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Where before many mare have gone.jpg
Occupied Equestria - Between Storms
Anonymous
3f5f16c
?
No.129000
In the North, Spark has encountered a new tribe of creatures, who are eager to take him as an emissary between cultures. In the south, Iron sleeps off his wounds, with dreams of a new life for himself and a certain zebra. Silver tries to settle in those he saved from the cultists into their own lives. Fantasy play establishes herself in Baltimare, and she too, has encountered cultures unknown to her before. As they all search for normalcy, it remains to be seen just what dangers await beyond the horizon
1735 replies and 44 files omitted.
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130244
>>130231
She marvels at these grand old buildings and takes note of them. I don't think there are any apartments here… She continues on eastward.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130245
130246
>>130243
He raises an eyebrow at her.

"Uh...alright? How do oats sound?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130246
130247 130249
>>130245
She nods slowly

>>130245
More brick buildings, some with shops on the first levels, and some row houses. But the further and further east she goes, the buildings become closer together. Smaller. In some instances, less well maintained. She passes the first large brick building she can assume is a factory, with massive smoke stacks, and past tenement buildings. She sees a zebra and a griffin, and then more of them. Diamond Dogs as well, and the ponies do not wear fancy clothing. The air has a smell in it, one that was not present in the west side.
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130247
130248
>>130246
Amber snorts at the additional irritants in the air and tries not to step in anything on the sidewalk. She hurries past diamond dogs in particular and tries to spot a general store.
Spot: [1d20+2 = 16]
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130248
130250
>>130247
One is spotted
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130249
130252
>>130246
Silver gets her a bowl of oats, and offers it to her.

"It is not much, but I think they are tasty."
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130250
130251
>>130248
She goes in and looks around at whoever's inside, not so much what's on sale.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130251
130253
>>130250
One griffin at the counter, hard to tell if male or female, with noticeably white feathers and golden eyes
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130252
130255
>>130249
She is still kind of curled up. It takes her a moment, but she takes the bowl with magenta magic aura, and then in her split hooves. She places her muzzle directly in the bowl and slowly eats
nibble nibble nibble
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130253
130254
>>130251
I've never met a griffin before! How exciting! Amber smiles and trots up. "Hello, errr…" She seems perplexed for a moment but quickly recovers. "I'm new to town and was wondering if you could point me where to go."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130254
130257
>>130253
It squints its eyes
"Bathrooms are for paying customers only"
Sounds more female
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130255
130256
>>130252
He can't help but smile at the sight. So cute!

He looks up at the stairs, wondering when Mala is getting up.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130256
130261
>>130255
Silver can see him sprawled out on the bed, sleeping. The worn-out blanket covers only most of his body
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130257
130258
>>130254
Do I need to use the bathroom? I think I'll be fine if I can find an apartment soon, and I could always come back here…
"Oh, I'm just looking for an apartment to rent. I was told to come east for better deals. Um, and do you know what time it is?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130258
130259
>>130257
"Do I look like a clock or a real estate agent? It's 10 AM"
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130259
130260 130262
>>130258
Amber blinks and her smile fades a bit. "Thank you for the time. I just want to find a place to stay around here. Do you know someone I could ask?"
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130260
>>130259
somepony*
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130261
130262
>>130256
Once he goes to Mala's room, Silver gently tries to shake the gnoll awake.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130262
130263 130266
>>130261
"Wah" He opens an eye
"Huh?" Then he sees Silver, and stands up

"Silver!"

>>130259
"Yeah. Guido in the tenements over there has rooms, if you're looking for rooms"
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130263
130264
>>130262
Amber flashes a friendly smile. "Thank you, miss!" She trots out of the shop and toward the general direction of where the griffon was pointing.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130264
130265
>>130263
It's a brown set of buildings, dirty and covered in soot from the air.
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130265
130267
>>130264
Despite the unattractiveness of the tenements Amber did not set out with high expectations for lodging. As long as it's close enough to work, I'm happy, she reminds herself. With this mind she looks for an entrance of sorts.
Also to recap, how long did she have to trot from her new workplace to get here?
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130266
130267
>>130262
Silver smiles at him.

"Sorry to wake you, Mala, but I was wondering if you want to help me today."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130267
130268 130270
>>130265
20 minutes at least. he enters into a hallway with a door to the left, stairs going up, a hallway along the left, and a row of mailboxes

>>130266
He sits up and smiles excitedly
"I can help!"
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130268
130269
>>130267
Is there anypony there? She looks down the hallways, and will knock on the door if she can't find anypony. Should I roll spot?
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130269
130271
>>130268
No one is immediately visible, but from the door on the side
"What is it? I am a reading my magazine"

It's another griffin. Large, mostly brown colors. Definitely male. He looks down at her, not saying anything yet
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130270
130272
>>130267
He chuckles, and pats Mala on the shoulder.

"I would be happy to have you. Go ahead and get ready for day, then."
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130271
130272
>>130269
"Hello, are you Mr. Guido? I'm looking for a place to stay." Amber curiously looks at the cover of the magazine to see what it is.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130272
130273 130274
>>130271
"Oh, yes. I am Guido" He has a strange accent
"I thought you may be a lost"

While there does appear to be a female pony in a seductive position on the front page of the magazine, no other detail, save the sliver of a blue sky is visible

"I have units available"

>>130270
"Yes!"
He jumps off the bed
"Let me just wash up..."
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130273
130275
>>130272
Probably is about some summer paradise in an exotic part of the world.
"I was wondering what the rates are if I share a room with another pony. Do you have any rooms like that?"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130274
130275
>>130272
Silver nods.

