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- >Day The Invasion of Florence.
- >The first thing you hear are trumpets.
- >Distant at first, but with every passing minute they grow closer.
- >Then the drums.
- >Oh, the drums.
- >Pounding rhythmically, incessantly.
- >You feel your heart racing.
- >They told you that the Venetians were coming, but you didn’t believe them.
- >Twice before you were warned.
- >Each time, the Florentines were able to beat them back.
- >That’s why you didn’t try to hide your few bits of silver and copper.
- >You notice you have been scrubbing the same place this whole time.
- >One spot on the wooden table gleams much brighter than the rest.
- >”That’s enough. There’s no one here.”
- >You look up at the familiar voice.
- >Marco is beside you, brushing his beard.
- “What am I supposed to do?” you ask.
- >You’re surprised by the fear in your voice.
- >If the Venetians arrive, they will probably kill everyone.
- >Who knows what they will do to a pony.
- >Your pink coat will probably hide a few slaps.
- >Hopefully they won't pull your golden mane.
- >Marco doesn’t answer your question as he looks out the window.
- >He probably doesn’t know either.
- >You place the rag on the table, as Marco walks to the door.
- >He stops at the threshold, but doesn’t leave.
- >In the opposite direction, you hear a single horn.
- >Then more.
- >Deeper, louder than the trumpets.
- >A few footmen run past the inn.
- >Their armor is rough, and poorly fitted.
- >Their helmets cast a shadow over their faces, but you already know what they are feeling.
- >Dread.
- >You rush outside, and Marco doesn’t stop you.
- >Instantly you stop, and turn.
- >Wordlessly, you ask him if you can see.
- >He offers only the slightest nod, before closing the door to follow.
- >Together you walk up the street toward the sounds.
- >You’re surprised at how many people are outside.
- >Their outfits are bright and cheery, though their faces betray their thoughts.
- >A few ponies jostle for position.
- >Those that can fly are sitting on rooftops to watch.
- 1/15
- >Marco sees an opening and pushes through the crowd.
- >You follow close behind before the others can fill the void.
- >Just as you pass the last person, the music stops.
- >On opposite hills, stand the two armies.
- >There are thousands of people.
- >Maybe, tens of thousands.
- >The flags are just as countless.
- >Behind you, another pony talks with his friend.
- >”Most of them are mercenaries,” the pony says in Equestrian.
- >It’s easier to talk freely with Equestrian, because so few people understand it.
- >”How can you tell?”
- >”Look at their flags.” It takes a moment before he continues. “Swiss, German, Milanese.”
- >Again he pauses.
- >”What is it?”
- >”Those are ponies.”
- >You turn around before you can stop yourself.
- ”What?”
- >He gives you a scowl, but quickly shakes it away.
- >With a hoof, he points at the far side of the army.
- >”Those are ponies,” he repeats.
- >You have to squint, but finally you make them out.
- >Sure enough, there are armored ponies on the flank.
- >Most carry spears.
- >A few men break away from the army and ride their horses toward the Florentines.
- >One carries a large flag with a winged lion over a red field.
- >On the opposite side, you see the Florentines responding in kind.
- >The Fluer-de-lis isn’t quite as impressive as the angry lion.
- >You’ve seen it every day.
- >All the shops display the flag proudly.
- >But today it doesn’t look proud.
- >The men stop when they reach the center.
- >”This is it. They are delivering their terms.”
- >”Our men will never accept them.”
- >”Ours now?” The pony bitterly laughs. “We will never be one of them.”
- >The Florentine general suddenly pulls on his horse’s reigns, and his men retreat back to their army.
- >”So you think Venice will free us?”
- >The leader of the Venetians waves his arm, and the music returns.
- >Just drums this time.
- >His men straighten up and hold their weapons ready.
- >”Never.”
- >The leaders split up among the army, and a trumpet sounds.
- 2/15
- >The Florentine horns respond with their own low tones.
- >”We should go,” Marco says.
- “Why? They haven’t done anything yet.”
- >As if on command, lightly armored men rush forward.
- >They aim into the sky, and you see a wave of bolts fly.
- >The Florentine archers aren’t as fast, and many of them are hit by the crossbows.
