Title:           Pocket Watch - day 3
Author:          CGen
Pastebin link:   http://pastebin.com/7KKbJjf9
First Edit:      Monday 16th of May 2016 07:41:31 AM CDT
Last Edit:       Last edit on: Friday 17th of June 2016 10:22:19 PM CDT

>Daylight streams hit you in the face like the sight and feel of a crystalline dildo and morning wood all in one.
>You shake your head to clear it and sit up on the edge of your bed.
It must've been pretty nice...to have gotten you hard like this. You can barely remember bits of it.
>Some other stallion was involved, you think...though you can't remember who it was. It makes you blush.
Such lewd thoughts coming through all of a sudden. You're not usually like this.
>Still, its a new day. And you haven't even decided on a place to stash your stolen penis. And the meeting with Charmed Wit is tonight.
>The watch on the nightstand reads a quarter to nine.
Crap. Mail's coming soon.
 
>Fifteen minutes would seem like plenty of time, but you still have your whole morning routine to do first.
>It takes a few minutes to slip the dong under your pillow and make your sheets, and a few more to brush your teeth.
>Cool water runs over your body in the shower, waking you up more and doing some work to soften your morning wood.
The water feels kinda nice, you wonder what it'll be like to be taking one like this...or giving it...
>You turn the temperature down some more. Thank whoever for inventing magically temperature controlled plumbing.
 
>Your clothes were already on and breakfast was half ready when you hear a series of solid knocks coming from downstairs.
Oh well, looks like the shop's opening later than usual today. Food will have to wait.
>Snail Mail is interrupted half-knock when you open the door.
>"Oomf ay-" He takes the newspaper out of his mouth. "-good morning Mr. Watch. Did you just get out of the shower?"
>He waves his hoof over his head.
Ahh, you knew you forgot something...your mane's still isn't combed.
 
"Ah,yes...very observant."
>You blink a few times and grin, giving your head a quick jerk to the side to get the hairs out of your vision.
"Its been a bit of an off start this morning, I woke up later than usual..."
>The mailpony nods, holding the folded newspaper with his hoof. You take it and pin it under your wing.
"There's some business I need to take care of later after my business here, its just a busy day today, you know?"
>There's no response.
 
>Snail Mail is standing still, with a blank look, eyes dilated staring off into nowhere.
...is he drooling?
"Okay then...thanks for the mail."
>The door shuts behind you and you make your way back upstairs. That was weird...
>You place the paper on the table for some light reading later and head into the bathroom to fix up your messy mane.
Huh, you look a lot more like your twin with your hair like this...makes sense. Copper doens't seem to do much for his mane anyway.
>A few quick strokes with a brush has it back into its usual glory.
>While finishing the last of breakfast you wonder how you should spend these ten or so hours before the 'meeting'.
>You'd already agreed on the preperations with Copper last night, but is there anything else you missed?
>Recalling the little pursuit with the box thief yesterday, you can't help but think a little practice is in order?
>Though the day off yesterday probably didn't hurt your sales much, you didn't exactly spend your time working either.
>That repair and replacement of that businesspony's watch isn't going to finish itself.
>Or is there something else more important to spend the morning on?
 
While it would be nice to get some practice in before tonight, you did say you'd get that stallion's watch repaired in three days.
And its already been one. Better get to work.
>You roll up your sleeves and go back downstairs to your workbench.
>The tools are laid all over its surface, from basic screwdrivers and brushes to movement holders and hand removers more specific to your profession.
>Its not the neatest of work spaces, but it does its job. You take a seat on the stool and pull out your current project from its slot on the shelf and move the arm-mounted magnifying glass over it.
>Most other artisans use smaller loupes, but you never really saw the need. Your teacher didn't, so you never did either.
>First things first, you open the back to see what you'll be needing to replace; the gear train seems intact, as does the escapement mechanism and balance wheel.
>The mainspring powering everything seems to have lost tension somehow, so that will need replacing along with the face, second hand and arbor in the winding hole.
>Truth be told, you were overcharging a little on this. If not for the other repairs you had to do, you could have gotten this done in a few hours maximum.
Oh well. What he doesn't know won't hurt him...much.
 
>It takes some time to find the necessary replacement parts, but the work is done quickly.
>Concentrating with your feathers at work was always...calming to you. Like some form of meditation.
>Thoughts arrive and leave with clarity, and thinking about other things always made the time pass faster.
That was the second time you'd had that kind of reaction to 'flipping' your mane. Curious. Maybe you should do it more often? Maybe wear it like Copper does?
>You slowly lower the new hand into place while adding a drop of oil to ensure everything is well lubricated.
If you did that you'd look just like him. More than you already do, you mean. That could be fun. And speaking of fun, a vacation with all your friends sounds nice. No idea what you'd be doing though...
>The cover on the businesspony's watch is closed with a satisfying click. The winding key turns smoothly and it ticks just the way you like it.
Good thing that one didn't have any extra features to fix. You swear, if you have to fix another tourbillon again you're taking half the day off! Accuracy is a good thing, but putting a tiny gyroscope into the watch face is just showing off.
>The watch goes back into the shelf and you pull out the next one in line. Its a gold one, the family heirloom of some shopkeeper, you think.
>No pony with enough money sends in a worn, scratched watch with a weak spring and chipped face for just winding and a new chain.
 
>Well if winding and a new chain is what the customer wanted, that's what you'll do. For all you know, they might just like it the way it is.
Would your mentor approve of this whole thing, you wonder? You're going to do who knows what for supposedly stopping a war, or something like that.
That's a quite a jump from running the store day by day. You aren't sure if he'd approve, but you do know he would be worried.
>You measure out a length of new chain to match the watch. A few turns of the key leaves that order completed.
Equestria has been peaceful with other lands for quite some time now, but you'd read there was some kind of conflict a few generations ago.
Was Charmed Wit really telling the truth about what could happen? As far as you know, Gryphs and Equestrians have gotten along quite well.
 
>On to the next few watches, and more winding. Its too bad not all watchmakers give out winding keys. Can't complain about the bits it brings you though.
Starting late must mean lunch time is coming soon right? Maybe an extended break is in order. Its going to be a busy night tonight. Graduation and all that.
How do Royal Guards spend their breaks? Surely that corny 'romance' book can't be the truth of what goes on in a locker room.
A bunch of fit, trained ponies all tired, sweaty, pent up with the stress of whatever guards do...and with showers right next to them...
Nah. There's gotta be a rule against that. But that bat pony DID seem a little too interested in your feathers...
>Tuning the lastest piece to the current time, its almost eleven. A break now might be good. Even if you don't leave for lunch you could work on other things.
 
