Continuing
/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal
File (): 8F80638E2219503E3CDF70CB6F0889FD-1618743.png (1.5 MB, 800x1068, awaiting__patreon_reward__by_yakovlev_vad_dea3oiq-fullview.png)
File (): 239335D3E4A50535A286A4CECBCC5E27-97086.png (94.8 KB, 554x452, CheerfulTrottingAmber.png)
happy pony noises
File (): 21984ED6033452F1B2C8097888E0F49B-9782771.gif (9.3 MB, 845x475, 2018723.gif)
>>143003
D'aww
pet pet pet
It looks as if two of Larkhaven's high tables inside and one on the patio, one of Melon Mangrove's tables, and two of Mustard Trim's tables(?) are unoccupied
>>143002 →
She closes her eyes and moves her long neck over Silver, rubbing back
D'aww
pet pet pet
It looks as if two of Larkhaven's high tables inside and one on the patio, one of Melon Mangrove's tables, and two of Mustard Trim's tables(?) are unoccupied
>>143002 →
She closes her eyes and moves her long neck over Silver, rubbing back
>>143010
The younger mare has a bit of a frown, but leans down to contain the colt, who seems ready to spring with his long legs.
"That will do." The older mare says
[1d4 = 3]
The younger mare has a bit of a frown, but leans down to contain the colt, who seems ready to spring with his long legs.
"That will do." The older mare says
[1d4 = 3]
>>143012
Direct them to the lone table, and... hello, there are four adults waiting and a foal. Looks like a mare and stallion of relatively youngish age, a much older stallion and mare, and a filly.
Direct them to the lone table, and... hello, there are four adults waiting and a foal. Looks like a mare and stallion of relatively youngish age, a much older stallion and mare, and a filly.
>>143013
The younger stallion looks to the older stallion, who nods to the former. The younger stallion approaches.
"Hello, can we get a table for five?"
The younger stallion looks to the older stallion, who nods to the former. The younger stallion approaches.
"Hello, can we get a table for five?"
>>143023
He smiles, sort of awkwardly
"Thanks!"
And moves off
There are four ponies waiting for Amber when she gets back
He smiles, sort of awkwardly
"Thanks!"
And moves off
There are four ponies waiting for Amber when she gets back
>>143025
A young mare says "No" with her eyes narrowing as if in offense
"Is your bar available?"
A stallion peels off, saying that he is meeting someone
A young mare says "No" with her eyes narrowing as if in offense
"Is your bar available?"
A stallion peels off, saying that he is meeting someone
>>143032
His lips pull back in a grin as she says this, exposing rows of teeth. In some ways, they are whiter than Amber may have expected from a Diamond Dog.
"My Benefactor was wondering if you would be interested in a task tonight. A one-off job."
His lips pull back in a grin as she says this, exposing rows of teeth. In some ways, they are whiter than Amber may have expected from a Diamond Dog.
"My Benefactor was wondering if you would be interested in a task tonight. A one-off job."
>>143034
"Nothing much complicated. You are to go to the Club Maurice on Falabella. You will meet with the owner, one 'Dark Denizen.' The timing is not pressing, but you must meet him by midnight tonight, or not at all."
"Nothing much complicated. You are to go to the Club Maurice on Falabella. You will meet with the owner, one 'Dark Denizen.' The timing is not pressing, but you must meet him by midnight tonight, or not at all."
>>143038
The black diamond dog walks out and away, and there is a lull for perhaps as long as four minutes for Amber to contemplate.
The black diamond dog walks out and away, and there is a lull for perhaps as long as four minutes for Amber to contemplate.
>>143039
I've never been in a club before, and to meet an owner at that…he must want something special! But I'm just a humble clerkpony. If he wants me to work at his establishment serving tables or something, I'll have no choice but to turn him down. But he said it's 'one-off,' so maybe I have to deliver something. I don't know what it could be, but I won't look a gift monkey in the mouth.
>>143040
Amber greets them, "Howdy there. Would you like a table for two?"
I've never been in a club before, and to meet an owner at that…he must want something special! But I'm just a humble clerkpony. If he wants me to work at his establishment serving tables or something, I'll have no choice but to turn him down. But he said it's 'one-off,' so maybe I have to deliver something. I don't know what it could be, but I won't look a gift monkey in the mouth.
>>143040
Amber greets them, "Howdy there. Would you like a table for two?"
>>143048
Considering this is later in the evening when tables ought to be opening up again and more ponies going to the bar, is this a problem?
Considering this is later in the evening when tables ought to be opening up again and more ponies going to the bar, is this a problem?
>>143049
At the moment, no, as these ponies seem to be destined for the bar. But like all things, wait long enough and the conditions change
[1d4 = 1]
[1d4 = 1]
[1d4 = 4]
[1d4 = 3]
[1d4 = 3]
[1d4 = 3]
At the moment, no, as these ponies seem to be destined for the bar. But like all things, wait long enough and the conditions change
[1d4 = 1]
[1d4 = 1]
[1d4 = 4]
[1d4 = 3]
[1d4 = 3]
[1d4 = 3]
>>143060
The group of 7 will have to fit in the booth. The two couples are moved outside, one getting Mustard's table and the other getting Larkhaven's high table.
The group of 7 will have to fit in the booth. The two couples are moved outside, one getting Mustard's table and the other getting Larkhaven's high table.
>>143060
>>143062
>>143061
The booth is not a corner booth, and while squeezing in seven foals is maybe reasonable for a family with five foals, for seven adults, it's not desirable.
They do, however, seem to be willing to hold out a little longer.
Note that the outdoor tables have bench style seats and thus, like the booths, more easily accommodate more than four guests
>>143062
>>143061
The booth is not a corner booth, and while squeezing in seven foals is maybe reasonable for a family with five foals, for seven adults, it's not desirable.
They do, however, seem to be willing to hold out a little longer.
Note that the outdoor tables have bench style seats and thus, like the booths, more easily accommodate more than four guests
>>143063
It would be more reasonable then to switch places between the 7 and a couple, placing the larger group outside and giving the booth to one of the couples.
It would be more reasonable then to switch places between the 7 and a couple, placing the larger group outside and giving the booth to one of the couples.
>>143068
The mare and foals get De Sew's table. Amber asks the other adult mares, "Excuse me, but are you dining together? If not, the bar has some free seats…"
The mare and foals get De Sew's table. Amber asks the other adult mares, "Excuse me, but are you dining together? If not, the bar has some free seats…"
>>143070
"Oh... well the bar will work" They say, grinning awkwardly. Three of them, they look a little older than Amber probably
"Oh... well the bar will work" They say, grinning awkwardly. Three of them, they look a little older than Amber probably
>>143073
Separated by a span of a few minutes, is a family of three foals, and one of five foals. Oh, and more singular ponies
Separated by a span of a few minutes, is a family of three foals, and one of five foals. Oh, and more singular ponies
>>143074
Besides Melon's remaining table, are there any free tables? Amber says to the singular ponies, "Sorry, but there aren't any tables for one. There's space at the bar, though."
Besides Melon's remaining table, are there any free tables? Amber says to the singular ponies, "Sorry, but there aren't any tables for one. There's space at the bar, though."
>>143077
The family of five foals will have to sit on the patio, that with three will sit at Melon's table.
The family of five foals will have to sit on the patio, that with three will sit at Melon's table.
File (): 69347292DF55DC5A6055C77E24274379-511064.png (499.1 KB, 1500x995, 2271892.png)
>>143082
"We just don't have any seating arrangements left.
I'm sorry. The patio has a bonfire to help keep warm."
[1d20+4 = 12]
"We just don't have any seating arrangements left.
I'm sorry. The patio has a bonfire to help keep warm."
[1d20+4 = 12]
>>143086
Hopefully ponies aren't leaving early because it's too cold? Right?
The question is if they are willing to wait for something inside
Hopefully ponies aren't leaving early because it's too cold? Right?
The question is if they are willing to wait for something inside
>>143092
Is "them" the former group?
If so, roll diplomacy.
If "them" is the newly arriving group, they are too large for that
Is "them" the former group?
If so, roll diplomacy.
If "them" is the newly arriving group, they are too large for that
>>143093
Rolling for the former.
[1d20+4 = 22]
Is there enough space at Melon's table for the large group?
Rolling for the former.
[1d20+4 = 22]
Is there enough space at Melon's table for the large group?
>>143094
Success! They ae persuaded to stick around and squeeze into the booth. It barely works, but barely is good enough
This is a larger group leaving, so yes, as there are only eight newly arriving ponies
Success! They ae persuaded to stick around and squeeze into the booth. It barely works, but barely is good enough
This is a larger group leaving, so yes, as there are only eight newly arriving ponies
File (): 69B62AD4B89C179CBF3A724DCF730D82-93191.jpg (91.0 KB, 500x360, 1577956.jpeg)
>>143103
"It should be just a few minutes, but it might take longer for a large group," she answers nervously.
"It should be just a few minutes, but it might take longer for a large group," she answers nervously.
It appears that all of Larkhaven's tables are either occupied, or have been cannibalized for other sections
The good news:
A table is leaving
[1d5 = 4]
The good news:
A table is leaving
[1d5 = 4]
File (): 59D30E41AE4897E938FACD9BB0E37FC3-218661.png (213.5 KB, 841x1024, AnonfillySweatingMeme.png)
>>143111
A nice enough stallion says
"Can't complain! There was a new shipment ordered at work today."
A nice enough stallion says
"Can't complain! There was a new shipment ordered at work today."
>>143114
"Earlier customers are leaving so it takes just a few minutes for a table to free up. I'm sorry, erm, for the inconvenience."
"Earlier customers are leaving so it takes just a few minutes for a table to free up. I'm sorry, erm, for the inconvenience."
>>143118
Amber's a little upset that customers were discouraged. Still, it's inevitable if the whole establishment is crowded.
I can't force customers to eat and leave faster…can I?
Amber's a little upset that customers were discouraged. Still, it's inevitable if the whole establishment is crowded.
I can't force customers to eat and leave faster…can I?
And I have to sleep now...
>>143119
You'll get 'em next time little pony
Aren't there two newly opened tables outside?
>>143119
You'll get 'em next time little pony
Aren't there two newly opened tables outside?
>>143004
Oh, new bread!
He only breaks this moment after a few seconds this time.
"I will go find nice spa for us, and make reservation."
Oh, new bread!
He only breaks this moment after a few seconds this time.
"I will go find nice spa for us, and make reservation."
hopes to play soon
I should be back tomorrow. Can’t wait to see the urban adventure.
Happy Valentine's Day!
>>143121
Amber speaks up to the party, "I think we have a couple of tables on the patio if you don't mind sitting there..."
Amber speaks up to the party, "I think we have a couple of tables on the patio if you don't mind sitting there..."
>>143138
With a breath of relief Amber leads them to their tables for Mustard to wait upon. She looks to see how he's doing.
With a breath of relief Amber leads them to their tables for Mustard to wait upon. She looks to see how he's doing.
>>143139
He seems fairly busy (at least) frantically moving back and forth, trying to get the order for a particularly picky old mare in a group
He seems fairly busy (at least) frantically moving back and forth, trying to get the order for a particularly picky old mare in a group
>>143141
A larger party leaves Melon Mangrove's section as a single younger mare, a single middle aged stallion, a family of four, and what looks like a family of six, enter
A larger party leaves Melon Mangrove's section as a single younger mare, a single middle aged stallion, a family of four, and what looks like a family of six, enter
>>143144
Amber asks if the mare and stallion are dining together. Isn't there a high table with one seat?
Amber asks if the mare and stallion are dining together. Isn't there a high table with one seat?
>>143145
They turn
"No..."
It looks as if all two-seater tables are either taken or cannibalized for groups.
They turn
"No..."
It looks as if all two-seater tables are either taken or cannibalized for groups.
>>143147
Melon is soldiering right along, carrying a set of drinks. She seems to be holding up better than Mustard Trim
Melon is soldiering right along, carrying a set of drinks. She seems to be holding up better than Mustard Trim
>>143148
Well that's a relief. Amber gives an embarrassed smile to those waiting. "It's a busy evening, I beg your pardon for the inconvenience."
Well that's a relief. Amber gives an embarrassed smile to those waiting. "It's a busy evening, I beg your pardon for the inconvenience."
>>143151
"Uh, oh. Okay."
The ponies seem content to sit and wait.
A little filly with a bow in her mane, an apricot coat, and a long tail sits down, looking upwards and in the direction of Amber
"Uh, oh. Okay."
The ponies seem content to sit and wait.
A little filly with a bow in her mane, an apricot coat, and a long tail sits down, looking upwards and in the direction of Amber
>>143154
Amber doesn't think she's seen the auburn maned filly before. But it can be hard to say.
And now, a mare with two young colts, and what looks like a set of five ponies - an adolescent, two adults, and two seniors - enter.
Amber doesn't think she's seen the auburn maned filly before. But it can be hard to say.
And now, a mare with two young colts, and what looks like a set of five ponies - an adolescent, two adults, and two seniors - enter.
>>143155
Amber bites her lower lip as she watches them enter. "I'm sorry friends, but we're currently full. You'll have to wait in line."
Amber bites her lower lip as she watches them enter. "I'm sorry friends, but we're currently full. You'll have to wait in line."
>>143157
>>143156
An older mare says
"Ah, I was tryin' to get them to go to the Rapscallion anyways."
The group of five seems to leave
The mare and her fillies, who run about, says to Amber
"Oh, we'll wait." She does not make eye contact, as her lemon yellow filly is running away and in the direction of De Sew's combo tables
[1d4 = 4]
[1d4 = 2]
>>143156
An older mare says
"Ah, I was tryin' to get them to go to the Rapscallion anyways."
The group of five seems to leave
The mare and her fillies, who run about, says to Amber
"Oh, we'll wait." She does not make eye contact, as her lemon yellow filly is running away and in the direction of De Sew's combo tables
[1d4 = 4]
[1d4 = 2]
Is this the family of four from >>143144?
If so, she tells them, "Looks like a table is open now.
Right over here!"
If not, she can't have them skip ahead in the line, can she?
If so, she tells them, "Looks like a table is open now.
Right over here!"
If not, she can't have them skip ahead in the line, can she?
>>143161
There is waiting a single stallion (perhaps for bar space), a family of four (including the apricot filly), and the single mare with two fillies
There is waiting a single stallion (perhaps for bar space), a family of four (including the apricot filly), and the single mare with two fillies
Amber tries to step in front of one of the rampaging fillies before she trips one of the waiters.
>>143165
Amber places herself besides the rampaging filly, but has failed to make up for the filly's head start
Amber places herself besides the rampaging filly, but has failed to make up for the filly's head start
>>143167
Startled patrons look out at the commotion, while the filly's owner runs after her, looking back to Autumn to say "sorry," before turning her head back just in time to avoid running into a chair.
Startled patrons look out at the commotion, while the filly's owner runs after her, looking back to Autumn to say "sorry," before turning her head back just in time to avoid running into a chair.
>>143168
"owner"
Amber winces briefly and looks back at her post. The waiters are too busy to help, and the mother might not be able to catch her alone. Amber tries moving to a side of the restaurant they're moving away from. They have to get turned around, right?
"owner"
Amber winces briefly and looks back at her post. The waiters are too busy to help, and the mother might not be able to catch her alone. Amber tries moving to a side of the restaurant they're moving away from. They have to get turned around, right?
>>143169
Okay fine. "Mother."
The filly has to either dart into the kitchen and bathroom hall, or turn around
[1d2 = 1]
Okay fine. "Mother."
The filly has to either dart into the kitchen and bathroom hall, or turn around
[1d2 = 1]
>>143172
Amber runs, and hits the right side of the door frame of the bathroom hall. The filly, meanwhile, has run towards the bathroom doors
Amber runs, and hits the right side of the door frame of the bathroom hall. The filly, meanwhile, has run towards the bathroom doors
>>143173
"Oof!" Quickly, she puts her body in front of the doorway to prevent the filly from running through.
"Oof!" Quickly, she puts her body in front of the doorway to prevent the filly from running through.
>>143174
Unfortunately, Amber has not been able to
perform such a maneuver in time. While she is faster than the filly, the filly's head start, Amber's delay and misfortunate, as well as the small body of the filly, mean it has been able to slip through
Unfortunately, Amber has not been able to
perform such a maneuver in time. While she is faster than the filly, the filly's head start, Amber's delay and misfortunate, as well as the small body of the filly, mean it has been able to slip through
>>143176
The filly has run up against the far end of the hallway, and the two doors, and has to turn around.
Meanwhile, herowner mother has also entered the hall, going for her filly
The filly has run up against the far end of the hallway, and the two doors, and has to turn around.
Meanwhile, her
>>143178
The child is stopped, possibly because Amber has blocked her path. She looks up at the Earth pony.
Then Amber can feel herself physically pushed aside with an "excuse me," as the mother goes over and picks up her filly, placing her on her back.
"Sorry, sorry."
The child is stopped, possibly because Amber has blocked her path. She looks up at the Earth pony.
Then Amber can feel herself physically pushed aside with an "excuse me," as the mother goes over and picks up her filly, placing her on her back.
"Sorry, sorry."
>>143180
The family of four, now seated in one of De Sew's combo tables near the entry to the kitchen, watches the ponies as they return with the filly carried on her mother's back like a trophy.
[1d4 = 2]
[1d4 = 4]
The family of four, now seated in one of De Sew's combo tables near the entry to the kitchen, watches the ponies as they return with the filly carried on her mother's back like a trophy.
[1d4 = 2]
[1d4 = 4]
>>143181
"Phew, I guess foals can be hard to deal with…"
If the lone stallion is still there she recommends he go to the bar.
"Phew, I guess foals can be hard to deal with…"
If the lone stallion is still there she recommends he go to the bar.
>>143183
He nods, and goes.
The mother, though she looks embarrassed, has not left yet. Her other filly remains sitting on the bench
The mother walks past Amber, and turns her head to make the remark
"Sorry... it's just so hard to keep them in line without their father"
He nods, and goes.
The mother, though she looks embarrassed, has not left yet. Her other filly remains sitting on the bench
The mother walks past Amber, and turns her head to make the remark
"Sorry... it's just so hard to keep them in line without their father"
>>143184
"No, no, it's alright, no harm done…" she reassures her. Against her better judgement, she asks, "Will he be arriving later?"
"No, no, it's alright, no harm done…" she reassures her. Against her better judgement, she asks, "Will he be arriving later?"
>>143186
She turns her head away from Amber, moving forward, and in the direction of her other filly, the one on the bench. For more than a second it may seem that she did not notice Amber's question, or that she was not interested in answering it. But then, with her head turned away, she says
"No."
>>143186
Two stallions and two mares enter
She turns her head away from Amber, moving forward, and in the direction of her other filly, the one on the bench. For more than a second it may seem that she did not notice Amber's question, or that she was not interested in answering it. But then, with her head turned away, she says
"No."
>>143186
Two stallions and two mares enter
>>143187
I'm really just so crass, I probably ruined her whole evening…
She turns to the newcomers. "Howdy. I'm sorry, but you're going to have to wait a bit."
I'm really just so crass, I probably ruined her whole evening…
She turns to the newcomers. "Howdy. I'm sorry, but you're going to have to wait a bit."
>>143191
“Uh, alright.”
The stallion sits down next to a white mare in semi-formal clothing, who carries on a conversation with the other mare in the four, who sits alongside the other stallion. The lone mare in the other set sits quietly with the troublesome lemon filly under her forelegs, and with the second fully next to her.
“Uh, alright.”
The stallion sits down next to a white mare in semi-formal clothing, who carries on a conversation with the other mare in the four, who sits alongside the other stallion. The lone mare in the other set sits quietly with the troublesome lemon filly under her forelegs, and with the second fully next to her.
>>143195
Well, hats aren't that uncommon. Amber wonders if she should give military personnel priority or if that's restaurant policy, but there's no space now regardless.
Well, hats aren't that uncommon. Amber wonders if she should give military personnel priority or if that's restaurant policy, but there's no space now regardless.
>>143197
"Alright, sir. Um, we don't have any tables available at the moment, so you may have to wait a few minutes."
"Alright, sir. Um, we don't have any tables available at the moment, so you may have to wait a few minutes."
>>143200
She nervously replies, "A table's cleared every five to ten minutes, just about. There are a lot of other ponies waiting though…"
She nervously replies, "A table's cleared every five to ten minutes, just about. There are a lot of other ponies waiting though…"
>>143201
He looks over to the mare, who is older than Amber but not by much, and asks her opinion
[1d3 = 3]
He looks over to the mare, who is older than Amber but not by much, and asks her opinion
[1d3 = 3]
>>143201
He looks over to the mare, who is older than Amber but not by much, and asks her opinion
[1d3 = 3]
He looks over to the mare, who is older than Amber but not by much, and asks her opinion
[1d3 = 3]
>>143205
"That's what she tells me" he says, placing a hoof on the mocha brown mare, who smiles
[1d5 = 3]
"That's what she tells me" he says, placing a hoof on the mocha brown mare, who smiles
[1d5 = 3]
Amber smiles back, but she can't think of anything more to say. She glances to see if any tables have freed up.
>>143207
One of Cream Pop's booths has opened up.
Fortunately, it's the one that also used one of Larkhaven's tables
Thus, one booth and one high table
One of Cream Pop's booths has opened up.
Fortunately, it's the one that also used one of Larkhaven's tables
Thus, one booth and one high table
>>143208
The couple that had been waiting the longest gets the high table, whereas the family of four get the booth.
The couple that had been waiting the longest gets the high table, whereas the family of four get the booth.
>>143210
I believe the original family of four received one of De Sew’s combo table-booths that opened up. There should currently be the mother and her two fillies, the two stallions and two mares, and the couple that just showed up with the stallion in uniform.
I believe the original family of four received one of De Sew’s combo table-booths that opened up. There should currently be the mother and her two fillies, the two stallions and two mares, and the couple that just showed up with the stallion in uniform.
>>143213
Then it's an easy choice, the mother and her two fillies are moved to the booth while the new couple gets the high table.
Then it's an easy choice, the mother and her two fillies are moved to the booth while the new couple gets the high table.
>>143137
He gives Jubee a kiss goodbye, makes his way downstairs to exit the house, and departs to find a taxi.
He gives Jubee a kiss goodbye, makes his way downstairs to exit the house, and departs to find a taxi.
>>143218
She moves back ever so slightly in surprise, before giving a small smile.
Silver makes his way out. Taxis are not as plentiful in this section of the city, but one is found nevertheless.
She moves back ever so slightly in surprise, before giving a small smile.
Silver makes his way out. Taxis are not as plentiful in this section of the city, but one is found nevertheless.
>>143219
Once Silver gets in, he asks of the driver,
"I need your help if you can. I need to find places for date with someone tonight."
Once Silver gets in, he asks of the driver,
"I need your help if you can. I need to find places for date with someone tonight."
>>143220
The Zebra stallion answers,
"You lookin' for something fancy to impress her, something quick, or something with opportunities?"
The Zebra stallion answers,
"You lookin' for something fancy to impress her, something quick, or something with opportunities?"
>>143222
“Well, you know. When ya’ watchin’ a movie, and you want to place a leg around her. Or better, when ya’ want to start smooching’ her and not be seen. Now as for fancy? I say the Orgueil.” Pronouncing the last word as “or-gay”
“Well, you know. When ya’ watchin’ a movie, and you want to place a leg around her. Or better, when ya’ want to start smooching’ her and not be seen. Now as for fancy? I say the Orgueil.” Pronouncing the last word as “or-gay”
>>143223
"Hmm...that is certainly something to keep in mind. Now, this 'Or-Gay', you would not happen to know if they serve carnivore dishes, would you?"
"Hmm...that is certainly something to keep in mind. Now, this 'Or-Gay', you would not happen to know if they serve carnivore dishes, would you?"
>>143226
He pauses for a moment.
“Yeah, sure.”
The vehicle drives on down the main road, and then through the cowtown neighborhood, before coming to Eastside
He pauses for a moment.
“Yeah, sure.”
The vehicle drives on down the main road, and then through the cowtown neighborhood, before coming to Eastside
>>143227
After they stop and Silver pays the fare, he asks the driver,
"Can you stay out here? I will be right back out after making reservation and I have other places I need taken to."
After they stop and Silver pays the fare, he asks the driver,
"Can you stay out here? I will be right back out after making reservation and I have other places I need taken to."
>>143228
"Sure thing."
It's not an especially high class neighborhood, being between the industrial and residential areas of Cowtown, and the City Center. But on the outside, the building almost resembles an old manor house, with dark wood covering a porch along the entry, and white walls on the second floor.
Entering, Silver finds something like a foyer, though bigger, and with the hostess stand near the front. At the stand is a unicorn stallion with dark brown fur, and behind him are wooden stairs going up to a second level that wraps around on the left with wooden railing.
"Sure thing."
It's not an especially high class neighborhood, being between the industrial and residential areas of Cowtown, and the City Center. But on the outside, the building almost resembles an old manor house, with dark wood covering a porch along the entry, and white walls on the second floor.
Entering, Silver finds something like a foyer, though bigger, and with the hostess stand near the front. At the stand is a unicorn stallion with dark brown fur, and behind him are wooden stairs going up to a second level that wraps around on the left with wooden railing.
>>143229
Silver trots up to this stallion.
"Hello, I would like to make reservation for dinner later tonight. Party of two."
Silver trots up to this stallion.
"Hello, I would like to make reservation for dinner later tonight. Party of two."
>>143230
The stallion looks over to Silver, then slowly down to the sheet, and then back up to Silver
"What time?"
His voice seems accented
The stallion looks over to Silver, then slowly down to the sheet, and then back up to Silver
"What time?"
His voice seems accented
>>143232
He looks back down, using magic to pick up a set of glasses
"We have an opening for 5:15" He answers
He looks back down, using magic to pick up a set of glasses
"We have an opening for 5:15" He answers
>>143236
"Alright." He looks down, and with a movement of yellow magic and a feather-tipped pen, he makes marks on an unseen object behind the table.
"And I have you down for 5:15"
"Alright." He looks down, and with a movement of yellow magic and a feather-tipped pen, he makes marks on an unseen object behind the table.
"And I have you down for 5:15"
>>143237
"Thank you! We will be there!"
Assuming their business is done, he heads back out to the taxi.
"Know of any nice spas?"
"Thank you! We will be there!"
Assuming their business is done, he heads back out to the taxi.
"Know of any nice spas?"
>>143239
"No, but I thought there was chance one of your previous passengers asked to be taken to address of one."
"No, but I thought there was chance one of your previous passengers asked to be taken to address of one."
>>143240
He looks up, and leans his head back against the seat.
"Now I can't recall if it was a spa. But there was something over in Colton Hill. And of course there are plenty of fancy places just west of Lord Baltimare plaza."
He looks up, and leans his head back against the seat.
"Now I can't recall if it was a spa. But there was something over in Colton Hill. And of course there are plenty of fancy places just west of Lord Baltimare plaza."
>>143244
The vehicle drives down a central avenue in East side south, then makes a turn onto another avenue, and then a turn north. He stops outside of a stucco covered building with grass around it.
"Huh. It is here."
The vehicle drives down a central avenue in East side south, then makes a turn onto another avenue, and then a turn north. He stops outside of a stucco covered building with grass around it.
"Huh. It is here."
>>143246
"Perfect! Wait here, I still have couple of places to go."
He pays this fare, and heads inside the building.
"Perfect! Wait here, I still have couple of places to go."
He pays this fare, and heads inside the building.
>>143247
>>143215
The mother and her two fillies sit down in the booth, as the newly arrived couple sits down at a high table nearby. The two stallions and two mares remain.
>>143248
Inside is a waiting room and a wooden counter. A rather young looking pink mare behind the counter smiles at Silver as he enters.
>>143215
The mother and her two fillies sit down in the booth, as the newly arrived couple sits down at a high table nearby. The two stallions and two mares remain.
>>143248
Inside is a waiting room and a wooden counter. A rather young looking pink mare behind the counter smiles at Silver as he enters.
>>143249
He smiles back.
"Hello there! I was wondering I could make reservation for couple's session here, if that was something you offered."
He smiles back.
"Hello there! I was wondering I could make reservation for couple's session here, if that was something you offered."
>>143250
"A couple's session?" She says smiling. "We have hooficure and sauna packages, as well as mane styling."
"A couple's session?" She says smiling. "We have hooficure and sauna packages, as well as mane styling."
>>143252
"Those sound excellent. Can you describe some of your packages for me? I would like something to truly pamper my date and I."
"Those sound excellent. Can you describe some of your packages for me? I would like something to truly pamper my date and I."
>>143251
[1d4 = 4]
[1d4 = 2]
[1d4 = 1]
[1d4 = 1]
[1d4 = 2]
>>143253
"Well, here we have the 'Spring Valley' which includes a hooficure with river stones, a message, and then sauna. Here we have the 'Royale' which includes the same but with massaging for the hardest to relieve back tension. Here is just the sauna, and here you can add a hot bathing experience. With mountain melt water, of course. Well, technically that's true of most river water, but I mean it is taken from far up the river. No pollutants. We have incense to burn that helps to clear out the lungs...."
[1d4 = 4]
[1d4 = 2]
[1d4 = 1]
[1d4 = 1]
[1d4 = 2]
>>143253
"Well, here we have the 'Spring Valley' which includes a hooficure with river stones, a message, and then sauna. Here we have the 'Royale' which includes the same but with massaging for the hardest to relieve back tension. Here is just the sauna, and here you can add a hot bathing experience. With mountain melt water, of course. Well, technically that's true of most river water, but I mean it is taken from far up the river. No pollutants. We have incense to burn that helps to clear out the lungs...."
>>143256
The two stallions and mares are directed to Mustard's now vacant table. It's not good to burden him so…, she thinks to herself.
The two stallions and mares are directed to Mustard's now vacant table. It's not good to burden him so…, she thinks to herself.
>>143254
"I think we will have Royale with hot bathing and incense, and also mane styling. Are there any other services or treatments you provide?"
"I think we will have Royale with hot bathing and incense, and also mane styling. Are there any other services or treatments you provide?"
>>143258
"Well yes, we have mane and feather care, coat trimming, hoof messages, and mud and herbal treatments."
"Well yes, we have mane and feather care, coat trimming, hoof messages, and mud and herbal treatments."
>>143261
"I think we will take it all, one for each of us. I do have one more question. Your services like hooficures, can you perform them for griffons, too?"
"I think we will take it all, one for each of us. I do have one more question. Your services like hooficures, can you perform them for griffons, too?"
>>143265
Various stews and soups seem to be among the more common items, although there is a fairly large amount of spice. Bread, too, is a common sight, and it looks like a new set has just been heated and delivered
Two waiting couples, one free outdoor table.
>>143264
"A.M. Tomorrow? We don't open quite that early."
Various stews and soups seem to be among the more common items, although there is a fairly large amount of spice. Bread, too, is a common sight, and it looks like a new set has just been heated and delivered
Two waiting couples, one free outdoor table.
>>143264
"A.M. Tomorrow? We don't open quite that early."
>>143267
"Oh... Well we close at 7PM, and you'll need probably 3 hours for a full treatment... We can fit in maybe a single massage or hooficure, perhaps?"
"Oh... Well we close at 7PM, and you'll need probably 3 hours for a full treatment... We can fit in maybe a single massage or hooficure, perhaps?"
>>143271
He nods firmly with a gleam of hope in his blue eyes.
"Whatever it takes. I love her, and I want to to give her best night of her life. I can even pay you and spa specialists here for your extra time spent here."
He nods firmly with a gleam of hope in his blue eyes.
"Whatever it takes. I love her, and I want to to give her best night of her life. I can even pay you and spa specialists here for your extra time spent here."
>>143283
"Okay, great. I'll write you down" She looks down at the paper, and attempts to scribble with a hoof "and you are set." She looks up, smiling
"Okay, great. I'll write you down" She looks down at the paper, and attempts to scribble with a hoof "and you are set." She looks up, smiling
>>143284
He smiles back.
"Thank you so much! I will return tonight with my date!"
He bids her goodbye, and returns to the taxi.
"Unless you know of specific place, I would like to be taken to west of Lord Baltimare plaza to find place to purchase suit and dress for this evening."
He smiles back.
"Thank you so much! I will return tonight with my date!"
He bids her goodbye, and returns to the taxi.
"Unless you know of specific place, I would like to be taken to west of Lord Baltimare plaza to find place to purchase suit and dress for this evening."
>>143282
Amber's not sure why Mustard's section has the fastest turnover, but she has to put the smaller party there.
Amber's not sure why Mustard's section has the fastest turnover, but she has to put the smaller party there.
>>143286
Would this be the one couple?
>>143285
"Gotcha" He says, driving some ways past row houses, shops, and now sky scrapers. He drops Silver off. Silver has been here before; this is in front of the building the New Mareland civil administration is using as its regional headquarters, and the city hall is not far away either. There are ponies walking by, carts and automobiles, and soldiers on the sidewalks.
Would this be the one couple?
>>143285
"Gotcha" He says, driving some ways past row houses, shops, and now sky scrapers. He drops Silver off. Silver has been here before; this is in front of the building the New Mareland civil administration is using as its regional headquarters, and the city hall is not far away either. There are ponies walking by, carts and automobiles, and soldiers on the sidewalks.
>>143287
"This should hopefully only take little bit, if you would wait here. I have only more stop after this."
He pays this fare, and heads inside the store.
"This should hopefully only take little bit, if you would wait here. I have only more stop after this."
He pays this fare, and heads inside the store.
>>143291
"This seems like place for what I need."
The large unicorn stallion opens the door to the establishment, and enters.
"This seems like place for what I need."
The large unicorn stallion opens the door to the establishment, and enters.
Inside he sees an older mare busy at a desk, but near the entrance is a young, apricot-colored mare–at least, probably old enough to a mare, despite being quite short–with a white stripe down her nose between bluish-purple eyes. Her auburn mane falls over one side with a simple cut. She appears to be wearing a long, midnight blue dress that accentuates its plain style with small, four-pointed stars of lighter hue.
She smiles, albeit a bit nervously, at the newcomer. "Hello sir, can I get something for you today?"
She smiles, albeit a bit nervously, at the newcomer. "Hello sir, can I get something for you today?"
>>143293
>>143294
Here she faces a rather large, grizzled old unicorn stallion of light grey coat and darker grey mane, and a dark stripe going down from the back of his neck all the way along his back to his tail. His mane is similarly short and no-nonsense, but looks like it needs some slight attention. His burly, muscular appearance is further accentuated by a floofy winter coat that makes him look a bit bigger than he actually is. He is bare, save for a pair of saddlebags and a rather large sword strapped to his side, letting her see the cutie mark of a sword mid-swing emblazoned upon his flank. He has to look down slightly to meet her eyes, where he smiles and speaks in a deep voice with a Severyanan accent.
"Hello there! I have date tonight with female griffon, and I was wondering if I could purchase suit for myself and dress for my date."
>>143294
Here she faces a rather large, grizzled old unicorn stallion of light grey coat and darker grey mane, and a dark stripe going down from the back of his neck all the way along his back to his tail. His mane is similarly short and no-nonsense, but looks like it needs some slight attention. His burly, muscular appearance is further accentuated by a floofy winter coat that makes him look a bit bigger than he actually is. He is bare, save for a pair of saddlebags and a rather large sword strapped to his side, letting her see the cutie mark of a sword mid-swing emblazoned upon his flank. He has to look down slightly to meet her eyes, where he smiles and speaks in a deep voice with a Severyanan accent.
"Hello there! I have date tonight with female griffon, and I was wondering if I could purchase suit for myself and dress for my date."
>>143295
She blinks at the imposing customer, who is clearly unlike most other clientele. "A-a griffon? Um, I suppose we have things for that. We do have suits, but are you looking for something in particular?" She steps slowly in a direction to the back of the store, though whether this is from anxiety or an eagerness to show him is difficult to say.
She blinks at the imposing customer, who is clearly unlike most other clientele. "A-a griffon? Um, I suppose we have things for that. We do have suits, but are you looking for something in particular?" She steps slowly in a direction to the back of the store, though whether this is from anxiety or an eagerness to show him is difficult to say.
>>143296
He follows her, his hoofsteps actually not producing as much noise as his size and stature would suggest, hinting that he's rather dextrous as well.
"For suit, something simple, but fancy, you know? Like what would be appropriate wearing at fancy restaurant."
He follows her, his hoofsteps actually not producing as much noise as his size and stature would suggest, hinting that he's rather dextrous as well.
"For suit, something simple, but fancy, you know? Like what would be appropriate wearing at fancy restaurant."
>>143297
"I wouldn't know–I mean, of course I can help! Suits are right over here on these racks, there's a selection of colors to your liking…"
"I wouldn't know–I mean, of course I can help! Suits are right over here on these racks, there's a selection of colors to your liking…"
>>143298
The unicorn looks through the selection.
"I think black would be good color choice. It goes well with my general..." He's silent for a minute as he thinks of a word, "...color palette."
He turns to smile at the petite mare.
"What do you think?"
The unicorn looks through the selection.
"I think black would be good color choice. It goes well with my general..." He's silent for a minute as he thinks of a word, "...color palette."
He turns to smile at the petite mare.
"What do you think?"
>>143299
"If you ask me, you can't really go wrong with a dark selection," she says with a nervous smile. "As for style, maybe 'double-breasted' would look better?"
"If you ask me, you can't really go wrong with a dark selection," she says with a nervous smile. "As for style, maybe 'double-breasted' would look better?"
>>143301
"Two sets of buttons look better on larger stallions…or so I'm told." She looks a bit doubtful.
"Two sets of buttons look better on larger stallions…or so I'm told." She looks a bit doubtful.
>>143303
The yellow-orange mare blushes a bit. "Thank you, sir. It's actually my ma's, but she let me wear it to Baltimare."
The yellow-orange mare blushes a bit. "Thank you, sir. It's actually my ma's, but she let me wear it to Baltimare."
>>143304
"You are not Baltimare native? Neither am I, I got here just few days ago."
He turns to look at the mare.
"What is your name?"
"You are not Baltimare native? Neither am I, I got here just few days ago."
He turns to look at the mare.
"What is your name?"
>>143303
Black and dark grey, unsurprisingly, are fairly numerous, including several in the specifically double-breasted category.
Black and dark grey, unsurprisingly, are fairly numerous, including several in the specifically double-breasted category.
>>143305
"Oh, I'm not from far away, just a farm to the west a bit. Your accent, though, is a bit…foreign, if you don't mind my saying that. I'm Amber Sunset, I just got here the other day."
"Oh, I'm not from far away, just a farm to the west a bit. Your accent, though, is a bit…foreign, if you don't mind my saying that. I'm Amber Sunset, I just got here the other day."
>>143306
>>143307
"Oh, I do not mind at all. I was born in St. Petershoof in Severyana, and though I have not been in my homeland for many years, I suppose I never gave up my accent. My name is Silver Sword."
Silver chooses a nice black double-breasted suit that fits his large frame, then turns to Amber Grain.
"Alright, Ms. Grain, if I were griffon dresses, where would I be?"
>>143307
"Oh, I do not mind at all. I was born in St. Petershoof in Severyana, and though I have not been in my homeland for many years, I suppose I never gave up my accent. My name is Silver Sword."
Silver chooses a nice black double-breasted suit that fits his large frame, then turns to Amber Grain.
"Alright, Ms. Grain, if I were griffon dresses, where would I be?"
>>143308
This ain't your sergeant, bucko
"Severyana…that's always struck me as a fairy-tale sort of land with dancing ponies in fur hats," she says, smiling to herself. "Oh, griffon dresses, um…I think they're in this corner," she says, leading him to the right area.
This ain't your sergeant, bucko
"Severyana…that's always struck me as a fairy-tale sort of land with dancing ponies in fur hats," she says, smiling to herself. "Oh, griffon dresses, um…I think they're in this corner," she says, leading him to the right area.
>>143309
Dammit, sorry. Having too many Ambers can confuse me.
"That is not to say there are not dancing ponies in fur hats in Severyana..."
He follows Amber Sunset to the dresses.
"Let us see, anything sleek? Maybe in red or black?"
Dammit, sorry. Having too many Ambers can confuse me.
"That is not to say there are not dancing ponies in fur hats in Severyana..."
He follows Amber Sunset to the dresses.
"Let us see, anything sleek? Maybe in red or black?"
>>143310
"I'm sure we do, if you don't mind the type of material.
We have a lot of dresses in wool nowadays."
"I'm sure we do, if you don't mind the type of material.
We have a lot of dresses in wool nowadays."
>>143312
"We do have silk, it might be a little cold in this weather, is all."
Ducking out for a quick bite to eat, will be back in 20
"We do have silk, it might be a little cold in this weather, is all."
Ducking out for a quick bite to eat, will be back in 20
>>143314
She grins. "That's an excellent idea! Then the dress can be much lighter. What style do you think she'd like?"
To herself she thinks, Miss Sewn will be so happy with all the selling I'm doing!
She grins. "That's an excellent idea! Then the dress can be much lighter. What style do you think she'd like?"
To herself she thinks, Miss Sewn will be so happy with all the selling I'm doing!
>>143316
>>143317
The mare with a country accent blinks, and reddens a bit at his latter remark. "I"ll do my best. Red you said, hmmm…" Standing on her hind legs and leaning against the wall with one forehoof, she uses the other to pick up a carmine dress. Although it's difficult for a pony, particularly one without any sartorial training, to know how it would look on a griffon, some elements are obvious. It is a v-neck in front but mirrored with an embroidered lattice of fabric holding together the shoulders. These have long sleeves ending in flared cuffs. As one might expect for a griffon there are holes for wings and a tail. To the best of one's estimate the body is designed to be a snug fit but the skirt would hang loosely; its thin fabric is quite a bit shorter than Amber's skirt.
>>143317
The mare with a country accent blinks, and reddens a bit at his latter remark. "I"ll do my best. Red you said, hmmm…" Standing on her hind legs and leaning against the wall with one forehoof, she uses the other to pick up a carmine dress. Although it's difficult for a pony, particularly one without any sartorial training, to know how it would look on a griffon, some elements are obvious. It is a v-neck in front but mirrored with an embroidered lattice of fabric holding together the shoulders. These have long sleeves ending in flared cuffs. As one might expect for a griffon there are holes for wings and a tail. To the best of one's estimate the body is designed to be a snug fit but the skirt would hang loosely; its thin fabric is quite a bit shorter than Amber's skirt.