"Good idea. I still have yet to brush my teeth, so I will do that, too."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130275
130276 130277
>>130273
"Price for my cheapest room is 150 a month, studio apartment. You can fit as many beds in it as you want, and I will not report if you are sharing beds with not your husband"

>>130274
He runs off, to the door and into the bathroom
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130276
130278
>>130275
Silver goes into the other to brush his teeth, meeting up with Mala in the living room when they're both done.
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130277
130278
>>130275
Amber tries not to scrunch as she thinks to herself. That's thirty hours of work a month just to live here!
Then again, I can share the cost…I hope it's not too small, being so cramped that you have to share a bed would be annoying.

"Does it have a bathroom, kitchen, and a window? What about a fireplace for heating?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130278
130279 130282
>>130276
It takes Mala a little longer. A lot longer actually. But he can hear the almost crashing sound of the large creature running across hall upstairs, then down the stairs

Mala arrives in the living room, tongue partly out, and kind of still wet . He has his sword, and a (now partly wet) robe over him

>>130277
"Yeah, sort of. Not the fireplace though"
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130279
130280
>>130278
"May I see?" she asks politely.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130280
130281
>>130279
"Yeah, sure. Follow me"
The griffin walks out, in front of Amber. He's like a large stallion almost, kind of fat though.

He goes up, takes out a key ring, takes a moment to find the key, and unlocks a room
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130281
130283
>>130280
The leonine form with all its strange qualities–compared with ponies–perplexes Amber. This one does not resemble the lean and fiercely efficient heroes and anti-heroes she's read about, nor even the plump kings and emperors resting amidst their domains.

Although she is eager enough to want to squeeze into the room, she knows better than to try to get in the landlord's way. She waits either for him to go in first or for him to usher her in.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130282
130283
>>130278
In that time, Silver managed to get equipment ready. Mala can see him wearing his tattered armor, and his sword strapped to his side.

"Heheh, someone is ready to go!"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130283
130284 130288
>>130281
>heroes and anti-heroes she's read about
Without inquiring into what revisionist histories Amber has been reading, he's certainly something different

He opens the door, moves through it, and signals for Amber to come through. carpet floors, grated air vents, tan-ish colored walls, a single room and a kitchen that connects with it. Not very big at all. At least there is a stove in the kitchen, and a separate bathroom. The walls could really use a new coat of paint

>>130282
"Yes! Do I just wear this robe over the sword?"
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130284
130285
>>130283
Amber grins. Compared to some of the unromantic stories from a century back this is practically luxury. It not quite like home but it will certainly do.
"I think I'll stay here." She goes to see what kind of view the room has.
Are there signs of any current occupants?
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130285
130286
>>130284
"Excellent! Just pay a deposit and we can get the paperwork done quickly"

No signs of a current occupant, though there are stains on the carpet
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130286
130287
>>130285
She bites her lip. "How much is the deposit?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130287
130289
>>130286
"100 bits" He says
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130288
130290
>>130283
Silver takes a look at Mala's robe.

"Depends on what you want to prioritize. Wearing sword over makes it easier to access for battle, while wearing it under makes it concealed."
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130289
130290
>>130287
She blinks. "I don't have that much! I have only fifty but I just secured a job on the west side of the city."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130290
130291 130292
>>130288
"I would rather hide it..."

>>130289
Well, she knows what she has to do
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130291
130293
>>130290
Silver nods.

"Alright, wear it under."
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130292
130293
>>130290
Rolling charisma [1d20+3 = 18]
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130293
130294 130296
>>130291
He taps his side, to show that he indeed has the sword under the roe, although the robe looks strange on him

>>130292
"I... I could go lower"
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130294
130295 130303
>>130293
She has a pleading look. "Please sir, a deposit of thirty bits would be enough to give me a chance to stand on my hooves."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130295
130297
>>130294
Another roll for the negotiations
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130296
130298
>>130293
"Alright. Go ahead and head outside if you are ready. I have one last thing to do before we leave."
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130297
130298 130303
>>130295
[1d20+3 = 6]
(when does diplomacy skill come into play?)
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130298
130299 130302
>>130297
Now would be a very good time

>>130296
He scurries on outside
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130299
130300
>>130298
Should I reroll adding diplomacy+charisma modifier, or just add diplomacy to the current roll? I can give Amber another line of dialogue as a diplomacy action
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130300
130301
>>130299
Just add the diplomacy modifier
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130301
>>130300
That's a +4 so 10 in total. I don't think it's going to cut it.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130302
130303
>>130298
Silver goes to find Jubilosa to tell her goodbye before he leaves.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130303
130304 130306
rick_harrison.png
>>130294
>>130297
"70 bits is the best I can do" He says

>>130302
"Where are you going?" She asks
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130304
130305
>>130303
She shuffles her hooves, looking at the carpet. She's no longer smiling but has an expression midway between disappointment and embarrassment. "Fifty bits is all I have on me…"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130305
130308
>>130304
"I'm stretching it even to lower to 50 bits. I need some insurance if the apartment is damaged" He answers
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130306
130307
>>130303
"There is quarry near outskirts of city where I did mission before one at Hoebuck which connected to old undead catacombs. Now that undead are cleared, I am going back to help in making sure remains are properly buried."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130307
130310
>>130306
"Uh....." Her beak is partly open
"Alright then. I'll see you. Sometime..."

