Morbid Curiosity part 4

>After a short while you have made it to your cottage.
>You would have arrived sooner, but Dash was in a very unusual hugging mood.
>Which was kind of nice.
>You reach towards the door and pull the handle with your teeth.
>You could have sworn that at some point it was split in two segments.
>Oh well, it isn't now.
>You decide to just accept it and move on.
>Especially with your friend being in need of help behind you.
"Come on in Rainbow, I'll just put my bags away."
>Despite not getting a response you trot inside and head to the kitchen.
>A special tea with tranquilizing herbs should help Dash a bit.
>Maybe she will stop getting those nasty shivers.
>You were really worried for her, whatever happened today must have really scared her.
>You can't imagine she did something horrible enough to traumatize her this hard.
>Right?
>Even though she seemed pretty convinced about it.
>No, she must be overreacting, she does this sometimes.
>Like all the way back in that competition in Cloudsdale.
>Although...
>Your train of thoughts is rudely interrupted by your front hoof hitting something on the floor.
>You do not manage to react in time and faceplant the ground sending your saddlebags flying into one of your kitchen's cupboards.
>Oh dear, that's what you get for not securing them properly.
>"Are you okay Fluttershy?"
>You hear hoofsteps closing in towards you from the living room.
"I'm okay, just tripped over... something"
>What did you trip over though?
>You unplug your face from the floor and look back.
>Oh.
>The cooking pot you put there this morning.
>And tried really hard to remember that it is there.
>So that you wouldn't trip.
>You sigh.
>You have to admit that the earlier you was right in thinking that this was a bad idea.
>Even if there was no space on the counters and you were kind of in a hurry.

>Come to think of it, that was a rather poor excuse for creating a safety hazard.
>You would not want anypony to get hurt because you're lazy.
>You make another mental note to be more careful with how you organize your cooking equipment, and get up.
>Or rather try to get up, as one of your rear hooves is now trapped by the lid fit to the pot.
>Buy the model with a hinge they said.
>You will never have to worry about using the wrong one they said.
>Perfect for storage they said.
>But no mentions on how difficult it is to clean.
>Or how it doubles as a bear trap apparently.
>Pony trap?
>That's probably not important right now.
>You manage to get your front hooves working, but your rear is still incapacitated by the heavy utensil.
>It feels like the cover is shut stuck again, and will no let go.
>You try to roll on your back so that your front hooves can reach the damn pot.
>But it seems to be holding your leg too hard to even slide it around, and twisting it all the way around hurts a lot.
>You finally give up your struggle with a resigned sigh when you see a familiar azure face peek around a corner.
"U-uhm, could you help me with this please? My l-leg is stuck."
>You ask pointing towards your trapped limb.
>That is not exactly how you planned to make your friend feel better.
>You were the one who was to be helping, not the other way around.
>Last thing she needs right now is to be taking care of another sloppy pony.
>You just hope that it won't make her feel worse.
>You notice her concerned look as her magenta eyes dart around your kitchen, between the smashed saddlebags and you.
>Oh no.
>And then she starts laughing.

>You did not expect that.
>Although you must admit that the situation is rather silly.
>You were after all forced into a submission by a cooking pot.
>And you suppose that seeing Rainbow laughing is a good thing, since you didn't even see her smile today.
>Even if it is not her usual way of laughing.
>It's much softer and more contained.
>But you will take anything like that over how she looked like when you found her in the stream.
>Whatever happened before the bee accident, it left her shaken to a hoof.
>She basically looked like she saw death.
>And now she was at least amused.
>Even if still in physical pain, she at least forgot earlier events for a while.
>You see the last glimpse of a colorful tail disappear in the side of your vision as you continue to lay on the ground like a yellow pegasus-shaped rag.
>You couldn't do much more anyway.
>You were at the mercy of your now only giggling friend.
>So you just let her try her best to free you.
>You hear something that sounds like teeth on metal at first, and feel a tug at your leg.
>But judging from the pressure you still feel against it, that approach did not work.
>After a second you feel something brush against your side, and as you turn your head you see Rainbow's hind legs pointing towards you.
>And suddenly, the iron grip on your limb releases as the pot opens with a lound clang.
>Which may have also scared you a bit.
>But it was a really loud noise.
>"There, all fixed. You should watch out around pots in the future. Guess you're not taming cooking equipment as well as you do the animals."
>You feel a blush creeping on your cheeks.
"T-thanks a lot, and sorry about that. I was just in a hurry to make you this tea."
>You notice your friend cocking her head, which ruffles her mane even further.
>"Tea? Weren't you talking about a balm earlier?"

