…

You look the weapon over again with a frown. The talons on the end are just as sharp as a griffon’s, only much stronger. Factor in your advanced strength and you wouldn’t even have to try to kill somepony with this. You weren’t really thinking of using this as a weapon, were you? How could you live with yourself if you ended somepony’s life?

And yet…

You don’t have to use it as a weapon. The claws are stationary; maybe you could use it to scale walls, or cut rope. You’re reluctant to abandon the object entirely, as it could be used as a simple tool.

In an effort to ease worry about any future shenanigans you play, you explain that you’re a little unstable and may have Multiple Personality Syndrome. This draws some sad expressions from the pair, so you try to reassure them that it’s mostly harmless. You decide to leave out the part about the locks. They can’t know about the locks…

The armory itself has another stairway leading further down. Heading down there is the only obvious choice you can think of for what to do next. At least, for the moment.

You hold your hoof to your head and stumble a little to really milk the crowd. Then you relay your clever ruse and choose your weapon, the Clawed Griffon Gauntlet. Your range will be shorter then with the other choices, but that short range should provide you with more control. You’ll have to walk on three hooves while it’s equip, meaning you’ll move a little slower. But you should be better able to navigate through narrow passages than with the Spear or Staff. Plus, you’ll be able to block with it and still strike with your other hoof. Everything is a give and take.

Once you speak it, your two companions seem confused by your added objective, but agree to it. After all, who are they to argue? You don’t exactly have any reason to be helping them in the first place.

You stand, seemingly enraged and point to each of the two in turn while making your devious proclamation.

They both look at one another, then around the room presumably for any cards. But, finding none, they settle for questioning what in Equestria you’re talking about.

You sit on your haunches, cross your forelegs, close your eyes, and speak your command with a powerful presence.

When you’re answered with silence, you open one eye slightly to find Princess and Namy staring at you awkwardly.

It really isn’t. I don’t care what anypony thinks. But the reason I don’t post much about Tootsie isn’t because I don’t love her too. It’s because I’m not really allowed to interact with her. She’s a sweet filly and I wish I could spend more time with her. But Tootsie’s Mom sees me as some kind of drain on society; incapable of getting a real job. Whether that’s true or not, she doesn’t want me messing up Tootsie’s life too.

I just thought maybe, since we were all celebrating together, she’s see that I’m just a normal mare like anypony else. I don’t know which I’m upset about more. The fact that she always referred to Boscov as “Mister Bear” or that she made some comment implying that I’m only dating Boscov because he’s successful. Nevermind that she kept “accidentally” miscounting things and forgetting he was there.

It’s just frustrating…

And whether we get along or not is irrelevant. As long as you’re with Rarity, you’re a part of Sweetie Belle’s family and deserve the same level of respect I give to them.

Thanks, Snoozy.

It’s just a miserable situation on top of a miserable situation. Nothing I can’t live through.

They were acting that way before Basil ever showed up.

Thanks, little Applebloom. That made me smile, at least.

I just got a letter in the mail saying I’m not allowed to substitute at one of the primary schools anymore. The letter didn’t even say what for.

I don’t even know what I did wrong! Everything seemed to have gone fine! I mean, I accidentally left with one of the nametags, but couldn’t they have just contacted me about it if that was all?

[Omitted] A… Hearth’s Warming better not end up this bad…

Actually, that helped with Tootsie’s Dad. They talked about chemistry and possibly a contract with this business, but I don’t think it’ll go anywhere.

It’s always nice having you over, when you aren’t hugging me for twenty minutes.

Or hugging me every thirty seconds.

I… Beg your pardon…?

It was fine, I didn’t expect you to say long. You had other plans, I’m sure. It was nice of you to come!