Around the world through laziness and boredom

      It would be very hard to get some good sleep in such a small night, if not impossible altogether. Feels like only a few hours passed, if not mere minutes. Endless summer did not spare neither new folk, nor old dwellers, for which working days started earlier and ended even later.   And the insect’s working day did not stop since the moment he revealed himself to Sunshine. This needs doing, then later something else.. When the lazy pony’s mane gleamed at its utmost due to the Sun, the bug managed to look through most of the outfits, piling the ones that will not work at the side.   — Sun, wake up.   — Just five more minutes..   — Then I will carry you there like that. Wake up.   Not many things could wake that pony up, not to mention that so little sleep was catastrophically not enough for her. But the dressed changeling started up long-eared horse’s imagination and head faster than anything in the world. Lilac shapeshifter in a pink dress with lots of cutouts - a strange combination.   — U-uh.. Gamby? You now look like.. a.. A prostitute! Yes, that word.   — Not this one, then.   — Hey! Leave it!   — We are looking for something proper.   Drowsy one did not even manage to start laughing, as the bug immediately tore that dress off himself, throwing it into the pile with similar ones. And it would be nothing if he took it the normal way, but the insect treated every bad dress the same way, as if they were some kind of spoiled food.   — But it was beautiful!   — You want to look like a prostitute?   — But I liked it! ..Hey, wait a minute!   — Wake up and try them on. - whiskered bug pointed at a few dresses, laying farther than any other - From this pile, not that.   From such a mountain of clothing, only a few variants were found for that coloured pony. Not only because she looked more like a filly or a grown up foal, but also because of such bright fur. Seems like the worldly matters here, were also not familiar with orange ponies. Even better - not that hard to find the right choice.   — Yea, one moment.. - drowsy mare lazily moved her legs - ..Why are you so small?   And it is obvious that he changed himself to ease the search for the right dress. But probably not to her, not now. A serious guard did not look so threatening like before - shorter legs and a smaller body size turned the fearsome insect into a cute little bug.   — Does not matter. - he suddenly became bigger under the pink flames - Try them on.   — But you were so cu-ute! So.. fragile!   — More reasons why staying small is a bad idea.   — Let me pet you!   And let the whole world wait. But it felt nice! Especially for the changeling, who was certainly not used to so much cuddling. The insect was stroked with fluffy hooves so hard and intensively, that he forgot about everything in the world for a moment. Like his companion.   — Do not forget that we have to prepare. You will have time to pet later.   — But I want to no-ow!   — Fine, pet. Pet with all your strength. So that I would change colour.   Useless. It is easier to stop the planet, than to make that horse do something against her will. Surprisingly enough, Sunshine did stop, tilt her head to the side, and not understand a single thing afterwards. Seems like the accidental sarcasm was the key to this impudent pony’s persuasion.   — ..You don’t want that?   — I want. But dress up first.   However, the pony was already convinced otherwise. Who in their right mind would beg for something like this? In any case, it did work on her, albeit the bug meant everything literally and differently. Though he was no longer cuddled, she tended to important matters - that is more significant.   — And how would I know that it fits? - the winged pony looked at herself.   — I will tell.   — But I want to see for myself!   This trick will probably not work for a second time, but there was no need to persuade the mare - it was enough to become a mirror. For anyone else, this thought would sound strange, but changeling is a changeling - immediately turned into a reflecting surface, before which the little pony already circled around.   Alas, not for long - being a mirror is harder than it looks. Especially if one does not know how it really works. Even more so - yesterday’s sole bug’s concert took all the performer’s strength, and he hit his muzzle with something again, while turning back to his usual self.   — What’s going on with you? - big-eared horse frightened.   — Need rest. Go. They wait for you. Say that I am sleeping, if they ask.         True, the door frame was not empty - the same lackey stood there, who brought all the dresses yesterday. Despite the language barrier, the soldier understood the little pony at half a glance; she did guess what he wanted of her without a single word said, too.   Not that many turns and forks were on their way - the palace did look especially huge at that time. How easy it is to simply follow someone on a straight path! There is an opportunity to look through everything around now - all the patterns on carpets, all the bushes in the pots, and all cuts and engravings in eastern dweller’s unbreachable armour.   Not to mention that this soldier is not like the rest - more of a servant than anyone higher the rank, but even he was equipped with better care than common guards in Equestria. It was enough to glance over the shell to make the assumptions about its durability - when it comes to a real battle, ponies will not have a single chance.   