It looks like thinks are concluding in both the North, and in Baltimare
1731 replies and 20 files omitted.
>>126014Silver nods at the stallion.
"I am glad I could help."
>>126014"What about the Social aspect? How do your people interact with each other and other races?"
>>126016"If had to say what were the core social values of Karkardanistan, it would be Respect, Courtesy, and Politesse. Have dignity in your interactions with others, and treat them with dignity. At least that is how it was with the higher classes, who I interacted with the most. Always try to keep composure. The lower classes would act more... 'familiar' with each other, as it is in all nations, but the Temples taught them respect. Neither be cold nor unrestrained, but kind and composed.
As for other races... Well... With other horses, like Saddle Arabians, we have fought wars. Karkadannistan was a part of the Saddle Arabian Empire for a few centuries, and I do not think they have forgotten it. With non-horses" Her expression changes to one of almost disgust
"Let's just say it is much easier to respect the Caliph in Saddle Arabia than... Gnolls, or the Yetis of the south. I will say I interacted with many of them during the Storm King's reign. We had to help supply them. They could be... okay at times, but you could never fully consider them equals"
>>126015She now turns to him
"Oh, thank you thank you thank you"
And she hugs Silver
"Thank you for bringing our son back"
\r
[Read more] >>126017Silver is a bit surprised by the hug, but he does hug back, pats her back, and releases her in respect for her husband.
"It was nothing. I am glad I could help."
>>126017"How They and You feel about Equestria and Equestrians?"
>>126018He's a bit surprised too, but is still jubilant
Stallion:
"If there is anything we can do for you in return, tell us"
>>126020He waves it off with a hoof.
"Thank you, but I do not need anything as reward. Though, maybe if we meet again some day, we will have to get dinner."
>>126019"Karkadannistan culture, at least for the old guard, was centered on everyhorse taking a role under tradition, that wove them into a social web so that every member of society and every class benefited another, and everyhorse was linked through this web to horses of centuries past, and to generations not yet born in the future. But Equestria took this a step further. True interdependence. Beyond kind but composed... Friendship. True Harmony. That was the image, anyways. And more than Friendship: technology, wealth, and power.
The Storm King came into our lands early, he destroyed temples and burned plantations, and forced most of the rest of us landowners to work with him. But the Storm King died in Equestria. That was a big event for us. Nothing changed my life more, save the day my son was born, and the day the Storm King's airships entered my country.
That Twilight Sparkle is one of the greatest creatures ever to have lived, of that I have no doubt. But I will say again what I said before. I am not certain she had the jealousy and practical cynicism to truly guard what she had created."
>>126021"Well you are invited back anytime!" she says
The stallion leans in again, to hug Loputu, while another colt comes out
"Loputu!"
[Read more] >>126022Silver looks to the new colt.
"Oh, is this Loputu's brother?"
>>126023Loputu
“Yeah, my little brother”
The colt, who is a yellow green, looks to Silver with big, curious eyes
“Who are you?”
>>126022Dark Star strokes his chin in thought
"Interesting,I'm Glad We took him down,the storm king was a real son of a Diamon dog. Its a shame twilight fought against our liberation"
>>126024Silver looks down at the colt, and smiles.
"Hello little one. I am Silver Sword. What is your name?"
>>126025"Your liberation?"
She tilts her head
"Oh, the Civil War. Twilight was fully invested into her doctrine of opening Equestria. This had... mixed results. Crysalis would not be anything but hostile, and could not be turned to friendship. The yaks would not help with the Changelings, but the Hippogrifs would. Equestria's best friends were those the furthest from the danger, but the closer to the danger, the more they cowered. Then the split with the colony happened, and they tried to conquer an Empire, and Twilight declared war to show that she would stand beside young griffin states... It got messy. She was very much committed to an ideal, and it did not work out for her... But I should not lecture an Equestrian on Equestrian politics"
>>126026 He wags his tail briefly
"My name is Esimene Sula! Nice to meet you, Silver Sword!"
[Read more] >>126027"It is great to meet you. You are very well-mannered colt."
>>126028Stallion:
"Indeed he is, that's how we raised him"
Colt:
"Well thank you, sir!"
