I want to thank you (Patreon)

 While Applebloom endured her ordeal at Carousel Bouquet, An expert's advice, other ponies were finishing up their own business in my Equestria dreamscape.

 
  Marble Vein finished the final entry for her latest test in the medical file and then placed it in the filing cabinet. With that task completed she double-checked that she'd logged a check number in her registry. Satisfied with what she saw the unicorn trotted over to the earth pony mare who'd been standing silently. 

  
  "Brilliant Flower, I want to thank you once again for everything you've done to help me with my research. Here is your payment for your efforts." The light dove grey unicorn levitated the check over to the bright yellow mare. The earth pony nodded her head. 

  "No problem Marble!" She looked at the check. "And this will be put to good use this fall semester if my roommate doesn't return to school. And if she does then I have something for emergencies."

  Marble levitated her hat off the hook it was hanging on and precisely placed it on her head. She took a moment to look herself in a full length mirror a few feet away to make certain she was happy with what she saw. She gave herself a little smile and then looked back at earth pony.

   
  "Well I have a train to catch in a couple hours. I'll be in Trottingham for the next 3 day and along with travel time I will be out of town for the next work week. You know the routine; if you start having any signs of..."

 
  "Contact you right away. Even if you are out of town your staff will get the message to you immediately." Brilliant Flower finished her statement. "Relax Marble, we've done this like what 6 times now and no problems. I think your research is headed in the right direction!"

   
  Marble actually blushed just a tiny bit. "That may be, but part of the reason my research is progressing is that I don't take things for granted."

 
  She looked down at front hoofs and with her levitation she adjusted the spat on her right front leg. Trottingham had rain scheduled for the next few days and the town was notorious for having gigantic puddles in its streets. she didn't want her jacket cuffs getting soggy or her pale grey coat soiled by it.

   
  "So why are you going to Trottingham anyways?" Asked the earth pony. 

  Satisfied that her spats were in marching order Marble Vein looked back up at her friend. "There is a book seller in town who recently came into possession of a couple very old grimoires that may help me verify a couple of my theories, and Trottingham is one of the major locations where many of the best marble quarries have sales offices at. A couple of the companies contact me whenever they get in exceptional pieces of marble that might capture my fancy. So may be coming back with some new pieces for my collection."

 
  Her friend smiled. "Looking to expand your research Marble?"

 
  The mare nodded her. "Yes I do, and besides you know me I just really like marble."

 
  "Also Brilliant please consider my offer to accompany to Ft. Trotterdale in a few weeks. Scratch has replied to my inquiry, and she'd love to see you again. As usual I'll cover your expenses for journey since you are always an excellent traveling companion."
  "I'll think about it Marble. When will need to know my decision?" 

  "By the time I return dear. If I am to make the necessary arrangements for you." 

  Their conversation was interrupted by the chiming of the wall-mounted bell by the door. Marble Vein strolled over and opened it with her horn. On the other side was Top Billing one of her senior housecolts. The pegasus colt bowed his head.

   
  "Pardon me m'am, but I'm here to let you know that Miss Flower's cab has arrived, and that your brougham is waiting for you when you're ready to depart for the train station."

 
  Brilliant Flower smiled. "Well that's cue to be on my way!" She strolled over and gently nuzzled Marble Vein; then she followed the housecolt out of Marble's study. 

  
  The unicorn watched her walked away, then she looked back around her study before leaving herself.  Her eyes settled on the now empty plinth in the middle of the room. The room always looked much bigger when it was like that. She smiled softly and then stepped out into the hallway. She secured all the locks and wards to her study, then trotted off to her waiting carriage.

   
 To be continued.