Now would be a good time to get some practice in. Don't want to let some random pony get the better of you again. Not without knowing it first, at least.
>Lockpicking is the easiest thing to do first. The doors in your home and a few padlocks lying around are easy opportunities.
>Fortunately, the few customers you had to entertain didn't come in time to see you try to pick the locks of your own doors.
>When luchtime comes around an hour later, you take the time to try and pick out details about the ponies and shops you pass by.
>A heavy bit pouch here, a set of fake jewellry there, but you're no Sherlock Hooves. You're not getting any life stories from those.
>Cream Tea is on the bar today, and she's happy to see you again. Steel Plate comes out for a few minutes to chat when he brings you your food.
>Banana and Lemon take their when most of the lunch crowd clears out. And it seems this time Banana's the one doing the teasing.
>She snickers and gives you a wave when you make eye contact, elbowing Lemon as he gives a less joyful wave of his own.
Heh. Siblings. It looks like Lemon has the embarrassing secret this time...what ever could it be?
 
>On the way back you make sure to stop by a certain store to pick up a bottle of lube. A dozen bits.
>And the cashier mare is as indifferent as ever, its almost like you never even came in before at all.
>You stow your bottle of slippery stuff and get back to practicing in the afternoon.
>Its too bad you don't have a partner for sneaking and pickpocketing. Walking and moving various objects around will have to do instead.
>For a moment you considered running a circuit around the rooftops, but you decide against it. Roof tiles are noisy.
>At five you close up the shop and head out to meet Copper dressed up in the snazziest complimentary collar and bow tie you own. You pick light green. Because then he gets to wear pink.
 
>The entrance to the Palace Grounds are something you've only passed by once before, but its exactly as you remember it.
>Tall, hedged metal fences rising out of low white walls, hiding the buildings behind it. Ornate designs are molded from every post like tiny spears. They look a little like flowers.
>A large set of gates mark the main entrance where a small group of guards stand ready, probably for all the visitors later.
>Your twin is already there, sitting on one of the benches looking up at the sky. You move to take a seat next to him.
>"Hey Watch, youu-" His tone falls when he sees the bow tie in your hoof. "-uu did that on purpose, didn't you?"
 
"Did what?" You try to feign ignorance.
>Copper doesn't look convinced.
"Don't worry, its just a bow tie, you'll look good in it!"
>Your twin groans but accepts the pink accessory regardless. You lean back on the bench, taking in the sights of the ponies passing by.
"How important do you think it is that we're here? It sounds like its going to be quite boring."
>"We'll just have to see, won't we? It can't be that boring with how short on time she made things sound." He seems to have some trouble tying the final knot.
>Copper sighs and lets his hooves drop to the bench.
>"Ugh...well you wanted to meet up early to chat, so what did you want to chat about?"
 
"We could start with what you've been doing...what weird jobs did you try out this time?"
>You lean over and use your nimbler feathers to weave in the final knot. He mumbles out a soft thanks in return.
>"Well I tried my hoof at being a waiter, I thought I'd see if all the bad rep service work gets really is true."
"And was it?" You say with a smirk.
Its hard to imagine a pony like your brother dressed in a suit waiting tables in some fancy restaruant...all formal and neat like you? That's just not his thing.
>"With some of the richer ponies, sure! But it wasn't all bad, I made friends with one of the cooks, he'd left around the same time I did. He owns a bar now, the same one we went to the other night." A sad smile flashes on his face for a brief moment.
>"But I've done hardly anything else this time...its kind of why I listened to Charmed Wit in the first place."
"You've got a bunch of free time at least." You give Copper a reassuring pat on the back. "Sitting down every day has gotten me all rusty."
>"Heh, I'll bet! Wasn't better feather control supposed to make you the better thief?"
 
>The evening sky has gotten darker now, and you spot quite a few ponies making their way in. Judging by how they're dressed, they must be here for the graduation ceremony.
>A familiar brown unicorn makes her way out from the gates and easily spots the two of you.
>"Good evening, Mr Watch, Mr Cog." She nods at the two of you, as if inspecting your choice in attire. "Arriving early, I see. Good. Follow me please, and we'll get started."
>Charmed Wit leads Copper and you not through the front gates, but to an outdoor cafe to the side. She takes a seat at a table.
>"Uhh...aren't we going into the castle?" Copper turns his head back toward the gates in confusion.
>"You will be, but not right now." Wit waves off the waitress and gestures to the two empty chairs before you.
>"As I told the both of you, we were alerted to the...'event' on short notice. So instead of the breifing I'm sure you two were expecting, there will be a more direct introduction."
 
>Copper looks to you and you both shrug. Might as well take a seat...
>"Aren't you worried civillians might overhear us?" The mare shakes her head in reply.
>"More voices around means more noise to sort through. And I'm not going to be speaking so plainly, so you don't have to worry about that."
"What do we need to know then?"
 
>"There are two days before the gryphons arrive, and we will have to handle even more things once they do. But that is for later."
>She levitates out a pair of cards, with your names on them.
>"The immediate task is to get you two accquainted with the Palace Grounds and begin preparations for increasing security. The plan is to get as much of both done as possible."
>"Look for me in the palace library, inside the Starswirl The Bearded Wing, by midnight. If you do not, then I will wait for you outside the castle doors instead."
>"How you decide to get to me is up to you, but do remember how you do it, any weaknesses you exploit could be used by others as well."
>"And please, do NOT harm the guards on duty." She pauses to make sure you heard. "You're on the same side here, even if they don't know it."
>"The passes will get you into the public areas closed off for the Graduation, if you need them. Do you have questions?"
 
That seems pretty straightforward...sneak to the place within the time limit, and don't get caught, obviously.
"I don't have anything to ask."
>"What about you, Mr Cog?" She turns to your brother.
>"Yeah, what happens if we get caught?"
>"If that happens, you would be spending some time in the dungeons for trespassing." She replies directly. "I would hope that doesn't happen."
>Copper gives out a soft 'oh' at that.
>"If that is all, I will leave you two to begin. Good luck." Charmed Wit nods once again and leaves the table, heading back into the palace.
 