>>143318
Don't feel pressured to accept this one, there are other possibilities now that I actually looked up 40's fashion
Don't feel pressured to accept this one, there are other possibilities now that I actually looked up 40's fashion
>>143318
Silver's eyes shine at the sight of the dress.
"...it is perfect! Do you have any white wool or fur coats to go with it?"
Silver's eyes shine at the sight of the dress.
"...it is perfect! Do you have any white wool or fur coats to go with it?"
>>143320
Amber of course leads him to the female coats section, with a variety of woolen and fur articles in grey and white, besides other colors. Interestingly although fur coats are more expensive generally, some fur pieces are much more expensive than others.
Amber of course leads him to the female coats section, with a variety of woolen and fur articles in grey and white, besides other colors. Interestingly although fur coats are more expensive generally, some fur pieces are much more expensive than others.
>>143321
Silver decides to select a fancy white fur coat for a griffon. He turns to Amber again, looking a bit embarassed about what he's about to ask for.
"There is one more thing I would like to ask if you have in stock. I was wondering if you had any lacy lingerie for my griffon. Something seductive, sexy, perfect for, erm...'adventure' in bedroom."
Silver decides to select a fancy white fur coat for a griffon. He turns to Amber again, looking a bit embarassed about what he's about to ask for.
"There is one more thing I would like to ask if you have in stock. I was wondering if you had any lacy lingerie for my griffon. Something seductive, sexy, perfect for, erm...'adventure' in bedroom."
>>143323
Amber tries to see what type of fur the coat is made of, whether it is rabbit (the cheapest), fox, or a different creature. Mink might be beyond even this establishment.
The young mare recoils at his last request, looking grossed out. Come on, don't judge the customer, just...get him what he wants. Even so, it takes a couple of seconds for her to regain her composure.
"Of-of course, underwear is this way..." She leads him to the aisle with female underwear, which is next to the significantly smaller section of male underwear. Articles are grouped by type, ranging from more "functional" types like thermal underwear through panties, brassieres, garters and socks. More "respectable," covering panties in different colors hang next to more lacy lingerie, with the latter having only a couple of colors besides black and white. Different underwear exists for ponies and griffons, with the distinction between the two-besides the shape itself-being a picture of a pony or griffon model, respectively, fully clothed but in a seductive pose. A point of possible interest is how some of these are conjoined with a brassiere of different sizes. Brassieres are also sold as a separate item in a wide variety of styles. Interestingly, this product exists for both ponies and griffons, with the latter having four cups though of a smaller maximum size. Besides these there are socks and stockings-both of the conservative and the raunchy variety-with garters to hold these up.
Amber seems ill at ease to be in this section with Silver and is looking to the side, away from the stock.
Amber tries to see what type of fur the coat is made of, whether it is rabbit (the cheapest), fox, or a different creature. Mink might be beyond even this establishment.
The young mare recoils at his last request, looking grossed out. Come on, don't judge the customer, just...get him what he wants. Even so, it takes a couple of seconds for her to regain her composure.
"Of-of course, underwear is this way..." She leads him to the aisle with female underwear, which is next to the significantly smaller section of male underwear. Articles are grouped by type, ranging from more "functional" types like thermal underwear through panties, brassieres, garters and socks. More "respectable," covering panties in different colors hang next to more lacy lingerie, with the latter having only a couple of colors besides black and white. Different underwear exists for ponies and griffons, with the distinction between the two-besides the shape itself-being a picture of a pony or griffon model, respectively, fully clothed but in a seductive pose. A point of possible interest is how some of these are conjoined with a brassiere of different sizes. Brassieres are also sold as a separate item in a wide variety of styles. Interestingly, this product exists for both ponies and griffons, with the latter having four cups though of a smaller maximum size. Besides these there are socks and stockings-both of the conservative and the raunchy variety-with garters to hold these up.
Amber seems ill at ease to be in this section with Silver and is looking to the side, away from the stock.
>>143325
He gives her an apologetic look.
"I am sorry about how awkward request is. I just want to treat her to something she may like."
He finds some black lacy lingerie for his griffon in a fitting size, including a full set panties, brassierers, socks, and garters, in silk if they have them, normal cloth if they don't. He doesn't waste his time here so as to not embarrass the poor mare any further, and leaves the section with her as soon as he's made his selection. There, in the front of the store next to the counter, he asks her a question.
"So...this may seem weird, but since I arrived to city I seem to have had knack for meeting individuals who are also recent arrivals to Baltimare, each with their own unique abilities that work extraordinarily well on quests, missions, or in battle. This may be completely random, but...you would not happen to be like that too, would you?"
He gives her an apologetic look.
"I am sorry about how awkward request is. I just want to treat her to something she may like."
He finds some black lacy lingerie for his griffon in a fitting size, including a full set panties, brassierers, socks, and garters, in silk if they have them, normal cloth if they don't. He doesn't waste his time here so as to not embarrass the poor mare any further, and leaves the section with her as soon as he's made his selection. There, in the front of the store next to the counter, he asks her a question.
"So...this may seem weird, but since I arrived to city I seem to have had knack for meeting individuals who are also recent arrivals to Baltimare, each with their own unique abilities that work extraordinarily well on quests, missions, or in battle. This may be completely random, but...you would not happen to be like that too, would you?"
>>143327
She blinks in surprise. "Unique?" She seems to mull this over a bit in her mind. "I don't have any really unique abilities, I'm just a pony trying to get by so I can send some money to my parents."
She blinks in surprise. "Unique?" She seems to mull this over a bit in her mind. "I don't have any really unique abilities, I'm just a pony trying to get by so I can send some money to my parents."
>>143328
He shrugs.
"It was worth trying. So far definition has fit," he counts in his head, "seven different people."
He goes up to the counter with his selected items of clothing, ready to make his purchase.
He shrugs.
"It was worth trying. So far definition has fit," he counts in his head, "seven different people."
He goes up to the counter with his selected items of clothing, ready to make his purchase.
>>143329
"You must meet a lot of interesting ponies, or 'people,' as you call them."
She rings up the items. Needless to say, aside from the dress–which though by no means cheap, isn't the highest-tagged of its kind in the store–this armed unicorn went out of his way to get the most expensive items.
"You must meet a lot of interesting ponies, or 'people,' as you call them."
She rings up the items. Needless to say, aside from the dress–which though by no means cheap, isn't the highest-tagged of its kind in the store–this armed unicorn went out of his way to get the most expensive items.
>>143330
Only the best for his griffon.
"You can say that again. Kirin who became Celestialist nun working for orphanage, Earth Pony native from southern lands who was part of isolated tribe, Lunarist pegasus, Bat Pony thief, Crystal Pony artillerypony..."
>>143331
A black double-breasted suit, a red silk dress, a white fur coat, and a full set of black silk lace lingerie including panties, brassierers, socks, and garters.
Only the best for his griffon.
"You can say that again. Kirin who became Celestialist nun working for orphanage, Earth Pony native from southern lands who was part of isolated tribe, Lunarist pegasus, Bat Pony thief, Crystal Pony artillerypony..."
>>143331
A black double-breasted suit, a red silk dress, a white fur coat, and a full set of black silk lace lingerie including panties, brassierers, socks, and garters.
>>143332
"Interesting, it sounds like they have nothing in common at all…"
>>143335
That's certainly cheaper than I expected, especially considering the coat. The suit is middle-of-the-line and not bespoke so it would not be very expensive, though. Amber makes sure to double-check the total from this purchase before telling it to him.
"Interesting, it sounds like they have nothing in common at all…"
>>143335
That's certainly cheaper than I expected, especially considering the coat. The suit is middle-of-the-line and not bespoke so it would not be very expensive, though. Amber makes sure to double-check the total from this purchase before telling it to him.
>>143336
Describe the coat again? The silk dress should be the dominant inflating factor, given that it's an expensive item in the best of times, and with imports cut off and silk used for parachutes, finding it on the civilian market comes at a price
Describe the coat again? The silk dress should be the dominant inflating factor, given that it's an expensive item in the best of times, and with imports cut off and silk used for parachutes, finding it on the civilian market comes at a price
>>143337
Amber doesn't know much about fur coats, considering them morbid and something only griffons would like. The current popular style is brown or dark grey with white being a little uncommon. Silver picked one before Amber could get a close look at it.
Also let's not forget that all the lingerie is also made of silk, and we know how that tends to get marked up.
Amber doesn't know much about fur coats, considering them morbid and something only griffons would like. The current popular style is brown or dark grey with white being a little uncommon. Silver picked one before Amber could get a close look at it.
Also let's not forget that all the lingerie is also made of silk, and we know how that tends to get marked up.
>>143339
>>143336
"Not at all, but we all managed to be on same quests and missions and did extraordinarily well together."
That is quite the pricetag. Silver does technically have the money to get them, even if some of it has been promised to others. He bites his lip as he pays for the expensive items, hoping he'll get multiple uses out of them.
>>143336
"Not at all, but we all managed to be on same quests and missions and did extraordinarily well together."
That is quite the pricetag. Silver does technically have the money to get them, even if some of it has been promised to others. He bites his lip as he pays for the expensive items, hoping he'll get multiple uses out of them.
>>143339
Such an amount of money is more than she's ever held in her entire life, so Amber hopes she didn't make any mistake. She looks a bit jittery.
"It all…must've been swell, considering this celebration."
Such an amount of money is more than she's ever held in her entire life, so Amber hopes she didn't make any mistake. She looks a bit jittery.
"It all…must've been swell, considering this celebration."
>>143343
She's not sure how to respond to this. On one hoof, it came out of left field and may be the city-pony equivalent of a joke. On the other hoof, he's got a really big sword. "Oh, um, congratulations. I wish I was there to see it."
She's not sure how to respond to this. On one hoof, it came out of left field and may be the city-pony equivalent of a joke. On the other hoof, he's got a really big sword. "Oh, um, congratulations. I wish I was there to see it."
>>143344
Judging from his bashful look, it's the result of somepony who is a bit socially awkward at times.
"Heh...sorry. Strange for me to say, I know."
He has his purchases (the suit, the dress, and the lingerie) put into separate boxes for carrying. He smiles at Amber.
"Thank you for helping me with my purchase, I have got to get back to cab. Look me up if you are ever in need of job."
Judging from his bashful look, it's the result of somepony who is a bit socially awkward at times.
"Heh...sorry. Strange for me to say, I know."
He has his purchases (the suit, the dress, and the lingerie) put into separate boxes for carrying. He smiles at Amber.
"Thank you for helping me with my purchase, I have got to get back to cab. Look me up if you are ever in need of job."
That's a good place to end my session. Let me know if next time we should resume from the restaurant shift
>>143350
Indeed it is. Once he arrives, he pays the driver this last fare, thanks him for the rides, and exits the taxi with his possessions.
Indeed it is. Once he arrives, he pays the driver this last fare, thanks him for the rides, and exits the taxi with his possessions.
>>143353
At least these items are in boxes. If he can, he puts them in his bags.
Once inside, he trots up to the receptionist.
"Hello, I was wondering if I could see couple of patients, see how they were doing. One is deer buck, and other is pony stallion. They both would have come in with their chest cavities cut open and stitched back togehter."
At least these items are in boxes. If he can, he puts them in his bags.
Once inside, he trots up to the receptionist.
"Hello, I was wondering if I could see couple of patients, see how they were doing. One is deer buck, and other is pony stallion. They both would have come in with their chest cavities cut open and stitched back togehter."
>>143355
"Eh...unfortunately not. They were not in state to give us their names when we found them. I am Silver Sword I was part of group that rescued them from 33 Hoebuck."
"Eh...unfortunately not. They were not in state to give us their names when we found them. I am Silver Sword I was part of group that rescued them from 33 Hoebuck."
>>143359
"Oh! Sorry. It was three nights ago, and they would have been admitted by Baltimare PD, I believe."
"Oh! Sorry. It was three nights ago, and they would have been admitted by Baltimare PD, I believe."
>>143360
"Stabbings aren't that uncommon. But let me see."
She opens the book, and looks through.
"Oh. Well..." She looks back to him
"First, we will need some ID before you can visit."
"Stabbings aren't that uncommon. But let me see."
She opens the book, and looks through.
"Oh. Well..." She looks back to him
"First, we will need some ID before you can visit."
>>143361
"Give me just one second..."
He digs through his bag's pockets a little, before producing his ID and showing it to the receptionist.
"Give me just one second..."
He digs through his bag's pockets a little, before producing his ID and showing it to the receptionist.
>>143362
She examines it, and then writes it down on a sheet of paper.
"Alright... The stag is named Mänty Kiire and is in room 223. The pony is not yet identified, and is in room 354. Both are in recovery."
She examines it, and then writes it down on a sheet of paper.
"Alright... The stag is named Mänty Kiire and is in room 223. The pony is not yet identified, and is in room 354. Both are in recovery."
>>143364
Silver goes upstairs, and finds room 223.
Opening it, surely enough, Silver can see the dark brown head of a stag whose antlers have been sawed off a few inches past the skull.
Silver goes upstairs, and finds room 223.
Opening it, surely enough, Silver can see the dark brown head of a stag whose antlers have been sawed off a few inches past the skull.
>>143366
The stag moves his head up, towards Silver. His chin and jaw are a lighter color, nearly white, while his coat is a reddish brown. He is lying on his back. He looks old. Perhaps only slightly younger than Silver, perhaps Silver's age. He says nothing.
The stag moves his head up, towards Silver. His chin and jaw are a lighter color, nearly white, while his coat is a reddish brown. He is lying on his back. He looks old. Perhaps only slightly younger than Silver, perhaps Silver's age. He says nothing.
>>143367
"I am Silver Sword. I am not sure if you remember, but I was part of group that rescued you. I wanted to check up on you, see how you were doing."
"I am Silver Sword. I am not sure if you remember, but I was part of group that rescued you. I wanted to check up on you, see how you were doing."
>>143368
"Silver Sword?" The stag speaks. He has a definite accent.
"You say you are one of those who rescued me?"
"Silver Sword?" The stag speaks. He has a definite accent.
"You say you are one of those who rescued me?"
>>143286
Is Amber seating the newly arrived couple in Mustard's section, or any of the seven that just arrived after them?
Is Amber seating the newly arrived couple in Mustard's section, or any of the seven that just arrived after them?
>>143380
And the couple has just been passed up by a group that came in after them.
[1d4 = 4]
[1d4 = 1]
[1d4 = 1]
[1d4 = 2]
[1d4 = 4]
And the couple has just been passed up by a group that came in after them.
[1d4 = 4]
[1d4 = 1]
[1d4 = 1]
[1d4 = 2]
[1d4 = 4]
>>143381
Amber feels a pang of regret of having day-dreamed for even a moment, because she might have peeved a couple of customers.
Amber feels a pang of regret of having day-dreamed for even a moment, because she might have peeved a couple of customers.
>>143389
>>143388
Among those entering are three ponies in formal suits, all adults, and a stallion, mare and two foals... all of the latter family having those webbed batwings.
Two ponies take Amber up on the offer to go to the bar. The fact that she doesn't see them come back may be indication enough there were seats available
[1d4 = 4]
[1d4 = 1]
[1d4 = 2]
>>143388
Among those entering are three ponies in formal suits, all adults, and a stallion, mare and two foals... all of the latter family having those webbed batwings.
Two ponies take Amber up on the offer to go to the bar. The fact that she doesn't see them come back may be indication enough there were seats available
[1d4 = 4]
[1d4 = 1]
[1d4 = 2]
Amber asks if the three are together. Maybe it might be possible to get an extra chair for the high table…
The bat family has to be moved outside to Mustard Trim's table, where Amber will feel more comfortable there's capacity. Amber asks the three in formal attire whether they'd be comfortable sitting outside as well.
>>143401
The trouble with bats is that, however far you banish them, they always seem to end up on pony land. The patio will have to do for this set. They are lead to the table wordlessly, although it's unsure whether the squeaking noise Amber hears is from an opening and closing door, or a bat.
The three ponies would again prefer to sit inside. There's some concern about the humidity and their clothing.
[1d4 = 1]
[1d4 = 4]
[1d4 = 1]
The trouble with bats is that, however far you banish them, they always seem to end up on pony land. The patio will have to do for this set. They are lead to the table wordlessly, although it's unsure whether the squeaking noise Amber hears is from an opening and closing door, or a bat.
The three ponies would again prefer to sit inside. There's some concern about the humidity and their clothing.
[1d4 = 1]
[1d4 = 4]
[1d4 = 1]
>>143404
I'mma re-roll, because the dice despise Mustard Trim
[1d5 = 1]
Another couple shows up. Looks at least in their thirties, and both wear semi-formal attire.
I'mma re-roll, because the dice despise Mustard Trim
[1d5 = 1]
Another couple shows up. Looks at least in their thirties, and both wear semi-formal attire.
>>143408
They hastily take their seats, giving a nod to Amber.
The couple is lead to the table not long after arriving
[1d5 = 3]
[1d4 = 4]
[1d4 = 4]
[1d4 = 2]
[1d4 = 1]
[1d4 = 3]
They hastily take their seats, giving a nod to Amber.
The couple is lead to the table not long after arriving
[1d5 = 3]
[1d4 = 4]
[1d4 = 4]
[1d4 = 2]
[1d4 = 1]
[1d4 = 3]
>>143410
One of Melon Mangrove's tables has opened up,
As has one of Cream Pop's
A trio of young adults enters, as well as a larger group
One of Melon Mangrove's tables has opened up,
As has one of Cream Pop's
A trio of young adults enters, as well as a larger group
>>143411
Amber breathes in and out. She asks the trio politely whether they would rather sit at a table or be at the bar. If there's room at Melon's table she'll put the larger group there.
Amber breathes in and out. She asks the trio politely whether they would rather sit at a table or be at the bar. If there's room at Melon's table she'll put the larger group there.
>>143412
The trio isn't per se opposed to seating at the bar... But the bar is no less crowded than the remainder of the restaurant
[1d2 = 2]
The trio isn't per se opposed to seating at the bar... But the bar is no less crowded than the remainder of the restaurant
[1d2 = 2]
I don't think there's room at one of De Sew's tables for a large group, so another of Melon's will have to be freed….
She gives De Sew's table to the small family.
She gives De Sew's table to the small family.
File (): 6381160A316BB9A37053296F7522D22D-17251.jpg (16.8 KB, 340x257, GoodNewsEveryone.jpg)
>>143422
And they sittheir black asses down
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U-et8qOXLs
A couple is still there
[1d4 = 2] [1d5 = 1]
[1d4 = 4]
[1d4 = 3]
[1d4 = 2]
And they sit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U-et8qOXLs
A couple is still there
[1d4 = 2] [1d5 = 1]
[1d4 = 4]
[1d4 = 3]
[1d4 = 2]
>>143429
Oh dear! Amber frets about this, though less so than before when it was even more overwhelming.
Oh dear! Amber frets about this, though less so than before when it was even more overwhelming.
>>143432
"Oh no, please don't leave! A table just opened up." She gives them Cream Pop's booth. The first remaining couple gets De Sew's table.
"Oh no, please don't leave! A table just opened up." She gives them Cream Pop's booth. The first remaining couple gets De Sew's table.
>>143438
Amber asks the two couples, "You wouldn't mind eating at separate tables that are close together, would you?"
Amber asks the two couples, "You wouldn't mind eating at separate tables that are close together, would you?"
File (): 4105ED2AC73F7E61C7D032D06264A2F9-129249.jpg (126.2 KB, 750x730, F09A25D9-AD7E-4E65-9471-B86F416A0943.jpeg)
>>143441
A mare answers
“The point of going out with my son and daughter in law, is to go out with my son and daughter in law.”
A mare answers
“The point of going out with my son and daughter in law, is to go out with my son and daughter in law.”
>>143442
"Erm, of course. Please wait a moment." The two couples not affiliated with them are called forth and given Larkhaven's tables.
"Erm, of course. Please wait a moment." The two couples not affiliated with them are called forth and given Larkhaven's tables.
>>143444
The road continues, curving in a large arc, occasionally intersecting with or splitting off into what must be other major roads. The group periodically passes the slant-roofed, mostly one or two story buildings that dot the length of the road: a furniture store here, and a firestation there. But this is no commercial avenue, nor residential street. It is a larger thoroughfare that evidently connects parts of the city, and for the most part commercial and residential constructions exist further away from the road. Yet few trucks, carts and automobiles pass them, and even fewer pedestrians. Some do, forcing the group to stay well clear on the side. Though most of the length is adorned with sidewalks, in areas there is only the snow covered grass, forcing them to walk in the snow.
Perhaps it isn't the occupation that keeps ponies off the roads. There is something unpleasant about the air. The temperature has not risen above 20 with the afternoon sun, and whereas the forest had trees, and the denser parts of the city multistory buildings, to block the flow of the wind, it blows unimpeded here, perhaps even funneled by the buildings around it. Snowflakes, sometimes large, sometimes small, fall in small numbers from the clouded and overcast sky. There is a hint of diesel and coal smoke in the air. The doctor tries to keep his legs close together, and his head closer to his chest in the cold and wind. Waabishki is is not fazed by the wind and weather, but her nose twitches at the faint but unwelcome smell. Makade is not bothered by either, simply pressing forward.
Roll die
The road continues, curving in a large arc, occasionally intersecting with or splitting off into what must be other major roads. The group periodically passes the slant-roofed, mostly one or two story buildings that dot the length of the road: a furniture store here, and a firestation there. But this is no commercial avenue, nor residential street. It is a larger thoroughfare that evidently connects parts of the city, and for the most part commercial and residential constructions exist further away from the road. Yet few trucks, carts and automobiles pass them, and even fewer pedestrians. Some do, forcing the group to stay well clear on the side. Though most of the length is adorned with sidewalks, in areas there is only the snow covered grass, forcing them to walk in the snow.
Perhaps it isn't the occupation that keeps ponies off the roads. There is something unpleasant about the air. The temperature has not risen above 20 with the afternoon sun, and whereas the forest had trees, and the denser parts of the city multistory buildings, to block the flow of the wind, it blows unimpeded here, perhaps even funneled by the buildings around it. Snowflakes, sometimes large, sometimes small, fall in small numbers from the clouded and overcast sky. There is a hint of diesel and coal smoke in the air. The doctor tries to keep his legs close together, and his head closer to his chest in the cold and wind. Waabishki is is not fazed by the wind and weather, but her nose twitches at the faint but unwelcome smell. Makade is not bothered by either, simply pressing forward.
Roll die
>>143454
The group turns off onto an avenue, and then a couple blocks to Rainey Street. Spark's journey is uneventful, really, though drones in uniform and with guns occasionally stand in pairs at street corners. The distance travelled by the creatures in total isn't actually that great, perhaps three and a half miles in full. Rainey street is two lanes, paved in concrete, and sided by parallel parking spaces and street lamps. Carts dominate over automobiles, which are scarce, at least out in the open. To each side are rowhouses, with a small patch of grass or tree in front of some and a short walkway to each door. The houses are two floors, though often windows are placed in the slanted or sometimes gambrel roofs, and walls vary in color from grey brick to bright red, usually alternating so that houses can be differentiated from each other.
325 Rainey Street is a house of approximately this description - a bright red two floor brick house with a window appearing out of a gambrel roof, closed blinds on the windows, a ight orange wooden door with a small window on the front, and a leafless tree only twice Spark's height in front.
Spark has arrived
The group turns off onto an avenue, and then a couple blocks to Rainey Street. Spark's journey is uneventful, really, though drones in uniform and with guns occasionally stand in pairs at street corners. The distance travelled by the creatures in total isn't actually that great, perhaps three and a half miles in full. Rainey street is two lanes, paved in concrete, and sided by parallel parking spaces and street lamps. Carts dominate over automobiles, which are scarce, at least out in the open. To each side are rowhouses, with a small patch of grass or tree in front of some and a short walkway to each door. The houses are two floors, though often windows are placed in the slanted or sometimes gambrel roofs, and walls vary in color from grey brick to bright red, usually alternating so that houses can be differentiated from each other.
325 Rainey Street is a house of approximately this description - a bright red two floor brick house with a window appearing out of a gambrel roof, closed blinds on the windows, a ight orange wooden door with a small window on the front, and a leafless tree only twice Spark's height in front.
Spark has arrived
>>143456
For a moment, there is nothing. But Spark sees a movement through the small window, and the door opens part way. Through the crack, the muzzle of a grey unicorn sticks out, looks over to Spark.
"Who is it?"
For a moment, there is nothing. But Spark sees a movement through the small window, and the door opens part way. Through the crack, the muzzle of a grey unicorn sticks out, looks over to Spark.
"Who is it?"
>>143458
With a hint of uncertainty, or unease, the pony answers
"Ply Press"
Barely a second has passed before his eyes turn past Spark and to those behind him. He quickly swings open the door, and Spark can see that he wears a green sweater. He smiles, and turns his head back, yelling into the room
"Petal Dew, Lyka is here!"
With a hint of uncertainty, or unease, the pony answers
"Ply Press"
Barely a second has passed before his eyes turn past Spark and to those behind him. He quickly swings open the door, and Spark can see that he wears a green sweater. He smiles, and turns his head back, yelling into the room
"Petal Dew, Lyka is here!"
>>143460
Makade leans a bit to the side and slightly lowers his make, while Waabiski’s ears rise to attention with intrigue.
Makade leans a bit to the side and slightly lowers his make, while Waabiski’s ears rise to attention with intrigue.
>>143462
The doctor moves forward rather quickly, shaking and patting his fur before entering to remove the few flakes of snow.
"So good to be out of the cold" He remarks
Waabishki is next, and she moves her head around looking from side to side. Makade is last, cautiously walking in. Ply Press walks forward towards Makade, and asks
"What brings you back?"
The entry foyer is kind of small, with stairs to the right, and over to the left is a larger room with wood floors, a chair, two couches, a radio, a couple tables and several pictures up. There is a small hallway between the stairs and the room
The doctor moves forward rather quickly, shaking and patting his fur before entering to remove the few flakes of snow.
"So good to be out of the cold" He remarks
Waabishki is next, and she moves her head around looking from side to side. Makade is last, cautiously walking in. Ply Press walks forward towards Makade, and asks
"What brings you back?"
The entry foyer is kind of small, with stairs to the right, and over to the left is a larger room with wood floors, a chair, two couches, a radio, a couple tables and several pictures up. There is a small hallway between the stairs and the room
>>143464
Makade looks over to Spark, with an almost unsettled expression, as if he expects Spark to answer for him. When this does not occur, he turns back to look at Ply Press.
"We are here for... well, for medical services for someone from the Zagaskway. We were... well, we need to stay somewhere, for at least a few hours. So I came here."
A rose red unicorn mare with her brown mane tied back and wearing a blue shirt walks down the stairs.
"Lyka! You're back!" She immediately runs to Makade, and sits down in front of him, pressing her hooves into each of his cheeks
Makade looks over to Spark, with an almost unsettled expression, as if he expects Spark to answer for him. When this does not occur, he turns back to look at Ply Press.
"We are here for... well, for medical services for someone from the Zagaskway. We were... well, we need to stay somewhere, for at least a few hours. So I came here."
A rose red unicorn mare with her brown mane tied back and wearing a blue shirt walks down the stairs.
"Lyka! You're back!" She immediately runs to Makade, and sits down in front of him, pressing her hooves into each of his cheeks
File (): BBEF534CF67676FFB2771012F349BBE0-257169.gif (251.1 KB, 311x288, 1507355229015.gif)
>>143466
Makade folds his ears back as she continues rubbing his cheeks, and then expresses surprise and then fear as she comes in for a hug
"It's been so long. I was worried for you!"
Waabishki, who sits at a safe distance, desn't hide her smile
Makade folds his ears back as she continues rubbing his cheeks, and then expresses surprise and then fear as she comes in for a hug
"It's been so long. I was worried for you!"
Waabishki, who sits at a safe distance, desn't hide her smile
>>143468
She looks up for a moment in the direction of Spark. Ply Press is already looking his way. She gets up, an walks over towards Spark, granting Makade a reprieve. "Why hello! I'm Petal Dew. Who are you?"
She offers a hoof to shake
She looks up for a moment in the direction of Spark. Ply Press is already looking his way. She gets up, an walks over towards Spark, granting Makade a reprieve. "Why hello! I'm Petal Dew. Who are you?"
She offers a hoof to shake
>>143470
She shakes his hoof. Her shake is firm, but she releases perhaps more quickly than her excitement would imply.
"What brings you here?"
She shakes his hoof. Her shake is firm, but she releases perhaps more quickly than her excitement would imply.
"What brings you here?"
>>143471
"There was a bit of a medical emergency in Madake's village. We had to transport his friend over to the hospital here for treatment."
Spark is curious about the new name, but figures that they must have a nickname for each other.
"There was a bit of a medical emergency in Madake's village. We had to transport his friend over to the hospital here for treatment."
Spark is curious about the new name, but figures that they must have a nickname for each other.
>>143472
She turns over back to Makade, and quickly walks back to him
"'Makade'? Using your tribal name?"
Without warning, she presses her hoof onto Makade's head, much to his displeasure.
"I think it's cute."
She turns over back to Makade, and quickly walks back to him
"'Makade'? Using your tribal name?"
Without warning, she presses her hoof onto Makade's head, much to his displeasure.
"I think it's cute."
>>143473
"I hope you don't mind us staying for a little while. We won't be allowed back to the hospital to check on him until the procedure is done."
"I hope you don't mind us staying for a little while. We won't be allowed back to the hospital to check on him until the procedure is done."
>>143474
"Oh, not at all! We don't get visitors too often since moving here. Why don't you sit yourself down, and make yourself comfortable on those couches. That one right there we got new from Stinny's, since we had to leave the one we had back at the ranch. Do you need anything? Maybe anything to drink, or to eat?"
"Oh, not at all! We don't get visitors too often since moving here. Why don't you sit yourself down, and make yourself comfortable on those couches. That one right there we got new from Stinny's, since we had to leave the one we had back at the ranch. Do you need anything? Maybe anything to drink, or to eat?"
>>143475
"I do hate to ask you for such a favor, but I'm sure everyone would like something warm to help thaw out."
"I do hate to ask you for such a favor, but I'm sure everyone would like something warm to help thaw out."
>>143476
"Oh, it's no problem at all. Let me make some tea for you."
And like that, she runs out of the room and through a door that enters into what is presumably the living room over on the left.
This leaves the doctor, who sits on a couch, Waabishki, who sits on the ground, and Makade, who has not made it far past the entry foyer. Ply Press continues standing, looking at the group.
"Well, uh... make yourself comfortable here."
"Oh, it's no problem at all. Let me make some tea for you."
And like that, she runs out of the room and through a door that enters into what is presumably the living room over on the left.
This leaves the doctor, who sits on a couch, Waabishki, who sits on the ground, and Makade, who has not made it far past the entry foyer. Ply Press continues standing, looking at the group.
"Well, uh... make yourself comfortable here."
>>143478
"Oh. Yes. We had a property out in Lake County with 40 acres, mostly forest. It was nice, very nice. Not really a 'ranch' because we didn't raise animals, but we call it that. We had it for very many years. I bought it not that long after getting the job with Cardinal from a friend of my father... not long after marrying Petal. But yes, we had to sell it. The, uh, the Changelings... they don't like ponies who live out in the forest. Fortunately I knew somepony in Whinnyapolis who had the house here, so I got a good deal on this house. It's nice, but I miss the backyard.
"Oh. Yes. We had a property out in Lake County with 40 acres, mostly forest. It was nice, very nice. Not really a 'ranch' because we didn't raise animals, but we call it that. We had it for very many years. I bought it not that long after getting the job with Cardinal from a friend of my father... not long after marrying Petal. But yes, we had to sell it. The, uh, the Changelings... they don't like ponies who live out in the forest. Fortunately I knew somepony in Whinnyapolis who had the house here, so I got a good deal on this house. It's nice, but I miss the backyard.
>>143479
"Interesting. Maybe I will take it off their hooves sometime. What's this job that you had?"
"Interesting. Maybe I will take it off their hooves sometime. What's this job that you had?"
>>143480
He tilts his head at the "Take it off their hooves" comment, but he quickly answers Spark's comments
"Cardinal Machinery. I worked as a liaison with the Lumber industry. What I would do is engineering work adjusting and repairing the machines that they sell that slice lumber into veneer. And especially I would work on the machines that would press wood together. I still work with them, sort of."
He tilts his head at the "Take it off their hooves" comment, but he quickly answers Spark's comments
"Cardinal Machinery. I worked as a liaison with the Lumber industry. What I would do is engineering work adjusting and repairing the machines that they sell that slice lumber into veneer. And especially I would work on the machines that would press wood together. I still work with them, sort of."
>>143482
"Well... The company was placed under a regulatory commission, and is under new management. But my knowledge as an engineer is still valued, so I still work on press machines."
"Well... The company was placed under a regulatory commission, and is under new management. But my knowledge as an engineer is still valued, so I still work on press machines."
>>143488
"Well... let's say they have a very particular idea of what they want, and how they think it should be done, and they, well they don't always have the best understanding of the machines or the processes in question, or the idiosyncrasies of the local timber."
"Well... let's say they have a very particular idea of what they want, and how they think it should be done, and they, well they don't always have the best understanding of the machines or the processes in question, or the idiosyncrasies of the local timber."
>>143490
"Yeah... heh heh. It's different under... creatures who are a bit less flexible than some others."
At this time, Petal comes back in the room, looking out and yelling
"Water is ready! Do you want tea, coffee maybe?"
"Yeah... heh heh. It's different under... creatures who are a bit less flexible than some others."
At this time, Petal comes back in the room, looking out and yelling
"Water is ready! Do you want tea, coffee maybe?"
>>143492
Makade:
"Nothing"
Petal:
"Oh, but surely you must"
Makade:
"It's okay"
Petal:
"Don't worry, we stocked up during the War. We have enough to give out."
Waabishki:
"I will take tea"
Petal's eyes grow wide
"You brought a girl? Oooooh! What is her name?"
Ply:
"Are you just now noticing?"
And with this, Makade and Waabishki's expression changes
Makade:
"Nothing"
Petal:
"Oh, but surely you must"
Makade:
"It's okay"
Petal:
"Don't worry, we stocked up during the War. We have enough to give out."
Waabishki:
"I will take tea"
Petal's eyes grow wide
"You brought a girl? Oooooh! What is her name?"
Ply:
"Are you just now noticing?"
And with this, Makade and Waabishki's expression changes
>>143494
Waabishki looks startled, finding herself less safe than she was before. She wraps her tail around herself.
Petal comes into the room, smiling and drawing breath
"Is this your 'someone' she's so pretty."
She comes closer to Waabishki, who scrunches
Waabishki:
"No."
Petal:
"You two would look so cute together"
Waabishki
"No."
Maakade smiles, evidently enjoying this. Petal tries to come even closer to Waabishki, seemingly to want to make some sort of physical contact, but Waabishki bares her teeth, causing Petal to back off
"Still."
Waabishki looks startled, finding herself less safe than she was before. She wraps her tail around herself.
Petal comes into the room, smiling and drawing breath
"Is this your 'someone' she's so pretty."
She comes closer to Waabishki, who scrunches
Waabishki:
"No."
Petal:
"You two would look so cute together"
Waabishki
"No."
Maakade smiles, evidently enjoying this. Petal tries to come even closer to Waabishki, seemingly to want to make some sort of physical contact, but Waabishki bares her teeth, causing Petal to back off
"Still."
>>143503
They are seated, as those left waiting are placated
[1d4 = 3] [1d5 = 4]
[1d4 = 1]
[1d4 = 4]
[1d4 = 4]
[1d4 = 3]
They are seated, as those left waiting are placated
[1d4 = 3] [1d5 = 4]
[1d4 = 1]
[1d4 = 4]
[1d4 = 4]
[1d4 = 3]
>>143505
Oh Princess, I hope that this ends soon... she wishes to herself.
Amber proposes to the group of three to eat at a high table, bringing an extra chair from another high table (leaving it suitable as a table for one).
Oh Princess, I hope that this ends soon... she wishes to herself.
Amber proposes to the group of three to eat at a high table, bringing an extra chair from another high table (leaving it suitable as a table for one).
>>143506
The third pony is a bit skeptical
"Does that really leave us with enough room for our food, though?"
The third pony is a bit skeptical
"Does that really leave us with enough room for our food, though?"
>>143511
They are seated. The lack of table space is definitely a possible issue, but it is so.
One of Mustard Trim's tables clears out
[1d5 = 5]
They are seated. The lack of table space is definitely a possible issue, but it is so.
One of Mustard Trim's tables clears out
[1d5 = 5]
>>143515
Uh oh, she had suspected she neglected something. Is there space at one of Mustard's tables for all four of them?
Uh oh, she had suspected she neglected something. Is there space at one of Mustard's tables for all four of them?
File (): 006484456BA2A871B3758833009C1293-281808.png (275.2 KB, 668x616, 1496187300870.png)
>>143523
Another Mustard Trim table opens up, and another larkhaven table opens up, as a group of four mares (looks like friends) and a larger party enters
Another Mustard Trim table opens up, and another larkhaven table opens up, as a group of four mares (looks like friends) and a larger party enters
>>143524
She asks the ladies, "Hello, would you all like a table or would you prefer to sit at the bar?"
She asks the ladies, "Hello, would you all like a table or would you prefer to sit at the bar?"
>>143527
And thus, that table is seated.
[1d4 = 2] [1d4 = 1] [1d5 = 2]
[1d4 = 1] [1d4 = 2] [1d5 = 1]
[1d4 = 1] [1d4 = 1]
And thus, that table is seated.
[1d4 = 2] [1d4 = 1] [1d5 = 2]
[1d4 = 1] [1d4 = 2] [1d5 = 1]
[1d4 = 1] [1d4 = 1]
>>143529
A single who intends to dine is given the high table with one chair, the others are informed they'll have to enjoy themselves at the bar.
A single who intends to dine is given the high table with one chair, the others are informed they'll have to enjoy themselves at the bar.
>>143530
And so, all tables are filled again
[1d4 = 2] [1d4 = 4] [1d5 = 4]
[1d4 = 3] [1d4 = 4] [1d5 = 1]
[1d4 = 2]
And so, all tables are filled again
[1d4 = 2] [1d4 = 4] [1d5 = 4]
[1d4 = 3] [1d4 = 4] [1d5 = 1]
[1d4 = 2]
>>143532
Larkhaven's patrons must be in a hurry.... She tries to see if the large group can be squeezed together at De Sew's table.
Larkhaven's patrons must be in a hurry.... She tries to see if the large group can be squeezed together at De Sew's table.
>>143537
I wish I had a group of friends like that I could do things with, she thinks wistfully to herself. Maybe when I get settled down more.
I wish I had a group of friends like that I could do things with, she thinks wistfully to herself. Maybe when I get settled down more.
>>143538
A pony can dream though. A pony can dream
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SaH_JdyQ8M
The real question is, how many more cycles of tables do you want to go through?
A pony can dream though. A pony can dream
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SaH_JdyQ8M
The real question is, how many more cycles of tables do you want to go through?
>>143539
It's getting a little repetitive, even for me. I've been looking forward to whatever happens next tonight.
It's getting a little repetitive, even for me. I've been looking forward to whatever happens next tonight.
>>143540
The patrons come in waves, and as Amber stands strong, the wave crests and breaks. More enter, but from this point onwards, the number entering is fewer than those leaving. Amber catches a break, and nears the end of her shift.
The patrons come in waves, and as Amber stands strong, the wave crests and breaks. More enter, but from this point onwards, the number entering is fewer than those leaving. Amber catches a break, and nears the end of her shift.
>>143541
Although it's less stressful for Amber she still must focus on her job. The strain of standing relatively still for a long period of time and her hunger makes it difficult for her, but she continues to put on a cheerful demeanor for newcomers while wishing those who leave a good night.
Although it's less stressful for Amber she still must focus on her job. The strain of standing relatively still for a long period of time and her hunger makes it difficult for her, but she continues to put on a cheerful demeanor for newcomers while wishing those who leave a good night.
>>143542
More... then more... And then finally, 10:30. The cut off for new patrons, at least outside of the bar
More... then more... And then finally, 10:30. The cut off for new patrons, at least outside of the bar
>>143543
She sits down on the floor by the entrance and rubs at her eyes with a fetlock, yawning. It takes her a moment to consider whether she's actually free at this time.
She sits down on the floor by the entrance and rubs at her eyes with a fetlock, yawning. It takes her a moment to consider whether she's actually free at this time.
>>143544
The restaurant isn't closed yet but it is for new patrons. No more hostess work, but she can't leave yet either.
The restaurant isn't closed yet but it is for new patrons. No more hostess work, but she can't leave yet either.
>>143545
Amber goes into the restaurant and tries not to get in anypony's way. She looks around to see how the waiters have managed and if they're as tired as she is.
Amber goes into the restaurant and tries not to get in anypony's way. She looks around to see how the waiters have managed and if they're as tired as she is.
Melon has become more lax, talking to a table. Larkhaven, slightly displeased, stands near the kitchen. De Sew is still moving. Cream Pop isn't visible at the moment. Mustard Trim is still running around. Their jobs are not done yet,
>>143547
They're doing pretty well for themselves, I hope I can get myself to keep such a brisk pace even on busy days. Seeing what Melon is doing, an idea forms in her mind. She goes to a nearby table and politely asks the occupants, "Hello all, have you been having a good time?"
They're doing pretty well for themselves, I hope I can get myself to keep such a brisk pace even on busy days. Seeing what Melon is doing, an idea forms in her mind. She goes to a nearby table and politely asks the occupants, "Hello all, have you been having a good time?"
>>143549
"We've, um, had a lot of customers tonight. It's a nice day to eat out, isn't it?" she asks cheerfully.
"We've, um, had a lot of customers tonight. It's a nice day to eat out, isn't it?" she asks cheerfully.
>>143551
Goodnight!
"It brings joy to my heart to see so many ponies enjoy the company of friends, and I'm glad to be able to help them in a small way. Hopefully I can enjoy the pleasure myself soon, but having just arrived at Baltimare it might be a little while."
Goodnight!
"It brings joy to my heart to see so many ponies enjoy the company of friends, and I'm glad to be able to help them in a small way. Hopefully I can enjoy the pleasure myself soon, but having just arrived at Baltimare it might be a little while."
>>143554
"Oh yes. We sent him letters, and we got a few from him. One at the beginning of the War, one when he was sent in for training, and one just after its end. But we hadn't heard from him in months. We were worried about him."
"Oh yes. We sent him letters, and we got a few from him. One at the beginning of the War, one when he was sent in for training, and one just after its end. But we hadn't heard from him in months. We were worried about him."