- >A few men scream in pain.
- >You flinch at the sound.
- >Arrows fly toward the Venetians, and soon their men are screaming as well.
- >The trumpet lets out several notes.
- >It plays three times, and pikemen start marching forward.
- >They walk through the crossbows, just in time to meet a volley of arrows.
- >Many fall.
- >Their screams and shrieks are almost unbearable.
- >Florentine pikemen move to meet them.
- >Now you can see other soldiers.
- >They carry swords, spears, halberds and other things that you don’t recognize.
- >They wait for the pikemen to advance and the crossbows to fire before moving.
- >All the while, the boom of the drums urge them on.
- >Behind them, you see men with massive swords resting on their shoulders.
- >They don’t move.
- >Men on horseback change positions, and you can see the ponies more clearly now.
- >They wait at the rear.
- >”We should go,” Marco repeats.
- >You watch as the pikemen approach each other.
- >The Florentine men hesitate, but the Venetians keep marching forward.
- >”Those Swiss are something. I heard they were fearless.”
- >In a few moments, the pikes are nearly touching each other.
- >The Florentines stop, but the Venetian men continue.
- >More screams, as the pikes finally make contact.
- >You feel your lip quivering.
- >That sound.
- >The screaming.
- >Your breathing quickens.
- >They aren’t going to stop?
- >More screams.
- >More shouts.
- >The drums continue beating.
- >Marco grabs your withers and urges you to follow.
- >You resist for a second, before doing as he wishes.
- >It takes a few minutes to return to the inn.
- >All the while you can hear the crash of men charging into each other.
- 3/15
- >High pitched noises fill the air.
- >It almost sounds like when you throw all the silverware together.
- >Except you know this is the sound of weapons clashing.
- >Marco pours himself a drink, and sits at the bar.
- >You move beside him, but he doesn’t budge.
- “Can I?” You ask.
- >You need something to calm your nerves.
- >He nods, and you pour yourself a drink from the cask.
- >The sweet taste of cider makes you feel a little better.
- >You sit beside him.
- >Marco breaks the silence.
- >”You should run, Lily.”
- >You swirl your drink once.
- “Where would I go?”
- >”Somewhere. Anywhere. If the Venetians win they will take all the women and rape them.”
- >You take a long drink.
- ”What about the ponies?”
- >He turns to you with a frown.
- >”Probably the same thing.”
- >You examine your cider, before taking another drink.
- >He clears his throat.
- >”It wouldn’t be for long. Maybe a day or two before you can come back.” He lets out a single laugh. “Well, if there is anything left.”
- >You shake your head.
- ”What about Lemon Drop?”
- >”I’m sure she’s gone by now. I don’t blame her.”
- >Marco’s sister owns Lemon Drop.
- >She helps out when it gets busy, or when you’re sick.
- ”You’re the only person who has ever been nice to me.”
- >Marco pours himself another drink.
- >”That’s why I’m telling you to leave.”
- “But what will they do to you?”
- >He brushes his beard.
- >”I imagine they will come in here, look for anything valuable, and then let me go.”
- >You press your lips together.
- >Why does he think he would be spared?
- >As if sensing your unasked question, he answers.
- >”I’m an old man. What would they want with me? Besides, I have always lived here.”
- >Where would you go?
- >Blossom lives only a town away.
- >You could go there if you ran right now.
- >She could hide you for a few days.
- >You would be very quiet.
- >Maybe her human wouldn’t even notice.
- >But then what will happen to Marco?
- 4/15
- >When he bought you all those years ago, you were scared of him.
- >His rough hands and thick beard seemed like a warning sign.
- >Now.
- >Now… you know better.
- “I want to stay.”
- >Even as you say it, you wish you hadn’t.
- >He shakes his head, but doesn’t respond.
- >Instead you both sit quietly and enjoy the drinks.
- >This continues for an hour or so.
- >Each of you take a drink, and wait.
- >All the while, you hear screams and the clash of weapons.
- >Finally, a there’s a loud cheer.
- >We won.
- >You count three cheers.
- >Marco looks up from the bar and smiles.
- >The weight on your shoulders lifts.
- >You knew those dirty Venetians wouldn’t win.
- >We won.