>Oh, you actually did not explain you idea to her yet.
>Whoops.
"Well, yes. B-but you just seem so stressed that I thought you could use something to c-calm down."
>Oh, you just implied that she cannot control herself.
>That was not smart.
"But if you don't want to drink it then uhm, it's fine too."
>You notice that the smile has now disappeared from your friend’s muzzle, and she is staring idly into the floor.
>It's probably because of your hasty comment you silly pony.
>You need to speak less sometimes.
>"I... don't think that a drink can make me feel better now. Not that kind of drink at least."
>At least she seems to be considering it.
>Quick, press the attack now!
"Well, you won't know if you don't try."
>You accent your best intentions with an open smile and a squee.
>It's your secret weapon, Dash has no chances now.
>Although it's probably not so secret.
>But it's a weapon.
>And it seems to be effective, because your friend sighs and gives in.
>"Alright, I guess it won't help to try."
>She says rubbing the back of her head.
>A victory!
>Your valiant effort has allowed you to now go and make the promised tea.
>That is once you dislodge your bags from the counter.
>Oh well, that's what you get for being a silly pony.
>You trot over to the impact zone and inspect the accidental projectile.
>The contents seem to still be inside, and there are no tears that you can see.
>Good, you got this one quite recently and Rarity would be upset with you destroying it already.
>You carefully pull the joining strap of material with your teeth and watch for a potential avalanche of utensils.
>Thankfully nothing has happened.

>You put the bags on the floor and go over towards the kettle.
>You were supposed to not throw anymore things on the ground, but most of the jars occupying your counters are awaiting for the few things you had to fetch from the town.
>Some herbs, some fruit, a bit of sugar.
>Nothing special, but apparently enough to trap yourself with a pot.
>Shrugging the thought you realise that you made Rainbow stand awkwardly in the doorway.
>You turn around and see her rubbing her front hooves and staring at the window.
"Oh-umm, s-sorry. You could go and wait on the couch i-if you want, I'll just prepare everything."
>The only response you got was a single nod, as the azure pegasus turned around and walked to your living room.
>You were really scared.
>You could understand a lot coming from Dash.
>Weird moods, overreacting to situations.
>Even recklessness.
>But walking?
>That was seriously bothering you.
>You didn't want to mention anything when you were both running to your house, but you almost wanted to just stop right there and panic.
>Probably good thing you didn't, since that wouldn't be very productive.
>You take a few jars and containers out of your cupboards and carefully add just the right amount to the kettle.
>You would normally just make a mug and boil the water itself, but you had no idea how much your friend would want to drink.
>And you kinda wanted some yourself.
>You were nervous after all, and it's not like you didn't drink this tea sometimes.
>Often.
>Very often.
>You could hear Twilight's voice saying it's possibly not too healthy.
>Hmpf. Coming from a pony that never goes outside and reads whole day.
>What would she know about a good tea anyway?