Stallion to colt:
"And let's keep it that way"
>>126027"Yes,Its a Shame her Doctrine was Flawed and it flooded our lands with criminals of the Worst sorts."
>>126030"Well... I've seen very bad sorts tonight. I had no idea there could be such things in Equetsria"
>>126029"Alright, it was nice meeting you all, but I must get back to my compatriots. I wish you all good night."
>>126031"Theres a Grand Struggle aahead."
He Smiles
"And i wouldnt have it any other way, Equestria. Will regain her glory this is wear."
>>126032"And a very good night to you!" He says
"You gave us our son back, and for that, we are grateful"
>>126033"What do you mean?" She asks
"You mean the Changelings... or the criminals?"
>>126035Silver smiles, nods, waves goodbye to them, and turns back the way he came to make his way back to the Eastside Tavern.
>>126035"The Answer is Both. I fear both may have infiltrated the Local Government. if thats the case. its going to be challenging to remove them,depending on how high up they are."
>>126036Talve escorts him down the satirs, through the alley and the center plot, then through the alley and locking the door. But before Silver leaves, he asks Silver about his work fighting the griffins
"You say you defeated a whole gang of griffin slavers?"
>>126038Silver nods.
"Slavers, traffickers...and cultists if you could believe it. It turns out there was number of them who were sacrificing those they captured."
>>126039"Sacrificing?! Those griffins are even more vicious than I heard"
>>126037"But the New Marelanders, they can't allow that... can they?"
>>126040Silver nods.
"We found and managed to save two they were in middle of sacrificing. They had cut them open, from collar to abdomen, all way through breastbone to expose their hearts. It was...gruesome. But, it is over now. They have been either killed or captured."
>>126040"They Have more important issues t o attend to. They are fighting a war On their continent."
>>126041He fliches in revolted fascination
"Woah. I hope I can be like you, some day. Maybe I should fight in the Overseas, or the Security Police"
>>126042She nods her head
"I can understand that. Still though, Equestria is not as I had hoped it would be, so far."
She looks directly at him
"But you... you and your friends, have been true Equestrians. Equestria lives in you."
>>126043He smiles
"thank you for saying that. it means a lot."
>>126043Silver smiles at him.
"It is honorable ambition, but do not discount what service you do for others here."
>>126045"They say that... but there's so little you can do. You can't have real weapons, the police won't come here, and the factories do not run full shifts"
>>126044"Well, you saved my life, I know that. What is next for you?"
>>126046"Have faith, Talve. Things can change for better here, if only you have faith."
>>126047He sighs
"It's taking its sweet, long time. I hope you'e right, Silver Sword"
And with that, Silver may go back to the tavern by some means
>>126046"As For tonight. im gonna have a few drinks and unwind after that fight. then tomrrow i need to go fill out some paper work for R&M. I Also promised 2 orphaned colts i would take them to see the Docks and then taking them to get Some Ice Cream."
>>126048Silver bids him goodbye, and continues to trot towards the Tavern.
>>126049"Oh. Sounds like fun. I guess I should go see if those saplings I ordered ever came in"
>>126050He's walking?
>>126051Yeah, unless he sees a taxi he can hail.
>>126052"Young trees, yes. When I tried to reach Equestria, I decided to have a few trees from my family plantation shipped to Equestria as well. I hoped to plant them in Equestrian soil"
>>126053As Silver trots along, he goes past through more half lit streets, and more bombed out buildings, and through a set of buildings similarly bared and guarded to what he saw in little Skynavia. Buildings baring the red and black flag in the windows. After some time, he passes out of Red Heart, and into Eastside, where he can hail a taxi for the last bit of distance
>>126054That he does, asking them to drop him off at the Eastside Tavern.
>>126055A taxi takes him down the streets, dropping him off at the tavern for charge of a single bit. Silver sees that the Tavern is filled with the rescued creatures
>>126054"That would be nice. what kind of trees?"
>>126057"What we grew in our orchards. The Pistachio tree. It's a nut, like a cashew."
>>126056Silver sighs in relief, seeing them all here. He trots up to the bar.
"Hey Glass. Got any whiskey left?"
>>126058"Hmmmm i don't think i've ever heard of that kind of nut before."
