{"id":27756,"date":"2022-05-06T13:20:12","date_gmt":"2022-05-06T18:20:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/?p=27756"},"modified":"2022-05-06T13:20:12","modified_gmt":"2022-05-06T18:20:12","slug":"forest-brook-chapter-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/2022\/05\/06\/forest-brook-chapter-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Forest Brook: Chapter 3"},"content":{"rendered":"

A call was made, and plans cemented. Agatha and Dietrich met at the assembly hall.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Agatha,\u201d Dietrich said automatically, going over to the blue unicorn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Dietrich,\u201d Agatha replied smoothly, offering him her hoof, and they strolled over to the refreshment table. An old-fashioned waltz (perhaps popular in their grandparents\u2019 time) was playing, and a few couples half-heartedly twirled around on the parquet dance floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a miserable affair,\u201d Agatha sighed, tapping her hoof distractedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed,\u201d Dietrich quickly agreed, downing a punch glass of watery lemonade.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThose sad, dusty potted plants need to go; the draperies haven\u2019t been replaced in twenty years; the wallpaper is peeling; and the flooring is cracked,\u201d Agatha noted, gesturing all around. \u201cThe architectural design has excellent classic lines that could really pop with the right decoration, but they don\u2019t play it up as they should.\u201d She shook her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dietrich hadn\u2019t really noticed the details that stood out as glaringly obvious to her; he just knew that it was dull. \u201cDo you care to dance?\u201d he offered, extending his hoof.<\/span><\/p>\n

Agatha came out of her reverie, presumably redecorating in her head. \u201cOh–certainly,\u201d she agreed, and they joined the dance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy parents would like us to get to know each other better,\u201d Dietrich remarked after a period of silence between the couple.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you flatter me,\u201d Agatha said with an arch look. \u201cBut what do <\/span>you<\/span><\/i> want?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019re a lovely mare, but we get along too amiably to suit,\u201d Dietrich said bluntly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think you have hit the nail on the head,\u201d Agatha said with a merry laugh. They smiled at each other, relieved at being in mutual agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n

During the final notes of the musical number, Dietrich caught sight of someone across the room on the stage, and his heart skipped a beat. It was a mare, seated and playing some stringed instrument. Their gazes locked for one brief moment; she smiled coquettishly and then looked away.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was <\/span>her<\/span><\/i>, the filly with the oversized feline, but grown into a lovely young mare, with creamy beige complexion and gently curling lavender hair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho is that?\u201d Dietrich demanded of Agatha, not taking his eyes from the mare on stage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Agatha followed his gaze. \u201cYou mean Caprice?\u201d she asked, bemused. \u201cDon\u2019t you know your own mortal enemies?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Dietrich was taken aback.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s Cecil Monk\u2019s daughter,\u201d Agatha clarified, watching him curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

This delicate piece of perfection, written off by his father as being one of those reviled business rivals? Dietrich was indignant. It was absurd. Anyone could plainly see that she was an angel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like an introduction?\u201d Agatha prodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that\u2019s not necessary,\u201d said Dietrich. \u201cWe\u2019ve met.\u201d He strode off with single minded determination in her direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Storen, of course I\u2019d love to dance with you,\u201d Caprice said woodenly to the tan stallion hovering at her side, her words belied by a slight downturn of her mouth. She packed up her instrument into its case.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid this dance is spoken for,\u201d said a brilliant aqua stallion who was suddenly at her side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, you are–?\u201d Caprice asked, haughtily lifting her eyebrows. He did cut a fine figure, she admitted to herself, with rich brown hair that matched his eyes; but her parents had warned her that most stallions were worthless bounders who were only after her fortune.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDietrich,\u201d he supplied, taking her hoof. \u201cYou\u2019re not required to perform all night, are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I just volunteered for this number.\u201d She pursed her lips, searching her mind. He was familiar, but she couldn\u2019t quite place him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe lady clearly doesn\u2019t want to dance,\u201d squeaked her companion, Storen, looking pale and afraid.<\/span><\/p>\n

Caprice held up her hoof, forstaling his objections. \u201cStoren,\u201d she said sharply, \u201cstay out of this.\u201d She took a step closer to Dietrich. \u201cI will dance with you, Dietrich,\u201d she stated simply. \u201cStoren, you may take my zither to the coat check desk.\u201d She pushed the instrument case toward him and went to Dietrich\u2019s side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCaprice! What are you doing?!\u201d Storen was aghast, staring gape-mouthed after her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStoren, don\u2019t be difficult!\u201d Caprice snapped, stomping her hoof delicately. \u201cI will dance with you later!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I promised your father\u2026\u201d Storen was reluctant to move, eyeing Dietrich with derision. Dietrich stared steadily back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo!\u201d Caprice said firmly, waving him off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re making a mistake!\u201d Storen left, with a final despairing shake of his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dietrich smiled as he led her into the dance. \u201cDo you remember me?\u201d he asked, holding her closer than customary for the movements of the dance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou do look familiar,\u201d Caprice admitted. \u201cI\u2019m sure I\u2019ve met you at one of my father\u2019s corporate events.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot likely,\u201d he said enigmatically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cChurch, then,\u201d she determined.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I believe our families go to different parishes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Caprice narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. \u201cWell, by the smug look on your face, it would appear that you <\/span>do<\/span><\/i> know, if you wouldn\u2019t mind sharing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere was an incident under a deck over on Park Street,\u201d Dietrich said with a grin. \u201cYour cat, Thomas–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course!\u201d A broad smile spread across her face. \u201cThat was <\/span>you<\/span><\/i>!\u201d She was silent a moment, letting that sink in. \u201cFancy meeting you again! You were such a dashing young stallion, <\/span>all those years ago<\/span><\/i>, and so kind to assist!\u201d She beamed.<\/span><\/p>\n