- >Then you hear shouting.
- >Your heart sinks.
- >You were wrong.
- >We lost.
- >People run through the streets.
- >You hear glass breaking.
- >The sound of an axe hitting wood makes you wince.
- >That only lasts for a few minutes before there is silence.
- >It was probably people running, and taking what they could save.
- >The silence has you confused, and you walk outside.
- >When you arrive at the main road, you see an army setting up camp.
- >The banners are hard to make out, but they aren’t red and white.
- >They’re red and yellow.
- >The winged lion.
- >You slowly go back to the inn.
- >What will happen to you now?
- >You hope Marco was wrong.
- >That you won’t be treated like a plaything.
- >When you arrive, the door is wide open.
- >Marco pulls down the Florentine flags decorating the room.
- >You can tell he doesn’t want to, but he has no choice.
- >When he finishes with the last one, he sits behind the bar as if ready to take an order.
- >The trumpets come back to life.
- >This time other instruments join in.
- >It sounds like a victory song.
- >Soldiers arrogantly march though the town.
- >A few men ride horses slowly, and look at the buildings.
- >They point and don’t move aside as others march past them.
- >You aren’t sure what will happen next.
- >Men walk up and down the streets, but they don’t destroy anything.
- 5/15
- >It takes two hours before the first person walks in.
- >His face is dirty and you don’t know the flag on his tabard.
- >A few others follow behind him.
- >”Drink. Three,” he says in very poor Tuscan.
- >He lifts three fingers so you will understand.
- >Marco pours and you carry over their order.
- >The men greedily take their drinks and chug them.
- >You crinkle your snout as you catch their smell.
- >Copper.
- >Blood and sweat.
- >This time the man doesn’t bother trying to speak Tuscan, and simply spins a finger around.
- >You nod and bow slightly so he can see that you understand him.
- >Marco takes the drinks to them.
- >It looks like he is congratulating them, but you don’t understand the words.
- >Still, the men are smiling and laughing.
- >Then something strange happens.
- >A pony trots in.
- >No.
- >Not one.
- >Several.
- >Then many.
- >They cheer and congratulate each other.
- >You greet them in Equestrian, and they all order the same thing.
- >Cider.
- >Lots of cider.
- >One of them tries to grab your flank, but you move away the instant he touches you.
- >His friends hoot and holler.
- >It’s probably best to just ignore that.
- >”Need some help?”
- >You look toward the voice.
- “Lemon Drop? You’re still here?”
- >Her purple mane bobs as she nods.
- >Her coat is yellow, almost the same color as your mane.
- >”I saw the chimney smoke. I figured you and Marco decided to stay, so here I am.”
- >”Music! We need music,” one of the ponies shout in Equestrian.
- >Before long a couple of the ponies are setting up in a corner.
- >The ponies cheer as the band starts off with a traditional Equestrian song.
- >After a few songs they hit their stride and the entire bar is singing along.
- >Even the people in the back are trying to mouth the words.
- >You open more windows as the smell of sweat and blood seems to grow stronger.
- >It’s not enough and you go outside for fresh air.
- >You take three deep breaths before opening your eyes.
- >A man wearing a bright outfit rides up on a horse.
- 6/15
- >He is flanked by two ponies riding smaller horses.
- >Somehow you never thought you would see that.
- >He isn’t wearing armor, unlike his friends, or the ponies inside.
- >He probably washed up before coming out.
- >In a practiced motion he slides off the horse and walks to you.
- >The ponies do the same, but it’s much more awkward.
- >He speaks, but you don’t understand his words as he ties the reigns down.
- “I’m sorry, but I don’t understand you.”
- >”You don’t understand Venetian?” He asks in Tuscan with a soft accent.
- >You shake your head.
- “I never learned that.”
- >This makes him smile.
- >”You should learn. Soon the Doge will conquer all the city states.”
- >The ponies by his side are listening, but they clearly can’t understand your conversation.
- “That’s what you think,” you say in Equestrian.
- >”You’re right. That’s what I think,” the man responds with a heavy accent.
- >Your ears perk up.
- >You’ve never heard a person say more than one or two words in your language.
- “Who taught you Equestrian?”
- >He adjusts his sword.
