This week, in "Occupied Equestria":
Wondering through through the Changeling lands at night on the road between Bales and Whinnyapolis, Onyx, Brie, and Spark have stumbled upon a set of farm ponies trying to hide their cattle in the forest, away from their changeling occupiers. While rescuing a cow, Onyx and Brie have taken heavy damage, and so they followed them to the cabin of a local woodspony. But they found the woodspony and a farmer replaced by changelings, and after a skirmish are alone and wounded in the cabin in the woods.
Over in Baltimare, Dark Star has decided to give up his life as Dark Star, the Earth Pony farm colt, to become Tyrel Jackson, or "Gold Chains," a zebra and aspiring rap artist. Through the magic of Valmorification, it is possible. Iron is freaking out after possibly having received a message from God herself. That, and his usual social awkwardness. Silver is cashing out on a long standing set of projects, and is readying himself for the next phase
1374 replies and 94 files omitted.
>>110676Somewhere in those eyes, is her pain, and the belief that if she can just strike back at those who gave her pain, she can be at peace
>>110677Silver and Skies are still doing their thing. Dark Star is back in there somewhere
Iron would rather not get into another fight by all of that borderline love confession vibes over there with the polyamorous pegasus and her tools making him slightly ill, so he proceeds to go sit back down with Dark Star and hope they don't start shagging in public.
>>110678Silver knows how futile that belief is firsthoof.
This path you trot, vengence: you will find no peace in it. I know."I could sit here for eternity, just you and I..." He sighs. "I do wish we did not have to part just yet."
>>110681Can Iron go commit sudoku now?
>>110682With this, a slight joe comes into her eyes. A malign hope. Her mouth opens ever so slightly
Many mares would ask “why me? What seems so good about me?” But not Skies. She sees no point in looking a gift horse in the mouth
>>110684Is she trying to go in for the kiss or something?Silver smiles from this (mostly) pleasant change in mood. With a forehoof, he wipes Skies' bangs out of the way of her face to get a good look at her.
>>110685A long snoot, with medium grey skin, azure white coat that has been shampooed into feeling like a teddy bear, a straight mane of medium length that has never really been styled, and two big, almost shiny turquoise eyes that can look jade under some lighting conditions. All with an unsettling smile
>>110683Yes
>>110686So little flair to your response, too.
Rather tempting.
I'll call your bluff.
Iron stands up from the seats, going for the exit yet again.
>>110686"Hmm...
could we head back to my room, just for minute? We have not had moment alone all day."
>>110688>>110689He obviously spot the duo again, knowing they're going for shagging and are still there.
(She will get what she deserves later.)
"Try to keep quiet, you two. I expect you do not want Star to know~"
He inmediately walks out, leaving them behind and actually go outside.
(As for me, I have to test my fate after all of this.)
>>110690Oddly enough, the lack of shagging on Silver's mind makes him confused about this statement. "Uh...thanks?"
>>110689"Right this way." Silver leads the way to his tavern room. It's quite apparent that Silver needs some new type of storage solution, considering how she sees the addition of the supplies he bought but didn't use today. "I apologize for mess. I do not have much space to store it all." At least the bed is clear for the ponies to sit on.
>>110691She looks around, and shrugs
“I’ve seen messy rooms before. What was it you wanted?”
>>110690“To know that we aren’t fighting any more?”
>>110693"I just wanted quiet moment together, little bit like what we were just doing. Except, now we are in more comfortable conditions." Silver sits down on the bed and pats next to him as an invitation to sit.
>>110693>>110691He does not care to answer, as he of course walks out on both of them to outside.
He decides to walk aimlessly around town.
(I need to find a tall spot to jump off of in order to see what my fate is.)
>>110694Skies has a.... skeptical look, but sits down next to him
“Okay”
>>110695Full moon, a cool breeze, and it’s a bit colder than it has been other nights
>>110696Iron feels the chills.
(They know it is time for judgement.)
Naturally, he scouts out a big building to jumpp off of. He must know if he is actually meant to keep going after all this self-inflicted pain he received.