>You try to put your disdain for a coffee-drinking plebeians in words, but before you manage to do that you realise that you've been pouring one particular ingredient for way too long.
>Oh my, this is going to be a rather strong brew.
>You could still water down the whole thing after it's done.
>But then the proportions would be way off, and could have some weird effects.
>Right now this would be a very... calming drink.
>Which frankly, might not be too bad of a thing.
>You look over towards your living room, but the couch is out of your sight.
>Rainbow needed to find some peace, you could tell.
>You didn't exactly know what was the issue that caused all this.
>But that could be fixed later, and an extra-strong Fluttershy tea was a good immediate solution to the symptoms at hoof.
>For all you know it would even ease her pain from stings a little.
>Confident now in sticking to your accidental mix, you proceed to add a normal amount of other ingredients.
>When all is done you take the kettle in your mouth and put it on the stove.
>It shouldn't take long, even if it was a rather big kettle.
>For such a small pony like you anyway.
>You just hope that it wasn't a mistake to not redo the whole brewing process altogether.
>No, it should be fine, right?
>All that could happen is that Dash would feel sleepy, and she probably could use a nap as well.
>And knowing her, she would not be able to take one right now.
>Sleepy hooves as she might be, when a stress gets to her head she would walk circles in a floor.
>Uh, or rather whatever the equivalent with flying would be.
>You wouldn't know yourself, your wings were not very cooperative in difficult situations.

>Sure enough, very soon you hear a whistle slowly building up as the liquid was boiling.
>You carefully snuff the burner and take the kettle by its wooden handle.
>You were never quite sure where that name came from, since it probably should be a thootle at any rate.
>Etymology aside, you reach a teapot you've prepared before and pour the extract into it.
>It doesn't quite hold it all, but it should be sufficient for the two of you.
>Especially in it's empowered form.
>Putting teapot together with a pair of cup on a tray, you reach to one of your cupboards for some cookies to go with the tea.
>Medical or not, it still made sense to have some treats to nib on.
>Rarity would be rather proud of you right now, and it makes you fuzzy inside.
>After pondering for a while you decide to take some of the honey glazed ones, with chestnuts and almonds.
>You didn't try them yet, but Pinkie said they are delicious.
>Though she said that about almost everything that came through Sugarcube Corner.
>Including some of the customers.
>Crazy pony.
>Having everything prepared, you secure the tray between your wings and head to your friend.
>She was sitting on the couch next to the small table, which was just perfect for your plans.
>If she sat on the other one, you wouldn't be able to put the tea anywhere but on the floor.
>And you wanted to avoid moving Rainbow as much as possible, even if this was not something that happens often.
>So you would be at an impasse then with no possible solution to the problem.
>...
>Other than, you know, moving the light table over.
>You are truly a silly pony someimes.

>You trot over to your friend, and pay closer attention to her for the first time since entering the room.
>Which you now feel bad for.
>Stupid distracting tables.
>Rainbow was looking at the window in front of her, and seemingly zoned out.
>Her expression was rather blank, although with a slight hint of sadness.
>And she seems very much lost in her thought.
>You grab the tray with your mouth and carefully settle it on the table.
>No spills.
>Nice.
>You notice that Rainbow broke away from her stasis and is now eyeing the treats with a faint smile and hungry eyes.
>You could probably just move on the the little tea party.
>But you are worried about just how deep in the thought was your friend lost.
"Um, Rainbow Dash?"
>She gives you a worried look.
>Shoot, you did not want to scare her.
>"Is something wrong Fluttershy?"
"Yes. Um, I mean no. I mean, oh goodness I don't know, you didn't tell me. It's just that you looked like you were thinking and I got scared."
>Really smooth Fluttershy.
>Dash recoils at the last part of your rambling, and narrows her eyes in an angry look which is somewhat ruined by the blush on her cheeks.
>"H-hey, what's that supposed to mean?"
>Why did you not become a royal ambassador?
>With your amazing ability to deal with other ponies and such?
"I d-didn't mean it like that, I didn't man to say that you don't think. I-it's just that you didn't even notice when I entered the room a-and you had this sad face again, and..."
>You pause, not sure what to add now.
>You lower your head and elect to not look at your friend.
>Your talking has only caused problems, so it's probably best to not talk.