>>126059>>126060Silver and Dark Star may or may not notice each other in the room. Dark Star is talking to Meadows at the bar. There are a number of the rescues there. Blue Skies is arguing with Johann about... something, Khoi and Jubilosa are with each other, and Undertoe is sort of between the two groups, but kind of to herself. Mala is near Meadows and Dark Star, but kind of to himself
>>126059Glistening Glass
"Of course we do. What kind do you want?"
>>126060"Oh, it is a great nut. Roast them, crack them open, and eat them."
[Read more] >>126061"Best you have. Going to need it after tonight..."
He silently eavesdrop on Skies and Johann.
>>126061"Hmmm i might have to buy one of the trees from you,if you dont mind."
He Smiles
>>126062It seems to be a historical argument about the course of the development of the Griffonian Empire, in particular, the crusade against the river nations. Skies seems to believe that the Griffonian Empire did not have the essential military virtues to defeat the River ponies - in particular, Nimbusia - while Johann seems to believe it had more to do with happenstance. Likewise, Johann believes that the Idle of Boreas was an essential Palladium securing the wellbeing of the Griffonian Empire, while Blue Skies believes that the power of nobles is what ruined it - a view Johann does not entirely disagree with. As they argue more, they come upon the agreement that an active, virtuous citizenry is essential to the wellbeing of the state
>>126063She smiles, with a "heh"
"Oh, I don't know about that. But If I can ever get a plantation going, you can certainly have some nuts"
>>126062>>126064"Two shots of Dragon's Breath, coming up"
Glistening glass pours whiskey into a glass - decidedly
not measuring it out into shots
>>126064He smiles to himself, seeing the two manage to come to an agreement, despite coming from different backgrounds.
>>126065He nods with gratitude at Glass.
"Thank you, so much."
He downs the whiskey fairly quickly.
>>126066"Then deal"
She giggles with him too
>>126067It's pretty damned strong
>>126068Dark Star tries to motion at undertoe stealthily
"Whats their deal?"
>>126068He lets out a sigh in surprise.
"Woah...No kidding, 'Dragon's Breath'."
>>126069Assuming this is to Meadows:
"Hmmm? Oh, I don't know. They found her upstairs somewhere. She's been pretty eager to get in the fight, though, and she's good with a gun"
>>126070It'll light up with a flame, that is for sure
>>126071"Maybe we should say something to her? She Looks pretty uncomfortable."
>>126071"Needed that, though. Thank you, Glass."
>>126072"You... Yes, sure."
She looks back again to Undertoe
"She is only the third hippogriff I had ever seen"
>>126073He nods
"If you need anything more, I'm right here"
>>126074Dark Star stands up and walks over to Undertoe's table.
"Hello."
>>126075The red Hippogriff seems to glance at Dark Star and see him before he approaches, though she acts like she doesn't. She moves her eyes up to him when he stands over her. She's leaning down in her booth, forelegs on the table, not drinking anything
"Hello"
>>126077She blinks
"And my name is Undertoe"
>>126080"Mind if i sit down?"
He motions at the seat across the table.
>>126082"I Didnt get a chance to talk to you back at the fortress. Are you well?"
He asks with concern in his voice
>>126083She says, with out any kind of enthusiasm
"The best I've been in nearly two years"
>>126084"Would you like a drink? i can only imagine what you've been through."
>>126085She sits up
"Forgive me if I seem rude. I'll buy a drink"
>>126087After some time, she orders a drink. A mixed drink of some sort
>>126088Dark Star orders another apple whiskey
>>126089"One more, coming up"
Glistening Glass fills another glass with whiskey
>>126090"So,Where are you from?" He Asks Undertoe
>>126091"I was from a small town in northern Hippogriffia. And I lived in Equestria thereafter"
>>126092"How did you make you why here? what made you want to come here?"
>>126093"I came here to study at James Haykins University. Mechanical Engineering. I wanted to work for a shipping company. Then the war broke out"
>>126094"Ah the war.if you don't mind me asking how did you end up down there?"
>>126095"In Maakie's room? Sure, I guess"
She takes a long drink from her mixed drink
"I would go to bars or clubs, sometimes, with my best friend there. There was a place she was going to meet some guy. She wanted me to come along. And so I came along. There were these griffins who sprung on us and blind folded us... and I ended up there"
>>126096A Look of Sadness creeps across Dark Stars face.