The stallion winced. \u201cNot so long ago as all that, surely,\u201d he protested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems like many years from my reckoning,\u201d she said with a mischievous look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow is Tom?\u201d Dietrich asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Caprice felt her eyes welling up with tears. \u201cThomas is\u2026 gone.\u201d The memory of her favorite feline companion\u2019s passing was still painful.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said, looking stricken. \u201cI\u2019ve stirred up painful memories.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe were together when he went, and that\u2019s what matters,\u201d she said, regaining her composure. \u201cHe lived a good life.\u201d She smiled bravely through her unshed tears.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how have you been?\u201d Dietrich asked softly. \u201cGetting up to much mischief these days?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She laughed melodically. \u201cI haven\u2019t had much time for anything but studying for finals–but thankfully high school is behind me now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are your plans from here?\u201d Dietrich inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, take my place in society as a hostess–as my mother has prepared me for all my life,\u201d she stated matter-of-factly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd is that what you want?\u201d Dietrich looked at her, and she felt like he could see straight through to her soul.<\/span><\/p>\n

Caprice bit her lip. \u201cI don’t know,\u201d she admitted, feeling a bit light-headed at what she was about to reveal, her most secret wish. “I’ve always wanted…”<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d he gently prodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’ve always wanted to be a veterinarian,\u201d Caprice said in a rush. \u201cMother always said I was too fragile, that I wouldn’t be able to stand the sight of blood, but\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can do anything you dream of,\u201d Dietrich said, smiling indulgently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m not sure. Maybe she’s right.\u201d She sighed. \u201cMy parents, well\u2026 they expect me to marry and settle down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA career doesn’t preclude that,\u201d Dietrich pointed out.<\/span><\/p>\n

She cast her eyes downward, uncertain of the warmth spreading in her heart. She decided to change the subject. \u201cHave you been in town all this time and we\u2019ve never met?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI live in New Pony these days,\u201d Dietrich explained. \u201cJust here on a visit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, New Pony–the museums, libraries, parks, architecture!\u201d Caprice sighed longingly. \u201cI\u2019d love to go there one day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no reason you can\u2019t,\u201d Dietrich said simply.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Mother and Father say it\u2019s much too dangerous,\u201d Caprice sighed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou just need a dependable guide.\u201d And he pulled her just a smidge closer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you, sir, would be just the thing, of course?\u201d Caprice said with an arch look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d he agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what do you do for a living?\u201d she asked, trying to reign-in her racing heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m a reporter for the New Pony Times.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou’re easy to talk to,\u201d Caprice told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think so?\u201d Dietrich looked at her quizzically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI could tell you anything,\u201d she said softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