>>143555
Spark takes a look around the room.
"The changelings haven't made it particularly easy for the mail to be sent to and from a forest. But, hopefully that will start to change in the coming months."
Spark takes a look around the room.
"The changelings haven't made it particularly easy for the mail to be sent to and from a forest. But, hopefully that will start to change in the coming months."
>>143562
"Well..." This question causes him pause, and Petal starts talking to either the Doctor or Makade - hard to tell.
"Things could be a whole lot worse. I have my health, my lovely Petal Dew, a nice house, and our Lyka is back. Things could really be a whole lot worse."
"Well..." This question causes him pause, and Petal starts talking to either the Doctor or Makade - hard to tell.
"Things could be a whole lot worse. I have my health, my lovely Petal Dew, a nice house, and our Lyka is back. Things could really be a whole lot worse."
>>143552
"Well, um, I don't want to bother you any longer.
Enjoy the rest of these fixin's and have a good evening!" She goes into the kitchen for the unenviable prospect of begging for daily bread.
"Well, um, I don't want to bother you any longer.
Enjoy the rest of these fixin's and have a good evening!" She goes into the kitchen for the unenviable prospect of begging for daily bread.
>>143566
"Well, they have a few places all around, but uh, yeah, there's one up north a couple miles, and one over in Westtown."
"Well, they have a few places all around, but uh, yeah, there's one up north a couple miles, and one over in Westtown."
>>143570
"Heh heh, no. Just if you want to keep your mane, coat and tail in order. Or if you want to be as sleek in the water as possible, for speed."
"Heh heh, no. Just if you want to keep your mane, coat and tail in order. Or if you want to be as sleek in the water as possible, for speed."
>>143573
"I've noticed there's more than one schoolhouse around. Are there any that provide music lessons?
"I've noticed there's more than one schoolhouse around. Are there any that provide music lessons?
>>143575
"I'm not sure what I'd qualify for, but I hope to get professional instruction someday if I can get a little bit of money. I like to sing and play stringed instruments."
"I'm not sure what I'd qualify for, but I hope to get professional instruction someday if I can get a little bit of money. I like to sing and play stringed instruments."
>>143576
"Oh. Well find you a band or a musician playing around at a bar or nightclub. They might give you some help."
"Oh. Well find you a band or a musician playing around at a bar or nightclub. They might give you some help."
>>143564
The same zebra cook is there, as is a griffin male. Off to the side, in the back, is an unguarded loaf of bread, with dark crust.
The same zebra cook is there, as is a griffin male. Off to the side, in the back, is an unguarded loaf of bread, with dark crust.
>>143581
Best not to be impolite....
She approaches the zebra cook. "Hello there, Mister...I don't think I got your name, sorry."
Best not to be impolite....
She approaches the zebra cook. "Hello there, Mister...I don't think I got your name, sorry."
File (): 48D90F06680EAA9C64D32E33C0F95EFA-92570.png (90.4 KB, 526x475, AmberSunset.png)
>>143583
"Mister Udo." She pauses to collect her thoughts before continuing. "I hate to trouble you like this, but I'm downright famished and haven't had a bite all day. May I...may I please have some soup and bread?" She smiles sweetly at him.
"Mister Udo." She pauses to collect her thoughts before continuing. "I hate to trouble you like this, but I'm downright famished and haven't had a bite all day. May I...may I please have some soup and bread?" She smiles sweetly at him.
>>143584
He turns around towards Amber, and places a fore-knee against a counter, smiling
"Well I don't know miss. Can you?"
He turns around towards Amber, and places a fore-knee against a counter, smiling
"Well I don't know miss. Can you?"
>>143585
"I'd really like it. Payday hasn't arrived for me yet so I haven't been able to buy food, but when it does I'll pay you back."
"I'd really like it. Payday hasn't arrived for me yet so I haven't been able to buy food, but when it does I'll pay you back."
>>143586
"Ma'am. I'm sure the owner doesn't mind if you take some left-over or sent back soup or bread" he answers
"Ma'am. I'm sure the owner doesn't mind if you take some left-over or sent back soup or bread" he answers
>>143587
"Thank you kindly." Without another word she finds a bowl of soup that isn't marked to be sent out-or, if there isn't one, she grabs a bowl and fills it from a pot of soup. She also takes part of the loaf and finds a place to sit down to eat.
"Thank you kindly." Without another word she finds a bowl of soup that isn't marked to be sent out-or, if there isn't one, she grabs a bowl and fills it from a pot of soup. She also takes part of the loaf and finds a place to sit down to eat.
>>143588
There is a bowl of an orange substance an the dark brown loaf. A booth in Cream Pop's section has opened.
There is a bowl of an orange substance an the dark brown loaf. A booth in Cream Pop's section has opened.
>>143589
Silently and without getting in anypony's way Amber walks over on three hooves. Sliding into the booth she thanks the princesses-wherever they may be-for letting her have a meal on this day. "Bless this bounty with your radiance and majesty, and thank you for the sunlight and kindness it took to bring these gifts to this humble abode..."
She digs in rather quickly, not having any conversation to spend time in. She would rather savor the flavor of the food but given limited time eating hurriedly is the best option.
Silently and without getting in anypony's way Amber walks over on three hooves. Sliding into the booth she thanks the princesses-wherever they may be-for letting her have a meal on this day. "Bless this bounty with your radiance and majesty, and thank you for the sunlight and kindness it took to bring these gifts to this humble abode..."
She digs in rather quickly, not having any conversation to spend time in. She would rather savor the flavor of the food but given limited time eating hurriedly is the best option.
>>143590
The soup has a medium thickness to it, and a dark-orange red color, with leek, potato, a bit of alfalfa, carrot, and celery. And paprika. Lots of paprika. Perhaps more paprika than Amber would have preferred. The bread has a slightly tougher outer layer, and both the bread and the soup are cold, much colder than Amber could expect they were intended to be served.
The soup has a medium thickness to it, and a dark-orange red color, with leek, potato, a bit of alfalfa, carrot, and celery. And paprika. Lots of paprika. Perhaps more paprika than Amber would have preferred. The bread has a slightly tougher outer layer, and both the bread and the soup are cold, much colder than Amber could expect they were intended to be served.
>>143591
She's grateful that it's a healthy meal at least and although the heavy spices make it hard to get down quickly, it does taste...interesting. She sops up the soup with the bread to soften it and make both easier to eat. Maybe it'd taste better if it was warmer. As she's eating she keeps an eye on how the waiters are doing.
She's grateful that it's a healthy meal at least and although the heavy spices make it hard to get down quickly, it does taste...interesting. She sops up the soup with the bread to soften it and make both easier to eat. Maybe it'd taste better if it was warmer. As she's eating she keeps an eye on how the waiters are doing.
>>143592
Cream Pop takes note of Amber's presence, given that she is in his section. Salt Mixer is still busy at the bar. Larkhaven is a bit lazy in his movements, and Mustard Trim runs frantically back and forth the few times he leaves the patio. De Sew and Melon Mangrove are not visible here.
The bread goes pretty well with the soup.
Cream Pop takes note of Amber's presence, given that she is in his section. Salt Mixer is still busy at the bar. Larkhaven is a bit lazy in his movements, and Mustard Trim runs frantically back and forth the few times he leaves the patio. De Sew and Melon Mangrove are not visible here.
The bread goes pretty well with the soup.
>>143593
Amber looks at Mustard with a hint of regret. He's burning the wind moving so fast, he's going to wear himself out. I wanted to talk with him a bit, I guess that'll have to wait. I don't think I can even help without getting in the way... She checks the time and with a sense of urgency finishes the meal, trying to get the last crumbs and bit of soup. Once she does so she carries the bowl back to the kitchen sink.
She asks somepony, perhaps the griffon, "Excuse me, do you happen to have a pen or pencil?"
Amber looks at Mustard with a hint of regret. He's burning the wind moving so fast, he's going to wear himself out. I wanted to talk with him a bit, I guess that'll have to wait. I don't think I can even help without getting in the way... She checks the time and with a sense of urgency finishes the meal, trying to get the last crumbs and bit of soup. Once she does so she carries the bowl back to the kitchen sink.
She asks somepony, perhaps the griffon, "Excuse me, do you happen to have a pen or pencil?"
>>143594
The griffin narrows his eyes and looks at her oddly
"Did you lose the one at the hostess stand?"
He has a hint of an accent, and it's a bit different from what she's heard before.
The griffin narrows his eyes and looks at her oddly
"Did you lose the one at the hostess stand?"
He has a hint of an accent, and it's a bit different from what she's heard before.
>>143595
She shakes her head. "Nope, don't worry. I, erm, just wanted to write a note." She bashfully backs away and heads back out of the kitchen, making sure to grab a paper napkin or towel on the way. Is the pen at the hostess stand still there?
She shakes her head. "Nope, don't worry. I, erm, just wanted to write a note." She bashfully backs away and heads back out of the kitchen, making sure to grab a paper napkin or towel on the way. Is the pen at the hostess stand still there?
Amber puts the pen in her mouth and writes the following message on the napkin:
Mustard,
I have to go now to meet a pony named Dark Descent. I'm told he's the owner of the Club Maurice on Falabella and I was asked to go see him before midnight. Not sure what it is or why tonight but it must be important.
Sorry I don't have time to chat tonight. See you tomorrow.
-Amber
The mouthwriting is surprisingly decent though the pattern on the paper breaks up the letters a bit.
Once Amber is finished she folds up the napkin, puts the pen back on the stand and goes to Salt Mixer. "When Mustard is finished could you hoof this to him?" She slides the snapkin over the bar (obviously in a dry area).
Mustard,
I have to go now to meet a pony named Dark Descent. I'm told he's the owner of the Club Maurice on Falabella and I was asked to go see him before midnight. Not sure what it is or why tonight but it must be important.
Sorry I don't have time to chat tonight. See you tomorrow.
-Amber
The mouthwriting is surprisingly decent though the pattern on the paper breaks up the letters a bit.
Once Amber is finished she folds up the napkin, puts the pen back on the stand and goes to Salt Mixer. "When Mustard is finished could you hoof this to him?" She slides the snapkin over the bar (obviously in a dry area).
>>143601
"Oh, and could you tell me where the Club Maurice is?
I've been told it's on Falabella but I don't know where that is.
It's not too far, is it?"
"Oh, and could you tell me where the Club Maurice is?
I've been told it's on Falabella but I don't know where that is.
It's not too far, is it?"
>>143602
"Club Maurice? That's over on east side, a bit south of here. Follow 13th.... uh, take a right to get to thirteenth from here, but follow13th until you get to Fallabella, then go south about... oh, I don't know how long. Some blocks. But you'll see the sign."
"Club Maurice? That's over on east side, a bit south of here. Follow 13th.... uh, take a right to get to thirteenth from here, but follow13th until you get to Fallabella, then go south about... oh, I don't know how long. Some blocks. But you'll see the sign."
>>143603
"How long would it take to get there at a brisk trot?
If it's alright with you, I'd like to be excused now and make it within an hour, hopefully having time to stop at my apartment on the way." She asks this nervously, but not in a shameful sort of way, more like a filly asking for permission to go somewhere.
"How long would it take to get there at a brisk trot?
If it's alright with you, I'd like to be excused now and make it within an hour, hopefully having time to stop at my apartment on the way." She asks this nervously, but not in a shameful sort of way, more like a filly asking for permission to go somewhere.
>>143604
She looks up at the clock
Amber is basically asking to leave before the nominal end of her shift/get out of cleaning up. Roll diplomacy
She looks up at the clock
Amber is basically asking to leave before the nominal end of her shift/get out of cleaning up. Roll diplomacy
>>143605
"Please, it's really important. I'm not going there to have fun, but I've been called on business."
[1d20+4 = 21]
"Please, it's really important. I'm not going there to have fun, but I've been called on business."
[1d20+4 = 21]
>>143607
"I don't mind. Oh, thank you!" She pauses, then asks, "How long does it take to get there again?"
"I don't mind. Oh, thank you!" She pauses, then asks, "How long does it take to get there again?"
>>143609
"Alright. Thank you again and goodnight." Amber fastens her head scarf and cloak and heads out at a canter's pace. However, the direction she's going is that of her apartment.
"Alright. Thank you again and goodnight." Amber fastens her head scarf and cloak and heads out at a canter's pace. However, the direction she's going is that of her apartment.
>>143610
It's a bit chilly, and the sidewalk is wet. There are numerous lights, and a few ponies, carts, and automobiles.
It's a bit chilly, and the sidewalk is wet. There are numerous lights, and a few ponies, carts, and automobiles.
>>143611
Amber avoids any visible puddles in her way. The combination of her clothing, leaving a heated building and exertion helps stave off the cold.
Amber avoids any visible puddles in her way. The combination of her clothing, leaving a heated building and exertion helps stave off the cold.
>>143612
With all the clothing that she wears, she'll be hot, if anything.
It takes her some time, but she arrives back at her apartment
With all the clothing that she wears, she'll be hot, if anything.
It takes her some time, but she arrives back at her apartment
>>143613
Amber takes the time to wipe off her hooves before going inside, but otherwise is in a hurry. She takes off her clothing, relieves herself in the bathroom, and takes a 2-minute shower. After shaking off most-but not all-of the excess water she straightens her hair with a brush and puts her dress back on, making sure it's straight. All in all, much faster than the average city mare could realistically achieve. Once her cloak and headscarf's back on she heads out again, this time at a trot heading south to the 13th or Falabella, whichever one she reaches first on the way.
Glad I took the time to look presentable. I hope the chill doesn't get to me but I shouldn't be out long.
Amber takes the time to wipe off her hooves before going inside, but otherwise is in a hurry. She takes off her clothing, relieves herself in the bathroom, and takes a 2-minute shower. After shaking off most-but not all-of the excess water she straightens her hair with a brush and puts her dress back on, making sure it's straight. All in all, much faster than the average city mare could realistically achieve. Once her cloak and headscarf's back on she heads out again, this time at a trot heading south to the 13th or Falabella, whichever one she reaches first on the way.
Glad I took the time to look presentable. I hope the chill doesn't get to me but I shouldn't be out long.
>>143614
I'm skeptical of her ability to dry herself, but otherwise this is as described. Fallabella runs north to south, and Amber goes first west to Fallabella, and then south along it
I'm skeptical of her ability to dry herself, but otherwise this is as described. Fallabella runs north to south, and Amber goes first west to Fallabella, and then south along it
>>143615
If she knows the address number of the club she should know what side of the road it's on. Unfortunately, she is not completely dry but this state of affairs could be chalked up to the weather, and her woolen dress ought to help keep her warm.
If she knows the address number of the club she should know what side of the road it's on. Unfortunately, she is not completely dry but this state of affairs could be chalked up to the weather, and her woolen dress ought to help keep her warm.
>>143616
Amber goes down the street until she comes to the location indicated. To her left is a rather long building mostly unassuming on the outside with white colored walls and at least two floors in height. There is a revolving door, and above that, neon illuminated lights saying "Club Maurice." If there are any kinds of special decorations or themes, they are not illuminated; not tonight.
Amber goes down the street until she comes to the location indicated. To her left is a rather long building mostly unassuming on the outside with white colored walls and at least two floors in height. There is a revolving door, and above that, neon illuminated lights saying "Club Maurice." If there are any kinds of special decorations or themes, they are not illuminated; not tonight.
>>143617
Amber's heart beats faster as she comes to this unfamiliar place. She looks side to side before venturing inside.
Amber's heart beats faster as she comes to this unfamiliar place. She looks side to side before venturing inside.
>>143618
The streets are hardly empty, with ponies passing. As soon as Amber enters, there is a Diamond Dog standing to her left. He is giant, and buff. Though he stares her down, he says nothing, and leaves Amber to herself. Shortly through the entrance Amber can see the interior with red carpet floors, and a hall with tables, an open dancing area, and a second floor railing above, with booths underneath. A few dim lights move. There is music as well; perhaps not the jazz or swing style she may have been expecting, but something a bit more classical in style. A viol plays wildly, with an intoxicated enthusiasm that varies between rapture and frantic escape. There are a number of ponies inside at various tables and booths, mostly couples and single individuals.
The streets are hardly empty, with ponies passing. As soon as Amber enters, there is a Diamond Dog standing to her left. He is giant, and buff. Though he stares her down, he says nothing, and leaves Amber to herself. Shortly through the entrance Amber can see the interior with red carpet floors, and a hall with tables, an open dancing area, and a second floor railing above, with booths underneath. A few dim lights move. There is music as well; perhaps not the jazz or swing style she may have been expecting, but something a bit more classical in style. A viol plays wildly, with an intoxicated enthusiasm that varies between rapture and frantic escape. There are a number of ponies inside at various tables and booths, mostly couples and single individuals.
>>143619
Amber is taken aback by the beautiful interior, which is a pleasant surprise to say the least. The interior is nothing short of palatial for the humble farm pony, with the music only reinforcing this display of class. She's so transfixed by a place totally out of her league that she forgets to move. Without having taken off her burlap cloak she certainly looks out of place.
Amber is taken aback by the beautiful interior, which is a pleasant surprise to say the least. The interior is nothing short of palatial for the humble farm pony, with the music only reinforcing this display of class. She's so transfixed by a place totally out of her league that she forgets to move. Without having taken off her burlap cloak she certainly looks out of place.
>>143620
At least for the moment, this is okay. The door's silent guardian stares at Amber, but thus far, he is alone in noticing her. On the dance floor, a couple - they look intoxicated - try and fail to match the pace of the viol. At a table a pair converse, and in a booth on the far side, if Amber squints at the shadowed booth, a couple makes out. At the railing on the second floor, a pony stands, looking to the left. From the way he moves his foreleg, he must be talking to a second pony just out of view, hidden by the ceiling of the floor above Amber.
At least for the moment, this is okay. The door's silent guardian stares at Amber, but thus far, he is alone in noticing her. On the dance floor, a couple - they look intoxicated - try and fail to match the pace of the viol. At a table a pair converse, and in a booth on the far side, if Amber squints at the shadowed booth, a couple makes out. At the railing on the second floor, a pony stands, looking to the left. From the way he moves his foreleg, he must be talking to a second pony just out of view, hidden by the ceiling of the floor above Amber.
Amber blushes and looks away from the far booth once she sees their activity. She turns to the diamond dog guardian and nervously tries to speak up, but her voice sounds a little squeaky. "Um, excuse me, mister, but a "Dark Denizen" asked me to see him. Do you know where I can find him?"
>>143622
He asks,
"Who sent you?"
It almost sounds as if he whistles these words, not because his voice occasionally breaks, but because there is an almost harmonic quality in his high pitched voice.
He asks,
"Who sent you?"
It almost sounds as if he whistles these words, not because his voice occasionally breaks, but because there is an almost harmonic quality in his high pitched voice.
>>143623
"Today a well-dressed mare in an automobile told me I would be sent for, and this evening a diamond dog told me to come meet Dark Denizen before midnight. He told me Mr. Denizen owns this nightclub, is that right?"
"Today a well-dressed mare in an automobile told me I would be sent for, and this evening a diamond dog told me to come meet Dark Denizen before midnight. He told me Mr. Denizen owns this nightclub, is that right?"
>>143624
"Yes"
He almost lingers on the "y" sound, for a "Yyyyes"
He turns his head a bit to his left, and to Amber's right. He nods
"In an office in the back there. Your right."
"Yes"
He almost lingers on the "y" sound, for a "Yyyyes"
He turns his head a bit to his left, and to Amber's right. He nods
"In an office in the back there. Your right."
>>143626
Amber walks down, past a set of stairs leading up, past a few more booths, and towards the right side. More of the nightclub moves behind her and to her left, as evidenced by the sounds, and the waiter carrying drinks who moves by, but Amber goes forward, finding a set of doors on the right.
Amber walks down, past a set of stairs leading up, past a few more booths, and towards the right side. More of the nightclub moves behind her and to her left, as evidenced by the sounds, and the waiter carrying drinks who moves by, but Amber goes forward, finding a set of doors on the right.
>>143627
Amber heads forward, fast enough to have some sense of urgency but not so fast that she might inadvertently get in anypony's way. When she arrives at the doors she cautiously opens one and pokes her head through.
Amber heads forward, fast enough to have some sense of urgency but not so fast that she might inadvertently get in anypony's way. When she arrives at the doors she cautiously opens one and pokes her head through.
>>143628
A door moves open, to enter into a small hallway. Near the end of it is a peppered black and grey stallion, who observes Amber, before giving a nod
A door moves open, to enter into a small hallway. Near the end of it is a peppered black and grey stallion, who observes Amber, before giving a nod
>>143629
Everypony is so serious, it makes me feel uncomfortable....
She stops in front of the stallion, unsure of where she should go next.
Everypony is so serious, it makes me feel uncomfortable....
She stops in front of the stallion, unsure of where she should go next.
>>143630
He looks down at Amber and examines her. But after a few seconds, he wordlessly opens a hardwood door next to him
"You may see her."
He looks down at Amber and examines her. But after a few seconds, he wordlessly opens a hardwood door next to him
"You may see her."
>>143631
"Thank you...," she says, uncertainly. Walking through the entrance, she tries to see what kind of room it is.
"Thank you...," she says, uncertainly. Walking through the entrance, she tries to see what kind of room it is.
Sorry for dragging this on, looking forward to continuing tomorrow!
>>143632
Entering into the room, Amber sees that it is definitely an office. The walls themselves are brightly varnished wood, with big shelves to each side, and a big walnut desk in the center. There are a number of items of curiosity; a purple geode sits on the left of the desk, and another with a pink color on the third row of the left shelf, and these are accompanied by many odd rocks with sedimentary bands. In front of the left shelf is a large log of what seems to be petrified wood. Yet not every item of curiosity is inorganic; on the shelf above is a preserved pink salamander, and another almost albino looking fish, or perhaps amphibian. Nor is everything lifeless. On the right side of the room is a fish tank with a crayfish-like at the bottom, and several slender, colorless fish.
All that is said above are things that might meet Amber's wandering eye in moments of anxiety or boredom, as for now her attention is most likely on what sits in front of her. Behind the desk is a mare, perhaps a little larger in size than the average. Her mane has this almost faux fur quality to it, and its jet black hair would certainly shine if the yellow light of the room were not so dim. Her coat is perhaps her most unusual feature, for her -red brown fur varies in color from point to paint, sometimes more red, more often brown, and occasionally speckled black. She looks very much the color of rust, or perhaps even dried blood. Her face bears an almost perfectly neutral expression, and her long muzzle ends with two incisors that hang out over her lips. The two large, brown wings that angle up beside her are webbed, not a unique quality among the ponies she's seen today, but the large finger-like hooks at their apertures stand out among what amber has seen before. She is relaxed back in her chair, and her eyes - locked on Amber - are the same pale pink color as the salamander on the shelf, or even the fish in the tank.
Entering into the room, Amber sees that it is definitely an office. The walls themselves are brightly varnished wood, with big shelves to each side, and a big walnut desk in the center. There are a number of items of curiosity; a purple geode sits on the left of the desk, and another with a pink color on the third row of the left shelf, and these are accompanied by many odd rocks with sedimentary bands. In front of the left shelf is a large log of what seems to be petrified wood. Yet not every item of curiosity is inorganic; on the shelf above is a preserved pink salamander, and another almost albino looking fish, or perhaps amphibian. Nor is everything lifeless. On the right side of the room is a fish tank with a crayfish-like at the bottom, and several slender, colorless fish.
All that is said above are things that might meet Amber's wandering eye in moments of anxiety or boredom, as for now her attention is most likely on what sits in front of her. Behind the desk is a mare, perhaps a little larger in size than the average. Her mane has this almost faux fur quality to it, and its jet black hair would certainly shine if the yellow light of the room were not so dim. Her coat is perhaps her most unusual feature, for her -red brown fur varies in color from point to paint, sometimes more red, more often brown, and occasionally speckled black. She looks very much the color of rust, or perhaps even dried blood. Her face bears an almost perfectly neutral expression, and her long muzzle ends with two incisors that hang out over her lips. The two large, brown wings that angle up beside her are webbed, not a unique quality among the ponies she's seen today, but the large finger-like hooks at their apertures stand out among what amber has seen before. She is relaxed back in her chair, and her eyes - locked on Amber - are the same pale pink color as the salamander on the shelf, or even the fish in the tank.
>>143634
Everything about this room catches Amber by surprise and she doesn't know how to respond. Rocks? Strange creatures? Not what I expected in a nightclub office. The strange-looking mare, looking odd and un-ponylike in every respect, reminds Amber of a gargoyle. She's starting to almost wish it was a sleazy kind of nightclub owner instead-if this is indeed the owner-even a griffon like Guido.
That being said, Amber has no option but to slowly approach, though a small part of her is regretting coming here at all.
Everything about this room catches Amber by surprise and she doesn't know how to respond. Rocks? Strange creatures? Not what I expected in a nightclub office. The strange-looking mare, looking odd and un-ponylike in every respect, reminds Amber of a gargoyle. She's starting to almost wish it was a sleazy kind of nightclub owner instead-if this is indeed the owner-even a griffon like Guido.
That being said, Amber has no option but to slowly approach, though a small part of her is regretting coming here at all.
>>143641
The air is filled with the smell of cigarette smoke. Not the smell that lingers in the air of rooms long accustomed to smoke, but rather the smell of a fresh cigarette, one that burns even now, as Amber sits before her.
The dark red-brown pony before Amber looks somewhat masuline in her long muzzle and her sheer, stallion-equaling size. Yet in every other regard - eye lashes, choice of mane styling, and even her slim torso and curves - she is adequately feminine, if not necessarily who Amber would have chosen for a mate. If she were a colt, that is. She speaks
"Hello there, little pony."
Her voice is strange. That much was to be expected. What is unexpected is the way in which it sounds strange. She has no strong accent. Not much accent at all, except what a foreigner might call Equestrian. Nor does her voice deviate from what may be expected of a pony mare - it's appropriately high pitched. What is strange, rather, is that the voice does not sound like it is coming from in front of Amber. The voice seems to come from behind, as if from an echo, or indeed, as if the words were directly projected into Amber's head. But surely they do not, as the creature's mouth opens with the words. She has a golden tooth on the bottom left, and her tongue seems a bit slimmer and tapered more than Amber would expect in a pony.
"You are the one called?"
The air is filled with the smell of cigarette smoke. Not the smell that lingers in the air of rooms long accustomed to smoke, but rather the smell of a fresh cigarette, one that burns even now, as Amber sits before her.
The dark red-brown pony before Amber looks somewhat masuline in her long muzzle and her sheer, stallion-equaling size. Yet in every other regard - eye lashes, choice of mane styling, and even her slim torso and curves - she is adequately feminine, if not necessarily who Amber would have chosen for a mate. If she were a colt, that is. She speaks
"Hello there, little pony."
Her voice is strange. That much was to be expected. What is unexpected is the way in which it sounds strange. She has no strong accent. Not much accent at all, except what a foreigner might call Equestrian. Nor does her voice deviate from what may be expected of a pony mare - it's appropriately high pitched. What is strange, rather, is that the voice does not sound like it is coming from in front of Amber. The voice seems to come from behind, as if from an echo, or indeed, as if the words were directly projected into Amber's head. But surely they do not, as the creature's mouth opens with the words. She has a golden tooth on the bottom left, and her tongue seems a bit slimmer and tapered more than Amber would expect in a pony.
"You are the one called?"
>>143643
The younger mare likely stands below eye level; her pupils narrow suddenly with the odd sound of the creature's voice. "Y-yes. I was...um, told to meet, uh, Dark Denizen, by, um, a diamond dog." She's quite visibly trembling despite the dress and cloak covering most of her body. "Are you...are you Dark Denizen?"
The younger mare likely stands below eye level; her pupils narrow suddenly with the odd sound of the creature's voice. "Y-yes. I was...um, told to meet, uh, Dark Denizen, by, um, a diamond dog." She's quite visibly trembling despite the dress and cloak covering most of her body. "Are you...are you Dark Denizen?"
>>143644
"Yes." She says plainly, and she sits up from her formerly relaxed position, and looks Amber up and down. Her lips pull back ever so slightly in a faint smile.
"Do you normally dress so heavily?" She asks.
"Yes." She says plainly, and she sits up from her formerly relaxed position, and looks Amber up and down. Her lips pull back ever so slightly in a faint smile.
"Do you normally dress so heavily?" She asks.
>>143646
She nods, and has a more proper smile now. Her front fangs and teeth are a bit more visible.
"Indeed. Let me ask you. What do you know about why you are here? Or rather, where you are?"
She nods, and has a more proper smile now. Her front fangs and teeth are a bit more visible.
"Indeed. Let me ask you. What do you know about why you are here? Or rather, where you are?"
>>143647
Biting her lip, Amber shifts uneasily from hoof to hoof, not wanting to look at the creature directly. "I, um...I don't know.
I told a pony that I needed bits and I was told to wait for a message. Later I was told to come here."
Biting her lip, Amber shifts uneasily from hoof to hoof, not wanting to look at the creature directly. "I, um...I don't know.
I told a pony that I needed bits and I was told to wait for a message. Later I was told to come here."
>>143649
"I thought, maybe...maybe I was being hired. I can play the mandolin. It...it might not be an instrument you want, but, um, I can learn another," she responds, with a glimmer of hope but carrying a much stronger note of anxiety.
"I thought, maybe...maybe I was being hired. I can play the mandolin. It...it might not be an instrument you want, but, um, I can learn another," she responds, with a glimmer of hope but carrying a much stronger note of anxiety.
>>143650
Her lips pull back a little more, and then a "heh." She answers
"Maybe in time, if you can play. If I am still here... Tell me, are you from this area?"
Her lips pull back a little more, and then a "heh." She answers
"Maybe in time, if you can play. If I am still here... Tell me, are you from this area?"
>>143651
"Technically...I'm from a farm outside Baltimare. I came here a couple of days ago, erm, miss."
"Technically...I'm from a farm outside Baltimare. I came here a couple of days ago, erm, miss."
>>143652
She nods, seeming pleased
From a sound behind, the door cracks open, and the mare looks up.
"Uh, denizen"
"Yes?"
"The inspector came back"
Her ears, with those strange tufts, move up, and her attention
"Did you offer him drinks?"
"Yes... He wouldn't take them. He, he says we need the work done by Wednesday."
And then, in a snap,
"How does he expect us to do that so quickly?!"
With her teeth bared, and after a moment
"If he wants a new door, I'll rip one in him!"
With this she throws a hoof on the table, and scratches into it. Perhaps Amber was expecting a claw instead.
"I'll... I just thought you needed to know."
The stallion closes the door, and for a moment, Denizen is distracted, looking down in distressed anger, and Amber is for some seconds no longer the subject of her own interview.
She nods, seeming pleased
From a sound behind, the door cracks open, and the mare looks up.
"Uh, denizen"
"Yes?"
"The inspector came back"
Her ears, with those strange tufts, move up, and her attention
"Did you offer him drinks?"
"Yes... He wouldn't take them. He, he says we need the work done by Wednesday."
And then, in a snap,
"How does he expect us to do that so quickly?!"
With her teeth bared, and after a moment
"If he wants a new door, I'll rip one in him!"
With this she throws a hoof on the table, and scratches into it. Perhaps Amber was expecting a claw instead.
"I'll... I just thought you needed to know."
The stallion closes the door, and for a moment, Denizen is distracted, looking down in distressed anger, and Amber is for some seconds no longer the subject of her own interview.
>>143653
Denizen's outburst causes the hairs on Amber's coat to stand on end and she wonders if she could make a quiet exit unnoticed or if she would be stopped by the employees. It's okay, she's not angry at me...just...don't do anything that'll rile her up, and leaving all of a sudden might do that. She elects to shuffle off to the side and sit down quietly.
Denizen's outburst causes the hairs on Amber's coat to stand on end and she wonders if she could make a quiet exit unnoticed or if she would be stopped by the employees. It's okay, she's not angry at me...just...don't do anything that'll rile her up, and leaving all of a sudden might do that. She elects to shuffle off to the side and sit down quietly.
>>143654
The smile is gone, and does not return. Her entire attitude does not shift. With the stallion gone, Denizen's gaze turns back towards Amber. Her voice is more grounded now, but much sharper, and more direct.
"Do you know what that was about? No. You are not from this city. Good. May you never need to know the frustration. For ten long years I've run this night club, and finally got the controlling stake. We've had no problems with fires or any emergencies, save those couple times some drunk pony brought a gun in. No problem. But now, apparently that revolving door isn't enough. They want me to rip out the walls and put in two new doors. Rip out the walls and do it all by this Wednesday. Do you know why?"
She doesn't wait for a response
"Because they are looking for a distraction. A patsy. Anything to distract from their own sins. These New Marelanders shelled their own city with big naval guns when the Unions tried to take it back last Fall, and they look for any one else to turn into a villain. So last November, when a nightclub caught fire and burned all of those ponies alive, they jumped right at it. Lines of corpses? That one gets past the censors and gets published everywhere. Let 'greedy' nightclub owners be the boogeymare, and let's all just forget the fact that a shell landed near my apartment. The papers were more than happy to go along with this. Anything that sells.
And then just a few days ago, when a member of the city council, a star of the SDP was exposed as a pedophile? I've never seen a whole government so quickly pick up the crusading sword, trying to crack down on 'fire hazards'. Something to give the SDP a purpose. Make them protectors against 'greed' and 'the mob'. Make the ponies think there are worse ponies than them to look after your children. But I haven't forgotten the SDP selected a Colt Cuddler, and I haven't forgotten our 'protectors of ponykind' shelled us.
They say that what that nightclub owner did was wrong, locking the side doors. They've never run a club. Ponies just walk right out through them, don't pay their tab. I lose a lot of money that way. Instead they try to make it sound insidious, like I want my whole livelihood to burn down? No one wants that. No. Even they don't believe that. They just want a distraction. A club burned down out in Lavender a few years ago, that one killed a couple hundred as well, and no one even remembers it. Because it was before the war, the fat one was in charge, and no one in charge needed a villain to justify themselves"
After this rant, she is silent for a moment, and seems to have actually calmed down a little.
"But you don't know any of that. You don't need to know any of that. That's the point. You're not a player in the game. You are not a villain to them. You are as unassuming as they come. Small, adorable, innocent. Someone they don't expect. And that is why you are here."
A smile almost returns
The smile is gone, and does not return. Her entire attitude does not shift. With the stallion gone, Denizen's gaze turns back towards Amber. Her voice is more grounded now, but much sharper, and more direct.
"Do you know what that was about? No. You are not from this city. Good. May you never need to know the frustration. For ten long years I've run this night club, and finally got the controlling stake. We've had no problems with fires or any emergencies, save those couple times some drunk pony brought a gun in. No problem. But now, apparently that revolving door isn't enough. They want me to rip out the walls and put in two new doors. Rip out the walls and do it all by this Wednesday. Do you know why?"
She doesn't wait for a response
"Because they are looking for a distraction. A patsy. Anything to distract from their own sins. These New Marelanders shelled their own city with big naval guns when the Unions tried to take it back last Fall, and they look for any one else to turn into a villain. So last November, when a nightclub caught fire and burned all of those ponies alive, they jumped right at it. Lines of corpses? That one gets past the censors and gets published everywhere. Let 'greedy' nightclub owners be the boogeymare, and let's all just forget the fact that a shell landed near my apartment. The papers were more than happy to go along with this. Anything that sells.
And then just a few days ago, when a member of the city council, a star of the SDP was exposed as a pedophile? I've never seen a whole government so quickly pick up the crusading sword, trying to crack down on 'fire hazards'. Something to give the SDP a purpose. Make them protectors against 'greed' and 'the mob'. Make the ponies think there are worse ponies than them to look after your children. But I haven't forgotten the SDP selected a Colt Cuddler, and I haven't forgotten our 'protectors of ponykind' shelled us.
They say that what that nightclub owner did was wrong, locking the side doors. They've never run a club. Ponies just walk right out through them, don't pay their tab. I lose a lot of money that way. Instead they try to make it sound insidious, like I want my whole livelihood to burn down? No one wants that. No. Even they don't believe that. They just want a distraction. A club burned down out in Lavender a few years ago, that one killed a couple hundred as well, and no one even remembers it. Because it was before the war, the fat one was in charge, and no one in charge needed a villain to justify themselves"
After this rant, she is silent for a moment, and seems to have actually calmed down a little.
"But you don't know any of that. You don't need to know any of that. That's the point. You're not a player in the game. You are not a villain to them. You are as unassuming as they come. Small, adorable, innocent. Someone they don't expect. And that is why you are here."
A smile almost returns
>>143655
Amber absorbs these words though she winces at the repeated mentions of death and worse. Her heart beats faster though as a sense of what's needed forms in her mind. Finally, when Denizen is finished, she asks, in a voice too quiet for the large room, "You want me to meet somepony...secretly?"
Amber absorbs these words though she winces at the repeated mentions of death and worse. Her heart beats faster though as a sense of what's needed forms in her mind. Finally, when Denizen is finished, she asks, in a voice too quiet for the large room, "You want me to meet somepony...secretly?"
>>143656
"You barely even need to meet a pony. Just pick something up" She holds her hoof up.
"And drop it off"
She places her hoof down
"You barely even need to meet a pony. Just pick something up" She holds her hoof up.
"And drop it off"
She places her hoof down
>>143658
"Because they cannot make a villain of you. You don't have wealth or power, you don't have fangs or paws. You are not threatening, no one would suspect you, and you wouldn't have much to say even if they did."
"Because they cannot make a villain of you. You don't have wealth or power, you don't have fangs or paws. You are not threatening, no one would suspect you, and you wouldn't have much to say even if they did."
>>143659
Amber continues to look uneasy but she doesn't press on the importance of that criterion. "Well, I guess I can do it...what do I need to deliver and where?"
Amber continues to look uneasy but she doesn't press on the importance of that criterion. "Well, I guess I can do it...what do I need to deliver and where?"
Should be back at it tomorrow.
Spark continues to listen into the conversations with the cute ponies and wolves.
File (): 04073EA14050541A84A567DCA9F97894-100102.png (97.8 KB, 250x250, 1385264093573.png)
>>143665
Hello!
It's nice to see there are lurkers
>>143372
He turns his head a bit more directly in Silver's direction, so that both of his hazel eyes face him.
"I wondered, in my captivity, if the gods would intervene to stop those fools. I have long since lost faith, but some small part of me wondered. It appears they are still here, delivering justice at the last possible moment before it is irrelevant. So it appears, anyways."
Hello!
It's nice to see there are lurkers
>>143372
He turns his head a bit more directly in Silver's direction, so that both of his hazel eyes face him.
"I wondered, in my captivity, if the gods would intervene to stop those fools. I have long since lost faith, but some small part of me wondered. It appears they are still here, delivering justice at the last possible moment before it is irrelevant. So it appears, anyways."
>>143672
Silver looks right at this deer, who has been through literal hell, and nods. He comes closer to the bed where he rests.
"It was unfortunate we had not gotten there sooner, we could have stopped much more suffering that had happened. I would like to know your story, if you do not mind sharing."
Silver looks right at this deer, who has been through literal hell, and nods. He comes closer to the bed where he rests.
"It was unfortunate we had not gotten there sooner, we could have stopped much more suffering that had happened. I would like to know your story, if you do not mind sharing."
>>143673
He continues looking at Silver with almost no expression, and half-closed eyes
"I do not need the attention, and do not wish to have anything published, but what do you want to know? I could tell many stories."
He continues looking at Silver with almost no expression, and half-closed eyes
"I do not need the attention, and do not wish to have anything published, but what do you want to know? I could tell many stories."
hopes to continue again soon
still hopes
Might have some time this weekend.
>>143690
Silver can see his chest fall as air leaves it, and his eyes narrow to the slightest degree.
"They were a terror longer than many know."
Silver can see his chest fall as air leaves it, and his eyes narrow to the slightest degree.
"They were a terror longer than many know."
>>143691
The unicorn nods.
"It was Olenia they struck at first, I have not forgotten. Preview of what was to come if they conquered Equestria. Is that what drove you to seek your way here?"
The unicorn nods.
"It was Olenia they struck at first, I have not forgotten. Preview of what was to come if they conquered Equestria. Is that what drove you to seek your way here?"
>>143692
"No. You don't understand. It was almost a local legend that those in far cabins would go missing. What was more common - what I experienced - was the ghost walkers, who walked the woods, seeming to be lost hikers."
Then he abruptly stops
"Yes. There were other reasons, but... yes."
"No. You don't understand. It was almost a local legend that those in far cabins would go missing. What was more common - what I experienced - was the ghost walkers, who walked the woods, seeming to be lost hikers."
Then he abruptly stops
"Yes. There were other reasons, but... yes."
>>143694
"Yes. That is what we called them. It is a legend in many parts of Olenia, but I know it to be real. I have seen it. Deer in the forest. They walked as if they were lost, usually. Like there was no purpose to their being there. They only wanted to find another deer. Usually they wore no special clothes. Fawns who strayed too far into the forest and got lost, stags who turn a wrong turn on a long and winding trail, or hikers or river prospectors who slipped and fell and bumped their heads and had no memory. Sometimes they wore special clothing that showed them to be a lumberjack, or a border guard. Sometimes the deer is a deer that is known to be missing, though that is less common than the legends say. But what you ought to know is they are not as they claim to be. Bortbytings; Changelings."
"Yes. That is what we called them. It is a legend in many parts of Olenia, but I know it to be real. I have seen it. Deer in the forest. They walked as if they were lost, usually. Like there was no purpose to their being there. They only wanted to find another deer. Usually they wore no special clothes. Fawns who strayed too far into the forest and got lost, stags who turn a wrong turn on a long and winding trail, or hikers or river prospectors who slipped and fell and bumped their heads and had no memory. Sometimes they wore special clothing that showed them to be a lumberjack, or a border guard. Sometimes the deer is a deer that is known to be missing, though that is less common than the legends say. But what you ought to know is they are not as they claim to be. Bortbytings; Changelings."
>>143695
"Hmm. I have heard of changelings doing this but have never seen it with my own eyes. It is common in deer lands?"
"Hmm. I have heard of changelings doing this but have never seen it with my own eyes. It is common in deer lands?"
>>143696
"Perhaps it is not as common as some may think. But they try eveything. The stolen fawn replaced with a bortbyting, the doe in need of help on the roadside, and even the doe of ill virtue in the cities. They raided as well, when they could."
"Perhaps it is not as common as some may think. But they try eveything. The stolen fawn replaced with a bortbyting, the doe in need of help on the roadside, and even the doe of ill virtue in the cities. They raided as well, when they could."