>>110696"...okay,
slightly more comfortable conditions. It is certainly not as nice as your room at Grand Baltimare Hotel, at at least we are out of cold and yuck."
He turns to face her and opens his forelegs to her in an offer of a hug, similar to how they were before they arrived here.
>>110697That’s the thing about Baltimare. It doesn’t have the high rises of Manehattan or Bales, though there are some midriff buildings in the commercial area
>>110698Skies throws herself into hug
“It is warmer here...”
But skies herself is cold
[1d20-2 = -1]>>110699If that's the case, then I will roll to search for the tallest one out there!
Search check just to make it a bit harder on myself.
>>110700Good first sign. Dice are against it, it seems.
>>110701>>110700There’s a roof on top of a hotdog stand
>>110699And Silver is happy to warm her up with the excess of floof he has. He lays back into the bed until they're effectively in a cuddling position, with Blue as the little spoon. "As nice as living only few feet from bar is, I think having actual place to live with nice bedroom, excellent bathroom, and proper kitchen would be better." He gives the soft pegasus he's holding a squeeze. "Are you
sure you have no idea what housing costs in city?"
>>110702Sadly not enough.
He must go further.
Perhaps it can be done by doing some very risky stuff and if he survives, he solidifies his role as needed, but the job he's being offered is going nowhere.
He smiles madly.
(Maybe I could vandalize that rich neighborhood where Comte was again and see how far I can take it. That could be fun. Should be easy to follow since I traveled to it from that tavern.)
>>110703Blue backs into him. It’s like when you place a cold fluffy pillow, with a bit of resistance between your legs
“Oh, I don’t know what it costs. I’m hoping to get transferred out eventually”
>>110704Uh
>>110705The idea that she would leave makes him hold her against him tighter, like he doesn't want to let her go. "Oh? Where would you want to get transferred to?"
>>110705He has infinite time to do anything, so travelling times should not be a concern.
>>110706“Oh, I don’t know... I guess they will send me wherever the trouble is”
>>110708"Well, suppose they asked your preference: where would you want to be sent?"
>>110709“Back to Nimbusia... to reinstate minority rule”
>>110710"Your heart yearns for home, it seems...do Blackhooves have interest in Nimbusia, then?"
>>110711She sighs
“If they do... it’s not for the same reasons”
>>110712Silver plants a small kiss on Blue's ear while giving her a squeeze. "Mind sharing good memory of home?"
>>110713The ear twitches down, then back up in a little flop
"What is there to say? Tall, grass covered mountains. Playing with my old classmates in flower covered meadows. The hard faces on the citizen soldiers as they come back from maneuvers..."
>>110714"It sounds as lovely as always." He rests the bottom of his chin on the top of Blue's head. The quiet sound of his breathing is clear to the little spoon pegasus, who can feel his chest rise and fall like clockwork. "But you do not have any other stories to share?"
>>110715"I know what I did... I remember it well. How much of it I can really repeat... I don't know"
>>110716While he remains silent, she can feel him nod after a second. While she continues to be cuddled he begins to contemplate certain subjects that have been on his mind, the first that comes being that of Comte and what he was allowed to do.
>>110717Because that's exactly the kind of thing Silver wants to think about right now
>>110704Iron makes the horrifying discovery that everypony must make early in their lives: that they must suffer through existence a little while longer
>>110718Yes, very pleasant, I know. It doesn't take long for Silver to pose a question he's been meaning to ask her: "Blue, if you were giant, as in tallest giant that ever existed, and your legs began to rot out from under you, how long would it take your head to realize?"
>>110720"I think I'd take flight" she answers
>>110721That actually gets a laugh out of him. "Fair enough..." He takes it as a sign to change mental tracks, with him now appreciating the mare he's cuddling with now. "If you are anything to go off of, I think I might have to try this 'spa' thing, myself. Wow, you are soft..."