>You are Rainbow Dash, and you just made yourself feel even worse than before.
>More importantly, you made your friend feel bad.
>A friend who took you into her house, and offered all the help she could provide.
>Again.
>Despite of what you might have done.
>Despite of you not telling her what you have done more like.
>All in all, you feel like shit.
>You'd think that after murdering someone you wouldn't be able to mess up more.
>And yet, here you are.
>Looking at Fluttershy who is trying to stare her way through the floor.
>Yes, she said something stupid.
>But does it compare to all the stupid crap you did today?
>No.
>You lean over on the couch and reach out your hoof to her.
>Upon contact she jumps up with a soft "Eep".
>This pony sometimes.
>You slide of the couch completely and pull her closer.
>You are slowly reaching Pinkie levels of hugginess.
>Whatever.
>Not your biggest concern.
>The yellow pegasus obeys your gesture and wraps her forehooves around you.
"I'm sorry Fluttershy, I didn't mean to lash out on you like that."
>"N-no, I understand. I said something very stupid. As usual."
>The last part was a soft murmur, but since you were so close to her you could hear it no problem.
"Believe me, if that's the most stupid thing you've done today then compared to me, you are a genius."
>"W-well, I was trapped by a cooking pot about fifteen minutes ago."
>You chuckle softly and pull yourself out of your friend's soft embrace.
"Fair enough, that was kinda funny."
>She is smiling right now, which makes you feel better.
>Slightly.
>You respond in kind and point your wing towards the coffee table with the weird tea on it.
"Now, how about trying that tea of yours?"

>You settle yourself as comfortably as your aching flank allows you to.
>That is, not very much.
>Still though, if this brew will make you feel a bit better...
>Maybe not forget this morning, but just release some of that tension from your chest.
>And make those Celestia forsaken shivers go away.
>It was a warm, nice weather outside, and yet you felt cold.
>Well, worth a shot you guess.
>You watch as Fluttershy pours two cups of this special tea.
>Wait a minute.
>Two cups?
"Are you going to drink it too?"
>"Well, yes. Why?"
"I thought this was some kind of... medicine."
>"This is a medicine. Just in a form of tea. It makes a pony calm down and relax, helps in stressful situations."
>You nod, realising the implications of that.
>"Oh, did you mean if I am drinking it as a medicine?"
"Yeah, you got the cookies, nice teapot and everything. It's like a tea party."
>The butter pony smiles before looking at the treats she just brought.
>"I wanted to make it seem more natural. After all, the whole point is for you to relax."
"I guess?"
>You state with uncertainty.
>"And don't worry about me. I drink it quite a lot, so I am used to it."
>You catch her pink eyes over the table, and they seem to only reflect the smile just below them.
>Maybe you're overthinking this.
>"Perhaps you didn't notice, but I am a bit of a scaredy pony, so getting nervous is not that rare for me."
>You snort and reach out for your cup.
"You don't say?"

>Clasping the teapot between your hooves you carefully raise it to your mouth and smell the vapour.
>It's hard to describe, but it somehow feels very invasive, even if it is not intense per say.
>Does this make sense? Maybe.
>It is as if a warm numbness tried to break it's way into your nostrils.
>You really can't relate it to any other smells you've got to know so far.
>But there are some other hints that are more familiar to you, like mint.
>You look over your cup to check what Fluttershy is doing.
>She is softly blowing air onto the hot surface, but otherwise doesn't look worried.
>So this weird smell must be just natural to this kind of brew.
>You don't think that she would try to harm you, but you were kind of worried that she might have mixed it wrong or something.
>But once again, she looks completely fine.
>Your hesitation does not go unnoticed however, as you're met with a questioning gaze.
>"Is something wrong Rainbow Dash?"
>You scramble to find a good response.
"Yes, I mean no. I mean, maybe, it's this weird smell that I can't even describe."
>You say as you eye the tea suspiciously.
>"I know, I was worried about it at first too. But it smells like that every time, so it's normal. If a little bit weird."
>Alright then.
>You are Rainbow Dash, and you are not scared of any tea.
>Lets handle this like a mare.
>With a new found courage you take a deep sip of the weird liquid.
>When it touched your tongue you felt it had a somewhat bitter taste.
>It wasn't enough bitterness to make you spit the drink away, but it did make you scrunch your nose and swallow it a bit too quickly.
>You feel a warm sensation flowing down your throat into your body, spreading the sensation outwards.
>It was as if your digestive system was now radiating heat out.
>Which it technically was, come to think of it.