If the invaders wish to do so, they would attack without any problem and murder everyone. Every creature. They need land, in every sense of those words. They have nowhere to live. Feels like their life trade, as well as their ancestors’ only doing, is barbarous warmongering.   Since the carpets certainly lacked something, and the plants remained in a very sorry, half-withered state: they had sand instead of dirt, like burial urns. But the armour and weapons were truly exceptional and undoubtedly good. One could even trim dragons’ claws with them.         If other desert inhabitants have the same temper and nature as the closest sultan’s relative, then it makes sense. The time to speak with the sultan himself also finally came by, with the capital's hosts and the big table waiting for the sunny guest on a far terrace. Is he like others?   — I am glad to see you again. - began the ruler - Was not expecting to see you like that, but-   — Like what?   — ..Herseyi’guren told you not about our customs?   — Dad, let us talk about it later. We shall listen to the guest.   This slimy stallion kept quiet about something, but he was right in a way - if not for one important thing, equestrian folk would have been one hoof halfway towards the barrier. Yet, there was still a good opportunity to learn where the knowing pony could reside. Or even the item itself, that Moon so much needs.   — Well. May I know, to what do I owe this visit? - sultan continued.   — Well.. We are looking for one magical thing, a-and-   — We don’t have anything magical. - answered the sage - For a long time we don’t..   — What about bracelets? Glasses? - winged pony tried to understand - ..Guren’s horn?   — Herseyi’guren. - unicorn corrected his own name - My mother is a unicorn. Academy scholar in the past, but decided to stay here.   — Why?   Even though he wanted to listen and awaited questions, it seemed that he did not wish to answer them. In an attempt to defuse the situation, the advisor called for dancers, one of which was probably the one that unicorn spoke of just now - had a horn, and did not look like the rest. Maybe he would soften up a little before his mother?   — ..And where do you get potions if you don’t have magic? How are you making bracelets then?   — What silly questions are those?! - the vizier suddenly flamed out.   — Answer. - just as suddenly, his nearest parent expressed.   One cannot fight the prepared mind. Every adventurer knows, that before going to a hot or cold region, one should get specific clothes.. Or buy a magical elixir. One should also remember about weapons and mobility - that also comes mostly from Midillia. Equestrian craft was not even close to those of eastern smiths.   — We work. Work and trade a lot. - spectacled horse said unwillingly, looking as leery at his father as he is at him.   — How is it possible that you can’t even buy some common dirt? You are making bracelets! Without unicorns! - bawled the solar pony.   — Because you are stupid and weak! - screamed the horned stallion - Jewellery, good iron, technologies, tools! But you, dullards, prefer to wear rags and glass! Our silk robes are more beautiful and useful; all of us are clothed and fed, despite all the disasters. And you..! Ch-hm. Apologies.   Without a drop of regret and so rudely, as if he looked for an apology from himself. Outrageous! A little more, and the little pony would have probably started crying. Not a glimpse of conscience, for one to scream at guests, with relatives to look at it! If only the changeling saw it all..   — I am sincerely sorry. - Bil’ge bowed - I know not what has gotten into him. I am ashamed for his behaviour.   Even though she wanted to say that it was nothing, it was a lot more than nothing. Vizier is half-midillian, half-equestrian - and he insults one of his own parts, not even paying attention to it? “Problems exist everywhere, but there wouldn’t be any country if it went like he says. No?” - thought the pony - “How can he say those things, partly about himself?”   — Perhaps, we shall begin the feast now? - offered the wisest, breaking the uneasy silence.         Food! Such a diversified banquet would impress anyone, even the most choosy gourmand. With fruits from overseas, and cheese, lots of spices and other deliciousness.. Even fish, that nobody would ever eat. However, it did serve as a nice decoration, blending with the rest of the food.   — Where’d you get the cheese? It is spoiling fast, after all!   — This is not cheese. - corrected the unicorn - This is speese. Cheesegus. A mushroom.   — Mushroom? That?   — Not every mushroom always has a stem and a cap. - snorted the stallion - This one is good for local parasites. Insects. It’s delicious, try it.   The pony will certainly not eat digested insectoid bodies. That is savagery, compared to their slime instead of blood. And it was called a dessert! Appetite’s only saviour were actual sweets and local bread, that disappeared from the table in mere seconds. However, even they were flawed - the taste is bland; sandy, literally.   — And where is your friend? - Herseyi’guren continued mocking - I am sure he would like that fungus.   — Tired, sleeping. - Sunshine answered coldly.   — In that case, maybe he would wish for a present? Food, for the future.   — Fish. - added the pony, squinting her eyes - No fungi, only fish.   Advisor called for his guard and whispered something into his ear. Hearing the order, the stallion took the tray with fish and went towards the occupied bedroom. That was quite a deed for the vizier - maybe, he understood something and tried to atone for his last sins?   — By the way! - the long-eared horse suddenly looked more lively - One time, we met with one of your detachments.. Well, actually, they met me, near some island. Are those places common here, where land simply lies on sand?   — As a matter of fact - yes. - the sultan confirmed - Our ancestors wrote about this - as if oases dropped down from the sky. And it is no metaphor, for no other place has anything like it. The dirt is strange, plants - too. One should not destroy such memorials - they are useful, though they are useless in common understanding.   — That’s true! Like for a camp, for example. That place saved us back then, even though it harmed us a little.   — Many do not believe so, but this city would not exist without those islands. In time, we probably would still not understand all those findings and their meanings, but such paradoxes are the foundation of life. Not only ours.   Flying land? Sounds like something impossible, but there was no desert before either. Earlings did raise the ocean’s bottom for some reason - maybe, those flying islands are the consequences? So many mysteries, but they can not be answered even by those who lived here for centuries. So much attention is devoted to war.   — Maybe it is a strange question, but why so much military force? - winged mare changed the topic - No matter where you look - soldiers everywhere, all of them equipped to the teeth!   — We are alone in this world. - said the sage, scratching his beard - We need to have means to defend ourselves, at any cost. Albeit the history is written, we cannot help others if we cannot help ourselves.   — Especially if we talk about those filthy insects. - angry unicorn lashed out - Too many enemies around us. We can still change the course of history!   — What have they done to you?! - long-eared pony swiftly got up from the table - They are afraid of you! They are scared of your shields! They-   — They are as primitive and stupid as you are!   — They are not enemies, and ponies aren’t either! Enough!         Conciliatory breakfast, as well as an opportunity to negotiate with each other, were completely ruined. Nobody could learn anything for themselves, though both sides did prepare and wish for the dialogue. However, there was a third side, which did ruin everything, seemingly on purpose.   Immediately after the simple pony disappeared by the palace walls, the father raised his hoof at his son. And the unicorn's mother, for a surprise, ran towards the guest to calm her down. After all, they both came from the same place, though the former scholar did not sound so.   — How so is this? - the unicorn spoke in equestrian language with a strong accent.   — You heard everything yourself.   — Heard, but nay understand. I did not master the dragon language. I nay remember it well.   Heading for her room, Sunshine retold everything to the mare in detail. Some of those details were indeed embellished, but the main idea stayed the same - the half-blooded stallion had too big of an opinion about himself and the desert race. Surprisingly enough for the orange one, the horned horse reacted rather calmly.   — ‘Tis not too bad as it seems. Come with me, drink some tea..   — I don’t want to!   — Maybe, you wish to look at the palace?   — What is wrong with you? I just want to relax! - resenting pony clearly objected - ..You could use some rest as well!   — Too late for that. - sighed the mother.   — What do you mean?   Too calmly the unicorn discussed. Too weary and sadly were her eyes, words and movements. Yet she looked no older than thirty years. An academic mind! Her underspelling and overall uncertainty sparked solar pony’s emotionality even more. For her, the corridor’s walls shrank before her eyes.   — Service, duty to the sultan. Have to continue the bloodline, charm me he did. And you too, it seems.   — W-what?   — I thought you already made the decision. - she confused, pointing at the dress - ..Wait, he nay tell you? Accepting such a gift, you tie your fate to the one who graced you. ‘Tis a tradition.   — Not ever, in my life! My fate is mine, and I will decide for myself what to do with it!         No more could she listen to the fooled concubine. No more could the pony wear this dress, the only fit for it was the floor! No more strength left for the despot, wanting to get the pony's heart and body with deception. Just a little more, and Sunshine could reach the quiet room, could talk to the only friend in these lands; one who will listen, who will understand..   ..Who was covered in bright-red, foreign blood. The fish could not leave so much of it, even if one wants to paint with it. But the one who brought said fish - easily, and his breathless body with nightmarish holes in the head and legs only confirmed screaming mares’ thoughts.   Not much time has seemingly passed, since the end of this fight. The victor was already going to jump towards his new enemies, as he understood in time that they were not. Such a turn of events did not calm him, but at least it made him lick the red liquid from his face and fangs, removing some scary sights away.   — He tried to kill me. - fanged bug slowly explained himself - We have to go, now.   — No! We have to tell Bil’ge everything. He will resolve it!   — Sunshine, listen to me. Leav-   — No, you listen to me! - sun mare grabbed his long tongue - Let me do at least something! We got here because of you, and-   — Fho haused de trobl? - he still tried to convince - Leavink!   — We can still correct the mistakes! We haven’t done anything to deserve it! Give this idea a chance! ..Please!   Oh, such a tight grasp. A bit more, and there would not be a thing left of the purple tongue - the orange horse was very serious about her intentions. The shapeshifter did eventually listen to the little pony, preparing his mind for the worst. How foolish was this idea..         The worst had yet to come, but the pain in the leg made itself known again. Sunshine could not make even a few steps towards the goal, as she almost hit the floor. Her closest companion, like always, reacted just in time. And, despite the long-eared mare’s expectations, he went towards the throne room.   — I don’t like this idea. Do not like it at all! - the changeling have not held back on emotions - We have to save ourselves!   — I know! But this isn’t right! We have to do something!   Squeaky insect’s movements were not as confident as before. His body had no skin, but he was sort of shaking, fearing for something, twitching in an unusual manner, even for himself. All while getting closer to the big doors. If snowwhite bug had hairs on his chitin, they would certainly stand up..   — ..You afraid? - the mare surprised, shaking in fear on his carapace with him.   — I.. - changeling spoke quietly, touching the gates - ..Am afraid for you. This sod is waiting for us. I feel it.   Big doors opened with a deafening squeak, that ran through the whole empty hall. No guards, no servants - nobody was inside the room. Except the sultan and his advisor, standing in front of his father, facing him, with his back turned towards the adventurers.   — Who do I hear.. - the horned stallion said in equestrian - Indeed that a, murderer, returned to the crime scene?         Vizier led the dagger away with telekinesis, showing it to the pair. The whole blade was covered in blood, dripping down on carpet. And that dagger belonged to the half-blood - it is sparkling, shining in all rainbow colours, from encrusted hilt to its point. The murderer himself stepped away, while cleaning the big knife.   The ruler of these lands sat behind him. Former ruler, with a giant gap in his chin, from which his white body steadily turned red. If only the sultan could foresee what his son was going to do to him.. Would the wisest and greatest even oppose him after?   There was no fear in his face - only peace and acceptance of his fate, as if he guessed the plan from the start, like if he knew what was going to happen. But he certainly could not see that the equestrian guests would be the cause for patricide and the beginning of tyranny.   — What a beautiful coincidence. - advisor laughed, stepping closer towards the innocents - A bunch of foreigners, pretending to be merchants, sneaked into the city. The next day, all the coffers were empty, and the sultan was found dead in his own home, on his own throne. And those foreigners were helped by a changeling!   — ..You’re insane! How could you?! - Sunshine resented.   The closer the unicorn got to them, the less space there was before friends would hit the wall. The path intended to turn elsewhere, but the big stallion was not going to let his targets go away. Not at such a moment. Every move, every attempt at dodging could become the last.   — Me? Why, oh really. Nobody would believe some hysterical wench and an insect. But they will listen to the son of the most and best, who tried to stop the empire from falling! Nobody doubted the hanging of those freaks, nobody will doubt now!   A little more, and there would be no space left for manoeuvring. Crazy horse did not give the company a single moment to run towards the corridor, keeping them close to a corner before the window. Seems like this is the end - nowhere to run. When suddenly, the big-eared pony matured an idea..   — You know.. - the horse slowly got onto changeling’s back - Interesting name you got, the “all-seeing”.   — Well, thanks. - the murderer smiled - But know, that the complement will not-   — ..And you couldn’t see that!         What a pain! Jumping from a hard back cost too much. The agony, as if the leg was hit by a maul, few times in a row non-stop. In a blink of an eye, so many things happened, but above all of them was a sprained leg. Not hitting the stained glass, not the small shards, not the fear before the blade, that the bug caught mere centimetres away from the chest..   Even the fall on hard sand seemed like nothing for the pony. Only strong joint movement, that felt like a fracture. Right after the brave pony, the insect flew off the window too. As if he got thrown by force, or he jumped by himself, holding the murder weapon in his mouth.   What the unicorn certainly did not know - is telekinesis’ weaknesses. He could certainly use some other spells and knowledge to pick off the preparing fugitives. Yet the vizier was simply left with the body, with no weapon and no honour. But with a huge army, not differing much in zealotry from its commander..