>"So...how should we start?" Copper asks.
>The outer areas of the Palace are free for public access, if you recall, and some parts of the castle itself.
>Gardens seperate the castle from the other buildings around it like the guard house, barracks and offices.
>You're not really sure where the library exactly is though, except that its supposed to be part of the castle itself.
>From your seat at the cafe you can see the guests seem to be following a path through the gardens, but not much else.
>Maybe you should find a better view?
 
"I think we should find somewhere we can get a clear look of the place."
Its not like you're seeing much from this table anyway...
>You stand up and start walking. Copper follows closely beside you.
>"What, you mean somewhere high? The highest place around here is the top of castle. I don't know about you, but I'd rather leave the tresspassing for later."
>But maybe the highest place won't be necessary...the roofs of the buildings around you should be high enough for a good look...
>"How about we just head in right now? Some of the Palace IS public access, you know."
>There's a point there, the gryphons supposedly trying to seal the magic thingy would be blending in with the other diplomats after all.
"Or we could just keep walking around and see what we can see, maybe we'll find a hole in the wall?"
>"A hole? In the metal, hedged fence surrounding the probably most guarded place in the city?" The stallion asks skeptically. "Who'd have time for that?"
 
"Okay,okay. That wasn't the best idea...but walking in without a plan is just reckless."
>As you walk through the main gate you can see the path lined with trees through the gardens stretching before you, and the first gate to the castle itself at the far end.
>"Can we assume there'll be fewer patrols because of the ceremony? Maybe we should wait around for everyone to get busy before we try sneaking in."
>Paths turning off to the sides lead to the barracks and offices. You see a sign pointing to the Royal Museum too. A mix of day and night guards patrol around...maybe they're just changing shifts?  
"There's still the passes though. We could say we're here for a friend, and find a way into the archives from there."
>You take yours out for a closer look. Its a mostly white piece of card, stamped with an official looking seal. No mention of a name, but it does say 'Guest'.
 
>"I guess that plan's good enough." Your twin shrugs. "We're still on a time limit though. Who knows how long it'll be before we can get away?"
"Are there any easier solutions? I don't really know what to expect - we're at the bucking castle."
>"Pretend to be Princess Celestia and ask for directions?" The stallion asks jokingly. He then sighs and shakes his head. "I just wish we had a map or something...its not going to be easy being blind in a big place like this."
>Copper and you stop for a moment at a bench off the main path overlooking a pond. A pavilion is on the other side, flanked by trees and bushes.  You can hear crickets starting their chirping by the water, with the faint sounds of hooffalls behind.
>"Its pretty nice here...almost peaceful..." He takes a moment to look at all the green around him while you turn your attention to the plaque by the water's edge.
This pond has been a favourite feature...blah blah blah...pavilion...yadda yadda...afternoon tea...birds. How interesting.
>"Hey look, that must be where they're checking the guests." Copper points back to the castle.
>You can see a small queue of ponies at the guard house. That probably means the entire castle itself is closed off to the public tonight.
>But once you're past that, you'll have to get through the party first...not like you have very much choice with what you have on you. Which is hardly anything at all.
 
>Since you see no other alternatives you decide to join the queue first. You make a note to keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.
>The two of you trot quickly to blend into the line of ponies. A pair of guards stand under the archway, letting the other guests trickle through.
>A few more ponies wearing jackets and ties and dresses fall in behind, slowly pushing you the line.
>"So, what are we gonna say? In case they ask." Copper whispers.
>You're close enough now to get a better look at the guards. One's a Thestral mare writing on a clipboard. The other is a Unicorn in his grey coat and golden armor, and greets the guests as they pass.
 
"Say we're here to visit a friend, congratulate them for their graduation, stuff like that." You whisper back to him.
>The number of ponies in front gets even shorter now, and your turn is coming soon.
>The guards' voices can be heard clearly now. It sounds like the bat mare is just counting the visitors. At least you won't have to deal with not being on a list.
>"So who's our 'friend'?" Copper turns to face you now. "And here I thought we'd have to pretend to be a couple of tourists..."
>"What was that, Sir?"
"Oh, he just said we're a couple on a tour!" You blurt out.
 
>That sentence earns the two of you a strange look from the guards in front of you. And a few of the ponies behind you as well.
>Red tints your cheeks as you nervously glance around. There's no sound except for the slap of Copper's hoof onto his face.
>Thankfully, your twin breaks the silence by handing the unicorn your passes.
>"We're just...here to support our friend. They're, uh, graduating tonight."
Thanks for the save...
>You flash your brother a sheepish grin. He shrugs in resignation.
>The Lunar Guard in the back takes the chance to save you from further embarrassment.
>"Well its always good to see the new recruits have got some friends on the outside!" She smiles. "Who's the lucky guard?"
 
>You search your memories for the guards you know by name...aaand there's only one.
"His name is Night Skies." You tell the mare.
He's going to be guard so he's got to be part of the graduation, right?
>"Night...? Oh, him. His family came in earlier, guess you were just running late huh? He never mentioned having friends coming though..."
>The Unicorn finishes his inspection of the passes and gives them back to Copper, accepting them with an open wing.
>"Everything's in order, please move along sirs."
>You give a hasty shrug to the mare as you pass by. Can't have her getting suspicious now...
 
>The first gate leads directly into the castle courtyard: a large, open space overlooked by pretty much every building and window around. Big enough for a parade, you reckon.
>Another pair of guards stand stoic by a large set of doors. That must be the main entrance.
>Smaller doors, sized regularly, can be seen around dotting the walls. Shortcuts for servants?
>"So we're a 'couple on a tour', eh?" The stallion beside you flashes a cheeky grin, now that you're both out of earshot. "Maybe I shouldn't have declined that job offer after all...so how'd you come up with an actual guard's name anyway?"
 