"Im Sorry that happend to you."
>>126097She still has a blank, though un-pleased expression, one she has carried for much of the conversation. She says nothing
>>126098"I Was Almost Abducted once,when i was a colt."
Dark Star Blurts out unsure of what to say next.
>>126100"Yea, it was by a Griffon."
Dark star looks a little embarrassed by him blurting that out.
>>126101She places her drink down, and then looks directly at him.
"Are you really a zebra?" She asks
>>126102"Oh i had almost forgotten, about the dye. No im A Earth Pony. I Went undercover to get yo'all out of there."
>>126103"I heard all of that argument in the... church, but who exactly do you work for?"
>>126104"Why Would you like to know?"
Dark Star says Non hostilely
>>126106"I'll Just say. That What i do is Legally sanctioned."
>>126107"That much I understand. What I want to know is
by whom?"
>>126109She moves her head to the side, keeping her eyes on him as she asks
"The fascists?"
>>126111She closes her beak, holding the position, then moves back against the seat
"Why?"
>>126112"Why,What?"
He asks a little confused
>>126113"Why would you" she stops herself "Why
do you work for the fascists?"
>>126114"Why do i work for them? I do it Because i Love my People and i Think It is what is Best for us going forward. i do it because the monarchy failed us."
>>126116"What about other peoples? Do i wish to harm them? No i Don't. But Equetria is our birthright. it wouldn't be here if it wasn't for us,our ancestors. The Strength of The Earth Ponies,The Intelligence of the Unicorns and The Ingenuity of the Pegasi. We simply wish to live as other peoples do in their own homelands. As they maintain their own future for their children so shall we.let me say this, You love your family,but that doesn't mean you want to hurt or destroy other families."
>>126117"So what of the other creatures already in Equestria? And what of other nations?"
>>126118"They will be payed a small amount of money to leave on their own. a very ponemane solution to the problem. No Pony has to be harmed to make it work. it would also work to Help them as they adjust back to living in their ancestral nations, or another weapon of their choice.And If they Have Friends here and or wish to see the sights of the Country they would be welcomed in again. My Brother was the first pony to tell me about the things wrong with the Monarchal system and the follies of Social Democracy."
>>126119"And what exactly is wrong with the Monarchy? Social Democracy too, if you have the time"
>>126122She's looked guarded and reserved the whole time. There's a light offense, but not a serious anger"Well, you came to me asking questions. I was just sitting here. Let's start with the Equestrian Regime before the war"
>>126123"Ah ok. yea that'll work."
"Well For one The Princess and Her Student. Started Caring about the rights of their own kind than less than the other creatures. As well,as Her "Majesty's" Incompetence in dealing with most things. such as dealing with threats to the former kingdom like changelings."
>>126124"Let me ask you a question. When you lower yourself towards the ground and lower your voice, so as to not scare away a cat, or maybe a small, terrified child, and to get them to come to you - are you not caring about yourself?"
>>126124"Well, let's see about threats. They defeated a moon goddess, a chaos goddess, the Changelings the first time, an eccentric dictator wanna be wizard, an ancient magic eater escaped from hell, the Changelings a second time, and oh yeah, they defeated an emperor who conquered most of a continent. Then in the final invasion, they held the Changelings back for a good while. So did they fail to deal with a threat, or were they stabbed in the back when their former colonists invaded?
Im getting tired, i'll post more later.
>>126135Technically no, just a really coot bat
>>126136Is nice bat
>>126137Giggity Tango, I'm coming for that mango!
>>126125"I'm Not sure i quite understand the question."
>>126126"Oh please. the only reason that happened is because twiggy and poneetes were there to stop the threats."
>>126141"And were not Twilight Sparkle and her friends a part of the government? As for the cat, I'll ask a different way. Have you ever crouched down, made yourself look smaller, or used a higher pitched tone of voice, so as to not frighten an easily frightened cat, or a small child?"
>>126142He touches his chin in thought
"No. i can't say i have. i hate cats."
He Grins as he drinks his whiskey
>>126143"As for children?" She asks, mildly perturbed
>>126144"I haven't exactly interacting with any children."