>>143697
"Ahh, that is all more familiar to me. They have practiced their craft for as long as they have existed, and have honed it well. During war, if soldier wandered off alone they would be replaced in just couple of minutes with nopony realizing it had happened."
"Ahh, that is all more familiar to me. They have practiced their craft for as long as they have existed, and have honed it well. During war, if soldier wandered off alone they would be replaced in just couple of minutes with nopony realizing it had happened."
>>143699
"Indeed."
He looks up and down at the stag laying in his hospital bed, while chasing away visions back to how he and the others had originally found him.
"So, what was it that drove you to seek out Equestrian shores, if changelings were only one part of it?"
"Indeed."
He looks up and down at the stag laying in his hospital bed, while chasing away visions back to how he and the others had originally found him.
"So, what was it that drove you to seek out Equestrian shores, if changelings were only one part of it?"
>>143700
His chest is not fully covered, and Silver can see stitching and bandages covering down the middle
"My daughter moved to Vancouver, near In-laws, about eleven years ago. She wanted to work on clocks and watches."
His chest is not fully covered, and Silver can see stitching and bandages covering down the middle
"My daughter moved to Vancouver, near In-laws, about eleven years ago. She wanted to work on clocks and watches."
>>143703
"Ah...I do not explain myself well. What was reason you went from Western to Eastern Equestria, after changelings took over?"
"Ah...I do not explain myself well. What was reason you went from Western to Eastern Equestria, after changelings took over?"
>>143704
He turns his head slightly, angling his long muzzle a little closer in the direction of Silver
"Is the answer not in the question..."
He turns his head slightly, angling his long muzzle a little closer in the direction of Silver
"Is the answer not in the question..."
I'm striking >>143659 because I am not really satisfied with it.
>>143658
"Why you? Don't you understand who you are? You are Equestria. To them at least. The police, the occupation, the City. They see you with your heavy clothes, your frankly adorable demeanor... your innocence. They see their little pony. The pony they think themselves the divinely chosen protectors of. The police aren't going to think you are running illegal gambling operations out of the backrooms. They won't stop you to search you for 'stolen goods' as you walk the streets at midnight. You look cute, with your little light colored muzzle - no fangs sticking out. No one would think to stop or challenge you, not police, nor soldiers, nor journalists, nor even gangsters. You could start a fire here, in my nightclub, and burn all I've worked for this past decade to a ground, and I would be charged with manslaughter... that's exactly what happened to that poor stallion up in Albion... But it's not just how others see you. You aren't scared. You probably would be if you knew what you were dealing with, but you don't, and that is what counts. You could run into Chrysalis, and just say 'sorry ma'am.'"
>>143658
"Why you? Don't you understand who you are? You are Equestria. To them at least. The police, the occupation, the City. They see you with your heavy clothes, your frankly adorable demeanor... your innocence. They see their little pony. The pony they think themselves the divinely chosen protectors of. The police aren't going to think you are running illegal gambling operations out of the backrooms. They won't stop you to search you for 'stolen goods' as you walk the streets at midnight. You look cute, with your little light colored muzzle - no fangs sticking out. No one would think to stop or challenge you, not police, nor soldiers, nor journalists, nor even gangsters. You could start a fire here, in my nightclub, and burn all I've worked for this past decade to a ground, and I would be charged with manslaughter... that's exactly what happened to that poor stallion up in Albion... But it's not just how others see you. You aren't scared. You probably would be if you knew what you were dealing with, but you don't, and that is what counts. You could run into Chrysalis, and just say 'sorry ma'am.'"
>>143710
The 'cute' pony paws the carpet uneasily, and only when Dark finishes does she make eye contact. "You don't want me to start a fire, do you? Or go into the Changeling Lands?
Hehe...." She nervously chuckles.
The 'cute' pony paws the carpet uneasily, and only when Dark finishes does she make eye contact. "You don't want me to start a fire, do you? Or go into the Changeling Lands?
Hehe...." She nervously chuckles.
>>143712
She blinks. "Shouldn't you call the fire department?
Why isn't everypony in a rush before it spreads--" Realization suddenly sparks in her eyes. Oh, you're using a metaphor, sorry...."
She blinks. "Shouldn't you call the fire department?
Why isn't everypony in a rush before it spreads--" Realization suddenly sparks in her eyes. Oh, you're using a metaphor, sorry...."
>>143715
"Don't you worry, little pony. So long as everypony is paying attention, no one will get hurt."
"Don't you worry, little pony. So long as everypony is paying attention, no one will get hurt."
>>143716
"Erm, I hope so...." She shifts her weight nervously, not being able to work up the courage to say anything else.
"Erm, I hope so...." She shifts her weight nervously, not being able to work up the courage to say anything else.
>>143719
She smiles, showing her front fangs as she nods her head.
"That's the spirit. Don't worry, we will pay. There is nothing to be uneasy about. We might look a little different from what you are used to. But we are creatures just the same as you. Not every blemished fruit is rotten underneath."
She smiles, showing her front fangs as she nods her head.
"That's the spirit. Don't worry, we will pay. There is nothing to be uneasy about. We might look a little different from what you are used to. But we are creatures just the same as you. Not every blemished fruit is rotten underneath."
>>143720
Amber gives a feeble smile and a nod, though her ears are still pressed against her head and her coat is standing on end.
Amber gives a feeble smile and a nod, though her ears are still pressed against her head and her coat is standing on end.
>>143721
Her eyes turn away from Amber down to an object she manipulates on her desk, which from Amber's limited perspective, seems to be a pocket watch. Then she turns back up to Amber
"Do you want to relax a bit?"
Her eyes turn away from Amber down to an object she manipulates on her desk, which from Amber's limited perspective, seems to be a pocket watch. Then she turns back up to Amber
"Do you want to relax a bit?"
>>143723
"Then settle down. Become a bit more acquainted with the night. You will be more effective relaxed, and there are fewer ponies out the later it is anyways."
"Then settle down. Become a bit more acquainted with the night. You will be more effective relaxed, and there are fewer ponies out the later it is anyways."
>>143725
"Have a drink. Listen to the music. Let a stallion make a pass at you. Have a dance. You don't seem too familiar with the night life."
"Have a drink. Listen to the music. Let a stallion make a pass at you. Have a dance. You don't seem too familiar with the night life."
>>143726
I don't have work or anything to do tomorrow morning, do I?
She glances back to the door. "Alright, I think I'll try that. Is there anything else, ma'am?"
I don't have work or anything to do tomorrow morning, do I?
She glances back to the door. "Alright, I think I'll try that. Is there anything else, ma'am?"
>>143727
"Of course. There is your task. But I'll get to that a little later. Best you ease up a bit."
"Of course. There is your task. But I'll get to that a little later. Best you ease up a bit."
>>143728
Amber nods and slowly turns to head back into the hall. Only when she reaches the main floor does she allow herself a breath of relief.
Amber nods and slowly turns to head back into the hall. Only when she reaches the main floor does she allow herself a breath of relief.
>>143729
Amber has not been bitten and drained of all blood yet. The stallion is gone, and a pony, who seems to work there, turns to look attentive when Amber exits out from the rear hallway.
The lights are fairly dim, and a number of ponies occupy the tables and the bar in front of the dance floor. The music isn't exactly to dance to, being a rather intense classical-styled piece played from a viol.
Amber has not been bitten and drained of all blood yet. The stallion is gone, and a pony, who seems to work there, turns to look attentive when Amber exits out from the rear hallway.
The lights are fairly dim, and a number of ponies occupy the tables and the bar in front of the dance floor. The music isn't exactly to dance to, being a rather intense classical-styled piece played from a viol.
>>143730
Amber's ears perk up at the sound of the music and she trots over to an empty table near the musicians, where she sits. Almost absent-mindedly she takes off her cloak and headscarf as she listens intently.
Amber's ears perk up at the sound of the music and she trots over to an empty table near the musicians, where she sits. Almost absent-mindedly she takes off her cloak and headscarf as she listens intently.
>>143731
This is possible by going to a table on the edge of the dance floor.
Amber sees that there is one, and only one musician playing - a grey, almost discolored-looking griffin who is wholly consumed by his playing of the viol. The stage holds room for more musicians besides a drum set and a grand piano. The piano especially is missed, as the music could use accompanying instruments. Nevertheless, the griffin does a commendable job in filling the whole room with intense rhythm and sharp notes that convey as much fear and anguish as mirth and joy.
This is possible by going to a table on the edge of the dance floor.
Amber sees that there is one, and only one musician playing - a grey, almost discolored-looking griffin who is wholly consumed by his playing of the viol. The stage holds room for more musicians besides a drum set and a grand piano. The piano especially is missed, as the music could use accompanying instruments. Nevertheless, the griffin does a commendable job in filling the whole room with intense rhythm and sharp notes that convey as much fear and anguish as mirth and joy.
>>143732
"He's very talented for a griffon. I hope I could learn to play that well," she thinks to herself.
"He's very talented for a griffon. I hope I could learn to play that well," she thinks to herself.
>>143733
The music turns, and returns to a warm spring. If the music could form images in the air, it would be of a family of rabbits, each hopping across an open field before the falcon swoops. A note lands at each hop.
The music turns, and returns to a warm spring. If the music could form images in the air, it would be of a family of rabbits, each hopping across an open field before the falcon swoops. A note lands at each hop.
>>143734
Amber happily moves her head in tune to each dip. The song reminds her of happier days, not too long ago but an eternity away, of family and fertile fields.
Amber happily moves her head in tune to each dip. The song reminds her of happier days, not too long ago but an eternity away, of family and fertile fields.
>>143735
The music is not content to stay on a happy note, however, as the intensity ramps up, and there is a sharp sound as the falcons swoop down at their prey. Whether they are successful - or indeed, whether it is the rabbits or the falcons we cheer for, the music provides no clarity, instead keeping a tone as joyful as afraid, and as cheery as distraught.
The music is not content to stay on a happy note, however, as the intensity ramps up, and there is a sharp sound as the falcons swoop down at their prey. Whether they are successful - or indeed, whether it is the rabbits or the falcons we cheer for, the music provides no clarity, instead keeping a tone as joyful as afraid, and as cheery as distraught.
>>143736
Amber draws in a breath and remains transfixed by the drama of the music. It's been a long time since she's heard such soulful meandering in music.
Amber draws in a breath and remains transfixed by the drama of the music. It's been a long time since she's heard such soulful meandering in music.
>>143737
And meander it does. Amber can tell the lone musician has significant talent as he plays. Whether specific notes and portions are inspired by more famous works, or whether the similarity is purely an invention of Amber's mind as it tries to place the music is hard to say. But the music as a whole does not sound like any piece known to Amber, at least, not a specific piece. Nor indeed does the music seem demarcated into separate and distinct songs. Rather, the griffin plays continuously, with portions being of a nature wholly different than others, in just the same way as a traveler across land may never notice the fine dividing line between the forest, the plains and the desert.
And meander it does. Amber can tell the lone musician has significant talent as he plays. Whether specific notes and portions are inspired by more famous works, or whether the similarity is purely an invention of Amber's mind as it tries to place the music is hard to say. But the music as a whole does not sound like any piece known to Amber, at least, not a specific piece. Nor indeed does the music seem demarcated into separate and distinct songs. Rather, the griffin plays continuously, with portions being of a nature wholly different than others, in just the same way as a traveler across land may never notice the fine dividing line between the forest, the plains and the desert.
>>143738
Amber's mind gets lost in the whimsical(?) meandering of the piece. However when the tune shifts to the desert motifs of southwest Equestria--or is it Zebrica in its exoticness?--she remembers that she's a bit thirsty and had forgotten to bring her canteen. Having been brought back to reality, she hopes that she can meet the musician sometime later for a chat.
Amber's mind gets lost in the whimsical(?) meandering of the piece. However when the tune shifts to the desert motifs of southwest Equestria--or is it Zebrica in its exoticness?--she remembers that she's a bit thirsty and had forgotten to bring her canteen. Having been brought back to reality, she hopes that she can meet the musician sometime later for a chat.
>>143739
Amber is taken not to the deserts, but to something more remote. Something beyond the furthest reaches of the earth and out into the dark expanses beyond the terrestrial sphere, or perhaps, to another realm entirely, defined by harmonies of music than by time and space.
None of that helps with the thirst
Amber is taken not to the deserts, but to something more remote. Something beyond the furthest reaches of the earth and out into the dark expanses beyond the terrestrial sphere, or perhaps, to another realm entirely, defined by harmonies of music than by time and space.
None of that helps with the thirst
>>143740
This magic of music quenches the soul more effectively than drinks can quench the body, but that doesn't mean the latter just goes away. Dark Denizen mentioned a drink, and Amber would hate to mooch off her, but surely it can't hurt? An orange-yellow foreleg gestures to a waiter.
This magic of music quenches the soul more effectively than drinks can quench the body, but that doesn't mean the latter just goes away. Dark Denizen mentioned a drink, and Amber would hate to mooch off her, but surely it can't hurt? An orange-yellow foreleg gestures to a waiter.
>>143741
A flaxen colored mare in black outfit with her mane tied back and green eyes partly lidded responds.
Not simply taking the request for a drink at face, she asks
"What do you want?"
A flaxen colored mare in black outfit with her mane tied back and green eyes partly lidded responds.
Not simply taking the request for a drink at face, she asks
"What do you want?"
"Erm, what do you have? I...uh, don't know the terms for these..." she asks, nervously.
>>143743
"We have a decent assortment of beers, mixed drinks drinks, and hard alcohols, as well as a few wines. Would you like me to get you a drink menu?"
"We have a decent assortment of beers, mixed drinks drinks, and hard alcohols, as well as a few wines. Would you like me to get you a drink menu?"
>>143744
My throat's so dry, I don't want to wait....
"Um, I'll have a...mixed drink, what that pony is having over there." She points to a nearby table.
My throat's so dry, I don't want to wait....
"Um, I'll have a...mixed drink, what that pony is having over there." She points to a nearby table.
>>143745
She looks over at the table, and then back to Amber. Her expression conveys skepticism more than anything.
"Sure." She says, and unless Amber says anything to the contrary, she walks off
She looks over at the table, and then back to Amber. Her expression conveys skepticism more than anything.
"Sure." She says, and unless Amber says anything to the contrary, she walks off
>>143747
The visual imagery - and one could almost swear that this were not a griffin, but a unicorn performing such magic - the imagery is of so many dots, popping in and out. Perhaps dragon flies over a pond, so many humming birds moving about amongst the flowers, or even the finer points of an aurora in the night sky.
The waiter returns, and places an ungarnished drink near Amber
"One 'Hurricane.'"
The visual imagery - and one could almost swear that this were not a griffin, but a unicorn performing such magic - the imagery is of so many dots, popping in and out. Perhaps dragon flies over a pond, so many humming birds moving about amongst the flowers, or even the finer points of an aurora in the night sky.
The waiter returns, and places an ungarnished drink near Amber
"One 'Hurricane.'"
>>143748
Amber gasps. She has no idea why there are such great performances so late at night in an obscure place like this, but it blows her away.
She picks up the cold glass and sips the cocktail, only to put it down very quickly. The fruity concoction is unlike anything she's ever tasted before; it looks like juice but she hasn't eaten any fruits that have tasted quite like this. Moreover, the unfamiliar flavor of the rum leaves an aftertaste that is still slightly perceptible past the fruit components, though she cannot differentiate between them. She opens and closes her mouth a few times, trying to get used to such an exotic and strange blend, not unlike the music.
She takes a second sip.
Amber gasps. She has no idea why there are such great performances so late at night in an obscure place like this, but it blows her away.
She picks up the cold glass and sips the cocktail, only to put it down very quickly. The fruity concoction is unlike anything she's ever tasted before; it looks like juice but she hasn't eaten any fruits that have tasted quite like this. Moreover, the unfamiliar flavor of the rum leaves an aftertaste that is still slightly perceptible past the fruit components, though she cannot differentiate between them. She opens and closes her mouth a few times, trying to get used to such an exotic and strange blend, not unlike the music.
She takes a second sip.
>>143749
The music plays on, slowly settling much the same way as sediment stirred up in water slowly falls back to the bottom, leaving clear and still water.
The music plays on, slowly settling much the same way as sediment stirred up in water slowly falls back to the bottom, leaving clear and still water.
>>143750
As the music relaxes in tone so does Amber. She still keeps her ears focused toward it but she looks around the room. Having accustomed herself to the strange, but oddly pleasant, taste of the drink, she holds it in both hooves and takes another gulp.
As the music relaxes in tone so does Amber. She still keeps her ears focused toward it but she looks around the room. Having accustomed herself to the strange, but oddly pleasant, taste of the drink, she holds it in both hooves and takes another gulp.
Okay, I think that's about where I have to stop for the night
>>143754
She turns around to see a colt she can recognize as Mustard Trim, trying to smile, and still wearing the clothing he wore as a waiter earlier in the night.
She turns around to see a colt she can recognize as Mustard Trim, trying to smile, and still wearing the clothing he wore as a waiter earlier in the night.
>>143769
"Hello" He keeps the same, awkward smile, standing next to and looking at one of the seats near Amber
"So... are you working here?" He asks
"Hello" He keeps the same, awkward smile, standing next to and looking at one of the seats near Amber
"So... are you working here?" He asks
"Huh? Oh no, I don't work here, I was told to relax and listen to some music. Please, join me." She pats a seat next to herself.
>>143772
"I, um, was offered a drink by the owner. Would you like one too?" She gestures to the tall, shapely glass of bright orange liquid.
"I, um, was offered a drink by the owner. Would you like one too?" She gestures to the tall, shapely glass of bright orange liquid.
>>143774
She waves to the waiter again. To Mustard she says, "I say, it's a pleasant surprise to see you come here. I mean, I wasn't expecting you to show up, I was unsure of coming here myself...."
She waves to the waiter again. To Mustard she says, "I say, it's a pleasant surprise to see you come here. I mean, I wasn't expecting you to show up, I was unsure of coming here myself...."
>>143775
The waiter, passing by, raises her eyes and comes closer.
Mustard Trim says,
"Well, you said you wanted to meet me here, so I came by after my shift. What makes you unsure? Isn't this where you like to spend your Friday nights?"
The waiter, passing by, raises her eyes and comes closer.
Mustard Trim says,
"Well, you said you wanted to meet me here, so I came by after my shift. What makes you unsure? Isn't this where you like to spend your Friday nights?"
>>143776
Amber blinks in surprise. "Oh. Uh, this is the first time I've ever come here. I was invited, you see...and, um, an invitation so late at night made me kind of nervous, so I had to let somepony know where I was going and you were the only pony around I could trust. In case, you know, I was foalnapped by changelings." She says the last word almost in a whisper, as if uttering it too loud might cause one to burrow out of the floor.
Amber blinks in surprise. "Oh. Uh, this is the first time I've ever come here. I was invited, you see...and, um, an invitation so late at night made me kind of nervous, so I had to let somepony know where I was going and you were the only pony around I could trust. In case, you know, I was foalnapped by changelings." She says the last word almost in a whisper, as if uttering it too loud might cause one to burrow out of the floor.
>>143777
If any changelings are sharing the room with Amber, they haven't made their presence known.
He smiles again, and this one is a bit more expressive of pleasure
"Heh. I see. Well, I'll keep those changelings away as best I can." There is a pause, and he adds "Who invited you?"
If any changelings are sharing the room with Amber, they haven't made their presence known.
He smiles again, and this one is a bit more expressive of pleasure
"Heh. I see. Well, I'll keep those changelings away as best I can." There is a pause, and he adds "Who invited you?"
>>143778
Amber looks around, then leans in, as if to share a close secret. "The owner of this club, Dark Denizen. I was invited on 'special business.'"
Amber looks around, then leans in, as if to share a close secret. "The owner of this club, Dark Denizen. I was invited on 'special business.'"
>>143779
Is Amber going to do anything with the summoned waiter?
"Oh" Mustard Trim says, moving his head up in a nod as he says that.
"Can I... ask what's special about it?"
Is Amber going to do anything with the summoned waiter?
"Oh" Mustard Trim says, moving his head up in a nod as he says that.
"Can I... ask what's special about it?"
>>143780
"I don't really know...something about putting out a fire, but metaphorically? And I was picked because I look 'adorable,' apparently...."
"I don't really know...something about putting out a fire, but metaphorically? And I was picked because I look 'adorable,' apparently...."
>>143780
To the waiter: "Oh! My friend here would like a drink, um, I don't know what kind. Can you...can you put it on my tab?"
To the waiter: "Oh! My friend here would like a drink, um, I don't know what kind. Can you...can you put it on my tab?"
>>143782
She looks at Amber, and then back to Mustard Trim
"What do you want to drink?" She asks
"Uh, just water will be fine." He answers. She accepts this answer, and walks away
She looks at Amber, and then back to Mustard Trim
"What do you want to drink?" She asks
"Uh, just water will be fine." He answers. She accepts this answer, and walks away
>>143785
"No, she told me that's just an excuse they used to distract from some bad things they did. She wants me to deliver some sort of package to them, I think. I don't know why, I've never been a mailmare before...." She takes another gulp of the drink. Although its peculiar taste is probably better cold, Amber doesn't know why anypony would drink something that chills one's stomach like this. Despite the frigid temperature of the drink itself, she feels a pleasant warmth along her nose, ears, pasterns and even tail.
"No, she told me that's just an excuse they used to distract from some bad things they did. She wants me to deliver some sort of package to them, I think. I don't know why, I've never been a mailmare before...." She takes another gulp of the drink. Although its peculiar taste is probably better cold, Amber doesn't know why anypony would drink something that chills one's stomach like this. Despite the frigid temperature of the drink itself, she feels a pleasant warmth along her nose, ears, pasterns and even tail.
>>143786
Strange magical drinks. Hopefully they don't deduct too much from Amber's pay for it.
"Oh. Well that doesn't sound too bad. They probably want you to deliver a present to a foal's birthday party or something. It's good that you're able to get little jobs like that. I used to be able to do little things like that back home."
Strange magical drinks. Hopefully they don't deduct too much from Amber's pay for it.
"Oh. Well that doesn't sound too bad. They probably want you to deliver a present to a foal's birthday party or something. It's good that you're able to get little jobs like that. I used to be able to do little things like that back home."
>>143787
"I think so, I could really use it to get by. And the music here is almost celestial in beauty, I think you missed the best part." Sip.
"I think so, I could really use it to get by. And the music here is almost celestial in beauty, I think you missed the best part." Sip.
>>143788
"Well.... Maybe they'll play it again." He says
After a moment's pause, he adds
"This isn't really what I was expecting. For the music, I mean."
"Well.... Maybe they'll play it again." He says
After a moment's pause, he adds
"This isn't really what I was expecting. For the music, I mean."
>>143563
"Then you must know that things one day will be back to the way they are supposed to be, or at least close."
"Then you must know that things one day will be back to the way they are supposed to be, or at least close."
>>143796
Ply Press probably should have referred to him as "Lyka" in >>143795 rather than "Makade"
"Well... When we took him in from the Pratt Wolf School in Riverside, he was called by his Celestial name, 'Lyka.' It's from mythology... I think. But we knew his birth mother named him 'Makade,' which I think has to do with his dark colored fur."
Ply Press probably should have referred to him as "Lyka" in >>143795 rather than "Makade"
"Well... When we took him in from the Pratt Wolf School in Riverside, he was called by his Celestial name, 'Lyka.' It's from mythology... I think. But we knew his birth mother named him 'Makade,' which I think has to do with his dark colored fur."
>>143798
"Well, they mostly exist in the North and the West. You see, tension between the wolves and ponies has been a problem for, well, centuries, really, so the government made a program to try to integrate wolves into Equestrian society. Let them learn the language, the culture, and grow up to use trades. Get them young, so Equestrian culture is the only one they know. So they made boarding schools for many of them, especially orphans, or those in broken families. That's where we found Makade."
"Well, they mostly exist in the North and the West. You see, tension between the wolves and ponies has been a problem for, well, centuries, really, so the government made a program to try to integrate wolves into Equestrian society. Let them learn the language, the culture, and grow up to use trades. Get them young, so Equestrian culture is the only one they know. So they made boarding schools for many of them, especially orphans, or those in broken families. That's where we found Makade."
>>143800
"Well, after our son Mild Mirth... well, we were older and it was hard enough having a child the first time... we decided to adopt. It was Petal Dew's idea to try for a wolf. Special challenges, special reward and all. Our ranch would be perfect to raise one. We had been thinking about selling it but that changed that. Lyka was older than they usually recommend for adopting. He had been living at the Pratt school for a while. He was known to be precocious. Very intelligent, rather strong and capable. Strong willed, other wolves would follow him. But he was becoming a bully. We figured we could guide him, put him in a family. And so we took him as our own."
"Well, after our son Mild Mirth... well, we were older and it was hard enough having a child the first time... we decided to adopt. It was Petal Dew's idea to try for a wolf. Special challenges, special reward and all. Our ranch would be perfect to raise one. We had been thinking about selling it but that changed that. Lyka was older than they usually recommend for adopting. He had been living at the Pratt school for a while. He was known to be precocious. Very intelligent, rather strong and capable. Strong willed, other wolves would follow him. But he was becoming a bully. We figured we could guide him, put him in a family. And so we took him as our own."
>>143802
He smiles
"Well thank you."
Elsewhere, Petal Dew seems to be trying to talk to Waabishki as Makade sits and listens
He smiles
"Well thank you."
Elsewhere, Petal Dew seems to be trying to talk to Waabishki as Makade sits and listens
>>143804
Petal Dew:
"Yes, Cyananthus got deathly ill a few years ago. We all thought she was done in. Had to stay down here at the general hospital. But she pulled through. Almost couldn't believe it....."
Petal Dew:
"Yes, Cyananthus got deathly ill a few years ago. We all thought she was done in. Had to stay down here at the general hospital. But she pulled through. Almost couldn't believe it....."
>>143810
"Close friend isn't quite how I would describe it. But you get to know everypony around pretty well when you live out in the wilderness. She's a pony we knew in town."
"Close friend isn't quite how I would describe it. But you get to know everypony around pretty well when you live out in the wilderness. She's a pony we knew in town."
>>143811
"Ah. Then it must have been pretty lonely moving to a place like this, with no familiar faces."
"Ah. Then it must have been pretty lonely moving to a place like this, with no familiar faces."
>>143817
"Cider does sound pleasant. I'm going to have to fetch you some more supplies after all of this hospitality though."
"Cider does sound pleasant. I'm going to have to fetch you some more supplies after all of this hospitality though."
>>143818
"Oh, don't worry about it." He answers
The doctor asks
"How do you have chocolate and coffee?"
Receiving the answer
"We still have some stocked up from before the partition. We can spend it on special occasions, like guests."
"Oh, don't worry about it." He answers
The doctor asks
"How do you have chocolate and coffee?"
Receiving the answer
"We still have some stocked up from before the partition. We can spend it on special occasions, like guests."
>>143820
Ply Press goes towards Petal Dew,
"Let me get some cider for our new friend here."
Petal Dew:
"Oh! And get out the salmon for dinner."
"Sure thing, honey."
Ply Press leaves, while the other creatures remain
Ply Press goes towards Petal Dew,
"Let me get some cider for our new friend here."
Petal Dew:
"Oh! And get out the salmon for dinner."
"Sure thing, honey."
Ply Press leaves, while the other creatures remain
File (): 4CC3057A8834BB5A6CAEAD2B22812FBD-818802.png (799.6 KB, 2333x1696, fallout equestria.png)
>>143789
"Me neither! Though I'm not sure what I was expecting, just not...this...." Another light sip. "That griffon's talent is really impressive, I've never heard a solo viol like that."
"Me neither! Though I'm not sure what I was expecting, just not...this...." Another light sip. "That griffon's talent is really impressive, I've never heard a solo viol like that."
File (): 83E24621E20789823B001C21CDBE01C4-67202.jpg (65.6 KB, 968x882, rainbow-dash-is-happy.jpg)
I hope Silver, Onyx and Brie are doing alright
>>143829
"Mhm! It's an older-style instrument that's held upright like a cello, though it's smaller and different in a lot of different ways. I've seen pictures but I've never actually heard one played before." She takes another gulp of her Hurricane; it's nearly spent at this point. Suddenly she perks up. "Oh! I just realized something."
>>143829
"Mhm! It's an older-style instrument that's held upright like a cello, though it's smaller and different in a lot of different ways. I've seen pictures but I've never actually heard one played before." She takes another gulp of her Hurricane; it's nearly spent at this point. Suddenly she perks up. "Oh! I just realized something."
>>143831
I'm back now.
"This is the first time you've come here, isn't it? At least, I don't think you normally visit this place. So, you came here all this way...for me?" She smiles at Mustard.
I'm back now.
"This is the first time you've come here, isn't it? At least, I don't think you normally visit this place. So, you came here all this way...for me?" She smiles at Mustard.
>>143831
Silver nods.
"I am sorry your first experience in coming to this half of Equestria was...that."
Silver nods.
"I am sorry your first experience in coming to this half of Equestria was...that."
>>143834
"Those who did this to you and others are now dead or captured. In that there is difference. We are doing what we can to make things better."
"Those who did this to you and others are now dead or captured. In that there is difference. We are doing what we can to make things better."
>>143835
"Then you have done more than most"
He looks around, and he pulls himself in what seems to be an attempt to sit up, though he must have decided against it.
"I do not know if this is our own fault, or if this is what we deserve." He says, at a lower volume
"Then you have done more than most"
He looks around, and he pulls himself in what seems to be an attempt to sit up, though he must have decided against it.
"I do not know if this is our own fault, or if this is what we deserve." He says, at a lower volume
>>143834
"Aw, you're too nice. It's reassuring, actually, because I came here for business and knew as much about it as you did...but don't worry, everything is fine now." She quaffs the rest of the drink and puts it down. For whatever reason her mind and perception feels a bit fuzzy, as if she was sleepy, but as a matter of fact she feels much less tired than before.
"Aw, you're too nice. It's reassuring, actually, because I came here for business and knew as much about it as you did...but don't worry, everything is fine now." She quaffs the rest of the drink and puts it down. For whatever reason her mind and perception feels a bit fuzzy, as if she was sleepy, but as a matter of fact she feels much less tired than before.
>>143837
He smiles
"That's good."
Then he looks around
"This isn't too bad"
He takes another sip of his water
He smiles
"That's good."
Then he looks around
"This isn't too bad"
He takes another sip of his water
>>143838
She looks away in shame. "I'm sorry I can't get anything for you. I really would but I didn't bring any money. That's why I came here, so I could earn something extra."
She looks away in shame. "I'm sorry I can't get anything for you. I really would but I didn't bring any money. That's why I came here, so I could earn something extra."
>>143839
He maintains his smile
"I can understand that. I would help you, but... you said the owner has your tab?"
He maintains his smile
"I can understand that. I would help you, but... you said the owner has your tab?"
>>143842
"Maybe she's nicer than she lets on, not unlike Salt Lick who's friendly despite being so busy."
"Maybe she's nicer than she lets on, not unlike Salt Lick who's friendly despite being so busy."
>>143846
"I've seen you making eyes at her when you were inside. Always throwing glances...." She giggles.
"I've seen you making eyes at her when you were inside. Always throwing glances...." She giggles.
>>143847
:"What? Heh." His smile is somewhere between amusement and embarassment
"No. Well. Maybe sometimes... but no. She does have big - but she's older, much older, and she has her own thing going."
:"What? Heh." His smile is somewhere between amusement and embarassment
"No. Well. Maybe sometimes... but no. She does have big - but she's older, much older, and she has her own thing going."
>>143848
"She does? Well, good for her, but I bet that doesn't stop your coltish imagination." She snickers, finding this oddly amusing.
"She does? Well, good for her, but I bet that doesn't stop your coltish imagination." She snickers, finding this oddly amusing.
>>143849
"What? No. Don't be silly. When she turns around, it kind of just fills your whole field of view. It's not... it's not me trying to look you just can't not look."
"What? No. Don't be silly. When she turns around, it kind of just fills your whole field of view. It's not... it's not me trying to look you just can't not look."
>>143850
"Sure, you just happen to stare at her posterior with your mouth hanging open because you've got no other choice. It's so horrible that she coerces you to do that." More giggles. "How many times do you think she has to say, 'my face is over here'?"
"Sure, you just happen to stare at her posterior with your mouth hanging open because you've got no other choice. It's so horrible that she coerces you to do that." More giggles. "How many times do you think she has to say, 'my face is over here'?"
>>143851
"I don't! It just fills my peripheral vision. All of it. Until I kind of just zone out and she has to repeat her... self..."
Now it's more definitely embarrassment
"I don't! It just fills my peripheral vision. All of it. Until I kind of just zone out and she has to repeat her... self..."
Now it's more definitely embarrassment
>>143852
"Doesn't she mind it when you put your face so close to her backside? I think any lady would." Amber is definitely enjoying this.
"Doesn't she mind it when you put your face so close to her backside? I think any lady would." Amber is definitely enjoying this.
>>143853
"She puts her backside close to my face!"
The waiter probably couldn't hear this. But it's loud enough to wonder who else can hear it
"Could knock somepony over with it..."
"She puts her backside close to my face!"
The waiter probably couldn't hear this. But it's loud enough to wonder who else can hear it
"Could knock somepony over with it..."
>>143854
"Wouldn't you like that!" She giggles hysterically into her fetlock, trying not to be too loud. "But you're right, it's impressive how she never knocks over any bottles despite moving so fast in the bar."
"Wouldn't you like that!" She giggles hysterically into her fetlock, trying not to be too loud. "But you're right, it's impressive how she never knocks over any bottles despite moving so fast in the bar."
>>143855
He's smiling as wide as Amber. But his head is crouched down low, near the table, and both ears are twisted and folded down
"Yes..."
He's smiling as wide as Amber. But his head is crouched down low, near the table, and both ears are twisted and folded down
"Yes..."
"I bet you wish you could ask her out, have her say yes, go out to have vittles with her, hold those hips while dancin', and use her as a comfortable pillow when you get home. Am I wrong?"
>>143858
"You must have flights of fancy like that. Don't worry, I won't tell a soul." She grins slyly.
"You must have flights of fancy like that. Don't worry, I won't tell a soul." She grins slyly.
>>143859
He looks up at Amber from his position with his head almost laying on the table
"I'll trust you..."
He looks up at Amber from his position with his head almost laying on the table
"I'll trust you..."
>>143860
Amber winks. "Your secret is safe with me."
Once she settles down, her expression becomes a little confused. "So what were we talking about?"
Amber winks. "Your secret is safe with me."
Once she settles down, her expression becomes a little confused. "So what were we talking about?"
>>143861
He blinks, with both forehooves before him on the table
"I don't know... something about music, and me coming here, and you being jealous of Salt Lick's features."
He blinks, with both forehooves before him on the table
"I don't know... something about music, and me coming here, and you being jealous of Salt Lick's features."
File (): 6E78607031A1AA4E8A43D113E813D54C-84429.png (82.5 KB, 430x581, VexedAmber.png)
"I mean...my rump might look skinny next to hers, but I ain't jealous! I could be just as shapely if I ate right, then you'd be falling head over hooves for me instead."
>>143865
He keeps his lips closed tight in a smile, before opening them to take a sip from his water.
He keeps his lips closed tight in a smile, before opening them to take a sip from his water.
>>143867
"Was it our weakness that let this happen? Did the gods abandon us? Did they think it just? Did we abandon them?"
"Was it our weakness that let this happen? Did the gods abandon us? Did they think it just? Did we abandon them?"
>>143866
"Are you sure you don't want something else to drink? They have juices I never thought possible here."
"Are you sure you don't want something else to drink? They have juices I never thought possible here."
"I was told to relax and make myself familiar with the night life..." With lessened mental clarity she has to concentrate to remember what Dark Denizen said, but once she does she lightens up. "Have a drink, which I did, listen to music-yep, done that-let a stallion make a pass, whatever that means, but you're here so maybe that counts...and have a dance. I...erm, haven't danced here before."
>>143872
"I don't suppose..."
>>143873
"Pious? I don't call myself pious. Not any more. To have piety is to have reverence. To give what is due to that which is greater than you. Now I am not sure sure of what is due, or how much greater they are. But they are there. Do not let yourself be fooled. There is Tiapo, of the Forest. Vellamo of the seas and storms, Tursas of War, Kuu of the Moon, and Pellervo. These and many others. Above them all is god of the sky and thunder, Ukko."
"I don't suppose..."
>>143873
"Pious? I don't call myself pious. Not any more. To have piety is to have reverence. To give what is due to that which is greater than you. Now I am not sure sure of what is due, or how much greater they are. But they are there. Do not let yourself be fooled. There is Tiapo, of the Forest. Vellamo of the seas and storms, Tursas of War, Kuu of the Moon, and Pellervo. These and many others. Above them all is god of the sky and thunder, Ukko."
>>143877
Amber likewise gets up to join him. She hasn't had too much to affect her motor skills, at least. "Do you know how to dance to this?" she asks.
Amber likewise gets up to join him. She hasn't had too much to affect her motor skills, at least. "Do you know how to dance to this?" she asks.
>>143882
He moves his right forehoof forward with a tap, then pulls back and moves his left hoof with a tap, then his left again, then his right again, and then he rotates to his left by 90 degrees and repeats the process again
He moves his right forehoof forward with a tap, then pulls back and moves his left hoof with a tap, then his left again, then his right again, and then he rotates to his left by 90 degrees and repeats the process again
>>143884
"No. She is a maiden, and like the maidens crafts clothes and jewelry. But Väinämöinen, he has his sword. Ukko even, sometimes strikes the thunder with his sword.
"No. She is a maiden, and like the maidens crafts clothes and jewelry. But Väinämöinen, he has his sword. Ukko even, sometimes strikes the thunder with his sword.
>>143887
"Is joke. She crafts silver jewelry, my name is Silver Sword...well, I thought it was good, at least."
He offers himself a light chuckle.
"I find it interesting, hearing about different faiths. From what I learned, our chief Goddess was ruler over sun and rains, before Severyana adopted Celestialism. It makes sense that Ukko is God of Sky and Thunder, with Deer being mostly sea people."
"Is joke. She crafts silver jewelry, my name is Silver Sword...well, I thought it was good, at least."
He offers himself a light chuckle.
"I find it interesting, hearing about different faiths. From what I learned, our chief Goddess was ruler over sun and rains, before Severyana adopted Celestialism. It makes sense that Ukko is God of Sky and Thunder, with Deer being mostly sea people."
>>143890
Emboldened either by the events of the evening or her drink, she adds a little bit of flare to this simple dance. She raises her hooves higher than necessary, swings her head with its curtain of hair from side to side, and raises or lowers parts of her body as she shifts her weight in time with the music.
Emboldened either by the events of the evening or her drink, she adds a little bit of flare to this simple dance. She raises her hooves higher than necessary, swings her head with its curtain of hair from side to side, and raises or lowers parts of her body as she shifts her weight in time with the music.
>>143894
He smiles, then spins and moves to the side. The notes, higher and lower at points, invite smaller and greater movement of the body, depending on the note played. Sometimes a small step, sometimes a leap.
He smiles, then spins and moves to the side. The notes, higher and lower at points, invite smaller and greater movement of the body, depending on the note played. Sometimes a small step, sometimes a leap.
Amber perks her ears up and listens carefully to the music and tries to interpret it into a dance.
Listen: [1d20+3 = 15]
Dexterity/Balance: [1d20+2 = 9]
Listen: [1d20+3 = 15]
Dexterity/Balance: [1d20+2 = 9]
>>143893
"It goes by different, less honorable name these days. Stalliongrad. At one time it was great northern empire that could boast to rival even Equestria, holding control over lands of penguins, yaks, and polar bears. Now it is...well, most people in Equus know what it is now."
"It goes by different, less honorable name these days. Stalliongrad. At one time it was great northern empire that could boast to rival even Equestria, holding control over lands of penguins, yaks, and polar bears. Now it is...well, most people in Equus know what it is now."
>>143896
Her ear for music doesn't fail her though as she moves away from a simple box step she's less certain about her movement. At one point she falls back onto her rear, and so she slows down a bit to avoid embarrassing herself any further.
Her ear for music doesn't fail her though as she moves away from a simple box step she's less certain about her movement. At one point she falls back onto her rear, and so she slows down a bit to avoid embarrassing herself any further.
>>143899
"Yes...Steel Stallions and King Johans. There are too many of them in this world I am afraid. But forgive me, I am not sure if politics are what you want to talk about."
"Yes...Steel Stallions and King Johans. There are too many of them in this world I am afraid. But forgive me, I am not sure if politics are what you want to talk about."
>>143901
"Johan was better than he was given credit for. But his faults were not made up for by those around him. Not at all..."
"Johan was better than he was given credit for. But his faults were not made up for by those around him. Not at all..."
>>143902
"I will admit, all I know of him are from stories. I get idea he was weak king who let those around him do as they please so he could remain in power, to detriment of Olenian people."
"I will admit, all I know of him are from stories. I get idea he was weak king who let those around him do as they please so he could remain in power, to detriment of Olenian people."
Amber is a natural-born dancer with these rolls, but watch me roll consecutive 1's later and end up abducted by pirates
>>143904
She hops up into the air, does a twist, then turns on her hind hoof, and ends perfectly with her legs on Mustard Trim, who looks very much surprised
>>143905
"And those stories are mostly true. But he knew to fight when the nation was threatened. Whether surrendering when he did was right... The peace is hardly tolerable."
>>143906
Getting abducted by pirates must be caused by truely terrible dancing
She hops up into the air, does a twist, then turns on her hind hoof, and ends perfectly with her legs on Mustard Trim, who looks very much surprised
>>143905
"And those stories are mostly true. But he knew to fight when the nation was threatened. Whether surrendering when he did was right... The peace is hardly tolerable."
>>143906
Getting abducted by pirates must be caused by truely terrible dancing
>>143907
Silver nods, and is silent for a moment.
"We should have intervened. We knew what was to come after Olenia. Had Celestia ordered our armies to march on Changelings when they declared war on your people, we would not have had to deal with them now."
Silver nods, and is silent for a moment.
"We should have intervened. We knew what was to come after Olenia. Had Celestia ordered our armies to march on Changelings when they declared war on your people, we would not have had to deal with them now."
>>143908
There is a subtle hint of a smile
"And that, was no fault of Johan. No fault of ours, either."
There is a subtle hint of a smile
"And that, was no fault of Johan. No fault of ours, either."
>>143909
"Yes, this fault rests squarely upon us...and upon Celestia. I would offer my apologies on behalf of ponykind, if it was worth anything to you."