"Now dear brother, how else WOULD I know someone's name?" You flash your own cheeky grin right back at him.
>"Well if I had to guess..." He puts his hoof under his chin in mock thought. "He came into your store and he told you his name?"
"Eh..close enough. His aunt bought him a watch for the graduation and she lost the winding key. He came in with her for the replacement." You shrug.
"I don't really know him much other than that. I just figured he'd probably be here."
>Copper takes the lead through the doors into the entrance hall. The ponies at either side stand as still as statues.
Huh...it looks like they really do have to stand comepletely still after all.
>"Well I hope you either start knowing him better, or we don't meet him at all." He mutters to you, eyes scanning the room. "Its going to be a right mess if we get asked a question we can't answer."
 
>You nod in affirmation and take a look around as well.
>Its a large room, much larger than the two floors your own little shop combined surely.
>Red carpets and sculpted pillars decorate the room. A quartet chandeliers made of crystal hangs from the ceiling, lighting up the room as clear as day.
>Smaller lamps line the walls and windows many times your size flank the doors. A staircase stretches up away from you, splitting off to either side halfway up.
>Closed doors on either side of the room make the path to the main ballroom pretty obvious.
>"Wow, shiny." Copper remarks at the polished marble floor.
>You can hear the voices of a crowd above you, that must be where some of the other guests are. That probably means other places of the castle are open to guests too...
 
Looks there's nowhere else to go but up for now.
>Reaching the top of the stairs you and Copper seem to have finally reached the party. Well, part of it, at least.
>Ponies of all races scattered around having a quiet conversation or just taking a break from the din coming through the open dorway to the ballroom before you.
>A server welcomes you in with a slight bow. The live band is playing some music on a stage at the end of the room. Exits to the balconies overlooking the gardens below opened up along the sides of the room let in some of the cool night air.
>The buffet tables in the center are where most of the guests congregate, with smaller groups spread all around.
 
>Pegasi, Earth Ponies, Unicorns and Bat Ponies are what you see. All in shiny new armor, these must be the new batch of Royal Guards.
>You even spot the Princesses themselves moving about, talking to whomever they pass by, be it a servant or a graduated recruit with his proud parents.
>Some of the guards are off to the side by themselves, surely chatting about whatever guards like to talk about. A few of them wear red dress uniforms with sashes. Officers, maybe?
>"Lucky for us this thing's a casual party, we won't stick out much here." Copper takes a few steps forward and looks back at you. "I'm going to check out the food tables, maybe I'll get to hear something. And eat, of course." He smirks.
 
>You nod back at him and move towards the other end of the room. A drink should let you wander around without much trouble.
>Snagging a glass off the tray of a server along the way, you take a sip of the dark liquid.
Ooh, that's a pretty strong wine there...better stick to sipping it.
>Since no one group seems to be talking about anything particularly interesting, you decide to walk around try eavesdropping on everyone.
That'll work, right?
 
>You lean against the wall by a group of uniformed guards as your first target, pretending to stare into your drink.
>"...don't see what use it is having so many of us attend this party for. The new recruits can have their celebration but the rest of us still have work to do..." a stallion's voice grumbles.
>"Oh lighten up, a break once in a while is good! All work and no play makes you a dull pony."
>The conversation dissolves into random chatter by that point, so you move onto a new target: A pair of new Day guards talking at a table.
>"So do you think you'll get your own squad for your new assignment?"
>"Well maybe? Its their choice. Say, want to go have our drinks in the garden?" The other agrees and they head for the door.
Huh, maybe going around is going to take longer than you thought. Perhaps it'll be better to try finding a particular group?
 
Let's see here...nope, don't want to go near the Princesses...aha!
>You spot a small group of a few guards in fancy uniforms by the balcony. Maybe they'll have something useful to hear.
>An empty table is close enough to the edge of the conversation. You set up there taking the occasional sip of your drink, pretending to admire the tiny flower vase on it.
>It takes a little straining to pick out the words of a conversation so far away, but you manage to pick up something eventually. Even if its a bit softened.
>"-rooms ready for them birds arriving in a few days, I pity the staff that have to take care of them." Says one voice
>"Yep, dealing with them isn't too different than those demanding nitwits in court. Its not all bad though, some of them can be nice."
>"Just some. Ever meet any of the older ones? If it weren't for that Empress Aquilina we might as well still be trying to kill each other."
Now that sounds like someting interesting...maybe you could get some help from these friendlier Gryphs if you ever meet them...
>"Hey, just because they're old doesn't mean they're all the same...just most of them!" That earns the guard a few chuckles from his group. "Now, did you guys ever notice a certain pair of Lieut-"
>"Hello."
 
>The sudden interruption makes you chough on your glass of wine mid sip, sending a few drops to stain the tablecloth dark red.
>"Oh! Sorry, I didn't mean to do that! Are you alright?" A pair of hooves reach out to you, but you wave them off. You just need a moment to recover.
They looked like guard's shoes...
>You look up to see the face of the pony who nearly made you choke on your drink. The voice wasn't very distinct but you do recognize that lavender streak in his mane.
>"You're...Pocket Watch, right? Its a surprise to see you here. I didn't know you had family joining the Royal Guard." Night Skies says.
 
>Oh wow, you did not excpect to see him so soon. What could be the best way to answer that question without arousing suspicion?
"Haha...family? No...I'm, uh, here to visit you, actually. My brother showed up with passes to the party somehow and wanted me to come along. I figured I might as well congratulate you if I ever saw you, so...congratulations."
My, he sure looks dashing in that uniform...maybe if you keep rambling he'll get distracted...
>"W-what, all that trouble just to visit me?" He stammers a little. "That can't be all, surely there's another rea-"
"I didn't think I'd see you because the guard at the gate made it sound like you'd already left or something. How's the watch, by the way? How do you feel about graduating?" Its a little rude to cut somepony off in a party like this, but but you're sticking with your tactics.
>"Um...the watch is fine, I guess?" Night Skies looks confused at that, better not over do it... "And graduating is...okay. It'll be good to have squad mates that don't make as much fun of me, for one..."
>He glances behind him at that comment, towards a pegasus and bat pony chatting with a mare you eventually recognize as Blank Ledger. Are they his parents...?
 
>A moment of silence and awkward stares passes before the stallion speaks again.  
>"So..." he coughs. "do you...like the drinks?"
>Well he seems sufficiently distracted from asking why you're here at least. For now.
 
Ugh...what to say, what to say...
>You glance around for Copper. Hopfully he's not to busy to bail you out...nope, he's at a table across the room, chatting with a few other guests between a mouthfuls of food.
>Looks like you're alone for now...but maybe you could use this to your advantage...
"The drinks are a little strong, but they're okay. What's guard training like? I can't imagine it being easy."
 