At first, I though he was talking to Mala. I was oing to have a line of dialogue where Mala gleefully answers "I've handled remains be-" and cuts himself off when he realizes what he is saying
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130308
130309
>>130305
"Sir, I swear that I won't damage the apartment one bit. I'll leave it even better than it is now!" She tries to smile encouragingly. "I won't have any spending money, but at least I brought some food with me…"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130309
130312
>>130308
"By all means, come back when you have the bits"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130310
130311
>>130307
The unicorn gives the griffon a hug and a kiss goodbye.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130311
130313
>>130310
She's almost surprised by this, but she's hugged and kissed goodbye
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130312
130314
>>130309
She bends her head beneath her cloak and unfastens a jingling pouch. "Hmmre!" She sets it down on the floor. "There's fifty bits…"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130313
130314
>>130311
Silver smiles at her as he releases her.

"I will see you later Jubilosa."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130314
130315 130316
>>130312
"There we go" He smiles almost triumphantly as he examines the bits
"I should mention now that rent is paid upfront"

>>130313
"Bye!" She smiles back at him
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130315
130317
Spoilered
>>130314
She looks quite jittery now. "I don't have the bits! Can I pay you in a week?"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130316
130318
>>130314
Silver bids her goodbye, and joins Mala outside.

"Okay, I am now ready."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130317
130319
>>130315
He looks away from Amber
"I am not in the business of providing free accommodation to creatures I have no guarantee will not fail to make payment later"
Then he looks back to her. There's something strange in his smile.
"But... I do know creatures who are, if all you need is a small loan, and you're just going to pay it back in a couple weeks"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130318
130321
>>130316
Mala joins besides him
"Off on our first venture togeher!" he says
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130319
130320
>>130317
Amber ponders her choices. "Why don't I go find another apartment? I'm sure that the owner will be much more obliging. And even if he isn't, I don't mind sleeping outside a couple of nights.
To herself: A loan?! I just got here, I can't go into debt already. What would my parents think?
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130320
>>130319
"Haha, No one in this city will let you into an apartment without payment upfront, and most wouldn't even lower the down payment. Not without securities. Not for 50 bits. And the police are only so tolerant of the homeless loitering in public places. If I were you, a young mare, I would be afraid to be on the streets at night, especially asleep."
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130321
130323
>>130318
Silver nods, and joins Mala in heading for the quarry.

"You know what we are doing, yes? We are going to help recover bodies left over from my last mission."
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130322
130323
VexedAmber.png
Amber sits back, defeated. The police would arrest me even while sleeping? That's just mean. I can't believe that everypony would be as nasty as this griffin. Dare I wander around all day to find out?
She sighs. "Fiiiine. Where can I get a decent short-term loan?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130323
130324 130325
>>130321
His eyes go wide, and both ears twitch
"Last... Mission? Back at the place?"

>>130322
"Well, you see, it can be hard for a little filly like you to get a loan from a 'reputable' lender because they want securities, and credit history, and all sorts of things you couldn't possibly have, otherwise you wouldn't need to borrow the money in the first place. And they can't even make it worth their while because of ridiculous 'usury' laws. But not to worry, little filly. You see, I work with creatures who are willing to stick their necks out to help little creatures like you. Just go down the street, take a right, then another right at the next street on the corner, go into the place there, and say you're lookin' for a seaweed beer, 200 miligrams. They'll get it to you. You do gotta tell them who you are, where you're stayin'. But they'll get it to you, won't ask what you want if for, what you got for them to take if you can't pay it back, or nothin'"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130324
130326
>>130323
"Back at quarry I was telling you about."
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130325
130326
>>130323
Amber blinks incredulously, "Seaweed beer? Pardon my asking, but is this a practical joke waiting for me?
It wouldn't be the first time something like this happened…"

Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130326
130327 130329
>>130324
"Ohhhh. With the zombies. Yes! Let's go!"

>>130325
"Hahaha, they just like discretion. Make sure who they're dealing with. It's code, but for you, how innocent you look, they might not care."
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130327
130328
>>130326
"Alright…,", she says reluctantly. She follows his directions to the place as the griffin said, keeping an eye on her surroundings. I'm pretty sure I read a story about a colt who went to a place like this, and it didn't work out very well…
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130328
130330
>>130327
Well... She goes down the street, takes a right, takes another right... Well, she's there alright. It's a bar, it seems like. A bit odd, not really one Amber would normally patronize
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130329
130331
>>130326
Silver nods at him.

"Yes. We are going to help give dead proper burial they were denied. If that sounds good with you."
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130330
130331
>>130328
>implying Amber's patronized a bar before
She swallows before she heads in. She's read of such rowdy, chaotic places before, drowned in cigar smoke and thronged with burly stallions who'd beat each other up over a slight. She cautiously walks in, hoping nopony notices her.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130331
130332 130417
>>130329
"I don't know if I much see the point of it. My brother didn't get a marked grave, neither did mother. Seems like a waste when the living don't-" He looks over to Silver, and his left ear goes down

"Oh, yes. Yes, that sounds good. Very good. Let's do the thing!"