"Yes, this fault rests squarely upon us...and upon Celestia. I would offer my apologies on behalf of ponykind, if it was worth anything to you."
>>143910
"I'll take the liberation from those griffins... Though I have to wonder why they got as far as they did."
"I'll take the liberation from those griffins... Though I have to wonder why they got as far as they did."
>>143911
"Deception and bribery, most likely. Fear also played small part. Last time police raided they found nothing but sweatshop and they gave Sweet Boek fine for it. When New Mareland invaded they found more of same. Police wasn't willing to commit to another raid for fear of large casualities among their numbers, so Baltimare government asked for us to do it instead. None of us expected to find Maarists."
"Deception and bribery, most likely. Fear also played small part. Last time police raided they found nothing but sweatshop and they gave Sweet Boek fine for it. When New Mareland invaded they found more of same. Police wasn't willing to commit to another raid for fear of large casualities among their numbers, so Baltimare government asked for us to do it instead. None of us expected to find Maarists."
>>143914
"Aw, thanks. I think I was just lucky, and the music is really swell, too," she says, blushing.
"Aw, thanks. I think I was just lucky, and the music is really swell, too," she says, blushing.
>>143914
"There is evil everywhere. What matter is that we work to root it out.
"She was captive as well. They kept her in cage, and fed others they captured to her in order to make changeling honey. I suppose they were selling it as drugs."
"There is evil everywhere. What matter is that we work to root it out.
"She was captive as well. They kept her in cage, and fed others they captured to her in order to make changeling honey. I suppose they were selling it as drugs."
>>143917
Hooves resting on the colt's withers, Amber follows along and lets him lead. She's distracted from the dance itself by how fast her heart is beating. "I've, um, never danced with a colt before," she confesses.
Hooves resting on the colt's withers, Amber follows along and lets him lead. She's distracted from the dance itself by how fast her heart is beating. "I've, um, never danced with a colt before," she confesses.
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File (): 1C6BE63B9B685FA122CEDB0E32D1D8DB-8077868.gif (7.7 MB, 600x535, fallout.gif)
File (): 816FDBC4C62A4238FE81C645A28677BB-3477761.png (3.3 MB, 2800x1862, pip2_by_wandrevieira1994-dbwz0en.png)
Just dropping some inspirational pics poners.
See ya.
See ya.
>>143922
She giggles. "If you had danced with colts like this, that would be a bit strange, don't you think?"
She giggles. "If you had danced with colts like this, that would be a bit strange, don't you think?"
>>143922
"Yes. Sadly not first time I have seen captive changelings used in this way. But they are dead now. They can not hurt anyone anymore."
"Yes. Sadly not first time I have seen captive changelings used in this way. But they are dead now. They can not hurt anyone anymore."
>>143924
Blushing, she says, "Aw, thank you. It's such a pleasure to dance with you. Otherwise, I don't know if I even would have tried."
Blushing, she says, "Aw, thank you. It's such a pleasure to dance with you. Otherwise, I don't know if I even would have tried."
>>143927
She looks back into his purple(?) eyes and smiles. "Yes, let's definitely dance again soon."
She looks back into his purple(?) eyes and smiles. "Yes, let's definitely dance again soon."
>>143927
He nods again.
"Unless you have anything to say or ask me, I think this will be goodbye for now. That stallion who was with you at that altar, I want to meet with him as well, see how he is doing."
He nods again.
"Unless you have anything to say or ask me, I think this will be goodbye for now. That stallion who was with you at that altar, I want to meet with him as well, see how he is doing."
>>143930
As much as Amber would like the night to stretch on long, she suddenly feels tired and with a yawn asks to return to the table. She looks to see if the same griffon is still busy playing.
As much as Amber would like the night to stretch on long, she suddenly feels tired and with a yawn asks to return to the table. She looks to see if the same griffon is still busy playing.
>>143931
He continues sawing away, having no notice of what Amber and Mustard Trim - or any other pair of ponies, for that matter - are doing
He continues sawing away, having no notice of what Amber and Mustard Trim - or any other pair of ponies, for that matter - are doing
>>143930
"I wanted to make sure you were okay. Did not feel right if I did not."
He bows his head to the deer.
"Until we meet again."
Silver turns and leaves the room, heading for the room with the young stallion.
"I wanted to make sure you were okay. Did not feel right if I did not."
He bows his head to the deer.
"Until we meet again."
Silver turns and leaves the room, heading for the room with the young stallion.
>>143935
He gives a nod, and Silver leaves the room.
Up the stairs, down the hall, and Silver finds the room supposed to contain the recovering pony
He gives a nod, and Silver leaves the room.
Up the stairs, down the hall, and Silver finds the room supposed to contain the recovering pony
>>143940
He opens the door, seeing a set up similar to the previous room, but with the bed on the mirror opposite side. This means that the bed faces towards Silver, standing nearer the entrance of the room, rather than away from him, as was the case in the previous room.
There, in the bed, and covered in part by bed sheets, is a white - or rather, a light grey - unicorn male, with red-auburn mane. His eyes are wide
He opens the door, seeing a set up similar to the previous room, but with the bed on the mirror opposite side. This means that the bed faces towards Silver, standing nearer the entrance of the room, rather than away from him, as was the case in the previous room.
There, in the bed, and covered in part by bed sheets, is a white - or rather, a light grey - unicorn male, with red-auburn mane. His eyes are wide
>>143941
"Hello? My name is Silver Sword. I was part of group that raided 33 Hoebuck. I just wanted to check up on you."
"Hello? My name is Silver Sword. I was part of group that raided 33 Hoebuck. I just wanted to check up on you."
>>143942
His eyes are wide, and he sits up, pulling the bedsheets up high
"Uh, hi"
He has an awkward smile
His eyes are wide, and he sits up, pulling the bedsheets up high
"Uh, hi"
He has an awkward smile
>>143943
Silver enters the room properly, closing the door behind him. He smiles back, with a greater sense of sincerity.
"It is good to see you alive. I am afraid I did not get acquinted with your name, last we met."
Silver enters the room properly, closing the door behind him. He smiles back, with a greater sense of sincerity.
"It is good to see you alive. I am afraid I did not get acquinted with your name, last we met."
>>143947
"Ah, that makes more sense. I think R&M was involved, all I know is that we were tasked with breaking up trafficking ring at 33 Hoebuck from Baltimare Government."
"Ah, that makes more sense. I think R&M was involved, all I know is that we were tasked with breaking up trafficking ring at 33 Hoebuck from Baltimare Government."
>>143954
"It's uh... Popper Nick."
He is sitting upright as best he can - he is moving around more than the stag dared - his teeth are showing, and his lips are pulled all the way back in something that was presumably intended to look like a smile. He speaks with a young sounding voice with a noticeable Dominion accent
"It's uh... Popper Nick."
He is sitting upright as best he can - he is moving around more than the stag dared - his teeth are showing, and his lips are pulled all the way back in something that was presumably intended to look like a smile. He speaks with a young sounding voice with a noticeable Dominion accent
>>143936
Amber smiles at Mustard, adding, "Music is one thing I am very passionate about, and it's such a terrific surprise to find somepony who plays an antiquated kind of instrument like I do.
This is the last sort of place I'd expect it, actually."
Amber smiles at Mustard, adding, "Music is one thing I am very passionate about, and it's such a terrific surprise to find somepony who plays an antiquated kind of instrument like I do.
This is the last sort of place I'd expect it, actually."
>>143956
"Well, that's- that's really neat. I wasn't expecting it here either. What kind of instrument do you play exactly?"
He places a hoof on the side of his head
"Well, that's- that's really neat. I wasn't expecting it here either. What kind of instrument do you play exactly?"
He places a hoof on the side of his head
>>143957
"I play the mandolin, I'm not sure if you've heard of it. It's a stringed instrument like a lute or lyre...oh, those are a bit old too." She smiles sheepishly and adds, "I know how to play it but I don't think I'm good enough to perform in public, at least not yet. I was hoping to one day get some lessons."
"I play the mandolin, I'm not sure if you've heard of it. It's a stringed instrument like a lute or lyre...oh, those are a bit old too." She smiles sheepishly and adds, "I know how to play it but I don't think I'm good enough to perform in public, at least not yet. I was hoping to one day get some lessons."
>>143960
"Yes, I brought it with me to Baltimare and it's at my apartment. Maybe I can play for you sometime," she says with a smile.
"Yes, I brought it with me to Baltimare and it's at my apartment. Maybe I can play for you sometime," she says with a smile.
>>143964
"Keep it up, and who knows"
For the first time, he turns his head to the Griffin viol player
"You might play like him."
"Keep it up, and who knows"
For the first time, he turns his head to the Griffin viol player
"You might play like him."
>>143968
Perhaps if she was alone, not had the thrill of a dance or had not imbibed a drink Amber would have been startled, even spooked by this. However, as it stands she is only mildly surprised as she looks behind her. "Hmm?"
Perhaps if she was alone, not had the thrill of a dance or had not imbibed a drink Amber would have been startled, even spooked by this. However, as it stands she is only mildly surprised as she looks behind her. "Hmm?"
>>143969
Dark Denizen stands behind her, and Amber can see that she stands at around the height of a stallion. She has a pleased look on her face
"Did I interrupt something?"
She asks this, but the one of her voice suggests that it isn't sarcasm, but rather a question of serious interest
Dark Denizen stands behind her, and Amber can see that she stands at around the height of a stallion. She has a pleased look on her face
"Did I interrupt something?"
She asks this, but the one of her voice suggests that it isn't sarcasm, but rather a question of serious interest
>>143970
Denizen's presence is still unnerving, but slightly less so in these circumstances. "Not really, we were just chatting. Would you...would you like to join?"
Denizen's presence is still unnerving, but slightly less so in these circumstances. "Not really, we were just chatting. Would you...would you like to join?"
>>143971
She looks over at Mustard Trim, then back to Amber
"Oh no, that is between the two of you. But I mean to remind you that we want you to be somewhere tonight. It can wait a few minutes or more, but it must be done before the opening of business in the morning."
She looks over at Mustard Trim, then back to Amber
"Oh no, that is between the two of you. But I mean to remind you that we want you to be somewhere tonight. It can wait a few minutes or more, but it must be done before the opening of business in the morning."
>>143973
She looks between Mustard and Denizen. So soon? Tonight, even?
She sighs. "I probably should get it done now then, I don't want to be up all night..."
She looks between Mustard and Denizen. So soon? Tonight, even?
She sighs. "I probably should get it done now then, I don't want to be up all night..."
>>143977
"I...I like to sleep early and rise early. It's way past my bedtime as is...." She looks vaguely uncomfortable now.
"I...I like to sleep early and rise early. It's way past my bedtime as is...." She looks vaguely uncomfortable now.
>>143977
Silver sighs, and lays down.
"You can tell me truth. I promise you I will not tell another soul."
Silver sighs, and lays down.
"You can tell me truth. I promise you I will not tell another soul."
>>143982
Amber nods, getting up and wrapping her cloak around her, then her scarf. "I'm sorry Mustard, I really have to go. Thank you for coming, hopefully we can meet again soon."
Amber nods, getting up and wrapping her cloak around her, then her scarf. "I'm sorry Mustard, I really have to go. Thank you for coming, hopefully we can meet again soon."
>>143985
"I'm really sorry again I couldn't stay longer, I had no idea it was tonight...." She's done picking up after herself and stands to leave.
"I'm really sorry again I couldn't stay longer, I had no idea it was tonight...." She's done picking up after herself and stands to leave.
>>143985
He nods.
"Your accent somewhat gives it away. You sound like other New Marelanders I have met."
He nods.
"Your accent somewhat gives it away. You sound like other New Marelanders I have met."
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>>143991
"I will not. Are you just worried ponies here might not be so welcoming if they know your origin?"
"I will not. Are you just worried ponies here might not be so welcoming if they know your origin?"
>>143992
"That doesn't help. No... it's... how many young adult males from New Mareland who were not in military or other government service uniform have you seen in the past few years?"
"That doesn't help. No... it's... how many young adult males from New Mareland who were not in military or other government service uniform have you seen in the past few years?"
>>143994
"Well, we've been taken over by an imperialist, reactionary, speciest and regressive regime that forces almost its whole population into war to crush progress in other nations. So yes. Things really are that bad.
"Well, we've been taken over by an imperialist, reactionary, speciest and regressive regime that forces almost its whole population into war to crush progress in other nations. So yes. Things really are that bad.
>>143995
"Heh, that is not outlook I have heard from New Mareland very often. I am sorry you fled that situation only to end up in...well, you know."
"Heh, that is not outlook I have heard from New Mareland very often. I am sorry you fled that situation only to end up in...well, you know."
What in Equestria requires me to go out at this hour and do something? I was looking forward to talking to the musician, going home and getting a good rest.
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>>143998
"Not even Griffonian Empire wanted them in their lands. They were Maarist cultists. I am guessing you were offered passage to Equestria, and then were abducted as soon as you go close to show?"
"Not even Griffonian Empire wanted them in their lands. They were Maarist cultists. I am guessing you were offered passage to Equestria, and then were abducted as soon as you go close to show?"
[Blue Skies is still best pony
>>143999
"Insane is what they are! All of the worst tendencies of creatures together at once... Yes, that is what happened, more or less."
>>143999
"Insane is what they are! All of the worst tendencies of creatures together at once... Yes, that is what happened, more or less."
>>144000
Check'd
"They are gone, now. You are free to resettle here in Equestria, as soon as you have fully recovered from vivisection."
Check'd
"They are gone, now. You are free to resettle here in Equestria, as soon as you have fully recovered from vivisection."
>>144001
"You mean, East Equestria? I don't think I'm free here. Not here. In this government hospital."
"You mean, East Equestria? I don't think I'm free here. Not here. In this government hospital."
>>144006
Silver's eyebrows visibly raise, though he does not say anything on the matter.
"...what else?"
Silver's eyebrows visibly raise, though he does not say anything on the matter.
"...what else?"
>>144007
"And... maybe a citation for buggery. I'm not the type they will just leave alone free. They will... they will arrest me. At best I will be sent to a penal battalion, and I have no interest in that. And I don't want anything worse. I need help..."
"And... maybe a citation for buggery. I'm not the type they will just leave alone free. They will... they will arrest me. At best I will be sent to a penal battalion, and I have no interest in that. And I don't want anything worse. I need help..."
>>144008
"'Buggery'. I am not so new to Ponish, but I do not believe I know what that means. What is it?"
"'Buggery'. I am not so new to Ponish, but I do not believe I know what that means. What is it?"
>>144011
"Oh, they just found me at a location and accused me... look, it doesn't matter. But they won't like it. That, and all the other things. I can't let them know who I am."
"Oh, they just found me at a location and accused me... look, it doesn't matter. But they won't like it. That, and all the other things. I can't let them know who I am."
>>144012
Silver looks at him, lets out a sigh, and ponders.
"If you asked to be released from hospital, would you be well enough to leave? There are not many ponies besides perhaps me would could have their ribcage torn open and their heart exposed out of their chest and trot away from it."
Silver looks at him, lets out a sigh, and ponders.
"If you asked to be released from hospital, would you be well enough to leave? There are not many ponies besides perhaps me would could have their ribcage torn open and their heart exposed out of their chest and trot away from it."
>>144014
"Okay, let us say somepony was to vouch for you to be released into their personal care, no police or Black Hooves involved. Would you be well enough to leave?"
"Okay, let us say somepony was to vouch for you to be released into their personal care, no police or Black Hooves involved. Would you be well enough to leave?"
>>144015
He looks down at his bandaged chest, which has the same covering and visible edges of stitches that the stag had
"I don't know. I think the doctors want me to stay here a little longer. I certainly wouldn't put pressure on this..."
He looks down at his bandaged chest, which has the same covering and visible edges of stitches that the stag had
"I don't know. I think the doctors want me to stay here a little longer. I certainly wouldn't put pressure on this..."
>>144017
He blinks again
"I don't know. Maybe if I come back to get bandages changed every few days I could go home today?"
He has a wide, awkward smile again
He blinks again
"I don't know. Maybe if I come back to get bandages changed every few days I could go home today?"
He has a wide, awkward smile again
>>144018
"Hmm...well, there are already three people living with me, and not any more spare bedrooms. I would have to find way to accommidate you, but you could stay with us at least for meantime."
"Hmm...well, there are already three people living with me, and not any more spare bedrooms. I would have to find way to accommidate you, but you could stay with us at least for meantime."
>>144020
"Yes, though I do have to warn you about other occupants. They are all friendly, it is just they are all from Hoebuck as well. One is Sicameon griffon named Jubilosa, I think you might get along with her politically. Another is kirin from Ngua Nam named Khoi Lua, she is one who patched you and deer up. And third one is gnoll named Mala. He was coerced and forced into doing dirty work for traffickers, but he is good person and he has turned new leaf ever since we freed him."
"Yes, though I do have to warn you about other occupants. They are all friendly, it is just they are all from Hoebuck as well. One is Sicameon griffon named Jubilosa, I think you might get along with her politically. Another is kirin from Ngua Nam named Khoi Lua, she is one who patched you and deer up. And third one is gnoll named Mala. He was coerced and forced into doing dirty work for traffickers, but he is good person and he has turned new leaf ever since we freed him."
>>144021
He smiles widely
"Oh, what a lovely little nest of Harmony ya' have there. That sounds quaint."
He smiles widely
"Oh, what a lovely little nest of Harmony ya' have there. That sounds quaint."
>>144022
Silver's eyebrows raise ever so slightly in surprise.
"I must admit, you take that better than I thought you did. Alright then, if you want I will go back down to reception and see about having you released into my care."
Silver's eyebrows raise ever so slightly in surprise.
"I must admit, you take that better than I thought you did. Alright then, if you want I will go back down to reception and see about having you released into my care."
>>144023
Definitely smiling now
"Yes! Anything to get me out of here before the political police notice."
Definitely smiling now
"Yes! Anything to get me out of here before the political police notice."
>>144024
"Alright, I will be back shortly."
Silver leaves the stallion for the moment to head to reception.
"Alright, I will be back shortly."
Silver leaves the stallion for the moment to head to reception.
>>144025
Silver finds a grey, middle aged mare with glasses standing through a reception window positioned along a long, wooden wall.
Silver finds a grey, middle aged mare with glasses standing through a reception window positioned along a long, wooden wall.
>>144027
"Hey, I just talked with stallion in room 354. I found out his name is Popper Nick, and that he would like to be released."
"Hey, I just talked with stallion in room 354. I found out his name is Popper Nick, and that he would like to be released."
>>140776 →
Iron stared at Sands for a couple of seconds before looking down at his exposed coat.
"I... don't think I have any compelling story that they won't want to ask follow-up questions," he uttered, shifting some of his coat hairs aside to check the cuts beneath.
Iron stared at Sands for a couple of seconds before looking down at his exposed coat.
"I... don't think I have any compelling story that they won't want to ask follow-up questions," he uttered, shifting some of his coat hairs aside to check the cuts beneath.
>>144039
"No, I have not talked to his doctor yet. My grandson has been through very tramatic experience and would just like to head home to recover in calming environment."
"No, I have not talked to his doctor yet. My grandson has been through very tramatic experience and would just like to head home to recover in calming environment."
>>144040
"Well, write your name and address here, and get a doctor to sign off on it."
She pushes over a paper
"Well, write your name and address here, and get a doctor to sign off on it."
She pushes over a paper
>>144042
Silver encounters a white unicorn stallion with glasses, a white lab coat that's almost difficult to distinguish from his fur coat, and little tufts on his feet, who walks down the hall with firm, clanking steps against the tile floor that can be heard long before he is seen
Silver encounters a white unicorn stallion with glasses, a white lab coat that's almost difficult to distinguish from his fur coat, and little tufts on his feet, who walks down the hall with firm, clanking steps against the tile floor that can be heard long before he is seen
>>144043
Silver flags the doctor down and goes to him.
"Excuse me, doctor? My grandson is in room 354, and he would like to be released from this hospital into my care."
Silver flags the doctor down and goes to him.
"Excuse me, doctor? My grandson is in room 354, and he would like to be released from this hospital into my care."
>>144031
"If you think it will work," Iron tentatively replied with a nod, taking a small breath to get into character.
His gaze softened considerably as his eyebrows rose up, acting surprised. "Oh!" he exclaimed. "I feel like going to the... uh, bathroom! Right now!"
The big stallion took a second to recall his plan before executing his movements.
"If you think it will work," Iron tentatively replied with a nod, taking a small breath to get into character.
His gaze softened considerably as his eyebrows rose up, acting surprised. "Oh!" he exclaimed. "I feel like going to the... uh, bathroom! Right now!"
The big stallion took a second to recall his plan before executing his movements.
>>144046
A pony looks up from his seat in a booth by the wall, but then looks back to his companion. Iron is free, once again, to move about
A pony looks up from his seat in a booth by the wall, but then looks back to his companion. Iron is free, once again, to move about
>>144047
I'm gonna assume we both remember what Iron's path to the table is for this next post.
Iron proceeded to go along his planned route to the left and outside.
I'm gonna assume we both remember what Iron's path to the table is for this next post.
Iron proceeded to go along his planned route to the left and outside.
>>144048
The door to the next room over is located on a wall perpendicular and to the right of where Iron and Sands were sitting. There are some booths along that wall, and the door is near the left most side. On a wall opposite of that is a hallway where the bathrooms are located, so it is conceivable that a pony who was told the location of the bathrooms could go to the back by mistake.
The door to the next room over is located on a wall perpendicular and to the right of where Iron and Sands were sitting. There are some booths along that wall, and the door is near the left most side. On a wall opposite of that is a hallway where the bathrooms are located, so it is conceivable that a pony who was told the location of the bathrooms could go to the back by mistake.
>>144049
Trusting his gut, Iron opted to go the opposite direction of the bathrooms, hoping to get that sneak peak on who to bash next.
Trusting his gut, Iron opted to go the opposite direction of the bathrooms, hoping to get that sneak peak on who to bash next.
>>144050
Alright, is he looking into the left side of the room (easiest if he moves towards the right, sort of the opposite side of the bathrooms), or is he looking in to the left?
Alright, is he looking into the left side of the room (easiest if he moves towards the right, sort of the opposite side of the bathrooms), or is he looking in to the left?
>>144053
Because of the wall and the narrow field of view, without actually entering into the room Iron can only see a portion of what is there. However, Iron does see the following:
A set of waves and maybe a boat is painted on a wall above a cushioned booth seat that does not appear to be a part of the wall, but rather sits in front of it. In front of this booth seat is a table, presumably one that holds four ponies. This wooden table is not bolted to the floor, and there is room to the left - between the wall and the table - to manuever and get in and out. There are no chairs on the opposite side of the booth seat.
Sitting at the table, almost in the corner of the room, is a red-brown rust colored minotaur. He has very large muscles and is tall even sitting down. He wears a relatively formal green dress shirt with no jacket, sitting with his legs cross and wearing focal glasses. He is looking down and evidently reading a book on the table in front of him. Also on the table is a newspaper, sprawled open. To his right and on the left side of Iron's field of view, almost exactly in the corner of the room, is a violin case, cracked open.
Because of the wall and the narrow field of view, without actually entering into the room Iron can only see a portion of what is there. However, Iron does see the following:
A set of waves and maybe a boat is painted on a wall above a cushioned booth seat that does not appear to be a part of the wall, but rather sits in front of it. In front of this booth seat is a table, presumably one that holds four ponies. This wooden table is not bolted to the floor, and there is room to the left - between the wall and the table - to manuever and get in and out. There are no chairs on the opposite side of the booth seat.
Sitting at the table, almost in the corner of the room, is a red-brown rust colored minotaur. He has very large muscles and is tall even sitting down. He wears a relatively formal green dress shirt with no jacket, sitting with his legs cross and wearing focal glasses. He is looking down and evidently reading a book on the table in front of him. Also on the table is a newspaper, sprawled open. To his right and on the left side of Iron's field of view, almost exactly in the corner of the room, is a violin case, cracked open.
>>144055
Iron's head cocked a little to the side, staring at the rather well dressed minotaur, almost as if he was staring at a walking contradiction.
(Wait,) he thought to himself, astonished. (You mean these pasta bandits' most trusted marecenary is this mammal?)
Well, after being mauled by a tiger, he wasn't about to underestimate his chances this time, soon going to the right side in order to take a closer look at that book of his.
Iron's head cocked a little to the side, staring at the rather well dressed minotaur, almost as if he was staring at a walking contradiction.
(Wait,) he thought to himself, astonished. (You mean these pasta bandits' most trusted marecenary is this mammal?)
Well, after being mauled by a tiger, he wasn't about to underestimate his chances this time, soon going to the right side in order to take a closer look at that book of his.
>>144056
Well now I am wondering whether a day time approach is superior to the night
>>144057
Iron can see the cover in greater detail by crouching a bit. He's still reading.
A painting of a foreleg ending in split hooves forms the cover, and at the bottom are the big letters "Η φόνισσα." Smaller text above has the letters "Αλέξανδρος Παπαδιαμάντης."
>>144057
The doctor follows Silver, or rather leads him, as he is walking fast and with purpose.
"Wait. This patient? I heard about him. Goodness. He was cut open."
Well now I am wondering whether a day time approach is superior to the night
>>144057
Iron can see the cover in greater detail by crouching a bit. He's still reading.
A painting of a foreleg ending in split hooves forms the cover, and at the bottom are the big letters "Η φόνισσα." Smaller text above has the letters "Αλέξανδρος Παπαδιαμάντης."
>>144057
The doctor follows Silver, or rather leads him, as he is walking fast and with purpose.
"Wait. This patient? I heard about him. Goodness. He was cut open."
>>144060
(A foreleg ending on split hooves?) Iron thought to himself, not quite understanding such an image. (Is this supposed to be a manual on fighting ponies? Why would he need that?)
He hoped he could see the inside of the book for a few drawings to better understand just what this book was about.
(A foreleg ending on split hooves?) Iron thought to himself, not quite understanding such an image. (Is this supposed to be a manual on fighting ponies? Why would he need that?)
He hoped he could see the inside of the book for a few drawings to better understand just what this book was about.
>>144063
Iron frowned softly before deciding he had enough watching: He seemed to have found his target, and from the looks of it, he's way smarter than he is.
(Look at him,) he grumbled as he got out of his gazing spot to properly mull over what he just witnessed (he is even reading those big bricks with those squiggly symbols like it is no big deal!)
Iron frowned softly before deciding he had enough watching: He seemed to have found his target, and from the looks of it, he's way smarter than he is.
(Look at him,) he grumbled as he got out of his gazing spot to properly mull over what he just witnessed (he is even reading those big bricks with those squiggly symbols like it is no big deal!)
>>144066
Silver nods.
"I already talked with him about that. He would agree with that, he just needs to recover in environment that is more calming to him."
Silver nods.
"I already talked with him about that. He would agree with that, he just needs to recover in environment that is more calming to him."
>>144066
In either case, Iron should go back to Sands and report what he has found. Thus, he decides to go back to where her... uh, business partner is.
(Mares are weird,) he thought to himself.
In either case, Iron should go back to Sands and report what he has found. Thus, he decides to go back to where her... uh, business partner is.
(Mares are weird,) he thought to himself.
>>144069
"No," Iron denied. "He is alone from what I saw, but that big brick with the squiggly symbols makes me... uncomfortable."
"No," Iron denied. "He is alone from what I saw, but that big brick with the squiggly symbols makes me... uncomfortable."
>>144071
"None from what I saw either," Iron admitted. "Either he has them well hidden or he has none."
"None from what I saw either," Iron admitted. "Either he has them well hidden or he has none."
>>144072
“He would most likely hide them. He wouldn’t want to be seen with one in public. Think you could take him in a hoof fight?”
“He would most likely hide them. He wouldn’t want to be seen with one in public. Think you could take him in a hoof fight?”
>>144073
"He is quite big," Iron pointed out. "He will be a challenging fight, no matter how I approach it."
"He is quite big," Iron pointed out. "He will be a challenging fight, no matter how I approach it."
>>144075
"I will certainly give it a shot nonetheless," Iron concluded, the hints of a smile encroaching on his serious demeanor. "He seems like a fun battle, even if he may kill me for it."
"I will certainly give it a shot nonetheless," Iron concluded, the hints of a smile encroaching on his serious demeanor. "He seems like a fun battle, even if he may kill me for it."
>>144077
Iron immediately dialed down his excitement at the frown, understanding his reckless nature seeping through his demeanor. "I do not know, really," he replied. "If he tries to pull out a weapon, you can try to distract him with... something. Otherwise, you can be the one that sets the battle off between me and this minotaur to ensure he does not pull a weapon."
(What was his name?) his mind tried to recall.
Iron immediately dialed down his excitement at the frown, understanding his reckless nature seeping through his demeanor. "I do not know, really," he replied. "If he tries to pull out a weapon, you can try to distract him with... something. Otherwise, you can be the one that sets the battle off between me and this minotaur to ensure he does not pull a weapon."
(What was his name?) his mind tried to recall.
>>144078
“I have have a charm, of sorts, that can be disarming.”
For a moment, she has a smile. But then she returns to a serious expression
“Don’t get killed.”
I would look it up, but I am busy
“I have have a charm, of sorts, that can be disarming.”
For a moment, she has a smile. But then she returns to a serious expression
“Don’t get killed.”
I would look it up, but I am busy
>>144079
"I do not plan to leave you alone," Iron confidently declared, offering Sands a small smile. "We will make it big together. Trust me."
After such reassurement, Iron soon turned serious in tow. "When do you think will be best to strike?" he asked. "I was thinking to cause a scene here, maybe disrespecting him here to battle outside, but I doubt he is that kind of... minotaur."
"I do not plan to leave you alone," Iron confidently declared, offering Sands a small smile. "We will make it big together. Trust me."
After such reassurement, Iron soon turned serious in tow. "When do you think will be best to strike?" he asked. "I was thinking to cause a scene here, maybe disrespecting him here to battle outside, but I doubt he is that kind of... minotaur."
>>144080
The smile causes her to lower her head, and offer and almost seductive, or mischievous smile in return. She raises her head to say “a griffin, I think disrespect would goad him into a fight. Him... I don’t know. I suspect he’s not used to being on the defensive, though.”
The smile causes her to lower her head, and offer and almost seductive, or mischievous smile in return. She raises her head to say “a griffin, I think disrespect would goad him into a fight. Him... I don’t know. I suspect he’s not used to being on the defensive, though.”
>>144081
"How about manufacturing some accident I can get angry over?" Iron offered. "Maybe get water spilled on either of us, maybe some food."
He soon turned pensive. "...worst case scenario, I can trip over his... uh, minotaur leg as a valid excuse."
"How about manufacturing some accident I can get angry over?" Iron offered. "Maybe get water spilled on either of us, maybe some food."
He soon turned pensive. "...worst case scenario, I can trip over his... uh, minotaur leg as a valid excuse."
>>144082
She looks up, and then taps the bottom of her chin
“If he just thinks you’re a random pony, he might want to avoid killing you.”
She looks up, and then taps the bottom of her chin
“If he just thinks you’re a random pony, he might want to avoid killing you.”
>>144083
"That settles it," Iron concluded with an excited smile, ready to start the romp. "We will cause an accident 'caused' by the minotaur to get angry over, then I beat him up for it."
He soon mellowed out, obviously not wanting Sands to think his arrogance was kicking ready. "Ready to get it on?" he offered.
"That settles it," Iron concluded with an excited smile, ready to start the romp. "We will cause an accident 'caused' by the minotaur to get angry over, then I beat him up for it."
He soon mellowed out, obviously not wanting Sands to think his arrogance was kicking ready. "Ready to get it on?" he offered.
>>144085
This query caused Iron to halt his excitement for just a second, looking strangely at the mare. "You know," he followed up with a tinge of puzzlement. "Do the plan."
This query caused Iron to halt his excitement for just a second, looking strangely at the mare. "You know," he followed up with a tinge of puzzlement. "Do the plan."
>>144090
"Yes and yes," Iron answered. "I cannot trip into him and get angry about it without getting closer."
"Yes and yes," Iron answered. "I cannot trip into him and get angry about it without getting closer."
>>144092
Iron nodded, soon sporting his own smile as he got up the table, aiming to go towards the other room, hiding his mischievous, boisterous intent, ready to go face-to-face against the minotaur.
(Trip myself and blame the minotaur,) he reviewed in his head before nodding. (Let us commence.)
Iron nodded, soon sporting his own smile as he got up the table, aiming to go towards the other room, hiding his mischievous, boisterous intent, ready to go face-to-face against the minotaur.
(Trip myself and blame the minotaur,) he reviewed in his head before nodding. (Let us commence.)
>>144094
With that little misunderstanding cleared, he finally walked towards the minotaur's last known position in way where he'd be able to trip on him, willing to test his plan out and see if he's successful.
With that little misunderstanding cleared, he finally walked towards the minotaur's last known position in way where he'd be able to trip on him, willing to test his plan out and see if he's successful.
>>144095
This is harder than it seems, as the Minotaur is sitting behind a table against the wall. He has no exposed hooves, or at least none that protrude significantly
This is harder than it seems, as the Minotaur is sitting behind a table against the wall. He has no exposed hooves, or at least none that protrude significantly
>>144096
Can Iron see any food or water items Sands can stealthily manipulate to dirty either of them from where he was standing?
Can Iron see any food or water items Sands can stealthily manipulate to dirty either of them from where he was standing?
>>144097
The Minotaur has no implements besides the book he is holding up, the newspaper sprawled over the table, and the violin case next to him in the corner. There is no food
[1d2 = 1]
The Minotaur has no implements besides the book he is holding up, the newspaper sprawled over the table, and the violin case next to him in the corner. There is no food
[1d2 = 1]
>>144099
Target acquired.
"Think you can spill that glass of whatever on me and frame the minotaur as the perpetrator?" he inconspicuously whispered to Sands as they slowly walked.
Target acquired.
"Think you can spill that glass of whatever on me and frame the minotaur as the perpetrator?" he inconspicuously whispered to Sands as they slowly walked.
>>144100
“It’s a little far away from here. If I were walking with you though... I think I could do it.”
“It’s a little far away from here. If I were walking with you though... I think I could do it.”
>>144101
"That will be our instigating factor then," Iron concluded, getting ready for probably another dose of pain akin to that time the mademare treated his wounds. "Try not to spill it onto you. It might burn. Thankfully, I am a big target."
He soon let out a small chuckle as they started to approach the minotaur's table, silently preparing for the stinging to come.
"That will be our instigating factor then," Iron concluded, getting ready for probably another dose of pain akin to that time the mademare treated his wounds. "Try not to spill it onto you. It might burn. Thankfully, I am a big target."
He soon let out a small chuckle as they started to approach the minotaur's table, silently preparing for the stinging to come.
>>144102
“He’ll understand a bit more of a mare is the one it’s spilled in” she says.
She is otherwise ready
“He’ll understand a bit more of a mare is the one it’s spilled in” she says.
She is otherwise ready
>>144103
Tough choice, but Sands was right in the end.
"...be careful," he advised in a small whisper. "Make sure to get both of us if you can. Otherwise, aim at yourself."
With that decided, Iron led Sands near the Minotaur, slowly passing by to give Sands enough time to execute her move.
Tough choice, but Sands was right in the end.
"...be careful," he advised in a small whisper. "Make sure to get both of us if you can. Otherwise, aim at yourself."
With that decided, Iron led Sands near the Minotaur, slowly passing by to give Sands enough time to execute her move.
>>144108
"Thank you very much, doctor. Oh, really quickly, if we need to return for bandage changes, can we?"
"Thank you very much, doctor. Oh, really quickly, if we need to return for bandage changes, can we?"
>>144110
"Thank you!"
Silver enters Nick's room, signed paper in his magic grip.
"They have agreed to release you. You should avoid putting undue pressure on your chest for while, though, and they said you would need antibiotics and splints."
"Thank you!"
Silver enters Nick's room, signed paper in his magic grip.
"They have agreed to release you. You should avoid putting undue pressure on your chest for while, though, and they said you would need antibiotics and splints."
>>144113
He pulls away the covers.
“If that’s what I have to tell them to get out of this.” He looks back over to Silver. “I guess there’s some similarity in coat colors, kind of. Then with the covers off, and in response to Silver’s last question, “Sure.”
He pulls away the covers.
“If that’s what I have to tell them to get out of this.” He looks back over to Silver. “I guess there’s some similarity in coat colors, kind of. Then with the covers off, and in response to Silver’s last question, “Sure.”
>>144114
Silver trots over to Nick, and helps him out of his bed. He makes sure to avoid putting pressure on his chest.
"So, is Popper Nick your real name?"
Silver trots over to Nick, and helps him out of his bed. He makes sure to avoid putting pressure on his chest.
"So, is Popper Nick your real name?"
>>144115
Silver pulls him up. The movement kind of contracts his chest, and he closes his eyes, wincing. He is pulled down to the ground, where he hops on his back leg, and continues wincing for a moment in silence. Then he answers,
"Huh? Oh no. It isn't."
Silver pulls him up. The movement kind of contracts his chest, and he closes his eyes, wincing. He is pulled down to the ground, where he hops on his back leg, and continues wincing for a moment in silence. Then he answers,
"Huh? Oh no. It isn't."
>>144117
"It's... Paper Clipping." He answers, taking a moment to look up towards Silver as he says that, his long mane falling onto his face.
He moves forward, and has a limp on his hind leg.
"I... don't know."
"It's... Paper Clipping." He answers, taking a moment to look up towards Silver as he says that, his long mane falling onto his face.
He moves forward, and has a limp on his hind leg.
"I... don't know."
>>144118
He smiles at Paper Clipping.
"It is good to meet you, Paper Clipping. I must say, you are quite strong stallion, trotting so soon after that kind of horrific wound, but even strongest of us need help from time to time. Let us get some crutches for you."
He smiles at Paper Clipping.
"It is good to meet you, Paper Clipping. I must say, you are quite strong stallion, trotting so soon after that kind of horrific wound, but even strongest of us need help from time to time. Let us get some crutches for you."
>>144119
He is standing up, but he is not focusing his eyes on Silver, but rather straight forward. He clamps his teeth down, with his lips fully back in a wince. He is keeping his legs sort of stretched apart, and he is not putting any weight on his hind left leg, bending it upwards slightly.
He is standing up, but he is not focusing his eyes on Silver, but rather straight forward. He clamps his teeth down, with his lips fully back in a wince. He is keeping his legs sort of stretched apart, and he is not putting any weight on his hind left leg, bending it upwards slightly.
>>144120
"Yes, you definitely need help trotting."
He uses a hoof to move the mane in front of Paper Clipping's face to the side.
"Stay here, I am going to see about getting you some of things doctor recommended."
He goes out to the receptionist, intending to ask her about the things the doctor recommended.
"Yes, you definitely need help trotting."
He uses a hoof to move the mane in front of Paper Clipping's face to the side.
"Stay here, I am going to see about getting you some of things doctor recommended."
He goes out to the receptionist, intending to ask her about the things the doctor recommended.
>>144121
Paper clipping looks at Silver with his hazel eyes
“Sure...”
The mare looks down at her paper.
“We can give him Acetaminophen or Codiene. He may want something stronger. But he can come back for that. He should come back in three days to get fluid drained...”
She goes through more paperwork
Paper clipping looks at Silver with his hazel eyes
“Sure...”
The mare looks down at her paper.
“We can give him Acetaminophen or Codiene. He may want something stronger. But he can come back for that. He should come back in three days to get fluid drained...”
She goes through more paperwork
>>144126
Silver nods.
"Alright, that is painkillers and splints taken care on. What about antibiotics?"
Silver nods.
"Alright, that is painkillers and splints taken care on. What about antibiotics?"
>>144128
Silver nods again.
"If you or somepony else could assist us in getting everything he needs, it would be very much appreciated."
Silver nods again.
"If you or somepony else could assist us in getting everything he needs, it would be very much appreciated."
>>144131
“Sure. It’s the third door down that” she leans out to point down a hallway to Silver’s right “hallway. It’ll be on your left.”
“Sure. It’s the third door down that” she leans out to point down a hallway to Silver’s right “hallway. It’ll be on your left.”
>>144132
"Thank you very much!"
Silver follows her instructions to the splits, grabs one each for Paper's chest and hindleg, and returns to the injured stallion.
"Thank you very much!"
Silver follows her instructions to the splits, grabs one each for Paper's chest and hindleg, and returns to the injured stallion.
>>144133
Silver is able to go to the locations and acquire the items in question from a middle aged mare (the splints,) and a slightly younger mare at the pharmacy. Note that there are two points for the chest, and the painkillers are relatively weak. Proper painkillers, like morphine, are not released, evidently because they require hypodermic needles to be administered.
Silver is able to go to the locations and acquire the items in question from a middle aged mare (the splints,) and a slightly younger mare at the pharmacy. Note that there are two points for the chest, and the painkillers are relatively weak. Proper painkillers, like morphine, are not released, evidently because they require hypodermic needles to be administered.
>>144137
"I have some mild painkillers, and splints for your chest and hindleg."
He gives him the painkillers using his magic, and trots over to his side with the splints.
"If you will stand still, I will apply splints for you."
"I have some mild painkillers, and splints for your chest and hindleg."
He gives him the painkillers using his magic, and trots over to his side with the splints.
"If you will stand still, I will apply splints for you."
He kind of rocks, but he stops to let Silver do his thing. He takes the painkiller pill bottles with his yellow-brown magic and puts them to the side, though he doesn’t seem interested in, or able, to hold the magic field for long.
>>144139
Silver starts by applying the one to his hindleg.
"So, where did they catch you at that resulted in your 'buggery' charge?"
Silver starts by applying the one to his hindleg.
"So, where did they catch you at that resulted in your 'buggery' charge?"
>>144140
His face is turned down, but he jerks his head and widens his eyes when Silver speaks.
“Uh, a bar and dance hall.”
His face is turned down, but he jerks his head and widens his eyes when Silver speaks.
“Uh, a bar and dance hall.”
>>144143
"I mean, was it high-class with classical music, one that plays that 'swing music', something else? I am curious."
"I mean, was it high-class with classical music, one that plays that 'swing music', something else? I am curious."
>>144144
“Uh... with jazz music. And kind of open rafters on the dance hall, with ventilation visible. Only the second time I was ever there. There was a police raid for some reason. Maybe alcohol violations, maybe... other reasons.”
“Uh... with jazz music. And kind of open rafters on the dance hall, with ventilation visible. Only the second time I was ever there. There was a police raid for some reason. Maybe alcohol violations, maybe... other reasons.”