- >”It would be hard to lead a company of ponies if I didn’t.”
- >He offers you a smile.
- “Well, I wish you didn’t. Then all those people would still be alive.”
- >One of the ponies pushes you.
- >His cutie mark is hidden under his armor.
- >”That’s enough out of you.”
- >The man laughs as you stumble back.
- >”I didn’t realize Florence was so kind to ponies. You actually think you could be one of them.”
- >You don’t answer him.
- >You just glare.
- >After a moment he turns away from you and prepares to enter the inn.
- >The two ponies enter first.
- >”Now presenting, Captain Anon Ymous.”
- >He waits a second before entering to cheers.
- >Both arms extend and the patrons become silent.
- >”You all fought well today. For that, we will stay here for a few days while we deliver terms to Florence.”
- >Again the crowd cheers.
- >Anon waves his hand several times before they quiet down.
- 7/15
- >”The Doge has seen fit to raise me to Baron for our service. This town, and all around it are now my holdings.” He takes a drink from Lemon Drop. “And for that, tonight is on me.”
- >The sounds of laughs and cheers fill the room.
- >The men in the back are confused, but a pony tries to explain.
- >They gesture to each other several times before the humans understand.
- >The ragged men raise their cups.
- >A traditional Venetian song plays, and all the ponies sing along.
- >Anon settles down near the fireplace and continues drinking.
- >It’s probably a cider.
- >That’s all ponies ever drink.
- >Marco makes his way over, and begins talking with the Baron.
- >Anon points at you.
- >What does he want?
- >Anon squeezes his hand before making it flat.
- >Marco responds in confusion.
- >He presses the tips of his fingers together.
- >You don’t know what they are saying, but with the hand motions it’s clear that Anon is angry.
- >Finally Marco waves you over as he walks back to the bar.
- >”What did you say to him?”
- “Nothing!”
- >Marco pulls a cask out, and pushes it in front of the bar.
- >The rollers below the barrel make it easy to move.
- >”He says that I should get rid of you for being insolent.”
- ”So? They will be gone in a day or two.”
- >Marco shakes his head.
- >”No. This entire town is his now. He won’t leave, even if the rest of the army moves on.”
- >That’s why the army didn’t pillage everything.
- ”He’ll forget about this tomorrow.”
- >”Take this cask over to him as an apology.”
- ”But I didn’t do anything.”
- >”Then it won’t matter. Why are you arguing with me, Lily?”
- “Anon’s a murderer. He killed all those people.”
- >Marco stands up straighter.
- >He pauses before responding.
- >”I’ll bet most of these people killed someone today. You don’t want to be next, do you?”
- >You press your lips together.
- >This is for Marco’s sake.
- >Anon watches you as you slowly move the cask toward him.
- >You bow as low as you dare.
- 8/15
- >Everything in your body knows he’s going to kick you, but it doesn’t come.
- “I’m sorry for what I said earlier.”
- >It takes a moment before you feel you should rise.
- >”You know I could have you killed right now. If I wanted it…”
- >You clench your teeth together.
- >He could.
- “I know.”
- >This makes him smile.
- >”Put that over there, and then come back.”
- >He points toward his ponies.
- >You see Lemon Drop pushing another cask near the people in the back.
- >It’s probably wine.
- >When you return Anon taps his hand on the seat next to him.
- >Reluctantly, you sit on his bench.
- >It takes every fiber in your body to keep from jumping when he puts his arm around you.
- >He hands you a glass with his free hand.
- >”What was your name again?”
- >You take a sip of the drink.
- >It’s cider.
- “Lily.”
- >”That’s a nice name,” he says pleasantly.
- >You turn to him.
- “Are you going to kill me?”
- >He laughs.
- >Maybe he thought you were joking?
- >You let out a few weak chuckles.
- >He looks back at you.
- >”I suppose we should talk about that.”
- >He shifts to stretch out his back.
- “I was being silly back there. I shouldn’t have talked out of turn,” you lie.
- >You didn’t know any of those men, but they were fighting to defend their homeland.
- >”They killed many Venetians as well. We didn’t start this war.”
- >His hand wanders and starts rubbing your shoulder.
- >You shake your body so he won’t touch you.