>>130330
Looking in it's... Empty. Almost empty. There's a couple ponies at a table, just one, and a diamond dog at the bar, cleaning a glass. It's a big, tall grey diamond dog. There is a lingering cigar smell though...
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130332
130333
>>130331
She breathes a sigh of relief and walks to the bar. Rather than looking at the intimidatingly large canine directly, she stares at the bottles behind him as she states, "Um…howdy. I want a glass of 'seaweed beer.' I think maybe two hundred milligrams, however many ounces that is."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130333
130334
>>130332
The Diamond dog suddenly stops rubbing the glass, and freezes in place, looking up at Amber. He has a sort of smile, almost malign. His lips are almost too long.

"Sure thing. Just let me confirm with the manager" He moves over to the side, and through a doorway

He comes out with a Zebra mare. Her mane is combed to fall down towards the right, and the bottom of her muzzle is black, sort of like Amber's coloration. She looks to Amber, and has a kind of warmer smile
"Can I get some ID from you?"
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130334
130335
>>130333
Amber could swear the hairs on her back are standing on end from the Diamond Dog. This eases a bit when she sees the zebra. "Of course…" She digs out the spent train ticket that she would still have with her and sets it down on the counter with her mouth.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130335
130336
>>130334
"Excellent." She moves her hoof to pull over the ticket and starts to write something down
"And where are you staying, Amber?"
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130336
130337
>>130335
"The apartments owned by Mr. Guido about a block away. I need a hundred and fifty bits to pay for rent in advance…"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130337
130338
>>130336
"And you answered my next question as well. Only 150?"
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130338
130339
>>130337
She nods. "I don't want to borrow more if I can help it."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130339
130340
>>130338
She nods, still smiling, and pulls out a number of bits in her hooves. She counts them out them beneath the counter top, so that Amber can see them from where she sits, but no one not sitting at the bar could. She moves one hundred and fifty bits over to Amber.
"Come back to us in a week with 165 bits. If you can come back before then, that's fine too. Two weeks, make it 180 bits. We'll come to you if we lose touch."
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130340
130341
>>130339
She smiles gratefully at the zebra. "Thank you, ma'am. I'll be back as soon as possible." She puts the bits into her pouch, a few at a time to prevent accidentally spilling any. As soon as this is done she turns to go back.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130341
130342
>>130340
"Have a good day!" She smiles, closing her eyes and showing surprisingly white teeth. Amber can simply leave and go back
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130342
130343
>>130341
She goes back and meets Guido. Before she hoofs him the money she makes sure to read whatever contract he presents carefully.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130343
130344
>>130342
Liability waivers, month to month rent that allows changes in prices, rules for eviction and so forth. A whole page on bed bugs... Guido further tells her that if a team of armed creatures come for her, he'd rather unlock the door than have them bust it down.
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130344
130345
>>130343
She frowns and makes some mental notes. I had better find a backup place just in case…and maybe figure out a way to get rid of bed-bugs.
She sighs. "Do you have a pen?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130345
130346
>>130344
"Of course"
He offers her a pen with his claw
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130346
130347
>>130345
Her mouth-writing is pretty good, all things considered. "May I go to my room now?"
Penniless… she laments to herself.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130347
130348
>>130346
He picks up the key, and holds it in front of her
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130348
130349
>>130347
She takes the key with her mouth and walks upstairs, feeling a bit weary. If there is any symbolism of her grabbing something with her mouth from a griffin's claws it's lost on her.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130349
130350
>>130348
Looks like her stories didn’t mention that part. But she has the keys, and no one to stop her
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130350
130351 130401
>>130349
It's gotta be ridiculously late for you, see you tomorrow.
He trots to her door and at first struggles to unlock it holding a key in her teeth. After a couple of attempts she succeeds, wipes her hooves outside, and locks the door behind her after she enters. She stands against a raised surface, perhaps the counter, carefully undoes her saddlebags and slides them down her back onto the floor. She soon covers them with her cloak. Doffing her old-fashioned dress is considerably harder as its small buttons are inconvenient for hooves. Once she succeeds, however, she carefully puts it away with one of these options arranged by priority: 1) hanging it on a clothes hanger in a closet if she has one, 2) folding it over a chair if she has one, 3) laying it on a clean surface. If she has a bed and it's not quite filthy, she'll fold her legs beneath her in a very equine resting pose, making sure not to rub her hooves on the mattress.
I got done with the two things I set out to accomplish, and the day's only half gone, so there's that.