>>144145
He looks at him after he finishes with Clip's leg.
"I am guessing there was also 'buggery' going on in building."
He looks at him after he finishes with Clip's leg.
"I am guessing there was also 'buggery' going on in building."
>>144147
Silver takes the other splint, bends down underneath Clip's chest and works on applying it to him.
"So, *were* you with stallion in dance hall?"
Silver takes the other splint, bends down underneath Clip's chest and works on applying it to him.
"So, *were* you with stallion in dance hall?"
>>144157
He walks forward, a bit stiff with the stints. He’s kind of scrawny, and noticeably smaller than Silver. He wordlessly follows Silver out of the room, and out of the hospital.
He walks forward, a bit stiff with the stints. He’s kind of scrawny, and noticeably smaller than Silver. He wordlessly follows Silver out of the room, and out of the hospital.
>>144158
Once out of the hospital and in the clear, he looks at his smaller companion and smiles.
"You never answered my question, by way."
Once out of the hospital and in the clear, he looks at his smaller companion and smiles.
"You never answered my question, by way."
>>144159
“I was worried I wouldn’t get out of there”
He looks back up, towards Silver
“Uh, what question?”
“I was worried I wouldn’t get out of there”
He looks back up, towards Silver
“Uh, what question?”
>>144164
"Personal experience. As long as it was with consenting adult, I think you are perfectly fine with liking stallions, and you will have no worries about me turning you in."
He shakes his head and mutters to himself.
"Getting arrested for same sex relations...thought we had moved past that..."
"Personal experience. As long as it was with consenting adult, I think you are perfectly fine with liking stallions, and you will have no worries about me turning you in."
He shakes his head and mutters to himself.
"Getting arrested for same sex relations...thought we had moved past that..."
>>144166
Silver looks from side to side to make sure nopony is too close, and speaks to Clip in a hushed voice.
"So...what is it like? Is it messy? Does it hurt? Does it feel as good as when you have sex with mare?
Silver looks from side to side to make sure nopony is too close, and speaks to Clip in a hushed voice.
"So...what is it like? Is it messy? Does it hurt? Does it feel as good as when you have sex with mare?
>>144168
The bigger unicorn looks at Clip with a surprised expression and a raised eyebrow.
"But you seemed so worried you would be turned in for it."
The bigger unicorn looks at Clip with a surprised expression and a raised eyebrow.
"But you seemed so worried you would be turned in for it."
>>144170
It takes Silver a minute.
"...oh, you meant you have never had sex with mare, I thought you meant you have never had sex with...you know. Still, what is it like?"
It takes Silver a minute.
"...oh, you meant you have never had sex with mare, I thought you meant you have never had sex with...you know. Still, what is it like?"
>>144173
In this area of town, this is fairly easy. It’s a long taxi drive home, if so it feels like.
In this area of town, this is fairly easy. It’s a long taxi drive home, if so it feels like.
>>144174
To pass the time, Silver decides to get to know Clip better.
"So, what did you do before coming here?"
To pass the time, Silver decides to get to know Clip better.
"So, what did you do before coming here?"
>>144177
“Well... I wanted to be. All of those things. Or any of those. The last job I had was setting the photographs they’d use so they were the right size, and would fit on the paper.”
“Well... I wanted to be. All of those things. Or any of those. The last job I had was setting the photographs they’d use so they were the right size, and would fit on the paper.”
>>144178
"It is still very important job for newspaper. They say picture is worth thousand words, and right picture edited properly can tell viewers everything about story they need to know."
"It is still very important job for newspaper. They say picture is worth thousand words, and right picture edited properly can tell viewers everything about story they need to know."
>>144179
“Yeah... that I know for sure. Like the way the revolts are the mines were covered. They editted out the guns carried by the police in the photograph, claiming it was too far off on the right of the image. But it changes the perception of what happened. That was before I started doing it, though. Still.”
“Yeah... that I know for sure. Like the way the revolts are the mines were covered. They editted out the guns carried by the police in the photograph, claiming it was too far off on the right of the image. But it changes the perception of what happened. That was before I started doing it, though. Still.”
>>144181
“Yeah. The bauxite mines in the northeast of the mainland colony. Those mines are important for the economy, but dangerous and difficult for the workers. Of course that area is heavily griffin. The workers wanted to unionize. Many mines are unionized. But the Dominion mining company overreacted, harassing workers with private security. Of course local police joined in. The workers organizes a strike anyways. They went further, taking over the mines as a whole for several weeks. All the police in the province were organized. There was a clash and several workers were killed before the mines were surrendered. This was years ago, half a decade now.”
“Yeah. The bauxite mines in the northeast of the mainland colony. Those mines are important for the economy, but dangerous and difficult for the workers. Of course that area is heavily griffin. The workers wanted to unionize. Many mines are unionized. But the Dominion mining company overreacted, harassing workers with private security. Of course local police joined in. The workers organizes a strike anyways. They went further, taking over the mines as a whole for several weeks. All the police in the province were organized. There was a clash and several workers were killed before the mines were surrendered. This was years ago, half a decade now.”
>>144182
"Hmm. It was foolish of mining company and police to do that. Harsh reactions tend to just galvanize resistence rather than subdue it. Terrible to hear some died during that."
"Hmm. It was foolish of mining company and police to do that. Harsh reactions tend to just galvanize resistence rather than subdue it. Terrible to hear some died during that."
I should be free to continue tomorrow. I'm excited to see what happens next.
>>144189
>>144104
He sees that there is more to it than what can be seen in the left-most corner. The room is not especially large, perhaps 40 feet from wall to wall, and the walls are similar to what is seen on the left most corner, with seats back against the wall in half-booth-half-table formats, and with tan walls with paintings of what seems to be a continuous ocean scene, with a ship of sail, a light house and a... what is that? a kraken? Some kind of squid thing, hopefully not real. Near the right, corner, far away, is a door with glass visible to the outside.
But what Iron is more interested is who is at the table. There are, sitting at a table near the door, three griffins. One is directly behind the table and against the wall, another sits off to Iron's left, the first griffin's right, on the booth-bench, and a third sits in a chair facing the first griffin. All three have some kind of black vest, though the first one also wears an undershirt and a bow tie. If they have weapons, they are concealed. They are speaking to each other, the second one is smoking, and there are objects on the table. The best guess is some kind of informal card game.
>>144104
He sees that there is more to it than what can be seen in the left-most corner. The room is not especially large, perhaps 40 feet from wall to wall, and the walls are similar to what is seen on the left most corner, with seats back against the wall in half-booth-half-table formats, and with tan walls with paintings of what seems to be a continuous ocean scene, with a ship of sail, a light house and a... what is that? a kraken? Some kind of squid thing, hopefully not real. Near the right, corner, far away, is a door with glass visible to the outside.
But what Iron is more interested is who is at the table. There are, sitting at a table near the door, three griffins. One is directly behind the table and against the wall, another sits off to Iron's left, the first griffin's right, on the booth-bench, and a third sits in a chair facing the first griffin. All three have some kind of black vest, though the first one also wears an undershirt and a bow tie. If they have weapons, they are concealed. They are speaking to each other, the second one is smoking, and there are objects on the table. The best guess is some kind of informal card game.
>>144183
"Yes... Yes and yes. Entrenched power and money is always aggressive to defend what they had, perhaps especially when all they have was taken at someone else's expense. This has happened many places and at many times. I've heard the Discrets were a whole lot worse. But their cruelty breeds rebellion, and freedom."
"Yes... Yes and yes. Entrenched power and money is always aggressive to defend what they had, perhaps especially when all they have was taken at someone else's expense. This has happened many places and at many times. I've heard the Discrets were a whole lot worse. But their cruelty breeds rebellion, and freedom."
>>144190
>>144189
Crabcakes.
On the one hoof, they had the plan already in motion, which meant that any sudden movements would arouse suspicion to either the bull or the birds nearby.
On the other, if all four of them ganged up on him as it is right now, it wouldn't take long before he succumbs to his wounds. However, if they didn't get involved for an accident, he would be able to fight the bull one-on-one without anypony interfering.
"...do you think those griffons would rally to the minotaur's defense?" he whispered to Sands.
>>144189
Crabcakes.
On the one hoof, they had the plan already in motion, which meant that any sudden movements would arouse suspicion to either the bull or the birds nearby.
On the other, if all four of them ganged up on him as it is right now, it wouldn't take long before he succumbs to his wounds. However, if they didn't get involved for an accident, he would be able to fight the bull one-on-one without anypony interfering.
"...do you think those griffons would rally to the minotaur's defense?" he whispered to Sands.
>>144191
The unicorn nods.
"I have heard much same about Discrets. What is most unfortunate is that mining company could have avoided all of that, and those deaths, had they listened to their workers concerns and acted upon them. They still would have made more than enough money through mine, workers would have been happy and motivated to give their best work, and there would have been no need for union."
The unicorn nods.
"I have heard much same about Discrets. What is most unfortunate is that mining company could have avoided all of that, and those deaths, had they listened to their workers concerns and acted upon them. They still would have made more than enough money through mine, workers would have been happy and motivated to give their best work, and there would have been no need for union."
>>144194
"Would they intervene if they believe the bull intentionally spilled his drink on you or me?" Iron muttered back. "He does have that brick with a broken hoof for a picture."
"Would they intervene if they believe the bull intentionally spilled his drink on you or me?" Iron muttered back. "He does have that brick with a broken hoof for a picture."
>>144195
She blinks
"I'm not sure. Would they believe it? They might if they think of him as a friend, and they might not if they think he got himself into the mess himself"
>>144193
He shakes his head
"Then the mining company would still be making millions off the labor of the workers to take material from griffin land, while the laborers would be giving their labor for comparatively little."
She blinks
"I'm not sure. Would they believe it? They might if they think of him as a friend, and they might not if they think he got himself into the mess himself"
>>144193
He shakes his head
"Then the mining company would still be making millions off the labor of the workers to take material from griffin land, while the laborers would be giving their labor for comparatively little."
>>144196
"Do they equate loyalty to friendship?" Iron inquired, feeling himself the tiniest bit empowered by the answer.
"Do they equate loyalty to friendship?" Iron inquired, feeling himself the tiniest bit empowered by the answer.
>>144198
"Then we can continue with the plan," Iron concluded with a firm resolve. "If they nonetheless try to intervene, we will back out. Remember to make it seem like he threw the liquid at you to increase the odds they will not intervene."
"Then we can continue with the plan," Iron concluded with a firm resolve. "If they nonetheless try to intervene, we will back out. Remember to make it seem like he threw the liquid at you to increase the odds they will not intervene."
>>144200
He blinks
"What? That creatures should get the value they worked for and not simply collect rent over land? Yes, that is the conclusion I have come to."
>>144199
"If necessary, I can.. I have some tricks. But if anyone pulls out a gun - and I assure you they do have them - maybe that is a time to withdraw,"
He blinks
"What? That creatures should get the value they worked for and not simply collect rent over land? Yes, that is the conclusion I have come to."
>>144199
"If necessary, I can.. I have some tricks. But if anyone pulls out a gun - and I assure you they do have them - maybe that is a time to withdraw,"
>>144201
He nods.
"I agree that all workers should be payed highest wages possible, but what about wages of those who run businesses like mines?"
He nods.
"I agree that all workers should be payed highest wages possible, but what about wages of those who run businesses like mines?"
>>144201
"Agreed," Iron replied in a low tone, understanding his current, mortal state is rather weak after the nonstop battling so far. "Let us execute our plan, then."
"Agreed," Iron replied in a low tone, understanding his current, mortal state is rather weak after the nonstop battling so far. "Let us execute our plan, then."
>>144202
"Ideally, everyone would be paid for the amount of labor they put in. I suppose there is an argument for higher wages for the more skilled jobs, or the more dangerous ones, at least at our present stage of historical development. But it isn't even the managers who get the big money. Oh sure, they get paid more than the miners, despite working in air-conditioning and never having to worry about being crushed by machinery, but they don't get the real money. It's the owners, who do nothing, who get the largest share."
>>144203
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-E7PgapfUg
It begins, The two walk into the room. It kind of looks like the minotaur has noticed them, and has his eyes on them, but the griffins clearly have not
"Ideally, everyone would be paid for the amount of labor they put in. I suppose there is an argument for higher wages for the more skilled jobs, or the more dangerous ones, at least at our present stage of historical development. But it isn't even the managers who get the big money. Oh sure, they get paid more than the miners, despite working in air-conditioning and never having to worry about being crushed by machinery, but they don't get the real money. It's the owners, who do nothing, who get the largest share."
>>144203
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-E7PgapfUg
It begins, The two walk into the room. It kind of looks like the minotaur has noticed them, and has his eyes on them, but the griffins clearly have not
>>144204
Iron was not particularly troubled by being in the minotaur's mind for the time being, so long as the griffons don't notice Sands' sleight of hoof. Even better if the bull didn't understand what happened when Sands and himself were inevitably soaked in alcohol or tea.
He walked around, pretending to look for a suitable table alongside his mare for the day in order not to arouse too much suspicion.
Iron was not particularly troubled by being in the minotaur's mind for the time being, so long as the griffons don't notice Sands' sleight of hoof. Even better if the bull didn't understand what happened when Sands and himself were inevitably soaked in alcohol or tea.
He walked around, pretending to look for a suitable table alongside his mare for the day in order not to arouse too much suspicion.
>>144206
"Well, they have to oversee entire mining business. They have to worry about not only their own livelihood, but livelihood of thousands of employees, and if something where to happen to business consequences for them would be far greater than for individual worker. They have to worry about choosing best managers so they do not have to micromanage everything, following every law and restriction placed against them to T or face hefty fines, ensuring they are getting more material from mines than it costs them to keep mine open, selling mined material to clients for greatest profit, and managing business's finances so they have enough to pay their workers, managers, and themselves fair wages while still keeping enough saved back to develop their business further and keep mine from going under during times of crisis. They will never have to raise pickaxe or worry about being crushed to death in their mine - and for that miners should absolutely be payed more than they are - but they carry entire weight of running actual business on their shoulders."
"Well, they have to oversee entire mining business. They have to worry about not only their own livelihood, but livelihood of thousands of employees, and if something where to happen to business consequences for them would be far greater than for individual worker. They have to worry about choosing best managers so they do not have to micromanage everything, following every law and restriction placed against them to T or face hefty fines, ensuring they are getting more material from mines than it costs them to keep mine open, selling mined material to clients for greatest profit, and managing business's finances so they have enough to pay their workers, managers, and themselves fair wages while still keeping enough saved back to develop their business further and keep mine from going under during times of crisis. They will never have to raise pickaxe or worry about being crushed to death in their mine - and for that miners should absolutely be payed more than they are - but they carry entire weight of running actual business on their shoulders."
>>144208
>>144209
That was his cue, looking at his mare's wet coat with a bit of confusion before turning towards the table with the minotaur on it with a big, offended frown. "What was that for?" he accused the bull in a similar intensity as the unicorn's surprised exclamation, stepping closer towards the bovine in question currently sitting.
>>144209
That was his cue, looking at his mare's wet coat with a bit of confusion before turning towards the table with the minotaur on it with a big, offended frown. "What was that for?" he accused the bull in a similar intensity as the unicorn's surprised exclamation, stepping closer towards the bovine in question currently sitting.
>>144210
"Even those desk-job tasks are so often delegated to other workers, especially females in the urban areas. Is it really worth 30, or 40 times the same labor repairing power shovels or setting explosives out in the sun?"
"Even those desk-job tasks are so often delegated to other workers, especially females in the urban areas. Is it really worth 30, or 40 times the same labor repairing power shovels or setting explosives out in the sun?"
>>144213
Iron frown intensified at the lack of any answer, to the point of his snout scrunched slightly. "You cannot go silent after spilling tea on my mare like that," he insisted, the back of his mind already sensing a future conflict he'll have to resolve at a later date. "You think this is funny?"
Iron frown intensified at the lack of any answer, to the point of his snout scrunched slightly. "You cannot go silent after spilling tea on my mare like that," he insisted, the back of his mind already sensing a future conflict he'll have to resolve at a later date. "You think this is funny?"
>>144215
"That is absurd," Iron pointed out, rather offended. "After all the time she spent in the shower, prettying herself up for the ocassion I am supposed to take your word she spilled tea on herself?"
The stallion planted both front hooves on the table firmly, yet not enough to break it. "I do not appreciate you badmouthing my mare so non-chalantly," he grumbled with a hint of venom in his tone.
"That is absurd," Iron pointed out, rather offended. "After all the time she spent in the shower, prettying herself up for the ocassion I am supposed to take your word she spilled tea on herself?"
The stallion planted both front hooves on the table firmly, yet not enough to break it. "I do not appreciate you badmouthing my mare so non-chalantly," he grumbled with a hint of venom in his tone.
>>144216
He continues his glare at Iron, and he places his book down on the table. Sands backs away slowly
He continues his glare at Iron, and he places his book down on the table. Sands backs away slowly
>>144212
"Perhaps not that much, like I said workers generally can and should be payed more than they are without damaging the business, but they are still just as important to mine as mine workers themselves are. Without one, other would not have job."
"Perhaps not that much, like I said workers generally can and should be payed more than they are without damaging the business, but they are still just as important to mine as mine workers themselves are. Without one, other would not have job."
>>144217
"What is the matter with you?" Iron demanded, fuming by this point. "You are not going to apologize after what you did to my mare? Are you trying to rustle me up?"
"What is the matter with you?" Iron demanded, fuming by this point. "You are not going to apologize after what you did to my mare? Are you trying to rustle me up?"
>>144220
He moves his body a little back in his seat, still looking at Iron. He has not stood up, at least not yet
The griffins have to be aware of the commotion, and Iron can hear them saying something to each other in their language. Then again, Iron could hear them talking to each other in their language before.
He moves his body a little back in his seat, still looking at Iron. He has not stood up, at least not yet
The griffins have to be aware of the commotion, and Iron can hear them saying something to each other in their language. Then again, Iron could hear them talking to each other in their language before.
>>144221
Iron is guessing that when they notice the damp Sands that had backed up a bit earlier, they're going to understand the fuss he's making right now.
"Well?" the stallion demanded with a hint of a whinny in his tone.
Iron is guessing that when they notice the damp Sands that had backed up a bit earlier, they're going to understand the fuss he's making right now.
"Well?" the stallion demanded with a hint of a whinny in his tone.
>>144222
Sands, facing the minotaur, has her left, wet side away from the griffins.
Wordlessly, the minotaur stands up. He is much taller than Iron, and though his green shirt covers his abs and muscles, there must surely be much there.
Sands, facing the minotaur, has her left, wet side away from the griffins.
Wordlessly, the minotaur stands up. He is much taller than Iron, and though his green shirt covers his abs and muscles, there must surely be much there.
>>144223
How inconvenient. I'm sure Sands will explain what happened to the griffons currently doing their poker game while he's riling this bull up.
Irom stared up at the minotaur, undeterred and squinting softly yet knowing better than to just donk him right now, as it would paint him as the bad pony as well as bring the griffon entourage on him as well.
How inconvenient. I'm sure Sands will explain what happened to the griffons currently doing their poker game while he's riling this bull up.
Irom stared up at the minotaur, undeterred and squinting softly yet knowing better than to just donk him right now, as it would paint him as the bad pony as well as bring the griffon entourage on him as well.
>>144224
He keeps his lips closed, and remains silent
>>144225
Sands disappears from Iron's peripheral vision. Well, she's sort of there, but what is in front of Iron remains more interesting, In any even the griffins don't seem to be yelling at Iron.
The Minotaur looks down at Iron, standing up. From the current position the table separates them, although moving to the left would remove that obstacle.
The Minotaur seems disinterested in arguing with Iron, or making a first move for that matter
He keeps his lips closed, and remains silent
>>144225
Sands disappears from Iron's peripheral vision. Well, she's sort of there, but what is in front of Iron remains more interesting, In any even the griffins don't seem to be yelling at Iron.
The Minotaur looks down at Iron, standing up. From the current position the table separates them, although moving to the left would remove that obstacle.
The Minotaur seems disinterested in arguing with Iron, or making a first move for that matter
>>144226
Iron kept his squinted expression, staring back at the bull while also blocking as many escape paths out of the table as he could with his body.
"You want to go?" he dared the hired killer, ready to throw down.
Iron kept his squinted expression, staring back at the bull while also blocking as many escape paths out of the table as he could with his body.
"You want to go?" he dared the hired killer, ready to throw down.
>>144226
"But...I would rather see who you are before making judgement about you. So far, you have seemed like nice young lad to me."
Silver smiles genuinely at his smaller, younger companion.
"But...I would rather see who you are before making judgement about you. So far, you have seemed like nice young lad to me."
Silver smiles genuinely at his smaller, younger companion.
>>144229
He nods, still keeping that smile.
"Perhaps."
The taxi ride should be getting close to Silver's house by now.
He nods, still keeping that smile.
"Perhaps."
The taxi ride should be getting close to Silver's house by now.
>>144232
Iron gritted his teeth, clearly upset at the second insinuation declared by the minotaur on this day. "I am not letting you get away with besmirching my mare like that," he countered with a firmer whinny. "We will settle this outside."
Iron gritted his teeth, clearly upset at the second insinuation declared by the minotaur on this day. "I am not letting you get away with besmirching my mare like that," he countered with a firmer whinny. "We will settle this outside."
>>144232
Silver pays the driver his fare, exits the taxi, and holds it open for Clip.
"Well, welcome to where you will be staying, at least for moment."
Silver pays the driver his fare, exits the taxi, and holds it open for Clip.
"Well, welcome to where you will be staying, at least for moment."
>>144237
"Courtesay of Stormfeather Maakie, griffon who was running trafficking operation. We broke into his safe, and I laid claim to deed to this house. I did not think it would be this nice either at first, but I am not complaining."
"Courtesay of Stormfeather Maakie, griffon who was running trafficking operation. We broke into his safe, and I laid claim to deed to this house. I did not think it would be this nice either at first, but I am not complaining."
>>144239
Silver nods.
"It is rather fitting that some of those we rescued are now living here, where he used to. I must say, it is far better use for this place."
Silver nods.
"It is rather fitting that some of those we rescued are now living here, where he used to. I must say, it is far better use for this place."
>>144237
Iron relaxed his pose, stepping aside to let the minotaur pass in order to get their one-on-one started.
However, that particular statement piqued the stallion's interest, yet he simply remained quiet, allowing himself to psyche himself up for a bout of fisticuffs.
Iron relaxed his pose, stepping aside to let the minotaur pass in order to get their one-on-one started.
However, that particular statement piqued the stallion's interest, yet he simply remained quiet, allowing himself to psyche himself up for a bout of fisticuffs.
>>144240
"Indeed!" He says, seeming to wag his tail and run forward, as if to run around the front segment
>>144241
The Minotaur calmly stands up, and walks past Iron
The griffin behind the table speaks, and in Ponish:
"Make it quick and quiet, Koptis"
"I shall" the minotaur replies
The griffin who sits off to the side has already gone through the side door, and that seems to be where the minotaur is heading
"Indeed!" He says, seeming to wag his tail and run forward, as if to run around the front segment
>>144241
The Minotaur calmly stands up, and walks past Iron
The griffin behind the table speaks, and in Ponish:
"Make it quick and quiet, Koptis"
"I shall" the minotaur replies
The griffin who sits off to the side has already gone through the side door, and that seems to be where the minotaur is heading
>>144242
He chuckles at this honestly adorable display. To Silver, it seems as though Clip is a foal at heart.
"Just do not hurt yourself. I am going inside to tell others that you are here, you can come inside at any time."
He chuckles at this honestly adorable display. To Silver, it seems as though Clip is a foal at heart.
"Just do not hurt yourself. I am going inside to tell others that you are here, you can come inside at any time."
>>144242
Thanks for the reminder about his name.
Iron promptly followed suit, keeping his distance so as to not cause too much friction between him and the bull, yet the comments burned into his mind like a forest fire: Was he going to use a weapon, or were his fists the weapon?
(We will have to see,) he concluded, sparing a glance at Sands' way as they treaded towards the arena.
Thanks for the reminder about his name.
Iron promptly followed suit, keeping his distance so as to not cause too much friction between him and the bull, yet the comments burned into his mind like a forest fire: Was he going to use a weapon, or were his fists the weapon?
(We will have to see,) he concluded, sparing a glance at Sands' way as they treaded towards the arena.
>>144243
For what it's worth, Clip doesn't look any older than adolescence, and his relatively small size doesn't help. He hops about, looking underneath the wooden stairs towards the sea.
"Uh, sure!" He says, not looking back at Silver
>>144244
Sands looks scared, but she keeps her distance from the creatures, and maintains a low profile as she scurries about.
Through the open door, Iron can see that there is space between the building there and one behind it, although it should be known that the door itself exits into a side parking lot, and bthey have to move top get behind the building. There is a fairly nice automobile, with black paint and a long cabin section that is currently being driven and moved, evidently to form something of a physical barrier between the "alley" and the top of the parking lot. The alley isn't quite a true alley, with probably thirty feet of space, part of which is gravel, but the sides have grass.
Koptis takes his position, opposite Iron
For what it's worth, Clip doesn't look any older than adolescence, and his relatively small size doesn't help. He hops about, looking underneath the wooden stairs towards the sea.
"Uh, sure!" He says, not looking back at Silver
>>144244
Sands looks scared, but she keeps her distance from the creatures, and maintains a low profile as she scurries about.
Through the open door, Iron can see that there is space between the building there and one behind it, although it should be known that the door itself exits into a side parking lot, and bthey have to move top get behind the building. There is a fairly nice automobile, with black paint and a long cabin section that is currently being driven and moved, evidently to form something of a physical barrier between the "alley" and the top of the parking lot. The alley isn't quite a true alley, with probably thirty feet of space, part of which is gravel, but the sides have grass.
Koptis takes his position, opposite Iron
>>144246
Going through into the house, Silver can hear the radio playing, and he can hear Jubilosa say
"Hello?"
Going through into the house, Silver can hear the radio playing, and he can hear Jubilosa say
"Hello?"
>>144248
She stands up (evidently she was sitting at the couch) and goes towards Silver
"Oh Silver. You're back!" She says
She stands up (evidently she was sitting at the couch) and goes towards Silver
"Oh Silver. You're back!" She says
>>144245
Iron does the same, taking a proper fighting stance as he awaited the proper time to commence the battle.
"Whenever you are ready," he called out to Koptis, steeling himself for the scuffle to come.
Iron does the same, taking a proper fighting stance as he awaited the proper time to commence the battle.
"Whenever you are ready," he called out to Koptis, steeling himself for the scuffle to come.
>>144249
Silver smiles wide, steps forward, and wraps his forelegs around her in a warm embrace.
"Everything is set up for our date tonight. I even got you something for it."
Silver smiles wide, steps forward, and wraps his forelegs around her in a warm embrace.
"Everything is set up for our date tonight. I even got you something for it."
>>144250
Koptis carefully unbuttons his short, exposing strong muscles under rust colored fur, and placing his shirt on the automobile. He turns back to face Iron, still wearing pants and a belt that includes what seems to be a scabbard
"It is time"
Roll Initiative
[1d20+3 = 18]
>>144251
Gasps
"Really?"
Her mouth hangs partly open, and her eyes grow wide
Koptis carefully unbuttons his short, exposing strong muscles under rust colored fur, and placing his shirt on the automobile. He turns back to face Iron, still wearing pants and a belt that includes what seems to be a scabbard
"It is time"
Roll Initiative
[1d20+3 = 18]
>>144251
Gasps
"Really?"
Her mouth hangs partly open, and her eyes grow wide
>>144252
Silver uses his magic to levitate the box with the red silk dress out from his saddlebags, and he gives it to her.
"I hope you like it. I have another thing for you, too, but I think it is better left for after we return home."
Silver uses his magic to levitate the box with the red silk dress out from his saddlebags, and he gives it to her.
"I hope you like it. I have another thing for you, too, but I think it is better left for after we return home."
>>144256
Silver smiles as if he was happier now than he has been in the longest time.
"Seeing you react like this makes every Bit spent worth it."
He also levitates out the white fur coat he bought to go with it.
Silver smiles as if he was happier now than he has been in the longest time.
"Seeing you react like this makes every Bit spent worth it."
He also levitates out the white fur coat he bought to go with it.
>>144256
Iron flinched slightly at the successful jab, yet he couldn't help but grin slightly: This was going to be a tough battle, and he couldn't be happier to be in his element.
Iron winded up a hook against the minotaur's side with a bit of extra oomph into it.
[1d20+7 = 10]<Unarmed attack (-3 to hit, +3 to damage)
Iron flinched slightly at the successful jab, yet he couldn't help but grin slightly: This was going to be a tough battle, and he couldn't be happier to be in his element.
Iron winded up a hook against the minotaur's side with a bit of extra oomph into it.
[1d20+7 = 10]<Unarmed attack (-3 to hit, +3 to damage)
>>144259
"I do not know, I found fancy clothing store here in Baltimare that sold all kinds of dresses. It was expensive, but you are more than worth every Bit that silk dress and fur coat cost me."
"I do not know, I found fancy clothing store here in Baltimare that sold all kinds of dresses. It was expensive, but you are more than worth every Bit that silk dress and fur coat cost me."
>>144259
>>144260
Once again, Iron was bonked, causing him to soon grit his teeth. This guy was serious, and he's running out of time to properly dish out some bruises.
He tried a far more powerful buck against the minotaur's stomach, hoping to even the odds as they are right now.
[1d20+5 = 20]<Unarmed strike (-5 to hit, +5 damage. Non-lethal)
>>144260
Once again, Iron was bonked, causing him to soon grit his teeth. This guy was serious, and he's running out of time to properly dish out some bruises.
He tried a far more powerful buck against the minotaur's stomach, hoping to even the odds as they are right now.
[1d20+5 = 20]<Unarmed strike (-5 to hit, +5 damage. Non-lethal)
>>144265
"Umph!"
Koptis stands back, evidently surprised by this hit, but lunges punches again
[1d20+8 = 28]
"Umph!"
Koptis stands back, evidently surprised by this hit, but lunges punches again
[1d20+8 = 28]
>>144264
"Wah!"
The griffon whomps the stallion, knocking them both to the ground. Silver starts laughing, holding his Jubee tight and planting a kiss on her beak.
"Wah!"
The griffon whomps the stallion, knocking them both to the ground. Silver starts laughing, holding his Jubee tight and planting a kiss on her beak.
>>144268
>>144269
Iron's snout scrunched, flinching considerably before soon returning to focus on the minotaur.
Yet his nose started to bleed and his breathing was a bit ragged, the many wounds he's sustained starting to catch up to him. Yet he couldn't let himself surrender like a coward against such a powerful, humble opponent. Reminded him of Silver in how he carried himself...
There was no way he'd be able to keep up with him with speedy attacks with how things are going, so he had to cash in on slow, powerful strikes in the hopes he can knock this hunk of a bull down.
With that strategy in place, he opted for another buck once again, harnessing the energy of what he was fighting for in order to boost his morale up.
[1d20+5 = 12]<Unarmed Strike (-5 to hit, +5 damage)
>>144269
Iron's snout scrunched, flinching considerably before soon returning to focus on the minotaur.
Yet his nose started to bleed and his breathing was a bit ragged, the many wounds he's sustained starting to catch up to him. Yet he couldn't let himself surrender like a coward against such a powerful, humble opponent. Reminded him of Silver in how he carried himself...
There was no way he'd be able to keep up with him with speedy attacks with how things are going, so he had to cash in on slow, powerful strikes in the hopes he can knock this hunk of a bull down.
With that strategy in place, he opted for another buck once again, harnessing the energy of what he was fighting for in order to boost his morale up.
[1d20+5 = 12]<Unarmed Strike (-5 to hit, +5 damage)
>>144268
He smiles at his beautiful griffon after, happy as can be. It fades slightly as he moves on to his next topic.
"There is one more thing. That stallion we found on altar at Hoebuck, I visited him in hospital. He asked if he could stay with us, for moment at least."
He smiles at his beautiful griffon after, happy as can be. It fades slightly as he moves on to his next topic.
"There is one more thing. That stallion we found on altar at Hoebuck, I visited him in hospital. He asked if he could stay with us, for moment at least."
>>144272
Seeing Iron's hooves, and evidently with memory of the last kick, koptis moves with fear in his eyes. And he moves out of the way of Iron's hooves, letting them graze his fur. The miss is narrow, but never the less, a miss.
He returns with a punch of his own
[1d20+8 = 27]
Seeing Iron's hooves, and evidently with memory of the last kick, koptis moves with fear in his eyes. And he moves out of the way of Iron's hooves, letting them graze his fur. The miss is narrow, but never the less, a miss.
He returns with a punch of his own
[1d20+8 = 27]
>>144275
He nods, and resumes cuddling his griffon on the floor.
"I went to spa to set up couple session after our dinner. I convinced them to let us stay after they have closed so you and I can get full spa package together."
He nods, and resumes cuddling his griffon on the floor.
"I went to spa to set up couple session after our dinner. I convinced them to let us stay after they have closed so you and I can get full spa package together."
>>144275
>>144274
Iron's condition was starting to worsen as he wiped off the blood flowing from his nose, struggling to breathe properly yet willing to keep fighting regardless.
Perhaps there is another way to do this: If he is able to trip him up, Koptis' attacks will be weakened considerably, thus maybe allowing him one last shot at clutching victory.
With a heavy heart at this somewhat dubious move, Iron rushes forth, hopping up on his hindlegs in an attempt to physically force the bull to trip and fall to the ground.
[1d20+10 = 27]<Melee Touch Attack
>>144274
Iron's condition was starting to worsen as he wiped off the blood flowing from his nose, struggling to breathe properly yet willing to keep fighting regardless.
Perhaps there is another way to do this: If he is able to trip him up, Koptis' attacks will be weakened considerably, thus maybe allowing him one last shot at clutching victory.
With a heavy heart at this somewhat dubious move, Iron rushes forth, hopping up on his hindlegs in an attempt to physically force the bull to trip and fall to the ground.
[1d20+10 = 27]<Melee Touch Attack
>>144278
He nods vigorously.
"Everything spa has to offer, we will experience together. I can not think of better way to relax."
He nods vigorously.
"Everything spa has to offer, we will experience together. I can not think of better way to relax."
>>144281
Silver takes the opportunity to get up as well. He resumes smiling at Jubilosa.
"Our dinner reservation is at 5:15, so you have until then to get really excited."
Silver takes the opportunity to get up as well. He resumes smiling at Jubilosa.
"Our dinner reservation is at 5:15, so you have until then to get really excited."
>>144282
She spreads her wings, which touch the walls, and fortunately do not threaten to turn anything over
She spreads her wings, which touch the walls, and fortunately do not threaten to turn anything over
>>144281
After pushing the minotaur onto his back, Iron took an opportunity to quickly strike at his chest.
[1d20+10 = 13]<Fast, non-lethal bonk
After pushing the minotaur onto his back, Iron took an opportunity to quickly strike at his chest.
[1d20+10 = 13]<Fast, non-lethal bonk
Iron's eyes widened, clearly not expecting him to try and pull out a weapon out of his scabbard, yet he didn't have much else to do rather than go for another hit as he stood up in a mildly desperate attempt to knock him out.
[1d20+10 = 24]<Fast, non-lethal bonk.
[1d20+10 = 24]<Fast, non-lethal bonk.
>>144292
>>144293
>>144294
Failure... Iron hated this feeling... no amount of morale boosting can stop this, and he could tell as his legs gave out.
"Good... fight," he complimented the minotaur, chin resting at the floor, unaware of what was about to happen. No begging, no bargaining, no requests to spare him.
>>144293
>>144294
Failure... Iron hated this feeling... no amount of morale boosting can stop this, and he could tell as his legs gave out.
"Good... fight," he complimented the minotaur, chin resting at the floor, unaware of what was about to happen. No begging, no bargaining, no requests to spare him.
>>144294
The squeezed pony hugs back, enjoying both the outer warmth of Jubilosa's body and the inner warmth he feels from being with someone he loves, and who loves him back.
"I love you, Jubee."
The squeezed pony hugs back, enjoying both the outer warmth of Jubilosa's body and the inner warmth he feels from being with someone he loves, and who loves him back.
"I love you, Jubee."
>>144302
>>144295
Precisely what goes on between White Sands and Koptis is hard to say for anyone without a very clear view of the two, but they remain in close proximity. Koptis stabs White Sands at least twice in her torso, with her only seeming to be able to respond with a glare. But he stumbles for a moment
[1d20-1 = 16]
>>144295
Precisely what goes on between White Sands and Koptis is hard to say for anyone without a very clear view of the two, but they remain in close proximity. Koptis stabs White Sands at least twice in her torso, with her only seeming to be able to respond with a glare. But he stumbles for a moment
[1d20-1 = 16]
>>144303
>>144304
Never once does Sands land another hit on Koptis, and never once does Koptis stumble, or fall down. Yet something is clearly happening there, so the bright flashes of green light tell, though obscured from Iron's direct view by Koptis's body. It seems Koptis must have either lost interest, or was otherwise dazed, because he loses his grip on White Sands, who darts past him, and then kicks him - though her kick is entirely ineffective. He stumbles almost like a drunkard for a moment, and White Sands attempts to drag Iron with her teeth and magic.
>>144305
"It was a radio play. They have those here."
>>144306
Hello. Perhaps
>>144304
Never once does Sands land another hit on Koptis, and never once does Koptis stumble, or fall down. Yet something is clearly happening there, so the bright flashes of green light tell, though obscured from Iron's direct view by Koptis's body. It seems Koptis must have either lost interest, or was otherwise dazed, because he loses his grip on White Sands, who darts past him, and then kicks him - though her kick is entirely ineffective. He stumbles almost like a drunkard for a moment, and White Sands attempts to drag Iron with her teeth and magic.
>>144305
"It was a radio play. They have those here."
>>144306
Hello. Perhaps
>>144307
Iron was currently looking incredibly dejected, allowing his heavy, 280lbs body to be carried by the mare he was supposed to be taking for more social interactions, and yet here she was, carrying him like a foal after breaking his leg after a miscalculated dive from the waterfall.
He did try his best to be as carryable as possible to help her in that regard at the very least.
Iron was currently looking incredibly dejected, allowing his heavy, 280lbs body to be carried by the mare he was supposed to be taking for more social interactions, and yet here she was, carrying him like a foal after breaking his leg after a miscalculated dive from the waterfall.
He did try his best to be as carryable as possible to help her in that regard at the very least.
>>144309
She tugs at him, looks back to Koptis, who is starting to find his footing. She then pulls something out of her bag
"Here"
She takes some sort of needle, and injects him with it.
In the matter of some seconds, Iron feels his heart pounding - not necessarily the best of things when you are bleeding. His eyes focus - yet remain blurry - and he feels full of energy, and yet drained, like the experience of waking up after a 30 minute nap after days of no sleep.
"Run!" she says to Iron
She tugs at him, looks back to Koptis, who is starting to find his footing. She then pulls something out of her bag
"Here"
She takes some sort of needle, and injects him with it.
In the matter of some seconds, Iron feels his heart pounding - not necessarily the best of things when you are bleeding. His eyes focus - yet remain blurry - and he feels full of energy, and yet drained, like the experience of waking up after a 30 minute nap after days of no sleep.
"Run!" she says to Iron
>>144310
Run?
Iron quickly darts his head around, wondering where could they even go... or even better, if he could actually fight a little longer against the bull to stop his self-loathing from crumbling even more of his spirit.
Run?
Iron quickly darts his head around, wondering where could they even go... or even better, if he could actually fight a little longer against the bull to stop his self-loathing from crumbling even more of his spirit.
>>144312
Ergh. No way he's gonna be able to fight even a fly in the first place.
Without any other choice, Iron opts instead to follow Sands' voice.
Ergh. No way he's gonna be able to fight even a fly in the first place.
Without any other choice, Iron opts instead to follow Sands' voice.
>>144314
Do lesser animals experince limited, lesser forms of consciousness? No one can say, but that is what Iron is experiencing now. A dazed, limited perception, where all he can tell is that he is being chased by a grave danger, like a rabbit fleeing a hawk. White Sands - who herself leaks a purple blood, and is breathing heaving, bounds in front of him, going to opposite way of the car, past buildings, past bushes, down a road, past another building, and even further
>>144313
"Oh yeah, it's rather nice."
Do lesser animals experince limited, lesser forms of consciousness? No one can say, but that is what Iron is experiencing now. A dazed, limited perception, where all he can tell is that he is being chased by a grave danger, like a rabbit fleeing a hawk. White Sands - who herself leaks a purple blood, and is breathing heaving, bounds in front of him, going to opposite way of the car, past buildings, past bushes, down a road, past another building, and even further
>>144313
"Oh yeah, it's rather nice."
>>144315
Iron, of course, followed Sands along, not seeing any reason to stop after what she just done to the bull: A backstab like that is going to garner resentment... although he wasn't sure if Koptis was going to kill him or not. It was kind of up in the air in his mind.
Iron, of course, followed Sands along, not seeing any reason to stop after what she just done to the bull: A backstab like that is going to garner resentment... although he wasn't sure if Koptis was going to kill him or not. It was kind of up in the air in his mind.
>>144316
It's not clear that Koptis hasn't killed him already. Each heart beat is loud and echoes against his mind. The bushes and grass mix together, and drain of color. White Sands places her hooves together and leaps like a greyhound as she moves. The two go even further away.
>>144317
"Sure" she says
It's not clear that Koptis hasn't killed him already. Each heart beat is loud and echoes against his mind. The bushes and grass mix together, and drain of color. White Sands places her hooves together and leaps like a greyhound as she moves. The two go even further away.
>>144317
"Sure" she says
>>144318
He wouldn't have dreamt Sands saving his sorry flank from the jaws of death. That much he knew about himself.
Although the constant running made it feel like he was in a... everconstant terrain that the gods pulled from at a similar speed that he was running, because it felt like he was dashing in place.
He wouldn't have dreamt Sands saving his sorry flank from the jaws of death. That much he knew about himself.
Although the constant running made it feel like he was in a... everconstant terrain that the gods pulled from at a similar speed that he was running, because it felt like he was dashing in place.
>>144318
Silver trots over with Jubee to the couch, and sits down with her to listen to the radio play.
Silver trots over with Jubee to the couch, and sits down with her to listen to the radio play.
>>144319
Sometime passes. It feels like half an hour, but maybe it was one minute. Time doesn't really seem to pass normally. White Sands leads them into a building, then into a room and shuts a door.