>>110723"Damn right I'm soft" she says, with her eyes closed, and she lightly stretches out her legs
"It's not a bad way to spend the afternoon"
>>110724Silver moves a round a little to give her the space needed for the stretching. "Well, perhaps on quiet day, we could go through spa together, partake in all of their services? You could show me first-hoof what it is all like." After a couple seconds, he adds: "I would buy, of course."
>>110725"Maybe. I'm not sure if Dark Star would like me going with another stallion"
>>110726"You think so?" Silver actually seems disappointed with that idea. "Would it be that different from, say, you and I going to see movie?"
>>110727"I don't know if he'd like that either"
>>110728"Aww..." He gives her a pleading look. "Come on, please? It sounds like it would be lot of fun, and we have not done anything like that together, yet."
>>110730"Well... I guess I can't resist those puppy dog eyes. Okay"
>>110731He nuzzles into his cuddle buddy. "Thank you, Blue!"
>>110732*poner is nuzzled* - presumably from an angle
She looks happier than when he first saw her outside
>>110733Silver would certainly hope so. He continues to revel in being in her presence, and the nice, quiet, calm atmosphere around them.
Everything is right with the world, in this moment. "I already can not wait, I must admit...perhaps if everything goes smoothly tomorrow, we might get chance to, then."
>>110734"It would of been tonight"
If Dark Star and a couple other essential people would have shown up. Reeee >>110735Silver nods. "Unfortunately not, it seems, unless something happens soon."
Reeee indeed, my friend. >>110736"Well... You've asked me questions... What about you?"
>>110735>>110736"There is silver lining, however: it means we get to spend more time together like this." He nuzzles into her neck.
>>110737Fuck, we posted at the same time. Sorry."You mean, for stories of my home and like?"
>>110738*poner neck is nuzzled*
>>110739"Sure... if you want to share"
>>110740Silver nods, finding no reason not to. "It was nice place. It was cool, clean. Soil would always feel cool and moist beneath your hooves, regardless of trotting along dirt roads in city or trekking across forests or meadows. In summer you could watch wheat fields sway in breeze coming from Middle Sea, and ponies would trot between towns to trade or work, or take train or take boat ride down river. In winter you would not see too many ponies outside as it was too cold, and you could not grow crops because ground itself would often freeze solid, but there was enchanting stillness about world at those times. Ancient forests of tall conifers, and pleasant meadows of flowers would be spread throughout countryside, only broken by occasional hill or marsh.
"In Petershoof, there was such variation between new and old parts of city that trotting from Docks, to Market, to Old Town, it felt like travelling between different cities. New buildings would be made of brick and mortar, but old were made of stone, timber, and thatch. In Old Town, especially, each building felt like it was part of some storied past of my people, with each having its own history. My father's smithy was in Old Town, but it was close enough to Market that travelling there was no hassle at all. Sometimes, when my father let me go for day, I would wander to Market and see what all different types of goods and toys they would have for sale in market stalls, both made in Severyana and from abroad, or I would go and visit travelling performers that would always be set up in market square. Even when there were none, there were always plenty of cabaret shows, theaters, orchestras, plays, and other displays of our culture around city. Most colts I would hang out with would try to sneak into cabaret showings to see dancing mares, but I always liked comedians they would have in cabaret, or magic shows. Then you had beautiful Orthodox churches, with their great domes of stone and bronze, and by Docks you could visit Peter and Pony Fortress, where Peter the Great himself layed first bricks of his city."
>>110741“That’s.... that’s kind of neat, actually. I can see that being second foalhood”
>>110741Silver nods again. "I thought it served very well for my first. I have many good memories from those days. It is good to be able to share them."
>>110743Reeee that was supposed to say “being a good foalhood”
“Yeah... I guess maybe I can see the value in friendship”
>>110718Ah ha! Knew it was a bluff!
Of course, Iron's previous actions never really happened. They happened in his
mind. >>110747Go to your zeebfu, mang! No more delays!
>>110753I dunno~ That could nake him miss the group quest due to how long the [i]bonding[i/] is.