Amber Sunset
5e76ef2
?
No.130351
>>130350
Also, other players, what do you think of my character so far? Be brutal!
328ab32
?
No.130357
[1d2 = 2]
>>129863
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130358
130359
>>129863
From behind, a certain Kirin slowly walks in, and looks around
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130359
130360
>>130358
Iron's ear flickers, turning back to see this certain kirin as he absent-mindedly waves his foreleg to beckon her.
"Hey," he calls out stoically "over here."
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130360
130361
>>130359
She equally stoically walks up to a Iron, standing next to him, looking over to Sands with curious it’s at first, then disdain, and looks back to Iron
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130361
130362
>>130360
"I have good news for you," Iron responds with a small grin at seeing she's really Khoi "your job is almost within your hooves." Having said that, he rubs his chin softly as he stares pensively at the fluffier mare "so, how good of a cook are you?"
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130362
130363
>>130361
“I have... cooked before” she answers
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130363
130364
>>130362
"...you consider yourself a capable learner?" he follows up, tilting his head to the side.
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130364
130365
>>130363
She nods
“I am capable”
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130365
130366
>>130364
Hearing that answer, Iron smiles once more, extending a hoof to bump. "Excellent!" Iron enthusiatically replies, nodding a bit as he scanned the room for a certain zebra mare in case he spots her "In case the mare you will work for does not show up, where should I go to contact you once more for a more proper meeting?"
A pause ensues before he flaps his lips once more. "Feel free to ask any pertinent questions," he replies.
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130366
130367
>>130365
“There is an address in Cherryhill... what is this job exactly? Cooking?”
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130367
130368
>>130366
"Indeed it is," Iron confirms with a happy look "pretty cool, exotic kind of food, at least for me!"
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130368
130369
>>130367
“Exotic?”
She tilts her head
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130369
130370
>>130368
"It is Zebrican food;" Iron clarifies as he turns pensive, mumbling out loud his thought process "...but most food around here is exotic to me..."
Anonymous
5c48b5c
?
No.130370
130371
>>130369
“Which type?” She asks
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130371
130372
>>130370
"Your employer should have that part covered," Iron replies with a sheepish smile "I am not exactly a cook, if you have not noticed."
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130372
130373
>>130371
“Which Zebrican group?” She asks
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130373
130374 130375
>>130372
"The employer should have an answer for that," Iron replies dismissively with a giggle "but I am sure she will understand what you mean, Khoi."
He made sure the word 'Khoi' was perfectly hearable if by any chance Cauldron was currently prowling behind him somehow.
328ab32
?
No.130374
130376
[1d2 = 1]
>>130373
“Okay...”
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130375
130376
>>130373
Sabds turns around, to look behind them
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130376
130378
>>130375
>>130374
Iron sheepish rubs one foreleg with the other. "I understand if this interview's circumstances are a bit primitive at the moment," he explains to Khoi "but mayhaps you may find a bit more informative to visit the restaurant you will work at instead."
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130378
130379
>>130376
From behind, a light clopping, as White Sands stares behind Iron. Then iron can see her, Black Cauldron, who trades stares with Sands. Then she turns to Iron
“Hello”
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130379
130381
>>130378
Iron, oblivious of the massive amount of staring being given to Sands, turns to Cauldron with a big, bright smile. "Hey Cauldron!" he happily greets as he quickly snaps his forelegs towards Khoi in a presenting motion "This is Khoi, the kirin I told you about. She has many questions that I am sure you can figure out."
Pausing softly, he scans the tables for a place for all four to sit.
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130381
130382
>>130379
The table Iron is presently at can hold four. Cauldron moves her head back at the sudden action of Iron’s forelegs. She looks at Khoi, who returns the look with inquisitiveness.
“Hello, I am Black Cauldron.” She offers a hoof
“Khoi Lua” she answers, and after a moment, offers a hoof in return. She does not shake firmly, but Cauldron does
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130382
130384
>>130381
Iron happily smiles at the introduction before looking at Khoi eagerly. "Do you mind if you repeat the questions you had with me to Cauldron?" he asks tentatively.
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130384
130386
>>130382
“Yes.”
She turns to Cauldron
<“What is this job exactly.”
>”Well... you would work for my father’s restaraunt”
Khoi tilts her head
<“Is he... is this... Zebra?”
Cauldron has bigger eyes
>”Well... Yes. Igbronc ethnic food”
<“Uh Huh...”
She turns her head
<“I was expecting more ponies in Equestria”
Cauldron has the best words
>”Have you cooked before”
<“I have cooked for family”
>”But have you cooked as a job before”
<“No.”
>”Do you have any experience with Igbronc cuisine, or any Zebra cuisine”
<“Cuis...”
>”Food. Do you have any experience with Zebra food”
<“No...”