The dance ended. It felt so comfortable in his embrace, and she was loath to leave his side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to show you something,\u201d she said shyly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d Dietrich raised his eyebrows inquiringly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t mind a short walk. Come with me.\u201d Giggling, she tugged him along with her.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHubert! What are you doing, hiding behind this pillar?\u201d Agatha chided, approaching the coral stallion seated on a bench, obscured by the pillar on one side and a potted plant with wide sweeping leaves on the other.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you know,\u201d said Hubert, sighing as he closed the book on his lap, an ancient-looking dusty tome. \u201cWaiting for Caprice to have a dance open.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Agatha sighed in frustration. Caprice was a skittish little filly, too nervous and immature to complement Hubert, whose quiet dedication and fanciful nature had endeared himself to Agatha since they had been in grade school together. Though he didn\u2019t have an emotional attachment to the filly, he was obedient to his family\u2019s wishes that he court and eventually marry the Monk heiress.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hubert had no head for courtship rituals, but Agatha was at a point in her life that she wanted to settle down. It was her summer project to bring him up to scratch and commit to marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you missed your chance; she\u2019s high-tailed it out of here,\u201d Agatha pointed out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Hubert\u2019s face brightened. He scooted over on the bench and gestured for her to join him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t really want to dance with her,\u201d Agatha stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but my mom said I had to,\u201d he said, running a hoof distractedly through his mane.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re twenty-five; you don\u2019t have to do what your parents say!\u201d Agatha admonished. \u201cIt\u2019s your life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hubert looked at her wonderingly. \u201cI\u2019m not like you, Agatha. I can\u2019t\u2026” He shook his head. \u201cWhere did she go?\u201d He peeked out around the pillar cautiously as if he feared Caprice was still lurking about in wait.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe seems to have had some business to take care of with Dietrich Fairfax,\u201d said Agatha dryly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDietrich!\u201d Hubert said, recoiling in horror. \u201cBut he\u2019s<\/span> your <\/span><\/i>suitor.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot really,\u201d Agatha said, taking Hubert\u2019s hoof. \u201cYou\u2019re the only one around here who listens to your parents.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re all mad,\u201d Hubert said with a disbelieving look. \u201cThis is exactly the disregard for authority that caused the downfall of Skuspiosla!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure Caprice is a charming filly,\u201d Agtha murmured, inching closer, \u201cbut she\u2019s not for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDashed if I can think of a thing to say to her,\u201d Hubert admitted. \u201c<\/span>You\u2019re<\/span><\/i> easy to talk to,\u201d he added with a wistful look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDance with me,\u201d she ordered, standing and hauling him to his hooves.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not very good,\u201d he protested, his brow creased in consternation; but he allowed himself to be led to the dance floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t been seeing you much,\u201d Agatha observed. \u201cAlways off on an expedition, it seems.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I’m dividing my graduate work between Vulcanopolis and Thoyce.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was afraid you might never come back,\u201d Agatha said softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, there\u2019s a whole world to explore,\u201d Hubert said, visage brightening. \u201cBut, in the meantime, Forest Brook is a nice place to stop over.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019ll be off again on some adventure,\u201d stated Agatha.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a research opportunity in Misty Hollow that I\u2019m considering,\u201d he admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMisty Hollow\u2026 I don\u2019t know it,\u201d Agatha said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not much on the global scale. It\u2019s in the western part of the country, has its roots in an Atlantean outpost,\u201d Hubert explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ll have an enjoyable time,\u201d said Agatha coyly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s your business?\u201d Hubert asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve doubled my staff in the past year,\u201d Agatha said proudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s really that much demand for party planners?\u201d Hubert said, looking surprised.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEvent organizers,\u201d she corrected. \u201cAnd yes. The average pony doesn\u2019t know the first thing about decorating and food and traffic flow. There\u2019s so much to make a muddle of. And that\u2019s why they call me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou are a very managing sort,\u201d Hubert said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take that as a compliment,\u201d she said, swatting him lightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going to stay on in New Pony, aren\u2019t you?\u201d Hubert said, frowning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t settled on a long-term residence,\u201d Agatha admitted. \u201cCosts are high in New Pony. I\u2019ve been thinking of starting a branch office somewhere a bit smaller and quieter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ll find the perfect place. I don\u2019t know when we\u2019ll ever see each other, though,\u201d Hubert said, looking perplexed.<\/span><\/p>\n

The couple strolled back to the bench. Agatha faced him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a bit of a crush tonight, don\u2019t you think?\u201d Hubert asked, wiping at perspiration on his brow.<\/span><\/p>\n

Agatha didn\u2019t think that the four couples dancing constituted much of a crush, but she turned a dazzling smile on him. \u201cQuite,\u201d she agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGosh, Agatha,\u201d he gulped, \u201cyou\u2019re so good at these social things. I never know what to do or say to anyone\u2026 except you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to say anything,\u201d she whispered, taking his hoof in hers. \u201cJust kiss me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAgatha, really!\u201d he protested, eyes wide.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you find me kissable?\u201d Agatha demanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the whole concept seems a bit silly, not to mention unsanitary,\u201d Hubert said, shifting uncomfortably. \u201cThe natives of Musneoca have a much more reasonable tradition–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave you ever even kissed a girl?\u201d Agatha asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Never,\u201d Hubert said, shaking his head adamantly. \u201cWouldn\u2019t know how to go about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I have to be the one to do everything, don\u2019t I!\u201d And so saying, she leaned in and kissed him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I see,\u201d said Hubert breathlessly as Agatha pulled back. \u201cI may\u2026 I may just revise my opinion of kissing. An academic interest, you understand,\u201d he clarified.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed,\u201d said Agatha with a smoldering look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh–well–\u201d Hubert searched for the words. \u201cAgatha, I don’t know if you’d be interested, but I have a new documentary on tape–latest installment of Mysteries of Atlantis–and I wondered if you’d like to watch it with me? Tonight?\u201d he said in a rush.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d love to,\u201d she said coyly. \u201cWe can watch it at my apartment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreat!\u201d he said with alacrity. \u201cI’ll just go home and fetch it. I\u2019ll meet you there by, say, 9?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d she replied with a bemused smile. \u201cI\u2019ll be waiting for you.\u201d This was a bold move for Hubert.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreat–see you later–bye!\u201d He rushed off.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A call was made, and plans cemented. Agatha and Dietrich met at the assembly hall. \u201cHello, Agatha,\u201d Dietrich said automatically, going over to…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":27752,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1071],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27756","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-writing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27756","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27756"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27756\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27757,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27756\/revisions\/27757"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27752"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27756"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27756"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27756"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}