'd wish for some way to find or communicate with our party members if we're split. Something like Apple AirTags integrated with the Map feature might be too high-tech for or expensive in this setting, but maybe something like a magical compass tied to an object or to a pony's life-force could conceivably be within reach. And there is dragonfire mail, though that seems inaccessible/expensive. However, this seems more like something that would be in Lacuna's shop than a random fair, unfortunately.
Except that Moonflower as kinda occupied with Trailblazer recovering from a stab wound. Florette even said that Moonflower was basically glued to our bed. Spending quality time with Apple Basket was low on her priority list back then.