Black Cauldron looks to Iron
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130386
130387
>>130384
"Khoi has a lot of free time and has been proven to keep herself composed under pressure," Iron replies with a smile, trying to butter up Cauldron to the idea "not to mention she is a rather quick learner and has magic to make the cooking process much faster, cleaner and efficient."
He pauses, looking at Khoi's horn. "...you can channel telekinesis through your horn, correct?"
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130387
130388
>>130386
<“Yes, I am experienced in mediation. I can keep calm. And I can use minimal magic. Not as much as unicorn, but some”

Cauldron places her hoof to her mouth
>”Hmmm...”
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130388
130389
>>130387
"Let us not forget her honesty throughout this interview as well," Iron adds, feeling confident Cauldron will see Khoi in a favorable light.
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130389
130390
>>130388
She taps her hoof
>”Hmmm... I am not sure my father will like a non-zebra as much, but I do need someone to take my place”
She places her hoof down
>”Sure, I will pare moment her to Father, Iron”

Khoi does a small bow
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130390
130391
>>130389
Iron can't help but plaster a big smile on his face at the news as he scrunches up in an attempt not to explode from joy as Cauldron still needed her father's approval to seal the deal. "So, how do we send her the news when your Father makes your decision?" he utters, still trying to compose himself from things going rather well.
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130391
130392
>>130390
Cauldron turns to him
“I present her to him, and he makes his decision there”
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130392
130393
>>130391
Iron pouts lightly, a bit surprised. "...you mean you are going to escort Khoi to the restaurant and present her physically? When?"
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130393
130394
>>130392
Cauldron blinks
“Yes. Right now. Why not?”
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130394
130395
>>130393
"Oh I figured your father was busy," Iron surmises "but if we can go for it, then sure."
The native spared once glance at Sands, wondering if she has recovered even the slightest bit from her 'hangover' illness she has.
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130395
130396
>>130394
She periodically touches her head, and drinks water. She does not seem to find the conversation interesting

>”He is busy, but it’s all a part of running his restaurant.”
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130396
130397
>>130395
Iron hums lightly as he considers his options, poking his chin as usual. "...if that is the case, then we shall go," he boldly answers, ready to move out and back open for Sands to hop onto if need be.
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130397
130398
>>130396
White Sands bites her lip, evidently finding the offer tempting, but instead

Cauldron looks to Iron a little curiously, but answers
“Very well”
And starts to head out. Khoi follows behind, while Sands stays close to Iron
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130398
130399
>>130397
Iron, obviously wanting to see what eventually happens to the deal he's made, follows behind Khoi, making sure to walk slowly in order not to inconvenience Sands any further from the scorching sun outside, to the point of even offering himself to support her, communicated by being next to her if she needs to in order to keep up.
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130399
130400
>>130398
She does kind of slink behind, and her fur nearly glows in the sunlight. Cauldron takes the lead. A wind blows, and both Khoi and Cauldron display some discomfort at the cold, Khoi more so, shivering but not making sound. After some tine, the creatures reach the restaurant
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130400
130402
>>130399
Iron shivers as well along the way, noticeably discomforted by the cold yet shows no other signs in order not to worry anyone.

Reaching the restaurant, he starts to trot off towards the door, almost slamming himself on it to enter the relative warmth while keeping it open for the other three to come inside.
Amber Sunset
7580e37
?
No.130401
130402
>>130350
Amber looks around her room. Has she got a closet and if so is there anything inside? What furnishings came with the room? She gets up and walks into the bathroom. How can it be described?
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130402
130403 130404
>>130400
Cauldron is kind of surprised by the run to the front, but she follows through into the restaurant. Bamboo and wicker decorates the ceiling above booths.

“Father? Oke?”

Khoi and Sands look around

>>130401
I’m sorely tempted to say that there is no furniture in the apartment
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130403
130405
>>130402
Iron's lets out a shaky sigh, still a bit cold from the weather before gently closing the door, gauging the two new ponies looking about the mostly zebra-oriented restaurant.
Amber Sunset
7580e37
?
No.130404
130405
>>130402
I honestly don't mind. I'm not the one living there, my character is
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130405
130406 130407
>>130403
From a door in the back, a very large stallion walks in. He has a shorter cut mohawk, and a stripe that is especially wide over his shoulders. He’s Iron’s size, if a bit less muscular

He says to her, “Little Blackie?”
“Daddy!”
She runs up to him, and places a foreleg around him. He looks back to Iron and the others, and starts to speak more softly to Black Cauldron

>>130404
And there is no furniture
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130406
130408
>>130405
Iron widens his eyes at the stallion's entrance, quickly standing at attention out of instinct from his presence and gaze as a sign of respect.
Amber Sunset
7580e37
?
No.130407
130408
>>130405
Amber sighs and looks around her desolate apartment. "How am I supposed to live all alone like this? I can't even save for furniture with this debt," she whines. She closes her eyes and taps a hoof against her forehead. "Get a hold of yourself. I'm a grown mare, I can get through this. It's nothing compared to what my parents have gone through."
She walks into her bathroom. What is in there?
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130408
130409 130410
>>130406
He says into her ear
“I told you not to bring any stallions from that thing you do in here”

She responds,
“I know daddy... he is a friend. We brought you a potential cook. I am going to try to make the potion shop happen.”

“You’ve been saying that for a while now.”

“Yeah, I know. Anyways, it’s the Kirin here.”

He breaks away from the hug, and looks out to the creatures.

“Who are you?”

>>130407
A toilet and a shower, at least
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130409
130412
>>130408
Iron blinks a couple of times, slowly realizing he actually asked something. "Oh, I am Iron," he answers, somewhat loosening by a bit at the relatively relaxed atmosphere before, with the aid of a foreleg pointed at the kirin "she is Khoi" and the unicorn "and White Sands."
Anonymous
f535b80
?
No.130410
130411 130412
Spoilered
>>130408
So basically this, with the sink not visible.
>tfw you actually live like this
>shower curtain wasn't even included
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130411
>>130410
Living the dream.
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130412
130413 130414
>>130409
Black Cauldron says to Iron,
“This is my father. Oke Osimiri.”

He nods, and looks at iron distrustingly
“Hello, ‘Iron.’”

Black Cauldron says to Oke
“This is Khoi Lua. She is the potential cook.”

She bows to him, and he says to her
“Hmmm. Do you know Igbronc cuisine?”

“No...”

Oke says to Cauldron,
“She isn’t a zebra”
Cauldron responds
“No, but she will be in the back, cooking. Away from the ”

He is silent for a moment
“Can you train her?
“I think so...”