>"Oh, it isn't I assure you. There's as much training as there is studying the law...my legs have been sore from standing around for more hours than I can count, and I can count very high."
>Skies seems to relax some now that you're talking about something familiar to him. He's even starting to smile a little.
>"When I first joined up I was surprised at all the reading and memorizing we had to do; the Palace layout, weapon techniques, rules and regulations for the strangest things..." He lets out a small sigh.
>"Its a relief to not have to read thousands of pages anymore though, or find my way out of the maze this place calls a library...but I'm sure watchmaking has its fair share of reading to do, doesn't it?"
 
"I suppose it does," you nod. "But most of what I know I learned from my mentor." You take one last sip from the glass to hide your pause.
>The guardspony nods, waiting for you to continue. Behind him you notice Blank Ledger look at you and Night Skies for a moment before starting to walk towards you.
Hmm, looks like you won't have much time for conversation...better press for info while you can.
"Is the library really so confusing? I'd have thought the Royal Archives would be more organized...."
>"Oh its organized for sure, but that's just within the library sections themselves." He moves his hooves around the table, drawing out an imaginary map. "There's different wings, you see. The confusing part is getting between all of them."
>Night Skies seems much more involved in the conversation now, a noticable difference from when he first greeted you.
>"There's a whole side of the castle that's part of the Archives, not just the main library, everypony just knows that wing the best. There're wings dedicated to famous scholars like Star Swirl and Meadowbrook, and that's just the two closest ones!"
 
>As adorable as watching him nerd out on the castle is, you think that's all you're going to get from him.
>Mostly because Blank Ledger is calling him back so he can show his parents around the castle. She gives you a smile in greeting.
>"Huh? Oh...well, it was nice seeing you again." He smiles once more before heading back. You could swear he was a little disappointed to leave.
>Copper soon arrives, placing a plate of tiny sandwiches on the table.
>"So, I see you've had some interesting conversation." He pushes the food towards you. "Do you want to go first, or should I?"
 
>Pulling the plate towards you and stuffing your face is all Copper needs to know he should start first. Politely, of course. You ARE in public.
>"Heh, don't want to share? Okay, then, I'll start first." He leans in closer, speaking in lowered tones.
>"I was chatting with some guards earlier, they were complaining about having a night off." He scoffs. "Can you believe it? You'd think they would appreciate not having to stand still for hours on end."
>"Anyway, I got them talking about their patrols and here's what I figure: we have two ways to get to the library; inside from the halls or outside from the gardens."
>He motions out a nearby window. You can see that it stretches along the side of this part of the castle, leading into a bunch of hedges. Is that a..maze?
>"The libraries are on the opposite side of the castle from here. Going by the hallways will be more direct, but from what little I saw when we came in, the patrols are going to hear us pretty easily on floors like this."
>You tap your hoof lightly on the polished marble twice, getting a noticable click-clack sound even in this crowded ballroom.
 
"Well then what about the gardens?" You ask after you gulp down the last tiny sandwich. Who knew Royalty had such great taste in food?
>"It's a less direct path, plus there's definitely going to be a few Night Guards on the rooftops for sure. And the windows are all probably going to be closed...but by the way they said it this part of the gardens would have fewer guards looking out."
>You look out the window once more. It does seem like the easier path, even if it'll take longer. The darkness reminds you of the time you used to spend running on rooftops.
You think back to the hallway you passed in the antechamber. Maybe there's some way to take both routes...? You do have wings after all.
>"Finding the place should be easy enough, the public parts are supposed to have signs after all." The stallion puts his hood under his chin. "Of course, if we tried the halls there's still the giant door to handle."
>He does have a point. But maybe you two could try your luck at pickpocketing a guard or servant? Or maybe search for a key somewhere else?
 
>"Its your turn now." Copper nods, pulling the now empty plate away.
"Well I found out the same thing with the guards," You cough to clear your throat from some leftover crumbs. "but the Starswirl wing is pretty close to the public library. If we can get there, it should be no problem except for finding a way in."
>"Yeah, we either have to break a window, or steal a key. Too bad we didn't bring any lockpicks huh? We're underprepared for this."
"Uh huh." You pause to take a quick look around. Not that you were talking so loudly, but it doesn't hurt to be careful. "Unless there's a secret passageway in or something, we probably need that key."
>"What, no thought for breaking the window? The gardens are the safest way there, otherwise." He motions towards the window with his hoof. "I guess there's probably some kind of magic alarm for that anyway..."
"You mean other than checking if they've left any windows unlocked?" You smirk in jest. "We have wings, remember? I'm sure there's another courtyard or garden or something we could land in. We'd just need to get past the guards on the roof."
 
>"And here I thought we would have to stick mops on our hooves and slide through the halls." He tilts his head toward the crowd. "The key's the important thing though. How do we get it? Snatch one off a guard? Look for one back in the guard house?"
>You turn around to look at the other guests in the room. Some of them probably have keys in their pockets, but would any of them fit? For all you know, only guards patrolling the archives would be the only ones carrying the right key right now.
>...well there's always the drinks to help ease the pickpocketing at least. You just hope neither of you don't get caught feeling up some officer at a party like this. Which brings to mind what you'd do if you get caught anywhere else....pretend to be lost searching for the bathroom...?
>"Psst. What'cha lookin' at?" Copper's whispered voice sounds as loud as normal just beside your ear.
 
"Just looking for somepony who looks like they have the right key on them..." You push Coopers face back across the table with your wing. "Any of them look like they have it?"
>He squints a little as he looks around the crowded tables before of you. Its not going to be easy to find a mark at a party like this, especially not without
 
guarantee of getting a key, but you might as well try...
>It takes a few minutes of pretending to be searching for someone else, and some luck at catching juuust the right angle to see that they might be carrying, but you eventually find two possible canidates.
>"How about that one by the drinks?" He points. "That looks like a stallion who's had a little too much to drink to keep track of what's in his pockets."
"Sure, but what about his friends?" You counter. "And what do you think he'll say when he finds some stallion feeling up the inside of his pocket?"
>"Hopefully something like:'Ooh, thanks for saving me from falling flat on my face'." Copper imitates a gruff voice suitable for the bearded unicorn. "Only one of us has to get the key after all. Why, see any better ones?"
 