>>144320
So it sounds like there is this guy who is trying to hide a trained manticore he took from a... managerie? A circus act? It's kind of hard to tell, but some rich guy. And this guy is a business partner of the husband so the wife doesn't want the information to come to life, but she also doesn't want him to know, or anyone, really, because of how obviously illegal this is. So they are trying to hide it in a room, but then the husband comes in and they have to pass off the manticore as a foreign exchange student that the wife is giving piano lessons. And the only sounds the Manticore can get out is "Roo" so the Husband thinks the Manticore is a foriegn exchange student named "Rue."
At least that is what Silver can discern so far
Sometime passes. It feels like half an hour, but maybe it was one minute. Time doesn't really seem to pass normally. White Sands leads them into a building, then into a room and shuts a door.
>>144320
So it sounds like there is this guy who is trying to hide a trained manticore he took from a... managerie? A circus act? It's kind of hard to tell, but some rich guy. And this guy is a business partner of the husband so the wife doesn't want the information to come to life, but she also doesn't want him to know, or anyone, really, because of how obviously illegal this is. So they are trying to hide it in a room, but then the husband comes in and they have to pass off the manticore as a foreign exchange student that the wife is giving piano lessons. And the only sounds the Manticore can get out is "Roo" so the Husband thinks the Manticore is a foriegn exchange student named "Rue."
At least that is what Silver can discern so far
>>144321
Iron kept running towards... somewhere, unsure if he should still do so, considering the abnormal circumstances...
...Sands could stop him from running further if she wanted to, right?
Iron kept running towards... somewhere, unsure if he should still do so, considering the abnormal circumstances...
...Sands could stop him from running further if she wanted to, right?
>>144323
Thus, Iron crashes facefirst into a wall in his drug-induced, animalistic panic, hopefully without going into a coma or becoming unconscious.
Thus, Iron crashes facefirst into a wall in his drug-induced, animalistic panic, hopefully without going into a coma or becoming unconscious.
>>144330
They are looking for... Gasp! The missing Manticore! Shame no one has seen it. But they will stay for tea, however. Anyways, the guests want to know more about Rue's homeland
>>144331
Iron wakes up after some time, in severe pain, and feeling weak.
Actually he feels better than he did a couple days ago, to be honest
They are looking for... Gasp! The missing Manticore! Shame no one has seen it. But they will stay for tea, however. Anyways, the guests want to know more about Rue's homeland
>>144331
Iron wakes up after some time, in severe pain, and feeling weak.
Actually he feels better than he did a couple days ago, to be honest
>>144332
Iron groaned softly, his legs twitching softly in wherever he was right about now. Honestly, the pain served to wash away some of his shortcomings as he couldn't quite focus on them just yet.
(This is awful...) he grumbled in his head, with tempered anger.
Iron groaned softly, his legs twitching softly in wherever he was right about now. Honestly, the pain served to wash away some of his shortcomings as he couldn't quite focus on them just yet.
(This is awful...) he grumbled in his head, with tempered anger.
>>144334
Rue is reticent to talk about his homeland, though it seems there may be a communication barrier.
Then things come to a true head when the rich pony who owns the Manticore enters, evidently following the police there.
>>144333
There's a sensation of burning, as it seems White Sands - bandaged herself - has placed bandages on Iron
Rue is reticent to talk about his homeland, though it seems there may be a communication barrier.
Then things come to a true head when the rich pony who owns the Manticore enters, evidently following the police there.
>>144333
There's a sensation of burning, as it seems White Sands - bandaged herself - has placed bandages on Iron
>>144335
Iron simply sighed soon after, being reminded once again of his failure to keep his word, simply staying silent with a dejected, shamed demeanor while staring at the floor.
Iron simply sighed soon after, being reminded once again of his failure to keep his word, simply staying silent with a dejected, shamed demeanor while staring at the floor.
>>144337
The unicorn immediately accuses Rue of being the missing Manticore, to which the mare has to explain that the owner is simply ignorant of griffyaks and really should apologize for his insensitivity. A loud argument breaks out, with the police and the husband not knowing who to believe. The husband in particular is concerned about possible deception.
>>144336
He may as well, feeling as weak as he does.
Sands says nothing at the moment
The unicorn immediately accuses Rue of being the missing Manticore, to which the mare has to explain that the owner is simply ignorant of griffyaks and really should apologize for his insensitivity. A loud argument breaks out, with the police and the husband not knowing who to believe. The husband in particular is concerned about possible deception.
>>144336
He may as well, feeling as weak as he does.
Sands says nothing at the moment
>>144338
Thus, only his thoughts made him company while laying on the floor with a vacant look on his eyes.
Not only did he fail to take out the exemplary bull that would've sent the message of not messing on Waterfront's turf, he had to be saved by the mare he was supposed to show how reliable this is...
It won't be long before they try and send assassin squads, scouring around the city with the minotaur at the front, looking for them to finish the job. Sure, he may have had pretended to be some disgruntled lover, but soon, the pieces will fall together and the many gang members will realize what his role actually was. They were going to be persecuted for as long as they remained here the moment they find out.
A big failure all around... and condemning White Sands to die or flee due to his incompetence.
Thus, only his thoughts made him company while laying on the floor with a vacant look on his eyes.
Not only did he fail to take out the exemplary bull that would've sent the message of not messing on Waterfront's turf, he had to be saved by the mare he was supposed to show how reliable this is...
It won't be long before they try and send assassin squads, scouring around the city with the minotaur at the front, looking for them to finish the job. Sure, he may have had pretended to be some disgruntled lover, but soon, the pieces will fall together and the many gang members will realize what his role actually was. They were going to be persecuted for as long as they remained here the moment they find out.
A big failure all around... and condemning White Sands to die or flee due to his incompetence.
>>144339
>>144337
But as the unicorn owner goes forward to definitively prove that Rue is actually a manticore, there is a new development:
The husband accuses the wife and the business partner of conducting an affair. He's noticed the two being around either other a lot lately, trying to lock doors, and always seeming like they are hiding something. They both immediately deny this, but the argument stops the unicorn's efforts to uncover Rue's true identity
>>144340
Now she speaks
"I told you they were dangerous."
>>144337
But as the unicorn owner goes forward to definitively prove that Rue is actually a manticore, there is a new development:
The husband accuses the wife and the business partner of conducting an affair. He's noticed the two being around either other a lot lately, trying to lock doors, and always seeming like they are hiding something. They both immediately deny this, but the argument stops the unicorn's efforts to uncover Rue's true identity
>>144340
Now she speaks
"I told you they were dangerous."
>>144343
>>144342
"Now they will try to find us" she says
>>144344
The confrontation heats up, with the husband standing up against the business partner, and the unicorn against Rue. With the husband yelling at the partner, the unicorn makes a run for Rue, but collides with the business partner. They both fall to the ground...
To show a marking on the leg of the Unicorn. The police immediately recognize the marking as a scar belonging to a dangerous sorcerer who is known to use animals as puppets for attacks. He got in a confrontation with Imperial Guard and escaped, but was wounded in the attack, hence the scar
>>144342
"Now they will try to find us" she says
>>144344
The confrontation heats up, with the husband standing up against the business partner, and the unicorn against Rue. With the husband yelling at the partner, the unicorn makes a run for Rue, but collides with the business partner. They both fall to the ground...
To show a marking on the leg of the Unicorn. The police immediately recognize the marking as a scar belonging to a dangerous sorcerer who is known to use animals as puppets for attacks. He got in a confrontation with Imperial Guard and escaped, but was wounded in the attack, hence the scar
>>144346
The room is kind of hard to identify. It looks like the back room of a commercial establishment. At least there is a couch, which Iron is laying on.
"Where shall we go tonight?" she asks
The room is kind of hard to identify. It looks like the back room of a commercial establishment. At least there is a couch, which Iron is laying on.
"Where shall we go tonight?" she asks
>>144347
"Someplace that heals me," Iron replied in a monotone, somewhat tired voice. "Cannot complete mission like this."
"Someplace that heals me," Iron replied in a monotone, somewhat tired voice. "Cannot complete mission like this."
>>144348
The sorcerer quickly uses spells to immobilize both police officers. At this time, the parents - who have tried to stay off to the side of the room - admit to not liking the wife's piano lessons, playing, or even griffyaks. This distracts the sorcerer for long enough for the business partner to tackle the sorcerer to the ground. This works, until the sorcerer gets far away enough to use his horn on the business partner. But the sorcerer is immediately pawed and smashed down by Rue's paws, knocking him out
The sorcerer quickly uses spells to immobilize both police officers. At this time, the parents - who have tried to stay off to the side of the room - admit to not liking the wife's piano lessons, playing, or even griffyaks. This distracts the sorcerer for long enough for the business partner to tackle the sorcerer to the ground. This works, until the sorcerer gets far away enough to use his horn on the business partner. But the sorcerer is immediately pawed and smashed down by Rue's paws, knocking him out
>>144349
"No. You cannot. I don't know that you can complete it at all now. You need a hospital." she says
"No. You cannot. I don't know that you can complete it at all now. You need a hospital." she says
>>144351
"All I need is to send those killsquads with a kick in their flanks back to their chieftains," Iron mumbled, looking for an exit to drag himself out of. "All I need... is a revitalizer. An invirgorator..."
"All I need is to send those killsquads with a kick in their flanks back to their chieftains," Iron mumbled, looking for an exit to drag himself out of. "All I need... is a revitalizer. An invirgorator..."
>>144352
The sorcerer is knocked out, and when the police are released from their magical hold, take the sorcerer into custody. The parents are awkward, both because of the fight and their words about their daughter's chosen hobby.
Although the mare and the business partner wait until the police leave, they come clean. They explain that Rue is actually a manticore they have been hiding. The parents seem to believe it, but admit they couldn't tell the difference between a forest monster and a foreign creature anyways. They leave. The husband, however, does not believe this story at all, and seems to believe this is a crazy story to cover up an affair. With uncertainty, he leaves the room. The business partner and the mare collapse onto the couch, while Rue curls up and goes to sleep.
fin
>>144353
"You'll need a lot of revitalizers" she says
The sorcerer is knocked out, and when the police are released from their magical hold, take the sorcerer into custody. The parents are awkward, both because of the fight and their words about their daughter's chosen hobby.
Although the mare and the business partner wait until the police leave, they come clean. They explain that Rue is actually a manticore they have been hiding. The parents seem to believe it, but admit they couldn't tell the difference between a forest monster and a foreign creature anyways. They leave. The husband, however, does not believe this story at all, and seems to believe this is a crazy story to cover up an affair. With uncertainty, he leaves the room. The business partner and the mare collapse onto the couch, while Rue curls up and goes to sleep.
fin
>>144353
"You'll need a lot of revitalizers" she says
>>144354
"I know," Iron breathed out, starting his tentative walk towards somewhere where he could look at outside, or another room elsewhere. Basically anything that could possibly try to get him out of this debilitating state and into action once again.
"I know," Iron breathed out, starting his tentative walk towards somewhere where he could look at outside, or another room elsewhere. Basically anything that could possibly try to get him out of this debilitating state and into action once again.
>>144357
"I will not find the revitalizers in here," Iron answered, opting to shamble to the blinds in order to see any spots where he could get the treatments he needs right about now.
"I will not find the revitalizers in here," Iron answered, opting to shamble to the blinds in order to see any spots where he could get the treatments he needs right about now.
>>144357
"If this is what it is like listening to radio play, imagine what it is like watching movie..."
"If this is what it is like listening to radio play, imagine what it is like watching movie..."
>>144360
"She can, yes," Iron nods softly, his extended foreleg shaking the slightest bit as he kept himself from opening the blinds. "She knows a healer and is also a healer in her own right."
"She can, yes," Iron nods softly, his extended foreleg shaking the slightest bit as he kept himself from opening the blinds. "She knows a healer and is also a healer in her own right."
>>144363
"Have a route to take?" Iron humored, not wanting to get Sands too worried and get himself killed without even downing one extra griffon.
"Have a route to take?" Iron humored, not wanting to get Sands too worried and get himself killed without even downing one extra griffon.
>>144366
"Walking," Iron mumbled, thinking through the pain "If you can somehow change your appearance right now, you can cover me in a blanket and escort me out of town."
"Walking," Iron mumbled, thinking through the pain "If you can somehow change your appearance right now, you can cover me in a blanket and escort me out of town."
>>144369
"It might be the only way, as far as I know," Iron lazily replied before shambling over towards Sands. "Maybe one of those metal things that go vroom vroom could work."
"It might be the only way, as far as I know," Iron lazily replied before shambling over towards Sands. "Maybe one of those metal things that go vroom vroom could work."
>>144372
He had some, although compared to the last time Iron had any money (4500 bits plus loot) and passed it all to Cauldron in order to boost her spending captial and start up her business, it was about... 350 bits, after considering the payments to the hotel.
He had some, although compared to the last time Iron had any money (4500 bits plus loot) and passed it all to Cauldron in order to boost her spending captial and start up her business, it was about... 350 bits, after considering the payments to the hotel.
>>144377
“That’s enough” she says
“There’s sure to be a doctor in town, but I’d rather leave. They may be searching for doctors.”
“That’s enough” she says
“There’s sure to be a doctor in town, but I’d rather leave. They may be searching for doctors.”
>>144376
"His name is Paper Clipping. He was foalnapped by traffickers in New Mareland trying to dodge draft and avoid fighting in its foreign wars. He is nice stallion, you might like him."
"His name is Paper Clipping. He was foalnapped by traffickers in New Mareland trying to dodge draft and avoid fighting in its foreign wars. He is nice stallion, you might like him."
>>144389
Iron nodded, starting to walk towards the door, fully trusting Sands to properly guide him to safety, even if deep down, he wished to have died the moment she intervened in his duel with Koptis.
(...Is it bad to resent somepony for saving my life?) he absent-mindedly thought, looking pensive in his tired, pained demeanor.
Iron nodded, starting to walk towards the door, fully trusting Sands to properly guide him to safety, even if deep down, he wished to have died the moment she intervened in his duel with Koptis.
(...Is it bad to resent somepony for saving my life?) he absent-mindedly thought, looking pensive in his tired, pained demeanor.
>>144392
"Easy enough," Irom mumbled, shambling over said bed and looking for the covers to hide himself under.
"Easy enough," Irom mumbled, shambling over said bed and looking for the covers to hide himself under.
>>144394
It takes a moment, but Clip is outside by the water
Khoi can be found in the little section under the house, with bedsheets
>>144393
He places the cover over himself and settles in. It's a long drive, and the truck starts and stops at many points. Iron may be curious to get up and look out. Or he may fall asleep - which is more likely considering his poor condition at the moment.
After a significant time, the truck stops, and iron hears the sound,
"Iron. We are here."
It takes a moment, but Clip is outside by the water
Khoi can be found in the little section under the house, with bedsheets
>>144393
He places the cover over himself and settles in. It's a long drive, and the truck starts and stops at many points. Iron may be curious to get up and look out. Or he may fall asleep - which is more likely considering his poor condition at the moment.
After a significant time, the truck stops, and iron hears the sound,
"Iron. We are here."
>>144395
He definitely fell asleep: He had lost curiosity when failing at what he supposedly does best.
Iron didn't bother to get out of the bed just yet, instead asking where they were.
He definitely fell asleep: He had lost curiosity when failing at what he supposedly does best.
Iron didn't bother to get out of the bed just yet, instead asking where they were.
>>144395
Silver trots up to Clip.
"Hello Clip, I wanted to introduce you to Jubilosa. Jubilosa, this is Paper Clipping."
Silver trots up to Clip.
"Hello Clip, I wanted to introduce you to Jubilosa. Jubilosa, this is Paper Clipping."
>>144398
Iron did so, which soon turned him pensive. "...should we let you-know-who know about our progress so far?" he insinuated, mostly regarding the mademare they took the contract up for.
Otherwise, he'd stand up and slowly hobble off the truck to allow it to drive off without much of a hassle.
Iron did so, which soon turned him pensive. "...should we let you-know-who know about our progress so far?" he insinuated, mostly regarding the mademare they took the contract up for.
Otherwise, he'd stand up and slowly hobble off the truck to allow it to drive off without much of a hassle.
>>144399
“Saint Germane? Only if she will find out first.”
Iron does do, and Iron can see that Sands hoofs some coins to the driver.
“Saint Germane? Only if she will find out first.”
Iron does do, and Iron can see that Sands hoofs some coins to the driver.
>>144400
"I do not get it," Iron remarked, softly shaking his head as shuffled over towards the apartment's entrance.
"I do not get it," Iron remarked, softly shaking his head as shuffled over towards the apartment's entrance.
>>144401
“What do you not get? You tried to stealthily go in and take on the vanguard of an arriving invasion of very dangerous criminals. That didn’t work. Now they know who you are, or at least, they are aware that someone is challenging them. Saint Germans might be very angry or entirely unsurprised, but it won’t be the same as returning having solved the problem.”
“What do you not get? You tried to stealthily go in and take on the vanguard of an arriving invasion of very dangerous criminals. That didn’t work. Now they know who you are, or at least, they are aware that someone is challenging them. Saint Germans might be very angry or entirely unsurprised, but it won’t be the same as returning having solved the problem.”
>>144402
Iron huffed softly, feeling the metaphorical lemon being squeezed into his wounded ego.
"What about all the work we did previously?" he questioned as he hopefully arrived at the door without any sort of roadblocks in his way. "I am sure the accountant knows the Waterfront Gang is watching them because of his testimony, right?"
Iron huffed softly, feeling the metaphorical lemon being squeezed into his wounded ego.
"What about all the work we did previously?" he questioned as he hopefully arrived at the door without any sort of roadblocks in his way. "I am sure the accountant knows the Waterfront Gang is watching them because of his testimony, right?"
>>144405
"I can beat their sorry flanks back with my full strength," Iron dismissed somewhat with a heavy step, appraising his weakened body. "It it a matter of how fast I can heal."
"I can beat their sorry flanks back with my full strength," Iron dismissed somewhat with a heavy step, appraising his weakened body. "It it a matter of how fast I can heal."
>>144410
"If they know I am dangerous and have managed to take down an entire establishment on my lonesome," Iron argued, still tired, but passionate enough about knowing all his labor had some sort of payoff "then they will surely not want to find out if there are more of me."
Nonetheless, he shook his head, still kicking himself for his loss.
"If they know I am dangerous and have managed to take down an entire establishment on my lonesome," Iron argued, still tired, but passionate enough about knowing all his labor had some sort of payoff "then they will surely not want to find out if there are more of me."
Nonetheless, he shook his head, still kicking himself for his loss.
>>144416
Iron didn't quite get it, but that may be due to the debilitated state he was in.
Therefore, he kept moving towards the one that can make his physical and emotional pain go away.
Iron didn't quite get it, but that may be due to the debilitated state he was in.
Therefore, he kept moving towards the one that can make his physical and emotional pain go away.
hopes to continue with the cute stallion
>>144423
Silver enters first, and shows off the living room to the colt.
"Here is living room, nice and spacious with TV and radio for entertainment. Off to side you will find bar, kitchen, and dining area."
Silver enters first, and shows off the living room to the colt.
"Here is living room, nice and spacious with TV and radio for entertainment. Off to side you will find bar, kitchen, and dining area."
>>144424
He walks, almost cautiously into the entrance, looking up and down
"Woah."
He stops to take extra time to look at the taxidermied... Leopard? The one that stands on the left side of the hallway, opposite the stairs and near the radio and phonograph.
He walks, almost cautiously into the entrance, looking up and down
"Woah."
He stops to take extra time to look at the taxidermied... Leopard? The one that stands on the left side of the hallway, opposite the stairs and near the radio and phonograph.
>>144425
Silver looks with him.
"Bit of relic of when it was Maakie who lived here. I do not get it, myself."
Silver looks with him.
"Bit of relic of when it was Maakie who lived here. I do not get it, myself."
>>144426
“Odd tastes... I’m not sure what else I expected.” He comes further into the room, with Jubilosa following behind. He takes a careful look at the radio, and the other items like model ships.
“Odd tastes... I’m not sure what else I expected.” He comes further into the room, with Jubilosa following behind. He takes a careful look at the radio, and the other items like model ships.
>>144427
Silver looks at Jubilosa.
"What do you think of all of these taxidermied animals around house, by way?"
Silver looks at Jubilosa.
"What do you think of all of these taxidermied animals around house, by way?"
>>144429
Silver nods, and smiles at her.
"I am bit ambivalent towards them, so it is nice to hear others opinions on them."
He returns to seeing what Clip is doing.
Silver nods, and smiles at her.
"I am bit ambivalent towards them, so it is nice to hear others opinions on them."
He returns to seeing what Clip is doing.
>>144432
Paper Clipping moves back quickly as the black screen becomes moving images of black and white. A high pitched sound emanates, replaced by static, and then a pony voice.
Paper Clipping moves back quickly as the black screen becomes moving images of black and white. A high pitched sound emanates, replaced by static, and then a pony voice.
>>144434
It looks to be multiple clips, each some seconds long, of what seems to be an aerial view over modern warships with bridges, guns, and conning towers. More than that, the source of the images dive, tilt, or shoot white tracers, or even pairs of black smoke trails in the directions of the ships. Sometimes the ships are stationary, with scenes of dry docks around them. Sometimes they move with white steam coming from the stacks, and curved trails of foam n the water behind them. And some smoke with great stacks of black from the hull. Airplane and machine gun sounds overlay the images, along with the voice of a narrating pony
It looks to be multiple clips, each some seconds long, of what seems to be an aerial view over modern warships with bridges, guns, and conning towers. More than that, the source of the images dive, tilt, or shoot white tracers, or even pairs of black smoke trails in the directions of the ships. Sometimes the ships are stationary, with scenes of dry docks around them. Sometimes they move with white steam coming from the stacks, and curved trails of foam n the water behind them. And some smoke with great stacks of black from the hull. Airplane and machine gun sounds overlay the images, along with the voice of a narrating pony
>>144436
The voice over fills in this detail:
“Our colts and fillies in the ‘Flying Pigs’ squadron carry out the attack on Aquellia harbor. The Liberté Chérie long wounded by our planes in the Freeside Gulf, and dragged into harbor for repairs, is sunk outside its dry dock. Its reign of terror is at an end, thanks to the Republican Air Force.”
The voice over fills in this detail:
“Our colts and fillies in the ‘Flying Pigs’ squadron carry out the attack on Aquellia harbor. The Liberté Chérie long wounded by our planes in the Freeside Gulf, and dragged into harbor for repairs, is sunk outside its dry dock. Its reign of terror is at an end, thanks to the Republican Air Force.”
>>144437
"Ah, Aquileia. It is rather sad I do not automatically know what war New Mareland is fighting anymore, by my count I think they may be in...what, two, three?"
"Ah, Aquileia. It is rather sad I do not automatically know what war New Mareland is fighting anymore, by my count I think they may be in...what, two, three?"
>>144439
"Indeed it seems. Under normal conditions I would say it is duty of nation's citizens to come to its defense, but it is also duty of nation's leaders to avoid war where possible and keep their citizens safe. I can not blame you for making to leave New Mareland, this is ridiculous."
"Indeed it seems. Under normal conditions I would say it is duty of nation's citizens to come to its defense, but it is also duty of nation's leaders to avoid war where possible and keep their citizens safe. I can not blame you for making to leave New Mareland, this is ridiculous."
>>144440
“I know. Much of the male population has been drafted. The only way they keep the economy up is from what they loot from other nations.”
“I know. Much of the male population has been drafted. The only way they keep the economy up is from what they loot from other nations.”
>>144441
"I wonder how many stallions are being sent overseas, and how few will make it back home. It is like entire generation is being marched off to their death."
"I wonder how many stallions are being sent overseas, and how few will make it back home. It is like entire generation is being marched off to their death."
>>144442
“Exactly! It’s the acts of a few imperialists consolidating power over their own populations. I want no part of it.”
“Exactly! It’s the acts of a few imperialists consolidating power over their own populations. I want no part of it.”
[b]Blue Skies is still best pony
>>144445
He is pat, and sits down
“So, uh, what do you do? You say you don’t work for the police.”
He tilts his head
“Are you some kind of gangster?”
He is pat, and sits down
“So, uh, what do you do? You say you don’t work for the police.”
He tilts his head
“Are you some kind of gangster?”
>>144446
"Heh, not really. I like term 'Adventurer', but I suppose I am more of mercenary, even if it is dirty term for what I do. Khoi used word to describe kind of wandering knight in her homeland."
"Heh, not really. I like term 'Adventurer', but I suppose I am more of mercenary, even if it is dirty term for what I do. Khoi used word to describe kind of wandering knight in her homeland."
>>144452
"Well, since coming here I have been hired by development company to clear undead out of quarry, nun to rescue colts from politician's, uh...sex dungeon, and local government to clear traffickers from Hoebuck."
"Well, since coming here I have been hired by development company to clear undead out of quarry, nun to rescue colts from politician's, uh...sex dungeon, and local government to clear traffickers from Hoebuck."
>>144457
Silver nods.
"Risen by long dead necromancer. That nest was difficult as Tartarus to clear out, thank goodness there was unexploded bomb in quarry to blow them up to smitherines. As for sex dungeon...well, we were asked by local orphanage worker kirin nun called Sister Ash to help rescue two missing colts who were foalnapped from orphanage by local gang and sold off to local politician named Comte Burgher. We broke into his mansion, and inside hatch inside his pool house we found, well, sex dungeon, and imprisoned inside were two missing colts as well as two young foalnapped changeling drones. It was...horrifying sight."
Silver nods.
"Risen by long dead necromancer. That nest was difficult as Tartarus to clear out, thank goodness there was unexploded bomb in quarry to blow them up to smitherines. As for sex dungeon...well, we were asked by local orphanage worker kirin nun called Sister Ash to help rescue two missing colts who were foalnapped from orphanage by local gang and sold off to local politician named Comte Burgher. We broke into his mansion, and inside hatch inside his pool house we found, well, sex dungeon, and imprisoned inside were two missing colts as well as two young foalnapped changeling drones. It was...horrifying sight."
>>144460
With all this tension, I'm expecting this 'she' to try and shine a light into Amber's eyes and come out as some sort of undercover cop.
With all this tension, I'm expecting this 'she' to try and shine a light into Amber's eyes and come out as some sort of undercover cop.
>>144464
"Heh heh heh. Do you really think the police would be content to leave us who live by night alone? No. But you are thinking right. There will be the night shift, and there will be fewer of them. There are there mostly for emergencies, and they will not be expecting other business. And if you get there at just the right time, you will be there at the time the night shift expects their break."
"Heh heh heh. Do you really think the police would be content to leave us who live by night alone? No. But you are thinking right. There will be the night shift, and there will be fewer of them. There are there mostly for emergencies, and they will not be expecting other business. And if you get there at just the right time, you will be there at the time the night shift expects their break."
>>144465
"Um, is that important?" She seems uneasy in asking so many questions, as if the wrong one might set this mysterious mare off.
"Um, is that important?" She seems uneasy in asking so many questions, as if the wrong one might set this mysterious mare off.
>>144466
"Always better to deal with fewer police, and especially, to deal with disinterested officers. Officers who don't care to take to much notice of their surroundings." She says
"Always better to deal with fewer police, and especially, to deal with disinterested officers. Officers who don't care to take to much notice of their surroundings." She says
>>144467
"So they'll be friendlier?" Amber doesn't really know how to interpret what she said any other way.
"So they'll be friendlier?" Amber doesn't really know how to interpret what she said any other way.
>>144461
Silver sits down on the couch.
"There is not much more to tour, I am afraid. Upstairs are bedrooms for myself and Jubilosa, Khoi, and Mala, as well as two bathrooms. You are more than welcome to make yourself at home, Clip."
He pats the couch seat next to him as an invitation to sit down.
Silver sits down on the couch.
"There is not much more to tour, I am afraid. Upstairs are bedrooms for myself and Jubilosa, Khoi, and Mala, as well as two bathrooms. You are more than welcome to make yourself at home, Clip."
He pats the couch seat next to him as an invitation to sit down.
>>144470
"Where would I stay?"
He looks over at the couch, and pauses for a moment. There is a delay before he stands up, and moves over to the couch to sit down
"Where would I stay?"
He looks over at the couch, and pauses for a moment. There is a delay before he stands up, and moves over to the couch to sit down
>>144471
"You might have to be on couch tonight, unless you can convince someone here to let you bunk up with them. Tomorrow I will see about getting you proper bed or cot to sleep on."
He shifts his weight slightly from side to side on the couch.
"It is pretty comfy couch, though."
"You might have to be on couch tonight, unless you can convince someone here to let you bunk up with them. Tomorrow I will see about getting you proper bed or cot to sleep on."
He shifts his weight slightly from side to side on the couch.
"It is pretty comfy couch, though."
>>144417
A change in this scene from what was previously stated:
The alleged ponies are now at "The Watering Hole," rather than at Cauldron's apartment.
All the same, White Sands looks over the seriously wounded Iron
>>144472
She continues
"Your task is fairly straight forward. Go to the second floor, down the long hallway to Investigations. Go past that to the evidence room. There, a pony named Red Scabbard will meet you, and you will give him a slip of paper. He will return an object to you, and you leave."
>>144473
"Uh, alright"
He presses down on the couch himself
"I hope this works with my chest."
A change in this scene from what was previously stated:
The alleged ponies are now at "The Watering Hole," rather than at Cauldron's apartment.
All the same, White Sands looks over the seriously wounded Iron
>>144472
She continues
"Your task is fairly straight forward. Go to the second floor, down the long hallway to Investigations. Go past that to the evidence room. There, a pony named Red Scabbard will meet you, and you will give him a slip of paper. He will return an object to you, and you leave."
>>144473
"Uh, alright"
He presses down on the couch himself
"I hope this works with my chest."
>>144474
Heh
Said stallion didn't utter a word as he slowly walked towards the main entrance, ready to simply sit down and let Cauldron find them: Even though he didn't want to be a nuisance to anypony else right now, he understood he needed the treatment to get back to work as soon as he was able.
(It would not sting this bad if Sands left me to that bull's mercy,) he told himself, kicking himself while he's down in the dumps.
Heh
Said stallion didn't utter a word as he slowly walked towards the main entrance, ready to simply sit down and let Cauldron find them: Even though he didn't want to be a nuisance to anypony else right now, he understood he needed the treatment to get back to work as soon as he was able.
(It would not sting this bad if Sands left me to that bull's mercy,) he told himself, kicking himself while he's down in the dumps.
>>144474
She mentally makes a note of it. "Oh, that sounds pretty easy. I can definitely do that."
Phew, for a moment I thought she wanted me to kill somepony like in a crime novella. This doesn't sound wrong at all.
She mentally makes a note of it. "Oh, that sounds pretty easy. I can definitely do that."
Phew, for a moment I thought she wanted me to kill somepony like in a crime novella. This doesn't sound wrong at all.
>>144474
"As long as you do not roll over onto your chest, it should be okay. If there is anything I can do to help, as well, let me know."
"As long as you do not roll over onto your chest, it should be okay. If there is anything I can do to help, as well, let me know."
>>144475
Sands is not finished, trying to cover and hide her wounds, going inside, and going to the driver of the truck.
After a minute or so, a big grey diamond dog appears, looming over the bed of the truck and looking down on Iron
>>144476
She smiles in her strange kind of way again, saying
"Heh. Not so easy. That area is for detectives only. And the less any pony we can name is involved, the better. Here. You may need this."
She opens her left wing to pull out a device that even Amber can recognize: a short, grey steel barrel, a grey revolving cylinder, and a wood gripped handle that is swept back. A gun.
>>144477
"Uh, sure." He says
"When I think of something."
Sands is not finished, trying to cover and hide her wounds, going inside, and going to the driver of the truck.
After a minute or so, a big grey diamond dog appears, looming over the bed of the truck and looking down on Iron
>>144476
She smiles in her strange kind of way again, saying
"Heh. Not so easy. That area is for detectives only. And the less any pony we can name is involved, the better. Here. You may need this."
She opens her left wing to pull out a device that even Amber can recognize: a short, grey steel barrel, a grey revolving cylinder, and a wood gripped handle that is swept back. A gun.
>>144477
"Uh, sure." He says
"When I think of something."
>>144478
Iron simply stared at the dog vacantly, mostly to focus on anything else that wasn't the catastrophe he's now in.
He didn't make any effort to hide his own bandaged wounds, or even make a single move, waiting for Sands to get ready to go into the Hole.
Iron simply stared at the dog vacantly, mostly to focus on anything else that wasn't the catastrophe he's now in.
He didn't make any effort to hide his own bandaged wounds, or even make a single move, waiting for Sands to get ready to go into the Hole.
>>144478
Her eyes widen at the sight of this hardware. She doesn't reach out to take it. "Um, I'd prefer to sneak in if I could..."
Her eyes widen at the sight of this hardware. She doesn't reach out to take it. "Um, I'd prefer to sneak in if I could..."
>>144481
Peculiar to see such a contrast between the voice and the body, as well as their instant cooperation. One of Cauldron's friends?
The stallion nodded slowly, draping the cover onto his back and adjusting it to fit on his head as well. He had to force his hair down for it, however.
Without a word, the wounded Native shabbled inside where the dog told him to go.
Peculiar to see such a contrast between the voice and the body, as well as their instant cooperation. One of Cauldron's friends?
The stallion nodded slowly, draping the cover onto his back and adjusting it to fit on his head as well. He had to force his hair down for it, however.
Without a word, the wounded Native shabbled inside where the dog told him to go.
>>144482
[1d3 = 3]
>>144483
"Ha! If you can manage it, then do it. But I think it will be easier if you were, say, going to the police station for the purpose of turning in evidence from a recent shooting. And if you needed to speak with a certain detective. Or even if you just need to turn in an illegal firearm."
>>144484
The Diamond Dog walks ahead of Iron, who evidently pulls himself out of the back of the truck and into the bar. There is a moderate crowd of ponies at this time of day. Not that many, but a few.
"Go to the room upstairs."
[1d3 = 3]
>>144483
"Ha! If you can manage it, then do it. But I think it will be easier if you were, say, going to the police station for the purpose of turning in evidence from a recent shooting. And if you needed to speak with a certain detective. Or even if you just need to turn in an illegal firearm."
>>144484
The Diamond Dog walks ahead of Iron, who evidently pulls himself out of the back of the truck and into the bar. There is a moderate crowd of ponies at this time of day. Not that many, but a few.
"Go to the room upstairs."
>>144485
Iron did as directed without question, wearily walking towards the stairs to see just what was waiting for him there.
Did Cauldron have any dog friends? He should probably ask that when he gets there... after explaining what happened to him.
Iron did as directed without question, wearily walking towards the stairs to see just what was waiting for him there.
Did Cauldron have any dog friends? He should probably ask that when he gets there... after explaining what happened to him.
>>144485
She breathes a sigh of relief, even laughing involuntarily a bit. "Oh, thank Celestia...you're right, that's a much smarter way to go about it."
She breathes a sigh of relief, even laughing involuntarily a bit. "Oh, thank Celestia...you're right, that's a much smarter way to go about it."
>>144487
Her expression becomes more serious
“But if hardly a subtle way to enter. These weapons are illegal for civilian possession, at least in most cases, anywhere in Baltimare. When you try to enter, they will search you. Or at least, they should search you, if they know what is good for them. And when they know you have that on you, you will be the most interesting thing in the building at that time.”
>>144485
>>144482
“You don’t have any more faith in me than the police do, do you?”
>>144486
The Diamond Dog leads Iron upstairs, and leaves. Then hire Sands, with serious expression and serious sounds enters.
Behind her, comes Black Cauldron clopping up the stairs
“Iron! Are you hurt?!”
Her expression becomes more serious
“But if hardly a subtle way to enter. These weapons are illegal for civilian possession, at least in most cases, anywhere in Baltimare. When you try to enter, they will search you. Or at least, they should search you, if they know what is good for them. And when they know you have that on you, you will be the most interesting thing in the building at that time.”
>>144485
>>144482
“You don’t have any more faith in me than the police do, do you?”
>>144486
The Diamond Dog leads Iron upstairs, and leaves. Then hire Sands, with serious expression and serious sounds enters.
Behind her, comes Black Cauldron clopping up the stairs
“Iron! Are you hurt?!”
>>144488
The bigger unicorn gives him a look of utter confusion.
"What? No, no, it is just that I have not really known anypony who was, well, homosexual before, at least that I know of. It has always been this distant, exotic thing and I am bit curious to hear what it is like from somepony who is actually homosexual."
The bigger unicorn gives him a look of utter confusion.
"What? No, no, it is just that I have not really known anypony who was, well, homosexual before, at least that I know of. It has always been this distant, exotic thing and I am bit curious to hear what it is like from somepony who is actually homosexual."
>>144488
"Yeah..." Iron muttered, averting his gaze and instead looking at this room's wooden floor. He soon found himself lost himself in thought at just how many events did these floorboards ever got to witness above them, like spectators in a sparring area...
"Yeah..." Iron muttered, averting his gaze and instead looking at this room's wooden floor. He soon found himself lost himself in thought at just how many events did these floorboards ever got to witness above them, like spectators in a sparring area...
>>144490
She moves past Sands, and around Iron, looking at him
"You got stabbed again? And shot?! Iron, what did you do?"
>>144489
"Don't you understand? I didn't do it. I've never.. done it. I.. I wanted to. I tried to. There was some.. touching. I would have done it, if things were different, but... no. I've never done it."
>>144491
She nods, with a comparatively normal smile
"And now you are beginning to understand."
She moves past Sands, and around Iron, looking at him
"You got stabbed again? And shot?! Iron, what did you do?"
>>144489
"Don't you understand? I didn't do it. I've never.. done it. I.. I wanted to. I tried to. There was some.. touching. I would have done it, if things were different, but... no. I've never done it."
>>144491
She nods, with a comparatively normal smile
"And now you are beginning to understand."
>>144492
Amber still looks slightly uneasy but she nods. "I should be able to do it. And you want this errand done...now?"
Amber still looks slightly uneasy but she nods. "I should be able to do it. And you want this errand done...now?"
>>144492
"I tried to run an... errand for a mademare," Iron vaguely answered, not daring to look at Cauldron in the eyes. "It... did not go well."
Deep down, his heart tore itself apart at seeing the mare trot up to him, looking at him all over. All this worry he's causing her and nothing to show for it...
"I tried to run an... errand for a mademare," Iron vaguely answered, not daring to look at Cauldron in the eyes. "It... did not go well."
Deep down, his heart tore itself apart at seeing the mare trot up to him, looking at him all over. All this worry he's causing her and nothing to show for it...
>>144496
Iron couldn't help but blush slightly, feeling just the tiniest bit ashamed to reveal just what he was up to.
"I w-was trying to get you the supply route you need for your potion selling business," he hesitantly admitted, the remains of his bravado completely shredded by this point.
Iron couldn't help but blush slightly, feeling just the tiniest bit ashamed to reveal just what he was up to.
"I w-was trying to get you the supply route you need for your potion selling business," he hesitantly admitted, the remains of his bravado completely shredded by this point.
>>144496
"I think it would be better if I do it now, so I don't have it pressing on my mind all night."
I hope my tiredness doesn't trip me up, have I ever been up this late before?
"I think it would be better if I do it now, so I don't have it pressing on my mind all night."
I hope my tiredness doesn't trip me up, have I ever been up this late before?
>>144500
She gingerly picks up the revolver by the cylinder and puts it beneath her cloak. "Where do I need to head to? Is there anything else I need?"
She gingerly picks up the revolver by the cylinder and puts it beneath her cloak. "Where do I need to head to? Is there anything else I need?"
>>144504
"I understand why. I'll ask if I can submit the revolver as evidence for a shooting that happened a few days ago." She thinks for a moment. "Would what happened at a place called 'Hoebuck' be suitable? I could say I found the gun near there."
"I understand why. I'll ask if I can submit the revolver as evidence for a shooting that happened a few days ago." She thinks for a moment. "Would what happened at a place called 'Hoebuck' be suitable? I could say I found the gun near there."
>>144504
"No!" Iron quickly replied, eyes widening at the misunderstanding as fast as a heavily injured pony could do before waving his forelegs in absolute denial. "I could not complete the errand just yet!"
"No!" Iron quickly replied, eyes widening at the misunderstanding as fast as a heavily injured pony could do before waving his forelegs in absolute denial. "I could not complete the errand just yet!"
>>144511
Silver looks fairly clueless. He looks at Clip, slowly figuring it out.
"Is...is it small? And that is not what could get in?"
He whispers to him.
"You know, your stallionhood?"
Silver looks fairly clueless. He looks at Clip, slowly figuring it out.
"Is...is it small? And that is not what could get in?"
He whispers to him.
"You know, your stallionhood?"
>>144511
"I-I beat up many birds in North Point," Iron finally admitted, ears drooping at the reminder "t-then I got into a fight with a minotaur."
"I-I beat up many birds in North Point," Iron finally admitted, ears drooping at the reminder "t-then I got into a fight with a minotaur."
>>144519
"I was trying to scare a gang into being cordial with the Waterfront Gang," Iron confessed, now starting to fiddle the wood with the tip of his hoof. "T-That was the errand."
"I was trying to scare a gang into being cordial with the Waterfront Gang," Iron confessed, now starting to fiddle the wood with the tip of his hoof. "T-That was the errand."
>>144523
Amber thanks her, asks for directions to get to the police station, makes sure he has the paper and revolver and sets out.
Amber thanks her, asks for directions to get to the police station, makes sure he has the paper and revolver and sets out.
>>144523
"Yeah..." Iron muttered, twiddling his hooves while looking down at the ground. "The... Pasta family, that moved into North Point."
"Yeah..." Iron muttered, twiddling his hooves while looking down at the ground. "The... Pasta family, that moved into North Point."
>>144524
"It'll be on traveler street, right across 19th street from the Courthouse, the DA's Office, and the Jail. Near the river. In fact, if you went further down 19th street, you'd cross the river. Look for the Courthouse, it'll be on the corner opposite."
"It'll be on traveler street, right across 19th street from the Courthouse, the DA's Office, and the Jail. Near the river. In fact, if you went further down 19th street, you'd cross the river. Look for the Courthouse, it'll be on the corner opposite."
>>144528
Night~
"Oh, right," Iron muttered, taking a moment to remember the actual gang's name. "The... Gino...vici Family, I think they were."
He wasn't completely sure that was their name, but he was gonna roll with it regardless.
Night~
"Oh, right," Iron muttered, taking a moment to remember the actual gang's name. "The... Gino...vici Family, I think they were."