>>130410
I was seriously wondering whether there would be shower curtains
Anonymous
f535b80
?
No.130413
130415
>>130412
Please use different text colors for different characters in the same post because if someone's slogging through a whole thread the conversation tends to run together. That's not me currently but I've been there before. You can use Ctrl+o/p/g to do so quickly.

>shower curtains
In a cheapskate apartment I wouldn't expect it, but it's your discretion. At least irl I got a complementary bed+mattress (no pillows or blankets though), wardrobe, bookcase, desk, chair, refrigerator, and AC, so I'm not exactly slumming it. I don't know how Amber's apartment compares which is why I'm eager for descriptions.
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130414
130424 130425
>>130412
Iron nods at Cauldron, attempting to remain composed as a single trickle of sweat starts to appear on his forehead before lightly bowing at Oke in respect, not daring to utter another word.

He remains patient, waiting to see what would come out Osimiri's mouth as his heart thudded the slightest bit faster.
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130415
>>130413
That is extremely difficult to do on mobile
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130417
130418
>>130331
Silver for a moment gives him a look of pity for him mentioning the lack of burial for his loved ones.

"You do not need to come along if you do not want to."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130418
130419
>>130417
He runs up, a bit closer to Silver’s side, and for a moment even touches him.
“No, I want to come along” he answers
Silver "The Floof" Sword
46ec1b5
?
No.130419
130420
>>130418
Silver nods at him.

"I am sorry to hear they did not get proper burial."
Anonymous
328ab32
?
No.130420
130421
>>130419
His ears briefly come down, then back up, and he moves his head to look forward

“It’s not just that...”

But he looks back to Silver
“I will do it though”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
46ec1b5
?
No.130421
130422
>>130420
"Oh? Would you mind explaining?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130422
130423
>>130421
Mala twists his ears and looks around for a moment. Evidently he trusts that he can confide his thoughts to Silver, but some things may not be spoken aloud. He comes closer to Silver, and whispers in his ear:
"It just doesn't make sense to me to bury dead bodies when they have so much meat that can be eaten, and there is so little meat to come by. And why give so much attention to the dead? The living are forgotten and no one thinks about them.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
46ec1b5
?
No.130423
130424
>>130422
He is very well aware of that part of him. He speaks back in a normal tone.

"I think ancient Earth Ponies first came up with practice. They believed Earth Ponies were first born from earth itself, so being buried after death was like returning to it. Now, it is way to give dead peace and let their ghosts rest easy. And it is place for loved ones to return to meet with them after they passed."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130424
130425 130426 130427
>>130414
"You know we only have so much money after all expenses. And you are such a good cook. I do not think anyone could replace you"
"I know daddy, I just someone to fill in for me."
"And that is another thing, that thing you do. I know what you bring in but... I would rather you not do it."
"This isn't isn't about that. It's about my potion making"
"But can she really replace you. You know our culture and our cooking. You have a talent for mixing spices and stews. You have been doing this for years, since you were a little filly. You are still my little filly."
He rubs her around the ears with his hoof, and he smiles
"Not everyzebra has so much knowledge, daddy. They all have to start somewhere. Even the other Igbroncs in this city either cost too much to hire as cooks, or know as much as her."
"And that is why it will be such a risk to lose you."
She stares over at him for a moment
"What if we put her here on a trial basis? Put her on training wheels, and give her time to learn?"
"Rent is still high. It will be another cost I am not sure I can afford."
"What if I were to cover her salary? At least for the time that she is still an apprentice?"
"Where would you get such money?"
He stares at her for a moment
"Don't tell me. I think I know"
He is silent again for a moment
"Very well. You may try. I love you, little filly."
He rubs around her ears again

>>130423
"Ghosts?" He tilts his head, but then returns it to normal
"Oh, okay. I need to learn pony customs if I am ever going to have any chance of fitting in with them."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130425
130428
>>130424
>>130414
With an expression nearest boredom, and with half lidded eyes, White Sands asks Oke
"Can I smoke in here?"

Oke leans in to talk into Black Cauldron's ear
"Who is that? His marefriend?

Black Cauldron responds,
"I don't know."
He asks
"Is she with your thing?"
"No. Definitely not. He is a friend and the Kirin is an immigrant we pulled away from Griffin Mafia."
This answer seems to please Oke, and he relaxes, smiling for a moment. He answers White Sands, who continues staring his direction:

"What sort of establishment do you think this is? Of course you can smoke here."

"Thanks"
There is a "chnk" sound, and White Sands lights a cigarette
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130426
130429
>>130424
Iron remains steadfast, wiping his forehead as the talk goes on as one of his ears flicker sporadically.
(W-woah. This stallion is the real deal,) he thinks to himself, as he can't help but have the ghost of a smile on his face at Oke's parental concern towards his daughter yet nervous at his own position towards him (n-nothing a little more work cannot fix).
Only when the deal is sealed the native broke out into a big smile for a second, glancing at Khoi to gauge her own reaction at the good news.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
46ec1b5
?
No.130427
130429
>>130424
He smiles at him.

"You do not have to follow them, but it is good idea to understand them."

Now he whispers to him.