- >He lets go, but keeps his arm resting on the booth.
- >Immediately you regret that.
- >It was just a harmless touch.
- >Besides, he could do anything with you if he wanted.
- >”About what you asked earlier.”
- >He means about killing you.
- >You look up at him.
- “Yes?”
- >”I haven’t decided yet.”
- >He sticks out his thumb and index finger and waves it in front of you.
- >That means you should leave.
- >You slowly slink off the chair and walk toward the bar.
- >So are you safe or not?
- >Marco is pouring wine for ponies who have grown tired of cider.
- 9/15
- >”What did he say?”
- “He says he hasn’t decided yet.”
- >Marco gives you a confused look.
- >”Did you talk back to him again?”
- “No. I was being polite.”
- >Marco frowns but returns to his work.
- >”What was he like?” Lemon Drop asks.
- “Who?”
- >”You know who. Anon.”
- >You look over at him.
- “He was fine.”
- >”Just fine? You have to tell me more. Was he scary?”
- >You look at your friend.
- >You can feel your cheeks burning.
- “A little, but he wasn’t mean.”
- >Lemon nods.
- >The band takes a break and they join the others.
- >You shouldn’t have moved away from him.
- >Now he will hate you.
- >”What did you talk about?”
- “The war mostly. He speaks Equestrian.”
- >Lemon perks up at this.
- >”I know. I couldn’t believe it earlier. I didn’t think any people learned it. I mean, we’re basically nothing compared to them.”
- “Well he did. Maybe you should talk to him, Lem.”
- >You shouldn’t have said that.
- >She will probably get herself into trouble, like you did.
- >Several hours pass.
- >A few of the clearly drunk ponies leave, but others take their place.
- >You see a few mares enter, and the soldiers are quick to offer them a drink.
- >With the casks out, you and Lemon Drop have very little to do.
- >The ponies pour themselves drinks, and only occasionally ask for a new glass.
- >You watch as Anon talks with one of his soldiers.
- >The pony gives him a slight bow before returning to the others.
- >This repeats over and over.
- >No doubt they are congratulating him and asking for his favor.
- >You see a lull as most of the ponies have already spoken to him.
- >”Now’s my chance.”
- “Lemon Drop,” you call as loudly as you dare, but she continues anyway.
- >With the band no longer playing, the room is only filled with the low roar of talking.
- >You watch Anon and your friend.
- >She sways over like a filly.
- >It takes a moment for her to catch his attention.
- >Anon listens as Lemon introduces herself.
- >You wish you could hear what they are saying.
- 10/15
- >Lemon gestures wildly with her hoof in a poor imitation of people.
- >They both erupt in laughter.
- >Without an invitation she sits next to him.
- >He moves his arm over the booth, but doesn’t touch her.
- >Against your better judgement, you decide to pick up some glasses and clean near Anon.
- >”You can speak really well. I don’t have any trouble understanding you.”
- >”It was tough at first. But, I get a lot of practice.”
- >You stack a few glasses together, and wipe down a table.
- >”So you must travel a lot.”
- >”I do, but only during the summer. No one wants to fight in winter.”
- >”I’ve only been to the ocean once.”
- >”You should see Venice.”
- >”I heard it was an island.”
- >”It’s a bunch of islands. Over a hundred.”
- >”So they have bridges between them?”
- >Anon laughs.
- >”Maybe one day. For now only a few are connected. We have to travel by,” he frowns. He holds up a hand to try to explain. Finally he just says, “small ships.”
- >Maybe he doesn’t know the word for boat.
- >You carry the glasses back to the bar.
- >Marco isn’t there so you wait for someone to place an order.
- >Instead, a drunk pony makes his way over.
- >His clothes are black with blood.
- >”Hey, Cutie.”
- “That’s not my name.”
- >”Well, what is it then?”
- “Lily.”
- >He thinks it over.
- “I like Cutie better.”
- >He laughs loudly at his joke.
- “Did you want something?”
- >He looks you up and down.
- >”Yeah. You.”
- >He takes a step closer.
- “Well I’m not on offer.”
- >”Don’t be mean to me, Cutie. We just finished fighting. Who knows the next time I’ll see another mare.”