>As a matter of fact, you just might. Turning towards your pick, you signal it out to him.
"Over by the windows all the way back, by the curtains and vase. She's all alone nursing a drink. Think some conversation would keep her occupied?"
>"That's one grumpy looking mare...if SHE catches some stallion feeling up her pockets, she'd buck them out of the palace." He mutters. "I thought I was supposed to be the risk-taker?"
"Heh, only one of us has to get the key~" Your grin fades. "Still, there's definitely going to be a key at the guard house, probably one on the guards patrolling the library too..."
>Copper pats a reassuring hoof on your back.
>"At least we won't spend time backtracking. I'll go with whatever you decide, we still have about...uh...four hours, I guess?"
 
>Four hours is a reasonable amount of time, you guess. Its not like it'll take hours to get around the castle, right? And even if it does, better you don't waste any time.
>While the drinking stallion would certainly be an easier mark, his friends around him would make it hard to get away with anything. Which is why you begin crossing the room instead.
"Lets go for that mare in the back. Do you want to handle the talking, or should I?"
>"You're better at dealing with posh ponies like these, you do the talking. Just signal where her keys are when you find them, I'll be watching." Copper peels off, towards the drink tables. And comfortably out of sight from your target.
 
>As you approach the side of the ballroom, you make out some minor details from around the Earth Pony.
>Her sky blue coat is well groomed under the sharp red uniform, but her short brown mane is starting to look a little unkempt from your side.
>The faint scowl resting on her hoof takes a sip out of a small glass of amber liquid, staring out across the room.
>With how she's looking she'll be able to see you coming for her as soon as you step too close. But you think a pony could pass by her without any bother, if they moved fast enough.
>All in all, she looks like the kind of mare who doesn't want to be disturbed. Lucky you for wanting to chat her up, huh?
 
>Well, no point standing around worrying. You'll never get anything started like that.
>You walk towards her at a comfortable pace acting casual.
>Her eyes turn towards you briefly but she otherwise stays still even when you rest your arm on the table.
"Good evening Ma'am, lovely party tonight, isn't it?" You greet her politely but keep an eye out just in case for any indication of keys in her pockets.
>"Why yes, its just grand." The guard replies flatly before turning back to her original position.
Hmm...maybe you should bring up a topic...
 
"So...is it normal to have all the guards like this during graduation?" You gesture out with your hooves. "I had thought there would be a few more guards at the front entrance."
>"I assure you, sir, the security at this party is more than adequate. Not every guard on duty has a uniform, and there are patrols all around the palace as
 
well. Is that all, sir?" She doesn't even look at you for that one.
>A moment passes before you come up with an appropriate response. Maybe a direct approach is in order.
"Well, miss the truth is that I had noticed you looked...less than happy. Is something wrong?" you pause to gauge her reaction. She seemes to be listining, at
 
least. "Perhaps some company could cheer you up? If you would allow it."
>The mare sighs and looks into her glass before taking a gulp from it. She turns to face you and sets it on the table.
>"All right, since you're so insistent..." she mutters "yes, something is wrong. But that is not the kind of thing one usually just tells anypony."
 
"Hey, you can tell me, its not like I'll blurt it out to the first pony I see." You lean forward to appear more interested in what she has to say.
>"No offence sir, but that's not the kind of line that inspires confidence in complete strangers."
>She holds her glass for a moment and gives it a little swirl before emtying the last of it in one big gulp.
>"Ah what the heck, I'm not drunk enough to do anything crazy anyway."
>"Did you know that there weren't always bat ponies in the guard? The Night Guards, I mean."
>You nod. No need to input anything if she's going to keep herself going.
 
>"My grandmother used to tell stories about Nightmare Moon and what she did. Trying to blot out the sun and all that."
>Copper appears in your vision a distance behind the mare. He's holding a drink in his hoof, pretending to admire the scenery outside.
>"The Thestrals were always her most loyal supporters, 'blessed by the moon' she'd tell me. Well what if not all of them are loyal to Princess Luna as she is now?"
>She idly scratches an itch on her side. You think you manage to catch a glimpse of something under her side pocket, against her barrel.
 
>"Bat ponies weren't always so common, you know. Not even a few generations ago they only lived in Hollow Shades and places like that. Because a big bunch of them were banished for supporting Nightmare Moon."
>She gestures to the party around you as if to prove her point. You do notice a good quarter or so of the ponies present are Thestrals.
>"Not that all of them still support her, but a few bad apples are all you need in just the right place..."
 
"Well, er...I see what you mean, but you've gotta keep optimistic."
>She tilts her head at that, seeming to expect more than that.
"There's not much point to assume every one of them could be bad, and like you said, a few bad apples are just what you need-"
>You move your head around slightly to get a better look at her shirt. It seemes like she does have indeed have a key or two in her pocket...
 
"-but that gives you more of a reason to pick them out doesn't it? Find them early and the rest should take care of themselves."
>The mare nods slowly, while Copper behind her spares a glance your way. It looks like he's ready to move when you give a signal.
>"Guess you have a point worth considering there." She shrugs. "Now if only those Gryphons could be the same..."
 
>While part of you wants to stary and learn more, you still have a certain library to get to.
>You signal Copper to begin and pretend to scratch an itch on your side, the same side the guard keeps her keys.
>As he comes in closer, she continues on about how those foreign Gryphs are 'taking our stuff' and 'they went from enemies to friends too quickly'. Things she
 
insists are her Granny's views, of course.
>When your brother's hoof just reaches her pocket, you notice her ears twitch and she begins to turn. But you interrupt her before she does.
"Its easy to fear what you don't know." You begin, trying to keep her attention on you. "Like you said, not all bat ponies are the same right? They can't be all
 
that different."
>Her head turns back to you and Copper eases off slowly. It seems he's going to try a different approach.
 
"If you're going to treat anyone badly it should be those who did something personal to you."...hope she doesn't mishear that...
>Her hoof meets her chin for a moment in contemplation. 'Hmm'ing and 'haw'ing as she processes what you said.
>"So...you're saying its okay to hate others as long as they've done something specifically aginst you?"
"Umm, no that's-"
>"Great, than-argh!" The mare yelps and jumps to the side.
>Copper is back, this time with a spilt drink onto her coat.
>"Oh! I'm so, so sorry Miss! Let me-ow." He begins to reach for her pocket but is quickly sent back with a punch.
>"HA! Take that, jerk!" Her truimph is short lived though, when she gets a good look at the stallion who so rudely wet her. "Oh...er...I'm sorry?"
 