"But either way, do not eat any of these corpses. Many have been there for hundreds of years, and I have no idea what would happen to one who would ingest formerly undead tissue."
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130428
>>130425
Iron couldn't help but let out an exhale he held for a while at finally seeing Cauldron's father fully relax, now free to has his big, goofy smile on his face as Sands lights a cigarette, yet remains silent in the offchance he managed to step over unknown social boundaries.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130429
130430 130433
>>130426
She looks nervous, and tries to listen intently. Her teeth are clenched together as she listens. Then, at the end of it, she closes her eyes and gives a small nod.

When it is done, Oke looks to Khoi, then to Iron, inspecting each of them

>>130427
He nods
"Thank you for your understanding..."
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130430
130431
>>130429
Iron's demeanor is obviously still reserved towards Oke, sporadically looking to the sides before refocusing on him, still wearing his goofy, excited smile.
After a moment, however, he decides to turn to Khoi, patting her on the shoulder gently with his hooves. "Congratulations," he happily offers to the mare.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130431
130432
>>130430
Her shoulders are furry and fleshy, with her scales just beyond. She looks to him, smiles for a moment, and then returns to a more neutral expression

Black Cauldron comes back
"Ready to begin training?"

"Yes" She answers
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130432
130434
>>130431
Iron removes his foreleg as he looks at Cauldron for a splitsecond in thought before blinking it off and waving at Cauldron. "You two knock it outta the canopy," he calls out with an excited tone, before glancing at the seemingly safe yet judging Oke and turning to Sands. "So, do you want to grab a bite here or should we go do other urban stuff?" his tone, albeit quite happy, has a creeping sense of fear over staying here any longer.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
46ec1b5
?
No.130433
130434
>>130429
"And thank you for your own understanding, Mala."

He continues to lead them to the quarry.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130434
130435 130436
>>130432
Cauldron giggles at the display of emotion from the normally suppressed Iron.

Sands answers him, "Either is fine"

>>130433
Silver walks down further West into the northern part of town, with rowhouses giving way to small plots of single family homes, and the occasional empty lot. Silver arrives, after some time, at the Silver Lake Development Project. But when he gets there, he can see ponies moving around at the site
Silver "The Floof" Sword
46ec1b5
?
No.130435
130437
>>130434
"Must be other volunteers. Come on, let us go down there."
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130436
130437
>>130434
Iron couldn't help but blush the slighest bit at the giggling as he hums softly. "If that is the case, we should get some food," he concludes "since I have not seen you eat since you woke up."
Having said that, he quickly looks at potential tables for two.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130437
130438 130440
>>130436
She looks around, and says nothing. An ear twitches
"Zebra food?" She asks

>>130435
Mala follows Silver, as the two pass through the fence that surrounds the lot, and towards the quarry.
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130438
130439
>>130437
"Yes," Iron confirms with a nod "perhaps we may even see what Khoi can cook up if we are lucky."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130439
130441
>>130438
"Uh huh." She sits down
Silver "The Floof" Sword
46ec1b5
?
No.130440
130442
>>130437
Silver looks around for any sign of Father Maren, or somepony from the Cathedral.
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130441
130442
>>130439
Iron prompty sits on the seat in front of her, lightly clip clopping the ground. "Oh, I am excited to get a taste of what Khoi can do," he mutters with a smile on his face and a blush on his cheeks "j-just do not forget to eat too."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130442
130443 130449
>>130440
As Silver walks up, he sees not Father Maren, nor any pony in religious attire, but a tent, a set up table, and a green cloth or plastic spread out over the ground. Two unicorns are visible. One, over the cloth, has a sea green coat and short blue mane. Another, looking over the table in front of the tent, is grey with a white mane, looks a little older, and is wearing a brown jacket

>>130441
She takes another draw.
"I think it will be a while before her first batch is done, but you can wait."
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130443
130444
>>130442
Iron nods excitedly before abruptly stopping while looking at Sands with mild worry. "Um, if it is alright with you, of course."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130444
130445
>>130443
She leans back. "Alright."

A zebra walks up to the two. Her stripes are thinner and further apart with more white. Iron can recognize her as Blanche

"Can I get you two something?"
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130445
130446
>>130444
Iron turns to Blanche with a now more relaxed smile, poking the table softly with a hoof. "I want to be the first to taste what the new one can do," he explains.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130446
130447
>>130445
"Oh... Very well. Any particular request?"
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130447
130448
>>130446
"Uh," he pauses as he pokes his chin in thought before looking back at her after a second "...surprise me?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130448
130450
>>130447
"Uh, alright. Do you want anything to drink?"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
46ec1b5
?
No.130449
130451
>>130442
Silver steps up to the tent, looking at the two ponies inside.

"Excuse me? I am looking for who is in charge here."
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130450
130451
>>130448
"Huh?" Iron asks, slightly taken aback at the surprise question "g-go with what I picked on the last question."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130451
130452 130454
>>130449
The grey stallion looks up towards Silver, makes eye contact, and answers
"I am. Peer Review, Professor of History at Misty Tonic University, Stableside. To whom am I speaking?"

>>130450
"Uh... Alright"

White Sands answers
"Anything with alcohol"
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.130452
130453
>>130451
Iron turns his head towards Sands, ear flickering at the choice in drink. "Should you be drinking that?" he asks her in a mild worried tone, one of his ears drooping.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130453
130455
>>130452
She blinks
"Why not?"