- >He nuzzles your neck and you take a step back.
- “You probably say that to everypony.”
- >”No, just the ones I like.”
- >Again he tries to nuzzle you.
- “I said get off!”
- >Without thinking you turn and buck him.
- >He falls backwards and lands on his haunches.
- >A few of his friends laugh.
- >”Stupid bitch,” he says as he gets up.
- 11/15
- >One pony waves him back and he gives you another look.
- >Thinking better of it, he rejoins the others.
- >You look to your friend.
- >She is leaning against Anon, and his hand is covering her cutie mark.
- >Both of them are watching.
- >Lemon gives you an angry look.
- >You know she would tell you to play along.
- >That these ponies will be gone soon enough and then you can go back to being antisocial.
- >Anon just has a smile on his face.
- >He points at you and Lemon shakes her head.
- >She crosses her hooves, but Anon gently pushes her forward.
- >Soon enough she gets up and walks toward you.
- >”What are you doing?”
- “I’m not doing anything.”
- >”So when you kicked that pony it was nothing?
- “He got too friendly.”
- >”This is why you’re alone, Lily. You have to at least pretend to be nice.”
- >You glare at her.
- “Is that what you’re doing? Being nice?”
- >”This is a great opportunity for us. If Florence surrenders, this guy will get a giant mansion. He’ll probably build a castle.”
- “So?”
- >”Then we won’t have to work anymore.”
- “You’re being dumb, Lem. Anon doesn’t care about us. We’re just ponies to him.”
- >”Yeah. He’s the kind of guy that learns our language and leads ponies. He must be a monster.”
- “Oh, don’t be sarcastic, Lemon.”
- >”It’s the only thing you understand.”
- “I don’t know if you realize this, but these are invaders. They are taking our land.”
- >”This never was our land, Lily. Equestria was supposed to be ours. Now it’s gone.”
- >She does have a point.
- >Besides Marco, most Florentines don’t care for ponies.
- >What was Equestria like?
- >You hardly remember anymore.
- >”Fine. You do what you want, but I’m going to live in a mansion.”
- >She turns to walk away.
- ”Lem!”
- >She ignores you and goes to Anon.
- >Lemon Drop quickly hops on the bench and leans into him.
- >You watch as his hand rubs her side.
- >In the corner a person waves you over.
- 12/15
- >It takes a while to understand what he means, but he is asking for a new cask.
- >Dutifully, you push another to take its place.
- >When you return to the bar Marco is back with clean glasses.
- >The next hour passes quickly.
- >People and ponies enter and leave.
- >Some leave with a mare.
- >The ones who are too drunk leave with their friends.
- >You look back at Lemon Drop.
- >Lem pretends to find Anon’s hand very interesting.
- >He pulls her in close, and she doesn’t resist.
- >You don’t want to see their kiss, so you look away.
- >When you look back, she is on his lap and swooning like a filly.
- >Her rear hooves playfully touch his sword hilt.
- >He holds her, and waves over Marco.
- >You can’t help yourself, and follow.
- >If anyone asks you’ll just say you thought he wanted to signal you.
- >”How much are ponies here? Five, six florins?”
- >”Usually around six,” Marco responds.
- >Lemon’s eyes open wide.
- >She mouths to you, “He’s going to buy me.”
- >You can’t believe how happy she looks.
- >It’s disgusting.
- >”Then I’ll give you twelve for the pair.”
- >Both of you?
- >Marco lets out a single laugh.
- >”I don’t own Lemon Drop. She belongs to my sister.”
- >”She won’t mind,” Lemon says quickly.
- >She bats her eyelashes at Anon.
- >Marco shakes his head.
- >”I can’t accept. She’s not mine.”
- >Anon taps a foot and Lemon bounces slightly.
- >”And the other one? Lily?”
- >”She’s a sickly pony,” he lies. “Also she is very headstrong. She’ll argue a lot.”
- >Anon shrugs.
- >”She won’t have to last long. Besides, she makes me laugh.”
- >So he does want to kill you.
- >You were stupid.
- >You shouldn’t have said anything.
- >Marco looks to you, and you shake your head.
- >He presses his lips together.
- >You know he wants to accept.