>That's the second time now Copper's been hit in the face. He only looks stunned though, so you move to 'help' dry the mare's uniform off.
"Don't worry Ma'am, he will be fine. I'm sure he's very sorry, isn't he?" You end giving the stallion a pointed look.
>He nods profusely while clutching a hoof to his cheek.
>"Oh don't worry about it Miss." He moves over to keep her looking away from you. "I just wanted to bring my brother here a drink...slippery floors, am I right?"
>While he's keeping her occupied you start trying to dry her off. But since there aren't any napkins around, you resort to improvising with the tablecloth.
>Sparing a glance to make sure she isn't paying attention you deftly slide out the keys and pin them under your wing between wipes. Lucky for her that was just water.
 
"Well I guess I should have just worded what I said better...no fair responding to mean words with a buck to the face." You shrug.
>She replies with an embarrassed 'yes' while you move to stand beside your twin and take the empty glasses from the table.
"It was nice talking to you Ma'am. But I think its time for me to get a new drink."
>The two of you hurry off before she gets a chance to discover her missing keys.
>As you leave Copper takes his hoof away from his face and relieves you from the glassware.
>"Ugh, what is it with me and getting decked in the face recently? You did get the key, right? We should get going before she notices."
 
"You're still lucid enough to crack jokes, at least it wasn't as bad as a bottle to the face."
>And with that point, the two of you take your leave from the ballroom, hoofing your empty glasses over to a passing server.
>Back in an unoccupied corner of the antechamber, past the staircase and hallway you pull out your pair of stolen keys.
>"Well after all that pain it took, I hope it was worth it. Anything special on the keys?"
 
>The two metal keys are joined by a keyring. Flipping it over in your wing you don't notice anything particularly remarkable except for their different teeth.
>That, and the tag with a number 17 written on it.
"Well that's a thing. What do you think they open?"
>"...Locks?"
 
"Well of course they do." You roll your eyes. "...did that mare ever say anything about what she did?"
>"No. You didn't find that out talking to her? Look, they are clearly different keys, so they should open different locks."
>Copper is right about that. One of the keys has teeth all along its edge, meaning its lock most likely has pins and tumblers.
>The other only has one large tooth at the end, with a bunch of tiny bits sticking out. A lever lock key, if you recall correctly.
>"And that number 17 there probably means one of these is her locker key...unless the library has 17 wings...?"
>Pondering that thought, it doesn't seem very likely. The public wing is supposed to be pretty big, where would at least 16 other places that size fit? Underground?
 
"Nah...I think its just her locker key..." you shake your head. "But what about this other one? Think we sould return it?"
>"And explain how her keys ended up with a pony that left the room before finding it? C'mon, she can't be THAT dumb. Maybe we're overthinking this. Wit saw us come in without anything else on us, why would she tell us to do something we couldn't complete? For all we know, she could have unlocked the door already."
>It couldn't really be that simple...could it? Maybe you should check the guard house?
>Copper is back, this time with a spilt drink onto her coat.
>"Oh! I'm so, so sorry Miss! Let me-ow." He begins to reach for her pocket but is quickly sent back with a punch.
>"HA! Take that, jerk!" Her truimph is short lived though, when she gets a good look at the stallion who so rudely wet her. "Oh...er...I'm sorry?"
 
>That's the second time now Copper's been hit in the face. He only looks stunned though, so you move to 'help' dry the mare's uniform off.
"Don't worry Ma'am, he will be fine. I'm sure he's very sorry, isn't he?" You end giving the stallion a pointed look.
>He nods profusely while clutching a hoof to his cheek.
>"Oh don't worry about it Miss." He moves over to keep her looking away from you. "I just wanted to bring my brother here a drink...slippery floors, am I right?"
>While he's keeping her occupied you start trying to dry her off. But since there aren't any napkins around, you resort to improvising with the tablecloth.
>Sparing a glance to make sure she isn't paying attention you deftly slide out the keys and pin them under your wing between wipes. Lucky for her that was just water.
 
"Well I guess I should have just worded what I said better...no fair responding to mean words with a buck to the face." You shrug.
>She replies with an embarrassed 'yes' while you move to stand beside your twin and take the empty glasses from the table.
"It was nice talking to you Ma'am. But I think its time for me to get a new drink."
>The two of you hurry off before she gets a chance to discover her missing keys.
>As you leave Copper takes his hoof away from his face and relieves you from the glassware.
>"Ugh, what is it with me and getting decked in the face recently? You did get the key, right? We should get going before she notices."
 
"You're still lucid enough to crack jokes, at least it wasn't as bad as a bottle to the face."
>And with that point, the two of you take your leave from the ballroom, hoofing your empty glasses over to a passing server.
>Back in an unoccupied corner of the antechamber, past the staircase and hallway you pull out your pair of stolen keys.
>"Well after all that pain it took, I hope it was worth it. Anything special on the keys?"
 
>The two metal keys are joined by a keyring. Flipping it over in your wing you don't notice anything particularly remarkable except for their different teeth.
>That, and the tag with a number 17 written on it.
"Well that's a thing. What do you think they open?"
>"...Locks?"
 
"Well of course they do." You roll your eyes. "...did that mare ever say anything about what she did?"
>"No. You didn't find that out talking to her? Look, they are clearly different keys, so they should open different locks."
>Copper is right about that. One of the keys has teeth all along its edge, meaning its lock most likely has pins and tumblers.
>The other only has one large tooth at the end, with a bunch of tiny bits sticking out. A lever lock key, if you recall correctly.
>"And that number 17 there probably means one of these is her locker key...unless the library has 17 wings...?"
 
>Pondering that thought, it doesn't seem very likely. The public wing is supposed to be pretty big, where would at least 16 other places that size fit? Underground?
"Nah...I think its just her locker key..." you shake your head. "But what about this other one? Think we sould return it?"
>"And explain how her keys ended up with a pony that left the room before finding it? C'mon, she can't be THAT dumb. Maybe we're overthinking this. Wit saw us come in without anything else on us, why would she tell us to do something we couldn't complete? For all we know, she could have unlocked the door already."
>It couldn't really be that simple...could it? Maybe you should check the guard house?
 