>>126145"Alright, I'll approach this a different way. Does friendship provide strength?"
>>126147"And do nations need to be strong?"
>>126148"Yes,Where are you going with this?"
He asks Curiously
>>126149She nods, and moves her back away from the seat where it rested after Dark Star's previous answer
"So wouldn't spreading the value of friendship, and cultivating friendship among the nations, increase Equestria's power?"
>>126150"And what Nations specifically?"
>>126151"That's a question of prudence, and the answer is really going to vary depending on facts of the given situation. What I mean is, it's a question of policy , not principle. But the short answer is: any nations that may be hoped to adopt our values in time, and requite our friendship"
>>126152"And when you say Our values what do you mean?"
>>126153"I mean Harmony. The universal values of friendship, kindness, and generosity. The values of Equestria."
>>126153>>126154Silver listens quietly to the discussion.
>>126154"Those aren't our values anymore. We're Fascist now. and the local government is socialist."
>>126156She places her drink down, and puts a claw to her cheek
"Tell me then. What
are our values -
your values, if something other than friendship, kindness, and generosity?"
>>126157"Kindness towards our pones, Strength,Honor,Order,Etc."
>>126158"Strength? Order? Honor?"
She smiles
"You're sounding more like a griffin now"
>>126155From the right, Jubilosa slowly walks in, first looking at Dark Star and Undertoe talking, then to Silver
"Can I sit next to you?"
She asks him
>>126159Silver looks over at the griffon, and smiles.
"Of course."
>>126160She smiles back at him, then scoots into the booth, sitting down next to Silver. She looks back to him, smiles, and glances back to what is going on with Dark Star and Undertoe
>>126159He frowns slightly
"Oh Please what do they know about that?"
>>126161Silver joins her in watching.
"I always found political talk to be little bit draining, you know?"
>>126162"Order? Honor? Strength?"
She tilts her head back to the booth with Johann and Blue Skies
"Go ask them yourself. I get the strangest suspicion you never have"
>>126163"Heh, a little."
She smiles at Silver
"My parents were supporters of the federal system. I had more of an affinity for the syndicates... but that may just be because the griffs I went to school with were. It can be a it draining, yeah"
>>126164"I have always been Harmonist, myself. It was what my father learned in Royal Guard, and he taught it to me. I do not know much of syndicates, though."
>>126165Yes. She is
>>126166"Huh. Oh. Well, you see, Equestria has a monarchy. Had a monarchy, anyways. Sort of still does. But what I mean is that Sycameon doesn't. Everything is decentralized. Well, it mostly is. But there are syndicates that own granaries, the larger commercial farms, and run the government, were every griff has some sort of say in it."
>>126167He considers this for a moment, then nods.
"That sounds very nice. It can be slow, I imagine, getting everygriff together to make collective decisions, but it sounds like it would make for free, happy population."
>>126168"How do you make exceptions for them - well, for all of us - but still hold the general rule?"
>>126169"Well, the town near where I lived made a requirement that you have to show up to be counted, and a certain portion of the members of the syndicate had to be there for certain proposals to be passed, but yeah. It was a very carefree, happy population. Maybe not as wealthy as Skyfall or the Pony Colony, but... easy going. Not at all like the griffins beyond the mountains"
>>126170Silver smiles at her moreso.
"It sounds like people I would get along with happily. Like you."
>>126171"Heh. After what I've seen tonight, I think so. It's a very different experience with what I've had with ponies before. During the invasion..."
>>126170what do you mean how? i just did it."
>>126173"Well, you say griffins don't value Honor, Order, or Strength. But it seems like you've only ever had a conversation with two of them. And you think those to may value order, honor, and strength. So why do you not believe that if you spoke to more of them, you'd find that many of them are like those two?
And for that matter, why did you sign to take all of us, and give us asylum, if you don't want all of the many poor creatures who have lost their livelihoods to be able to seek asylum?"
>>126172Silver puts a hoof on her back, giving her a pat.
"I know I had nothing to do with it, but I am sorry."
>>126175She is pat, with shorter fur above feathery wings
"I know... I like you, though"
>>126174"why did i sign to take you all? its because,i don't think any. creature should suffer like that i've fought beside those 2, i know what they are about."