>>110747>>110755Check out hot singles in your area!
>>110755At this rate? Think you'll have time. Plus, you're already outside of the tavern.
>>110756On the one hand, your input is quite positive.
However, the image gives me more 'Nam flashbacks.
Not gonna stop the big boe now!
>>110718Iron suddenly gets this crazy idea: If he failed so hard and consecutively now, then he can't go lower than he currently is. Ergo, immense confidence boost.
(I think I can go see Cauldron now.)
Hustling in a jog pace, he trots back to Cauldron's apartment, like a big boulder rolling down a steep hill persecuting a careless explorer who set off the trap.
>>110760Clever boy.
Can he do it tho? Real question there.
Pls no sudden 'mare' gangbang again >>110744I apologize if I seem abnormally absent. I've been helping my mom out while she recovers.Silver smiles at her. "There were also plenty of museums dedicated to our history and those who made it. There was class trip we would always take every year when I was in school to learn about history of Severyana. Art, music, writing, poetry, philosophy. But what we really focused on were great leaders from our past: from Grand Prince Terrible Ice, who made first attempt to unite Northern Ponies under one banne, and was known for his contributions to art and culture, to Empress Catherine the Great, who helped build Severyana into empire to rival even Equestria, even forming colonies of our own in Vedina. And so many others, from our earliest days, all way to very last leader of free Severyana."
>>110770Oh no! The Serial Booper is back!
>>110770EUGEH!
Don't scare me like that, you big meanie!
>>110764“Huh... they taught you philosophy and poetry? Great leaders? I was under the impression that was unique to the Nimbusian general education”
>>110770Yes, yes... Boop the native pony
>>110773Dark Star's eyes unglaze and he regains some awareness.
he looks around the bar
>>110775ReeeeeeEverypony has left, it looks like
>>110776Technically, Iron is still there since he's only daydreaming from my last posts.
>>110773Silver shakes his head. "We had our own fair share of them, and we took pride in history and culture those ponies helped to make. Or, at least, we used to. I will admit, it has been while, and I am not so good with philosophy, so much of what I have learned has been forgotten...but that history, that I will carry with me forever."
>>110779She nods, as if understanding
“They emphasized philosophy. I liked Aristotle especially. But the history.... I can understand that. Xenophron and Leoneighdus...”
>>110776>>110777"I need to Stop Drinkin so much and get more sleep."
Dark star says to no pony in particular
>>110780"It is like discovering part of yourself that has been passed down through generations."
>>110781Iron nods.
"They do leave anypony quite down after taking it."
>>110782“Yes.... Yes.... Yes it is. It makes you feel like it’s not just you. Like you are a part of something even bigger that connects to those around you. Like you have actually been alive for centuries. Accomplished great things. Like you will live on even if you die...”
>>110783"where did everypony go?"
>>110785"Somewhere private, I heard. Probably on Silver's room," he answers.
>>110784Silver smiles at her. "There really is little that is worth more than ensuring you leave impact on story of this world, and of your people. Knowing that even if you may die, those you knew, loved, and left behind: they would carry your story on. There is no better way to achieve immortality."
>>110787“Yes... No better way... No greater glory...”
She is starry eyed for a moment, staring off into the distance. Then she says
“Well... we have a job to do... better get back”
>>110789Silver nods, understanding but still privately a little disappointed. He releases his pegasus-shaped pillow and sits up. "I genuinely enjoyed that discussion, Blue. We should do that again some other time, when we are not so busy."
>>110790“Maybe...”
She seems mesmerized by distantly thoughts, but she gets up, off the bed, and heads to the door
>>110788Iron shrugs.
"I have no idea aside from both of them getting angry at eachother from recent events and Silver trying to fix it. Door is quite thin, so you may hear what is happening."
>>110791I wonder what she is thinking about. A telekinetic field wraps around the door know as Silver holds the door open for her.
>>110788>>110793>>110792After a time, Blue Skies, then Silver, can get through the door that is to your right when you enter the bar, and on the far side away from the booth they have chosen