>You roll your tongue out your mouth in a weak attempt to get rid of the bitter aftermath.
>"Oh my, I guess I should've told you about the taste."
>Your friend says with her hoof raised to her smiling mouth.
>You must look silly right now, tongue hanging out and scrunched nose.
"Yeth, phobably."
>Fluttershy giggles before pushing the plate with cookies toward you.
>"I think these might help a bit. I'm not sure how much you need to drink, so the taste will stay for a bit. Better to take it slow you know."
>Oh screw that.
>You would have to play cat and mouse with this stupid tea just because you didn't know how your body would react?
>No thank you, your body will endure as always.
>Better to take this head on and be done with this taste.
"But one cup should be about right, yes?"
>"Uhm, probably. That's how much I drank when I first got it, but-"
>Uninterested in any butts, you proceed to down the whole thing in one go.
>Celestia's hoofs, that taste stings.
>You close your eyes really hard, waiting for the worst part to pass.
>"Oh my... I'm not sure if that was the smartest thing to do Dash. You don't know how you will take it."
"Pfft, you sound like Twilight. What are you, an egghead?"
>You open your eyes and shake your head to get rid of the lights floating in your sight.
>Perhaps you shut them too tight.
>Fluttershy flaps her wings with an angry expression written on her.
>Whoa, that's new.
>"No I am not. Twilight knows nothing about how you should make a good herbal medicine, even if she thinks otherwise."
>They must have had some kind of argument over it.
>Hopefully not about any nasty side effects.

>You feel the taste in your mouth slowly depart, leaving the place for a welcome nothingness.
"Then who gave you this recepie? I was sure it was Twilight."
>You say as you reach over to one of the cookies.
>It looks like it was glazed in honey with some kind of white pellets in it.
>White chocolate?
>"Zecora of course, it's one of her special brews."
>Oh, almonds. A weird addition to a cookie like that.
>Something about it makes you uneasy.
"Makes sense I guess. Everything Twilight can't find in a book right away makes her scared for life."
>Like using thunders on humans?
>...
>Not right now. You've burdened Fluttershy enough, she doesn't need to see you break down.
>You repress the dark thoughts into the remote area of your brain, and take a bite of the cookie.
>They will come back sooner than you would want them, that's granted.
>But not right now.
>Right now you feel nothing.
>Not even the taste of the treat you're munching on.
>Wait a second.
>You focus back on your tongue, and realise that you barely feel anything.
>And that does include feeling the crumbs themselves, the very weight.
>Let alone any taste.
>You gulp down quickly and open your mouth again, this time to probe your tongue with the surviving half of the cookie.
>Nothing.
>You put the cookie down and use your hoof.
>You feel like you were touching some foreign object, wet and slippery.
"Uhm, Fluttershy?"
>The yellow pegasus turns away from the window she was apparently looking through, and gives you a worried look.
>"Yes?"
"I can't really feel my tongue right now."
>You say as you point towards your mouth.
>Her pupils shrink and her ears lie flat on her head.
>"Oh my, that's not good."

>Not good?
"W-what do you mean not good?"
>"N-now, take it easy. There is no need to panic. I think."
>Even though the last part was barely muttered under her breath, you still caught it.
>Okay, now you are definitely panicking.
"You think? What's that supposed to mean?"
>You flutter your wings at full speed, raising up into the air a few feet despite the sharp stings all over your body.
>Except for your head, neck and chest.
>Even though your rear got the most of the assault, you still got stung here and there at the front.
>But now you fill nothing but overwhelming numbness.
>The surreal sensation makes you dizzy, and so you plummet back down onto the couch.
>Your traumatized flanks cry out in pain from the rough landing, but you can't help to notice that it's a much softer pain than before.
>Through your hazed senses you notice that Fluttershy has gotten up and is now close to you.
>"P-please keep calm Dashie. This is n-not what I wanted to happen, but it will not hurt you."
>You find it rather difficult to breathe all of a sudden, so you don't exactly believe in her words.
"Fluttershy I... My head is spinning. What's, what's going on?"
>You feel a bit of that panic from earlier today overtaking you.
>But that too feels much more mild.
>In fact the strongest thing you feel right now is sleepiness.
>You blink a few times and focus on breathing, since it feels like you're running out of oxygen.
>"I may have added too much of... s-something to the tea. I just wanted you to calm down, b-but now you're going to fall asleep."