>>126177"And I think that if you gave all griffins the benefit of a doubt, you'd find that many of them are like that. Perhaps even most"
>>126178He seems a little shocked
"you do realized it was a griffion group that foalnapped you right?"
>>126179“Oh I know...”
She presses down her beak in a particularly bitter fashion
“But they are outlaws even in their home countries”
>>126180"No,Those are the typical archtype. they slaughter innocent ponies all over the world,as well as Other Creatures."
>>126181She winces
"Then why is 'Imperial Inquisitor Johann Lictschild'" She says that in a mocking kind of way "sanctioned by his gvernment, while Maakie and the cultists were hunted by their's?"
>>126182"The Inquisitor is different,as i said before."
>>126183"But whatever he is, must be valued by his society, otherwise they would have never put him there. They would have a put in power a griffin more like you suppose them all to be"
>>126185"I dont think this topic ig going anywhere."
>>126186"Alright then"
She takes a drink
"The ball is back in your court"
>>126187"So whats it like being a hippogriff?"
you did say she was a hippogriff right?
>>126188Yes. She is candy apple red, with an indigo mane that is straight, clearly washed and brushed, and bushed behind her head in a curve, and with light, purple eyes
"Well, I've never been a pony or a griffin, so I don't have much point of comparison, but I imagine it's kind of like being a pony. What's it like being a zebra?"
>>126176Silver actually lets out a little "d'awwww", and hugs Jubilosa with the leg he was patting her with.
"I like you too, Jubilosa."
>>126189"I Have been craving watermelon."
he laughs
>>126190"Heheh"
She moves her shoulders up in a way that makes her feathers on her neck fluff up
She smiles back at him as she is pulled closer to the unicorn's chest
>>126191"Uheh"
She gives a light laugh that betrays a sort of discomfort, as if she is laughing to go along with him
>>126192"I have to admit, I will miss this when you do make your way to Aquiliea."
>>126193"Yeah, I see"
Another couple details. She has black socks on her rear hooves (though those would not be visible) and a golden necklace with a design on the end that she is not wearing, but rather has wrapped around her left arm above her claw
>>126196"This?"
She holds her claw up. On the end is a small metal piece shaped like a dolphin, with small gems in it giving it a bluish color
"Do you want it?"
>>126197"want it? but don't you want it?"
>>126194"Heh"
She smiles again
"I may just miss it too. But until then, let's enjoy the moment"
>>126198"I was going to trade it, but your companion gave me money. So I don't need it"
>>126200"Let us say someone gave it to me"
>>126201He raises an eyebrow
"Oh,interesting. who gave it to you?"
>>126202"Someone I do not care to remember, and let us leave it at that"
>>126199"I would be happy to enjoy this moment with you, Jubilosa."
>>126203"If you don't want it i can take it off your hooves."
>>126204She leans on him, her head on his neck
>>126204>>126202Glistening Glass has walked over to the end of the bar, and turned on the Jukebox. It's a sweet song, popular on the radio
>>126205"Then it's yours"
>>126207"That much, huh. Deal"
She reaches her claw out, and swipes the bits closer to her. As she s completely naked besides the socks, she does not place it in any bit pouch or pocket
>>126206Silver hums softly with the music, and looks at Jubilosa.
"...Perhaps you would like to dance? I am not best dancer, but..."
>>126209"Sure"
She looks at him with a night naughty look, before returning her expression to something softer
"This is a much slower song than I'm used to"
>>126210He leads Jubilosa out onto a clear part of the floor.
"It has been while since I have danced at all, but I would be glad to do so with you."
>>126208"Its been a nice chat undertoe, if you need to talk again,you can talk to me."
he stands up
"would you like a room here? i'll pay for one for you."
>>126211"It has been some time for me as well... How do you dance like a pony?"
>>126212"A place to stay for the night would be nice, but your companion has already been plenty generous to me."
>>126215"The Unicorn. Silver Sword is his name, I believe. The one with the griffin. Thank you for the offer, though. Maybe there
is generosity in you"
>>126216"believe it or not,beneath this tough exterior is a generous pony."
he smiles
>>126213"It is mostly about careful placement of hoofsteps in specific pattern while facing your partner. How do griffons dance?"