"You know what? Let's just get going. If its unlocked, then good. If not, then we'll have the time to handle it there."
>"Alright. I guess the guard house would be a lot harder to get into anyway..." Nods Copper.
>Since there's still a whole hallway open to guests, you decide to follow it and see where it leads.
>Ponies both dressed in uniform and formalwear stand about. Some chatting about the latest gossip, admiring the decor or just relaxing with a drink.
 
>The short hall opens up to an open courtyard around the corner overlooking a part of the gardens below it. The sound of violin strings and a fountain stream cuts through the voices around you, it looks like the party area extends out even here.
>There aren't any obvious routes down that you see, but that's probably just because its night time. Candles and whatever magic keeps the mood lighting on clearly wasn't made for visibility.
>But you do spot a conveniently placed sign above another archway pointing the path to the library. Unfortunately, it seems to be blocked off by a pair of guards in dark blue armor. These must be the castle security.
>"Well that's the hallway. But it looks like we'd have to get past them first."
>A good point, but the hallway wasn't the only way in. It takes a minute, but you think you manage to find a way to the gardens below.
"Or we could take those stairs over there," You point out a secluded doorway by the edge of the stone railing. "that looks like the way down."
 
>Copper looks between the two paths for a second before shrugging and heading for the stairs. Why bother getting through the guards when the easier path is just before you?
>Trotting quickly behind you descend down the small stairway out onto the grass below.
>A trail of small stones leads from the bottom towards a larger path cutting across your view. Looks like this wasn't the main entrance.
>"Looks like I was right about the guards." The stallion takes a quick look around. "We should be going...this way!" He points right with a hoof before walking ahead.
 
>Carefully placing your hooves the two of you try to move along as quickly and quietly as possible, 'Please don't step on the grass' signs be damned.
>A pity you aren't here for a casual visit. The twinkling of stars in the sky, the chirping of crickets, its like the fairtyale date in a park.
>Well, almost. The lingering time limit over your head and paranoia of being caught is hardly what you'd call romantic.
>The hedges mark the halfway point, though you could have gotten there faster if you didn't tense at the sound of every squirrel rustling some leaves.
>Copper suddenly freezes just by the edge of one, holding a wing out to stop you.
>"Wait...did you hear that?" He whispers.
>Intermittent sounds of rustling grass and crunching leaves catches your attention, too loud to be form any one squirrel. Could it be a pony?
 
>You perk your ears and keep low. Could be a gardener, but at this time of night? Unlikely.
>Copper follows your lead and moves closer to the hedge. The sounds keep coming.
>"Think this is just another animal?"
"Making noises this loud?"
>You just hope it isn't more squirrels.
>Or worse, a MUTANT squirrel. No telling what kind of weird magic stuff goes on here.
 
>Motioning for him to stay quiet, you two crawl forward ever so slowly to get a clear view around the hedge.
>The noises are clearer now, definitely not another animal. You think you hear hoofsteps...and a voice?
>You didn't hear what it said, but as you turn the corner you-oh.
>OH.
>You can't help but be a little shocked at the scene before you, hidden in the grassy aclove.
>Pieces of gold armor strewn around the ground, a pair spilt drink glasses and two ponies that have very clearly just gotten to third base on a bench.
>Its those two you'd eavesdropped on earlier. And as luck would have it, they notice you just as Copper rounds the corner.
>"...well this is awkward..."
 
>Heat rises to your cheeks. This is NOT the kind of thing you expected to see at this time of night.
>And yet despite that, you can't help but want to look a little while stammering out your apology to the couple.
"S-sorry! Carry on with your, uh, clebration. We'll just be going now." You turn around on a bit and push Copper back the way you came.
>"...lets just pretend that didn't happen and keep going, yeah?"
>You nod quickly and he begins trotting off, ignoring his hoofsteps for a moment. He semeed a little flustered too, not that you blame him...
>"...ink they would've joined in if we asked?" The muffled words reach your ears, and the ensuing mental image making you wish[spoiler] you'd brought a camera[/spoiler]
>Not that the image burned into your memory will be going away for a while...you shake your head clear and move to follow your brother.
 
>After minutes more of thankfully uneventful sneaking, you arrive at your destination.
>The white wall of the castle reaches up for stories above you, littered with windows, the first one already a good distance above your head.
>Its all dark when you try to look, of course, but you barely manage to make out a bookshelf at the end of your vision.
>And through the background of the garden around you, a soft but distinct rhythm of hooves on roof tiles.
>"Okay, we're here. How should we get in?"
 
>The window you can see doesn't look like there's any keyhole accessible from this side...not that you'd expect any window to lock from the outside, but it was worth a try.
"Lets keep to the wall, try the upper windows." You point upwards with a hoof. The guard up top shouldn't spot you if you hug the wall below the roof.
>Copper nods in affirmation and flies up with you, taking a quick glance through the windows he passes.  
>You don't manage to find anything notable though. All the large windows you can see are closed tight.
 
>The clip-clop of horseshoes makes your ears perk up. That guard is getting closer!
>And chances are, unless that guard isn't a bat pony or hard of hearing, your wingbeats are going to tip them off. Pegasi aren't exactly built for quiet flight.
>The hoofsteps are getting pretty loud now. Maybe its just the fact there's hardly any other sounds around to cover it, or maybe the pony's just a fast walker.
>Either way, you don't really want to chance that.
 
>You land on the closest window ledge as softly as you can and wait, half hanging, for the hoofsteps to pass.
>The seconds feel like hours as they pass. Mostly because hanging off a windowsill takes arm strength. That, and the tension is starting to make you sweat.
>Mostly the sweat. You're no weak skinny thief! The shopkeeper's life has fattened you up a little.
>Once you're sure the guard has passed, you look around for your brother. And fortunately for you, he's found a way in, waving you over to a smaller window, just big enough for one of you at a time.
 
>Slowly sliding the window and stepping in you find yourselves in a restroom.
>Copper and you exhange nods. You're in restricted territory now, who knows who might hear you speak?
>Taking a peek out the door you see a long empty hallway with many doors on either side.
>As far as you can see and hear, there's nopony in. For now.