- >To ingratiate himself to Anon.
- >Part of you wants him to say yes.
- >That way he won’t get into trouble.
- >The other part hates Anon, and wants nothing to do with him.
- 13/15
- >”I’m sorry, my lord, but I can’t accept. Lily isn’t for sale.”
- >Anon looks toward his ponies.
- >Probably to hide his anger.
- >He only has a few soldiers left.
- >Most have already gone back to the camp, or rented a room for the night.
- >Anon moves his hand from Lemon's leg.
- >He touches her rear hooves with his fingers and she giggles.
- >You notice his palm is resting on his sword.
- >”What about fifteen just for Lily?”
- >”Fifteen?” Marco’s voice trails off. “That’s very generous, but I have to respectfully decline.”
- >Anon doesn’t try to hide his frown.
- >He looks at Marco as if he is weighing the man.
- >Trying to figure out his weakness.
- >Anon grips the handle of his sword.
- >The angle is awkward, clearly not meant to be drawn with his left hand.
- >You take a step back.
- >Marco must not have noticed, as he doesn't move.
- >Suddenly, Anon's mood passes.
- >He laughs before saying simply, “Fine.”
- >You let out a sigh of relief.
- >”Thank you for understanding, sir.”
- >Anon lets a smile creep across his face.
- >”Of course. Now, do you have any rooms left?”
- >”A room?”
- >”Yes. I’m tired of sleeping in a tent.”
- >”I only have a few small rooms left. Nothing that would be good enough for you.”
- >”I’m sure it will be fine.”
- >”Uh, yes. I’ll show you to an open one.”
- >Lemon Drop hops off Anon’s lap.
- >”Don’t worry, Marco. I’ll help Anon.”
- >She doesn’t wait for an answer and looks for the keys.
- “What about your horse?”
- >Anon gives you a confused look.
- >He hasn't gone to check on her all night.
- >You wonder if he even remembered.
- >”Dancer? I had one of my lieutenants take her back to the camp.”
- “Oh.”
- >”We have a stable for guests. Maybe next time,” Marco quickly offers.
- >”This way, Anon,” Lemon says with keys in her mouth.
- >He follows close behind.
- >Marco sits down at an open table as the last guest leaves.
- >The pony can barely stand and has to lean on another one.
- 14/15
- >”That wasn’t as bad as I thought,” Marco says.
- “Yeah. It could have been worse.”
- >You survey the damage.
- >There are half empty glasses everywhere.
- >The room still smells like blood, but it is slowly getting weaker.
- >You get up and grab a rag.
- >Marco stops you.
- >”We can clean in the morning.”
- >You nod and head to your room.
- >It’s almost over.
- >You didn’t get raped or killed, so that’s a good thing.
- >With any luck, these ponies will be pushed back to Venice.
- >The door closes with a click and you jump on your bed.
- >Would Anon really have killed you in cold blood?
- >Somehow you doubt it.
- >He wouldn't have tried to buy you just to end your life.
- >Anon did say that you made him laugh.
- >Maybe he isn't used to a mare not rolling over for him.
- >That doesn't matter now.
- >Soon they will all be gone.
- >You can hear giggling in the next room.
- >An ear instinctively perks up.
- >You furrow your brow.
- >Is that one of those dirty mares with a soldier?
- >They've probably been with dozens of ponies.
- >You lean in closer to listen.
- >Another laugh.
- >Instantly you recognize it.
- >It’s Lemon Drop.
- >You put a pillow over your head.
- >It does nothing to drown out the sound.
- >His joke probably wasn't even funny.
- >She always laid it on thick.
- >Probably wants to make sure Anon enjoys her.
- >She really doesn't want to work here anymore.
- >You can't blame her.
- >Who wouldn't want to live in luxury?
- >Anon is the first noble to ever come in here.
- >Lemon Drop is probably the smart one.
- >You turn to your side, and away from the laughing.
- >After a little bit, the laughter subsides.
- >Finally you can get some rest.
- >Deep breaths always calm you down.
- >You don't want to think about Anon right now.
- >He'll be gone soon enough.
- >You hear a moan.
- >You close your eyes tighter.
- >Why did she pick the room next to yours?
- fin
- 15/15
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