>Yeah, you did feel like sleeping.
>You could just let your head fall down to the pillow.
>It feels so soft after all.
>Like a cloud...
>With the last straw of your willpower you look at your friend again.
>She is caressing your mane with her hoof, even though you can't feel it.
>There is fear in hear eyes, but also something else.
>A genuine worry and care.
>"I'm sorry for messing this up, but everything is going to be alright. You know I would never hurt you. Just close your eyes, and I'll be here for you."
>There is something in her voice, or in her eyes that just makes you believe her this time.
>So you just close your eyes.
>And drift away.

>Standing around the corner from Fluttershy's living room you watch as Rainbow continues to not move.
>She is out cold by the looks of it.
"Jesus Christ on a Stick."
>You involuntary mutter before catching yourself.
>Thankfully the yellow pegasus did not seem to notice.
>Guess you're getting better at controlling your limbo powers.
>You are Anonymous of course.
>And quite frankly you are freaked out.
>Whatever Fluttershy has just served, managed to knock out an almost-Wonderbolt athlete in about a minute.
>You thought that nothing could get through that thick skull of hers, but there you are.
>Wrong and confused.
>Did she do that on purpose?
>You weren't sure what exactly Rainbow confessed back at the riverside, but even if she said everything would it prompt Flutters of all ponies to just poison her friend like that?
>...
>It's always the quiet ones huh?
>"Oh wow."
>You hear soft voice from behind you, prompting you to turn around towards the kitchen.
>Ivory was examining the jars that Fluttershy used for her 'tea'.
>And as you walk back in you can notice her heavily scrunched muzzle as she hovers above one of them, with the lid to the side.

>Guess she found something interesting.
>Giving you a sideways glance she blinks away a few tears and moves away from the container before explaining
>"I think I have found why that little pegasus's brew was supposed to calm her friend down."
>You watch her screw the lid back on and wait for her to elaborate.
>"It's Midnight Rose. An extremely potent herb that was used across the ages in many poisons as the key ingredient."
>You feel yourself recoiling as you realize what that entails.
"So Fluttershy tried to poison Rainbow?"
>"I didn't say that little one."
>Ivory says while raising her hoof in a calming manner.
>"A diluted poison is often handy as a cure. Just because it was used to harm, it does not mean it cannot heal."
>You nod and find yourself staring at the jar.
>"I do believe she truly intended to calm her friend down. Midnight Rose has been used by ancient nobility as a way to dull pain. Though how she came to find a use for it now is a mystery to me."
>For once you believe you might have an answer to that.
"She did mention Zecora. I know she knows a lot more about potions than even Twilight does."
>Ivory rustles her wings slightly and looks at you with curiosity.
>"And who is that pony you call Zecora? I am surprised to find this particular ingredient used either way, from a herbalist or not."
"She is a zebra, not a pony. She lives on the edge of Everfree Forest, and all I know is that she came from afar."
>You never really got too friendly with the shaman voodoo lady horse.
>Something about her talking in rhymes that was always throwing you off.
>Ivory though seems to be considering what you just said, with a hoof to her chin.
>"Yes, that would explain it. I know that some particular traditions that ponies seem to have forgotten have been preserved by zebras. Do you think she would give the pegasus this kind of recepie?"
>You rub your head and think.

"Maybe. She often helps local ponies with random potions, I guess she might have told her how to make a nerve-calming tea after some time. Fluttershy of all ponies probably needs it."
>The alicorn hums in thought before walking past you towards the living room.
>You follow her, focusing to not make any sound.
>The two of you spend a moment just staring at Rainbow Dash lying like a sack of potatoes on the couch.
>A sack of potatoes covered by a very cozy looking blanket.
>Fluttershy must have covered her before she left for... something.
>Finally Ivory speaks.
>"Do not get me wrong Anonymous. The ingredient your friend used is an excellent way to numb pain and calm one's nerves."
>You feel the unsaid second half of that sentence hanging in the air.
"But...?"
>"But the sheer amount of Midnight Rose she used is... perplexing to say the least."
>You watch as Death walks closer to the knocked out pegasus and inspects her carefully.
>"She must be very used to it by now to resist those proportions herself."
>She says before leaning over to the mug that still had a bit of liquid in it.
>And there goes that scrunchy face again.
>"And if she did use that much of it on purpose, then either she wanted to put Rainbow to sleep, or has seriously overused it in the past."
>You look over to the blue pony.
"And what about her? Is she okay?"
>Ivory just looks back at her for a second before speaking.
>"Yes. She will be asleep for a while, but she will not die. At least not from it."
>You on the other hand can't notice any signs of breathing, or any movement at all.
"Are you sure?"
>A smug smirk from a certain alicorn makes you very quickly realize your mistake.
"Right. I guess you would be an expert here."
>That prompts a laughter from her.

>"Yes, you could say that. She is very weak, but still alive."
>You think for a moment and ask
"So what happens next?"
>"Oh?"
>A surprised voice answers.
>"Why whatever do you mean little one?"
"Well, Raincunt is out like a filly, and will probably be so for a few hours. And my plan was to follow her around for the time being, which uh, is not really doable anymore."
>The alicorn cocks her head before answering
>"That is true, she is likely to not wake up at least until the midnight. Maybe even longer. If you just wanted to stalk her though, I'd say it became a bit easier for you."
>You cringe a bit at her choice of words.
"Geez, that sounds pretty bad when you put it like that. I just kinda wanted to... nudge her here and there. Follow her around and make sure she realises what she has done."
>Looking over at the sleeping pegasus frame you rub your arms together.
"But I'd have to wait for her to wake up if I want to do so. Plus she seems to be freaking out all by herself just fine."
>Ivory looks over to a window and thinks for a moment.
>"If it is indeed haunting her that you wished to achieve, then yes. Your plan is going to be put on hold for the time being. That being said though..."
>She looks over to you with a bashful expression and a hint of blush on her muzzle.
>Uh oh.

>"I do need to tend to my duties at some point. Perhaps now would be a good time for me to let you be."
>You can't help but to feel a sting of disappointment.
"You're going to leave me here?"
>Despite trying to sound as neutral as possible, you still see the mare recoil.
>"Not altogether, no. I just... Must attend some of the duties I delayed to be here. I think that now would just be a correct moment for it."
>Oh, that doesn't sound so bad then.
"So you would be back when she wakes up?"
>The alicorn nods.
>"More or less. I will return somewhere amidst the night, though I can't exactly tell when. I will be able to find you without an issue though, so you will be free to do as you see fit, and go where you will.”
>You consider this for a moment.
>After all do not have much right to deny her doing her duties, even if you could do that.
>And you really doubt you could.
“So I suppose this is another farewell?”
>Ivory hearing that just gives you another one of her knowing smiles.
>”I'm more inclined to call it a goodbye. Ponies nowadays seem to think of farewells as something permanent. And nothing about you is currently permanent.”
>Right, this was supposed to be a very temporary setup.
>”Plus I will be back before you even notice. After all, Death is said to be an expert in arriving unsuspected and too fast, no?”
>You cannot help but chuckle at that.
“Alright, just don't bring any taxes with you when you're back.”
>The mare smirks while charging a flurry of white sparks from her horn.
>”Don't worry, when I started working there wasn't even currency invented.”
>And with soft puff she was gone, with just her white smile lingering in the air for a split second.
>Turning around you notice Fluttershy walking down her stairs with a basket in her mouth.
>Looks like you have some to kill.