He wasn't completely sure that was their name, but he was gonna roll with it regardless.
>>144533
"So, how about other questions, then? What was your life like, back in New Mareland? Both before and after Black Hooves."
"So, how about other questions, then? What was your life like, back in New Mareland? Both before and after Black Hooves."
>>144533
Iron kept looking downcast with ears drooped to its fullest extent. "It was working," he muttered, trying to muster some sort of defense before immediately crumbing "...until I passed out."
Iron kept looking downcast with ears drooped to its fullest extent. "It was working," he muttered, trying to muster some sort of defense before immediately crumbing "...until I passed out."
>>144539
"I think so," Iron answered with a nod. "I have been told they have started to move into the place at a rapid pace."
"I think so," Iron answered with a nod. "I have been told they have started to move into the place at a rapid pace."
>>144541
"Uh..." Iron muttered, now feeling quite unsure about revealing such a thing, considering the circumstances. "Am I supposed to tell you right here, right now?"
"Uh..." Iron muttered, now feeling quite unsure about revealing such a thing, considering the circumstances. "Am I supposed to tell you right here, right now?"
>>144542
"Well, I would have to wonder. It'll be hard to keep this contained to one pony. And this could affect all of us."
"Well, I would have to wonder. It'll be hard to keep this contained to one pony. And this could affect all of us."
>>144543
Iron paused for a moment. Was he really going to blurt out such a big piece of information that might get Germane into trouble if any police authorities ever find out? Judging by Cauldron's questioning, she didn't seem to know which mademare would do such a thing, and that could very well be a red flag signalling she was some sort of undercover cop.
He needed something that could plausibly tell him this wasn't an elaborate scheme to get the police involved and get Germane into even more trouble.
"...I said it was a mademare," he replied, soon composing himself to see just what Cauldron would say.
Iron paused for a moment. Was he really going to blurt out such a big piece of information that might get Germane into trouble if any police authorities ever find out? Judging by Cauldron's questioning, she didn't seem to know which mademare would do such a thing, and that could very well be a red flag signalling she was some sort of undercover cop.
He needed something that could plausibly tell him this wasn't an elaborate scheme to get the police involved and get Germane into even more trouble.
"...I said it was a mademare," he replied, soon composing himself to see just what Cauldron would say.
>>144545
"Oh," Iron muttered, soon scratching his head. "Then I guess it was not approved by anypony."
"Oh," Iron muttered, soon scratching his head. "Then I guess it was not approved by anypony."
>>144547
Iron nodded, obviously agreeing with Cauldron's assessment, before slowly shrinking down, feeling his self-consciousness crawling back at the reminder.
Iron nodded, obviously agreeing with Cauldron's assessment, before slowly shrinking down, feeling his self-consciousness crawling back at the reminder.
>>144548
"Did you... tell them who sent you? Or who you were?" She asks, with an air of uncertainty. She moves her muzzle down, taking a close look at Iron's now mostly clotted wounds
"Did you... tell them who sent you? Or who you were?" She asks, with an air of uncertainty. She moves her muzzle down, taking a close look at Iron's now mostly clotted wounds
>>144549
"Nothing more than saying I am from the Waterfront Gang," Iron explained as Cauldron inspected his bruises, stabs, slices and bullet wounds covered in bandages "and here to... eh, display power... 'greet' them and not to mess with us."
The stallion sighed softly. "I have not killed anypony," he added.
"Nothing more than saying I am from the Waterfront Gang," Iron explained as Cauldron inspected his bruises, stabs, slices and bullet wounds covered in bandages "and here to... eh, display power... 'greet' them and not to mess with us."
The stallion sighed softly. "I have not killed anypony," he added.
>>144551
Iron shrunk even further at the pseudoyelling before groggily standing up, ready to be taken to the doctor pony.
"I feel like I have been played for some reason," he muttered in disbelief, not quite sure what to think after Cauldron revealed that his actions may have caused the start of a war. It might also be because he'd rather believe his loss was supposed to happen eventually rather than failing the wishes of the mademare that led him there.
Nontheless, the stallion was ready to slowly shamble towards the veterinarian and get himself patched up in order to be at his strongest state once this mess goes down: He'll have to make up for everypony that counted on him or die trying.
Iron shrunk even further at the pseudoyelling before groggily standing up, ready to be taken to the doctor pony.
"I feel like I have been played for some reason," he muttered in disbelief, not quite sure what to think after Cauldron revealed that his actions may have caused the start of a war. It might also be because he'd rather believe his loss was supposed to happen eventually rather than failing the wishes of the mademare that led him there.
Nontheless, the stallion was ready to slowly shamble towards the veterinarian and get himself patched up in order to be at his strongest state once this mess goes down: He'll have to make up for everypony that counted on him or die trying.
>>144552
"Okay. First, put this back on," She gives him the same coat.
"And we're taking you to the vet."
As she turns around, she takes notice of, and takes a good long look at White Sands, who stands behind her, also bloodied up
"Okay. First, put this back on," She gives him the same coat.
"And we're taking you to the vet."
As she turns around, she takes notice of, and takes a good long look at White Sands, who stands behind her, also bloodied up
>>144553
Iron, of course, doesn't want to explain that he inadvertedly dragged the other mare into this mess to the point of injuring herself for him. It gaped the already open wound wide open.
Thus, he simply stayed silent, slowly putting on the coat before following Cauldron's lead while keeping his head and gaze down at the floor.
Iron, of course, doesn't want to explain that he inadvertedly dragged the other mare into this mess to the point of injuring herself for him. It gaped the already open wound wide open.
Thus, he simply stayed silent, slowly putting on the coat before following Cauldron's lead while keeping his head and gaze down at the floor.
>>144558
Makade sits on the couch in a half scrunched expression, taking a moment before replying
"I'm glad you think so."
The doctor slowly eases up, and talks to Petal, who talks to him about, evidently, the availability of tea. Tea is served on the table before them - and between the Doctor, Makade, and Petal. Ply Press has retreated to the kitchen. Waabishki sits besides a couch, looking anxious and not focusing on anycreature in the room.
Giant flakes of snow hit against the window, and silently bounce off.
>>144559
Sands shrugs, and puts on a blanket. Black Cauldron and White Sands exchange a long glass, but this interaction is entirely wordless.
The group goes downstairs, and to a cart, which slowly takes them some number of blocks
Makade sits on the couch in a half scrunched expression, taking a moment before replying
"I'm glad you think so."
The doctor slowly eases up, and talks to Petal, who talks to him about, evidently, the availability of tea. Tea is served on the table before them - and between the Doctor, Makade, and Petal. Ply Press has retreated to the kitchen. Waabishki sits besides a couch, looking anxious and not focusing on anycreature in the room.
Giant flakes of snow hit against the window, and silently bounce off.
>>144559
Sands shrugs, and puts on a blanket. Black Cauldron and White Sands exchange a long glass, but this interaction is entirely wordless.
The group goes downstairs, and to a cart, which slowly takes them some number of blocks
>>144560
While Iron didn't quite like the cold atmosphere around all three, he didn't quite have the guts to start a conversation until some time had passed as the three sat on the cart: It's too early to be happy, and there's work to be done in the near future that required his utmost attention.
While Iron didn't quite like the cold atmosphere around all three, he didn't quite have the guts to start a conversation until some time had passed as the three sat on the cart: It's too early to be happy, and there's work to be done in the near future that required his utmost attention.
>>144561
They arrive
It's a familiar building, and Iron is greeted by a familiar orange unicorn
"So soon?" The unicorn says
They arrive
It's a familiar building, and Iron is greeted by a familiar orange unicorn
"So soon?" The unicorn says
>>144563
“Well, let’s see. There’s a stab wound right here. And here. And here.... That’s a set of stitches from... some other operation? And here we have a set of bird shot? I think. You’re lucky to have not drowned on your own blood. Here, let me take your blood pressure.” He places a ring around Iron’s let, and does some kind of test
“Wow. You’ve lost a lot of blood. Can’t say I’m surprised, but I am surprised you’re still conscious after that. Here let me put in an IV.”
He stick s needle into Iron’s leg. It’s kind of painful and intrusive, but it’s frankly far from the most intrusive thing that’s happened to Iron all day. He also takes a needle and removes blood. Over the course of the next several minutes, Iron permitting, he adds plasma, then dried blood, then cleans wounds, then carefully runs stitches through them, and then bandages them.
“You’ve also been punched a lot. That’ll bruise.”
Cauldron points s hoof at White Sands
“Her too”
“Well, let’s see. There’s a stab wound right here. And here. And here.... That’s a set of stitches from... some other operation? And here we have a set of bird shot? I think. You’re lucky to have not drowned on your own blood. Here, let me take your blood pressure.” He places a ring around Iron’s let, and does some kind of test
“Wow. You’ve lost a lot of blood. Can’t say I’m surprised, but I am surprised you’re still conscious after that. Here let me put in an IV.”
He stick s needle into Iron’s leg. It’s kind of painful and intrusive, but it’s frankly far from the most intrusive thing that’s happened to Iron all day. He also takes a needle and removes blood. Over the course of the next several minutes, Iron permitting, he adds plasma, then dried blood, then cleans wounds, then carefully runs stitches through them, and then bandages them.
“You’ve also been punched a lot. That’ll bruise.”
Cauldron points s hoof at White Sands
“Her too”
>>144564
White Sands, hiding in a corner, reveals herself
"Oh. You're hit pretty bad."
He comes up to her, and gets very close, looking at her
"You'll need stitches. And maybe plasma. What's your blood type?"
"I don't think I need blood" She says
White Sands, hiding in a corner, reveals herself
"Oh. You're hit pretty bad."
He comes up to her, and gets very close, looking at her
"You'll need stitches. And maybe plasma. What's your blood type?"
"I don't think I need blood" She says
>>144566
White Sands
“I don’t like needles. I’ll take morphine though, morphine is good. And stitches.”
The doctor is confused, and again recommends blood, but backs off. Sands does not allow much touching besides cleaning of wounds, stitching, and bandaging.
He returns to Iron
“I’m not done with you.”
He takes a knife and forceps, and evidently makes a task out of pulling pellets out of Iron. This has some pain and further blood loss, but Iron is receiving a packet of blood, and has morphine. This takes a while. Black Cauldron has left and returned.
White Sands
“I don’t like needles. I’ll take morphine though, morphine is good. And stitches.”
The doctor is confused, and again recommends blood, but backs off. Sands does not allow much touching besides cleaning of wounds, stitching, and bandaging.
He returns to Iron
“I’m not done with you.”
He takes a knife and forceps, and evidently makes a task out of pulling pellets out of Iron. This has some pain and further blood loss, but Iron is receiving a packet of blood, and has morphine. This takes a while. Black Cauldron has left and returned.
>>144567
Iron grunted softly for every piece of lead pulled out, yet he didn't move much at all as to not inconvenience the doctor.
Iron grunted softly for every piece of lead pulled out, yet he didn't move much at all as to not inconvenience the doctor.
>>144568
“And... good enough, I think” he says, after tying in a stitch
“Don’t put too much strain on these.”
“And... good enough, I think” he says, after tying in a stitch
“Don’t put too much strain on these.”
>>144569
Iron simply replied with a short, curt nod in response, yet he knew deep down it's going to be strained by tomorrow.
Iron simply replied with a short, curt nod in response, yet he knew deep down it's going to be strained by tomorrow.
>>144571
Iron looks away from the payment slightly, rubbing his foreleg with the other with a hint of shame.
(Did not even cover the medicine pony expenses,) he muttered in self-loathing.
Iron looks away from the payment slightly, rubbing his foreleg with the other with a hint of shame.
(Did not even cover the medicine pony expenses,) he muttered in self-loathing.
>>144572
Black Cauldron comes up to Iron, looks back to White Sabds with skepticism, and says
“Well, I can try more of my potions on you. At least. Time to go back.”
Black Cauldron comes up to Iron, looks back to White Sabds with skepticism, and says
“Well, I can try more of my potions on you. At least. Time to go back.”
She thinks to herself, I forgot to ask how much I would get paid for it! Well, no matter, I'm sure it'll be enough for this tiny thing.
>>144573
"Yes..." Iron muttered in defeat, allowing himself to be led back to wherever and properly confront his feelings about this failed operation.
"Yes..." Iron muttered in defeat, allowing himself to be led back to wherever and properly confront his feelings about this failed operation.
>>144576
Iron was still extremely bummed out when they arrived, simply following along with absolute silence right behind Cauldron with a grimace.
Iron was still extremely bummed out when they arrived, simply following along with absolute silence right behind Cauldron with a grimace.
>>144577
Black Cauldron places Iron on the couch (the sand one he slept on a couple nights ago).
“Well? How do you feel now?”
She pulls out a vile
“May as well spend a couple of these.”
Black Cauldron places Iron on the couch (the sand one he slept on a couple nights ago).
“Well? How do you feel now?”
She pulls out a vile
“May as well spend a couple of these.”
>>144578
"...tired," Iron muttered as he made himself comfortable on the couch with a small frown. Although his heart yearned to have Cauldron console him in these dark times, he felt he wasn't worthy of such affection after what he had just done.
He blinked slowly as the zebra mare got around to fetch the vials, softly chewing his lower lip, as he was conflicted between sleeping it off now or drinking it to get back to action as fast as he could in order to get back into the fray.
"...tired," Iron muttered as he made himself comfortable on the couch with a small frown. Although his heart yearned to have Cauldron console him in these dark times, he felt he wasn't worthy of such affection after what he had just done.
He blinked slowly as the zebra mare got around to fetch the vials, softly chewing his lower lip, as he was conflicted between sleeping it off now or drinking it to get back to action as fast as he could in order to get back into the fray.
>>144579
“Not proud? I suppose you shouldn’t be. Nearly got yourself killed. Dragged her into this. May have dragged all of us into this...”
“Not proud? I suppose you shouldn’t be. Nearly got yourself killed. Dragged her into this. May have dragged all of us into this...”
>>144580
Iron simply exhaled as he slowly lowered his chin to the cushion, staring ahead vacantly while his lip chewing intensified.
Iron simply exhaled as he slowly lowered his chin to the cushion, staring ahead vacantly while his lip chewing intensified.
>>144581
“Here. Take this”
She hoods him a vial, and a second vial. She reluctantly extends one to White Sands as well.
“Here. Take this”
She hoods him a vial, and a second vial. She reluctantly extends one to White Sands as well.
>>144582
Iron stared at it for a few awkward seconds, keeping his chewing up as he decided whether to actually take it or not.
"...are you sure?" he mumbled to Cauldron from down at the cushion.
Iron stared at it for a few awkward seconds, keeping his chewing up as he decided whether to actually take it or not.
"...are you sure?" he mumbled to Cauldron from down at the cushion.
>>144584
Iron frowned softly, staring deep into the vial with a conflicted look to it: Is now really the time for second guessing oneself?
(Why do I get this feeling I cannot take it?) he questioned himself. (Why am I not strengthening myself back to my peak?)
Was he afraid of something...? He couldn't quite understand it yet.
Iron frowned softly, staring deep into the vial with a conflicted look to it: Is now really the time for second guessing oneself?
(Why do I get this feeling I cannot take it?) he questioned himself. (Why am I not strengthening myself back to my peak?)
Was he afraid of something...? He couldn't quite understand it yet.
>>144586
"Uh..." Iron trailed off, stopping his lip biting as he kept staring at the vial Cauldron was offering for him...
Has he really done enough to warrant his recovery at her hooves? Has all his past deeds allowed him to rest here after potentially putting her and her family in danger? Putting Sands in danger? Hurting both of them in such unprecedented ways? Why shouldn't he be banished for his mistakes?
His features softened considerably at this barrage of self-doubt as his frame sunk deeper into the cushioning.
"Uh..." Iron trailed off, stopping his lip biting as he kept staring at the vial Cauldron was offering for him...
Has he really done enough to warrant his recovery at her hooves? Has all his past deeds allowed him to rest here after potentially putting her and her family in danger? Putting Sands in danger? Hurting both of them in such unprecedented ways? Why shouldn't he be banished for his mistakes?
His features softened considerably at this barrage of self-doubt as his frame sunk deeper into the cushioning.
>>144588
"I... should not," Iron finally concluded as he shook his laid head.
No. There is no way he was going to become some sort of... leech to her, to Sands or anypony. He shouldn't be helped in such a way. He wasn't worth the effort. He'll recover with the bare minimum. No way he'll stoop so low as to drain the zebra he's grown to love out of her hard-earned resources.
"I... should not," Iron finally concluded as he shook his laid head.
No. There is no way he was going to become some sort of... leech to her, to Sands or anypony. He shouldn't be helped in such a way. He wasn't worth the effort. He'll recover with the bare minimum. No way he'll stoop so low as to drain the zebra he's grown to love out of her hard-earned resources.
>>144589
“Iron? You’re hurt. I’m worried. Take it. Why won’t you take it?”
There is a fear and sadness in her voice. Her eyes water
“Iron? You’re hurt. I’m worried. Take it. Why won’t you take it?”
There is a fear and sadness in her voice. Her eyes water
>>144590
Iron's eyes widened considerably, almost... confused at the sudden well of tears Cauldron was exhibiting at an alarming rate. "I... I can let my body heal by itself," he tried to excuse himself, still lying on the cushions, yet deep down he was still debating on whether he should actually do it.
This... this can't be right. Why is she crying right now? She should be angry, disappointed, anything but crying.
(...I do not understand,) he thought to himself, perplexed at the display.
Iron's eyes widened considerably, almost... confused at the sudden well of tears Cauldron was exhibiting at an alarming rate. "I... I can let my body heal by itself," he tried to excuse himself, still lying on the cushions, yet deep down he was still debating on whether he should actually do it.
This... this can't be right. Why is she crying right now? She should be angry, disappointed, anything but crying.
(...I do not understand,) he thought to himself, perplexed at the display.
>>144591
“Iron...”
She leans in, and hugs him, of tries to, rather, by placing her forelegs over him and resting her muzzle over his fur. Her coat is more coarse, and her legs former than White Sands.
“Iron...”
She leans in, and hugs him, of tries to, rather, by placing her forelegs over him and resting her muzzle over his fur. Her coat is more coarse, and her legs former than White Sands.
>>144592
Iron tries his best to face the somewhat hugging Cauldron with an astonished look on his face, ears finally spiking up in surpirse. "...why?" he simply asked in disbelief, failing to understand her motives to actually comfort him.
Iron tries his best to face the somewhat hugging Cauldron with an astonished look on his face, ears finally spiking up in surpirse. "...why?" he simply asked in disbelief, failing to understand her motives to actually comfort him.
>>144594
"B-but I made your life harder," Iron shakily replied in further disbelief. "Y-you may have to fight in a war I caused. I-It does not make sense..."
His eyes quivered lightly ambivalently between hope and despair by this point.
"B-but I made your life harder," Iron shakily replied in further disbelief. "Y-you may have to fight in a war I caused. I-It does not make sense..."
His eyes quivered lightly ambivalently between hope and despair by this point.
>>144595
"I know.." She says, placing her muzzle a little more firmly on his fur. She tries to wrap her legs around him, having some presence of mind to avoid the recent wounds
"I know.." She says, placing her muzzle a little more firmly on his fur. She tries to wrap her legs around him, having some presence of mind to avoid the recent wounds
>>144596
"T-then why?" Iron repeated with the faintest tinge of a snarl on his tone. "W-why do you subject yourself to me?"
It doesn't make sense! I failed her. I should've died right when that big bull took me down and spared her this foolishness. Why in the gods is she still with me?! The one thing he was good at failed him!
On and on he kept beating himself up in his head, as if the notion of him being cared for without some sort of return was criminal in his eyes. His breathing started to shake softly as his body started to tremble a bit like a wounded dog used to sleeping on the streets.
"T-then why?" Iron repeated with the faintest tinge of a snarl on his tone. "W-why do you subject yourself to me?"
It doesn't make sense! I failed her. I should've died right when that big bull took me down and spared her this foolishness. Why in the gods is she still with me?! The one thing he was good at failed him!
On and on he kept beating himself up in his head, as if the notion of him being cared for without some sort of return was criminal in his eyes. His breathing started to shake softly as his body started to tremble a bit like a wounded dog used to sleeping on the streets.
>>144598
At first, Iron stared at Cauldron, practically dumbfounded at her answer before it truly started to sink in: He would.
He would actually fight in a war she created, he would've healed her after every battle, no matter how stupid were the reasons. He would give her a place to stay in an unforgiving, unknown landscape if she needed to... because he saw the potential in her. He saw something to cherish... to love
The stallion's ears drooped once again and closed his eyes shut, sniffling unintentionally. "I-I..." he stammered out, voice practically quivering.
At first, Iron stared at Cauldron, practically dumbfounded at her answer before it truly started to sink in: He would.
He would actually fight in a war she created, he would've healed her after every battle, no matter how stupid were the reasons. He would give her a place to stay in an unforgiving, unknown landscape if she needed to... because he saw the potential in her. He saw something to cherish... to love
The stallion's ears drooped once again and closed his eyes shut, sniffling unintentionally. "I-I..." he stammered out, voice practically quivering.
>>144599
For the moment, Black Cauldron merely stands over Iron in silence, still truing to wrap her forelegs around him, and place her muzzle into his back. He can hear her breath, with a sudden inhale that sounds almost, though not quite, like a sniffle. She shifts her body around, and digs a hoof underneath him.
For the moment, Black Cauldron merely stands over Iron in silence, still truing to wrap her forelegs around him, and place her muzzle into his back. He can hear her breath, with a sudden inhale that sounds almost, though not quite, like a sniffle. She shifts her body around, and digs a hoof underneath him.
>>144600
Iron decided to properly connect the hug, shuffling his body gently so he was laid on his back rather than his stomach before firmly yet carefully wrapping his forelegs around her crest.
He didn't say much of anything aside from sporadic sniffling for a while, riding through the emotional wave barreling through his debilitated system.
Iron decided to properly connect the hug, shuffling his body gently so he was laid on his back rather than his stomach before firmly yet carefully wrapping his forelegs around her crest.
He didn't say much of anything aside from sporadic sniffling for a while, riding through the emotional wave barreling through his debilitated system.
>>144601
The shifting of position helps Black Cauldron greatly, who moves in to almost lay on Iron, wrapping her forelegs around, still standing on her hindlegs. Iron manages his legs around, feeling her coarse and firm, yet very much receptive
The shifting of position helps Black Cauldron greatly, who moves in to almost lay on Iron, wrapping her forelegs around, still standing on her hindlegs. Iron manages his legs around, feeling her coarse and firm, yet very much receptive
>>144602
Iron's heartbeat rose in intensity at the encroaching mass of coarse, firm coat that Cauldron brushed against his own, feeling himself blush the tiniest bit at the position as he inadvertedly hugged her tighter.
"Y-you are a silly zebra, you know that?" Iron croaked out with a small, thankful smile on his features before sniffling softly.
Iron's heartbeat rose in intensity at the encroaching mass of coarse, firm coat that Cauldron brushed against his own, feeling himself blush the tiniest bit at the position as he inadvertedly hugged her tighter.
"Y-you are a silly zebra, you know that?" Iron croaked out with a small, thankful smile on his features before sniffling softly.
>>144603
"Heh" She gives a small giggle, though it sounds as if she is near crying. Her coat carries little smell, but Iron can make out a trace of a flower smell.
"Heh" She gives a small giggle, though it sounds as if she is near crying. Her coat carries little smell, but Iron can make out a trace of a flower smell.
>>144604
Without further ado, Iron finally leans up a bit so that his head was neatly nestled next to hers, nuzzling her crest tenderly. "Thank you," he softly whispers in her ear, stroking her withers lovingly. "I do not know where I would be without you."
Without further ado, Iron finally leans up a bit so that his head was neatly nestled next to hers, nuzzling her crest tenderly. "Thank you," he softly whispers in her ear, stroking her withers lovingly. "I do not know where I would be without you."
>>144605
"Heh heh." She seems a little calmer, and tries to turn her head and eyes to meet his, although she's so close, there isn't the room to move her head completely. Still, he can see her blue eyes looking back at him
"I have some ideas. Probably cut up and wounded. Mauled by a tiger and a shotgun."
She smiles
"Heh heh." She seems a little calmer, and tries to turn her head and eyes to meet his, although she's so close, there isn't the room to move her head completely. Still, he can see her blue eyes looking back at him
"I have some ideas. Probably cut up and wounded. Mauled by a tiger and a shotgun."
She smiles
>>144606
Iron couldn't help but chuckle slightly himself at the many routes he may have taken, nuzzling her cheek. "You were not supposed to answer that," he amusedly replied with his own, far warmer smile than before.
Iron couldn't help but chuckle slightly himself at the many routes he may have taken, nuzzling her cheek. "You were not supposed to answer that," he amusedly replied with his own, far warmer smile than before.
>>144607
"And you were not supposed to get yourself cut up again" She says, smiling and moving a bit at the muzzling. Her voice sounds more playful.
"And you were not supposed to get yourself cut up again" She says, smiling and moving a bit at the muzzling. Her voice sounds more playful.
>>144608
Iron held back another chuckle at the response. "What can I say?" he answered with his own mischievous tone. "The cuts come to me naturally."
Iron held back another chuckle at the response. "What can I say?" he answered with his own mischievous tone. "The cuts come to me naturally."
>>144610
"You know what else I am good at finding?" Iron followed up with a smirk. "Lots of stripes... mostly because they find me first."
"You know what else I am good at finding?" Iron followed up with a smirk. "Lots of stripes... mostly because they find me first."
>>144614
Iron stifled another chuckle at her reply. "Yeah," he replied with a calmer smile, setting his hooves a bit further into her back, just past her withers. "You do not mind if we stay like this for a while, right?"
Iron stifled another chuckle at her reply. "Yeah," he replied with a calmer smile, setting his hooves a bit further into her back, just past her withers. "You do not mind if we stay like this for a while, right?"
>>144615
She looks back, and then into Iron's eyes
"Heh. You.. you should take those potions." She says
She looks back, and then into Iron's eyes
"Heh. You.. you should take those potions." She says
>>144616
"I really should," Iron agreed with a nod, soon looking to the sides to see where they were set.
"I really should," Iron agreed with a nod, soon looking to the sides to see where they were set.
>>144617
She picks them up and produces them with a hoof, after having previously set them on the couch
She picks them up and produces them with a hoof, after having previously set them on the couch
>>144618
Iron's response was to rest his head against the cushion, lightly open his mouth with a playful look and gesturing her with his head to pour them into it.
Iron's response was to rest his head against the cushion, lightly open his mouth with a playful look and gesturing her with his head to pour them into it.
>>144619
She smiles and goes along with this.
"Careful"
She pops the first vial open, and pours it into his mouth. Then the second. Both times she makes sure Iron does not choke on it.
She smiles and goes along with this.
"Careful"
She pops the first vial open, and pours it into his mouth. Then the second. Both times she makes sure Iron does not choke on it.
>>144620
Iron patiently allows Cauldron to slowly pour it into his mouth, swallowing the contents in a series of calculated gulps until they both go down with a serene look on his face, waiting to feel its rejuvenating effects.
[2d8+2 = 16]<Healz
Iron patiently allows Cauldron to slowly pour it into his mouth, swallowing the contents in a series of calculated gulps until they both go down with a serene look on his face, waiting to feel its rejuvenating effects.
[2d8+2 = 16]<Healz
>>144621
Iron can feel it working through him, making breathing easier, and releasing pain on his chest. He feels much better
Iron can feel it working through him, making breathing easier, and releasing pain on his chest. He feels much better
>>144622
In response, Iron took one big, deep breath, puffing his chest up a bit, before calmly exhaling it out again. "That... does feel better," he admitted softly with a relaxed smile.
In response, Iron took one big, deep breath, puffing his chest up a bit, before calmly exhaling it out again. "That... does feel better," he admitted softly with a relaxed smile.
>>144623
She pulls back a bit, looking down at Iron and trying to gauge the effects of the potion.
"You look better"
She says
She pulls back a bit, looking down at Iron and trying to gauge the effects of the potion.
"You look better"
She says
>>144624
"I also feel better," Iron added with a more powerful smile, revitalized almost to the extent of a common non-Earth stallion. "So much better, in fact, that I can lift you up right now."
"I also feel better," Iron added with a more powerful smile, revitalized almost to the extent of a common non-Earth stallion. "So much better, in fact, that I can lift you up right now."
>>144626
"You know," Iron followed up with a sort of sheepish smile "something a heavily wounded stallion cannot do. Like lift a pony up."
(I feel that was a bit out of left field...) he thought to himself, licking the back of his teeth.
"You know," Iron followed up with a sort of sheepish smile "something a heavily wounded stallion cannot do. Like lift a pony up."
(I feel that was a bit out of left field...) he thought to himself, licking the back of his teeth.
>>144628
Iron snickered softly, ruffling Cauldron's mane playfully. "You are not supposed to take it too seriously," he explained amusedly before the passionate fire in his eyes were threatening to light up again "unless you want me to."
Iron snickered softly, ruffling Cauldron's mane playfully. "You are not supposed to take it too seriously," he explained amusedly before the passionate fire in his eyes were threatening to light up again "unless you want me to."
>>144629
She pulls her lips back in a smile at the ruffling of the mane, again moving her head.
"i bet you couldn't do it." She says
She pulls her lips back in a smile at the ruffling of the mane, again moving her head.
"i bet you couldn't do it." She says
>>144630
The spark was cast, and the flames rose up in Iron's pupils, shining with confidence. "It is on," he declared.
Without even standing up, Iron soon got into position, sneaking his hindlegs underneath her lower portion while sliding his forelegs below her withers and onto her chest. "I suggest you stand on top of me for this one," he added with a smile.
The spark was cast, and the flames rose up in Iron's pupils, shining with confidence. "It is on," he declared.
Without even standing up, Iron soon got into position, sneaking his hindlegs underneath her lower portion while sliding his forelegs below her withers and onto her chest. "I suggest you stand on top of me for this one," he added with a smile.
>>144631
Her expression is of surprise, but hints at a smile as she jumps up, her hind legs over Iron
Her expression is of surprise, but hints at a smile as she jumps up, her hind legs over Iron
>>144632
He soon placed his forehooves onto her coarse chest while his hindhooves rested on her hopefully toned, strong belly.
"Alright," he uttered, soon checking just how stretched his limbs were, wondering if he could try to prop her up now or ask her to take her legs off the cushions before doing anything else.
He soon placed his forehooves onto her coarse chest while his hindhooves rested on her hopefully toned, strong belly.
"Alright," he uttered, soon checking just how stretched his limbs were, wondering if he could try to prop her up now or ask her to take her legs off the cushions before doing anything else.
>>144634
Seeing everything in place, Iron slowly stretches his legs upwards, pushing against the zebra's body to slowly lift her off the ground.
Seeing everything in place, Iron slowly stretches his legs upwards, pushing against the zebra's body to slowly lift her off the ground.
>>144635
"Woah" She looks around, surprised by the lift, but also excited, smiling. Her body holds firm as she is slowly lifted up into the air
"Woah" She looks around, surprised by the lift, but also excited, smiling. Her body holds firm as she is slowly lifted up into the air
>>144636
Iron continued driving Cauldron's ascent until his legs were fully stretched, allowing her to almost feel like's she's hovering in the air. All the while, he wore a content smile as she watched the zebra's excited smile, taking his time to admire the beautiful toned mare over him with a confident gaze.
Iron continued driving Cauldron's ascent until his legs were fully stretched, allowing her to almost feel like's she's hovering in the air. All the while, he wore a content smile as she watched the zebra's excited smile, taking his time to admire the beautiful toned mare over him with a confident gaze.
>>144637
She smiles, looking down at Iron.
This is indeed one of the closer views Iron has had of her. She is neither exceptionally thin nor fat. She feels muscular at the touch, though it doesn't especially reflect in her appearance. Her tail is long with straight, black hair, that seems thin, perhaps because of a tie a third of the way down the length.
She smiles, looking down at Iron.
This is indeed one of the closer views Iron has had of her. She is neither exceptionally thin nor fat. She feels muscular at the touch, though it doesn't especially reflect in her appearance. Her tail is long with straight, black hair, that seems thin, perhaps because of a tie a third of the way down the length.
>>144638
Cauldron would see quite the similar body below her, only bulkier and a bit bigger than hers. There were certainly outlines of his musculature on his legs, however, which were currently highlighted by the act of pulling her upwards. As a sidenote, his poofy mane definitely needs some combing.
"Enjoying the view?" Iron playfully asked the mare above him.
Cauldron would see quite the similar body below her, only bulkier and a bit bigger than hers. There were certainly outlines of his musculature on his legs, however, which were currently highlighted by the act of pulling her upwards. As a sidenote, his poofy mane definitely needs some combing.
"Enjoying the view?" Iron playfully asked the mare above him.
>>144640
“Wah.” Sparks words seem to break Waabishki out of a trance.
“Oh. This is nice. I like the heat. I’m just worried, is all.”
“Wah.” Sparks words seem to break Waabishki out of a trance.
“Oh. This is nice. I like the heat. I’m just worried, is all.”
>>144643
"It might not be easy, but this will give him much more of a chance at life than if we did nothing. And we will be with him through the struggle, and that will, more than magic and medicine, be what helps him no matter the outcome."
"It might not be easy, but this will give him much more of a chance at life than if we did nothing. And we will be with him through the struggle, and that will, more than magic and medicine, be what helps him no matter the outcome."
>>144644
“I know... but... he is more than just a mentor. He is a pillar of our remaining culture. A library of knowledge that we can’t afford to lose.”
“I know... but... he is more than just a mentor. He is a pillar of our remaining culture. A library of knowledge that we can’t afford to lose.”
>>144645
"Even all the magic ponies had did not stop death by age, disease, and war. We gave it our best shot, but not everything can be fixed. So if we fail, then the best course of action is for us to learn to be the pillar and library in his stead."
"Even all the magic ponies had did not stop death by age, disease, and war. We gave it our best shot, but not everything can be fixed. So if we fail, then the best course of action is for us to learn to be the pillar and library in his stead."
>>144648
“I know...” she says
“But I don’t even know what’s wrong with him. I am worried what they will say. Or if they even know.”
“I know...” she says
“But I don’t even know what’s wrong with him. I am worried what they will say. Or if they even know.”
>>144649
"If they don't know, then we will just be back to where we were before, not knowing. And if they give us bad news, then being here to learn it is better than not understanding and feeling powerless."
"If they don't know, then we will just be back to where we were before, not knowing. And if they give us bad news, then being here to learn it is better than not understanding and feeling powerless."
>>144651
"Even those with the most power feel that way. We simply can't control everything. What we do have power over is our response to that which is is out of control. Fear and despair will only consume your ability to control even that. The power you have right now is the ability to keep his perception positive and that he is loved. The magic of friendship tends to work wonders for the ill."
"Even those with the most power feel that way. We simply can't control everything. What we do have power over is our response to that which is is out of control. Fear and despair will only consume your ability to control even that. The power you have right now is the ability to keep his perception positive and that he is loved. The magic of friendship tends to work wonders for the ill."
>>144652
Her breathing eases, and she blinks, while looking forward, and then back up to Spark.
“You are right. I know.”
Her breathing eases, and she blinks, while looking forward, and then back up to Spark.
“You are right. I know.”
>>144534
"Well... I grew up with my family around New Freeside. My mother worked in a sewing machine factory. Or used to, anyways. Hasn't for a while. My father was a trucker, and in the Union for it. I went to Coltlumbus Primary School, and then later to Blight High School. I didn't do sports, but I spent a lot of time around in town."
"Well... I grew up with my family around New Freeside. My mother worked in a sewing machine factory. Or used to, anyways. Hasn't for a while. My father was a trucker, and in the Union for it. I went to Coltlumbus Primary School, and then later to Blight High School. I didn't do sports, but I spent a lot of time around in town."
>>144657
Iron couldn't help but giggle as well, wondering just what Cauldron was feeling being suspended by his sturdy legs as her head scanned the room around her. The fact the zebra was posing like pegasus pony made this all the more endearing to the native.
However, there is one tiny question propping up in his head: What was Sands doing during all of this?
Iron couldn't help but giggle as well, wondering just what Cauldron was feeling being suspended by his sturdy legs as her head scanned the room around her. The fact the zebra was posing like pegasus pony made this all the more endearing to the native.
However, there is one tiny question propping up in his head: What was Sands doing during all of this?
>>144659
White Sands, it seems, never left the room. She started off sitting down near a chair on the opposite side of the room, but has since crept slightly closer. She's completely quite, and only noticeable by sight. She seems to take interest in the interactions between Iron and Black Cauldron.
White Sands, it seems, never left the room. She started off sitting down near a chair on the opposite side of the room, but has since crept slightly closer. She's completely quite, and only noticeable by sight. She seems to take interest in the interactions between Iron and Black Cauldron.
>>144660
Iron smiled sheepishly at Sands' way for a second before looking back up at Cauldron's hovering form, beaming in both pride, excitement and wonder. "How does it feel up there?" he amusedly called out from below.
Iron smiled sheepishly at Sands' way for a second before looking back up at Cauldron's hovering form, beaming in both pride, excitement and wonder. "How does it feel up there?" he amusedly called out from below.
>>144661
Sands has a wide eyed expression, like she's been caught, or something. But it doesn't matter, as she lays low to the ground and does not say anything.
"Like laying on a rock, haha" She says. She smiles, looking straight forward and at the window of her apartment.
Sands has a wide eyed expression, like she's been caught, or something. But it doesn't matter, as she lays low to the ground and does not say anything.
"Like laying on a rock, haha" She says. She smiles, looking straight forward and at the window of her apartment.
>>144662
insert lewd joke here
Iron decides not to pay attention at Sands' seemingly pertified frame, feeling her curiosity might turn into some sort of exploratory phase with him later.
He had to wonder if she wished for the same treatment...
"I have been told my name is a rock, too," Iron quipped to Cauldron with a playful, warm smile.
insert lewd joke here
Iron decides not to pay attention at Sands' seemingly pertified frame, feeling her curiosity might turn into some sort of exploratory phase with him later.
He had to wonder if she wished for the same treatment...
"I have been told my name is a rock, too," Iron quipped to Cauldron with a playful, warm smile.
>>144663
"What?" Cauldron says, moving her legs down, and moving her head down in genuine puzzlement.
"What?" Cauldron says, moving her legs down, and moving her head down in genuine puzzlement.
>>144665
She twists her lips in genuine confusion for a moment, before bursting out laughing
"Bahaha. No, that's a metal."
She twists her lips in genuine confusion for a moment, before bursting out laughing
"Bahaha. No, that's a metal."
>>144666
Iron scrunched his snout in surprise for a second, almost astonished to see his joke had landed so cleanly.
Only after Cauldron explained why it was so funny did he burst out laughing himself, blushing lightly. "I have been telling the joke wrong all this time?" he questioned gleefully, beaming. "How ironic!"
Iron scrunched his snout in surprise for a second, almost astonished to see his joke had landed so cleanly.
Only after Cauldron explained why it was so funny did he burst out laughing himself, blushing lightly. "I have been telling the joke wrong all this time?" he questioned gleefully, beaming. "How ironic!"
>>144667
Black Cauldron scrunches. But Iron's pun is so bad as to evoke a response from White Sands, who quickly pulls out from her position next to the couch, and sits upright. This makes a sound that is heard by Black Cauldron, who moves her head to look at White Sands.
"Have you been there the whole time?"
She says
Black Cauldron scrunches. But Iron's pun is so bad as to evoke a response from White Sands, who quickly pulls out from her position next to the couch, and sits upright. This makes a sound that is heard by Black Cauldron, who moves her head to look at White Sands.
"Have you been there the whole time?"
She says
>>144668
Iron's attention was once more turned towards Sands, wondering what just happened to he with curiosity flowing through his gaze. "It was not that bad, was it?" he offered towards the unicorn mare, holding back a proud smirk.
Iron's attention was once more turned towards Sands, wondering what just happened to he with curiosity flowing through his gaze. "It was not that bad, was it?" he offered towards the unicorn mare, holding back a proud smirk.
>>144669
>>144670
"Maybe I shouldn't really say this without having lived, well, anywhere else. But.. Not good. They closed down the sewing machine factory. That, and so many others. The trucking company nearly went other, and resisted the unions. Immigrants still came in from the griffin lands. Not the ponylands, but the griffin lands. Evidently things are worse still there. And many of the locals didn't like them. Distrust of the colonial government... The town looked almost rundown."
>>144669
White Sands pulls further back still, scrunching and defensive. She says nothing.
>>144670
"Maybe I shouldn't really say this without having lived, well, anywhere else. But.. Not good. They closed down the sewing machine factory. That, and so many others. The trucking company nearly went other, and resisted the unions. Immigrants still came in from the griffin lands. Not the ponylands, but the griffin lands. Evidently things are worse still there. And many of the locals didn't like them. Distrust of the colonial government... The town looked almost rundown."
>>144669
White Sands pulls further back still, scrunching and defensive. She says nothing.
>>144671
Iron's happy demeanor soon mellowed out at the response, somehow feeling responsible for how Sands is feeling right now. "...did I do something wrong?" he asked the unicorn with concern. The native might have done something bad and he needed to make sure if it was something he could fix later on.
Iron's happy demeanor soon mellowed out at the response, somehow feeling responsible for how Sands is feeling right now. "...did I do something wrong?" he asked the unicorn with concern. The native might have done something bad and he needed to make sure if it was something he could fix later on.
>>144671
"That is unfortunate to hear. It sounds worse than living in St. Petershoof as foal. I suppose that is why you took up political stance?"
"That is unfortunate to hear. It sounds worse than living in St. Petershoof as foal. I suppose that is why you took up political stance?"
>>144674
"Oh," Iron muttered, now feeling overall confused before giving her a small, content smile. "You had me worried for a second."
With that matter resolved for now, he turned towards Cauldron, beaming proudly. "Shall we continue?" he offered with a tinge of dramatic, playful, frou frou intonation. "Perhaps you would want to get off the rock instead?"
"Oh," Iron muttered, now feeling overall confused before giving her a small, content smile. "You had me worried for a second."
With that matter resolved for now, he turned towards Cauldron, beaming proudly. "Shall we continue?" he offered with a tinge of dramatic, playful, frou frou intonation. "Perhaps you would want to get off the rock instead?"
>>144678
Iron decides Cauldron has had enough, gently lowering his legs towards the cushions with a warm smile on his face.
As soon as he was able to do so without making Cauldron plummet into him, the native cheekily decides to sneak his forelegs back around her crest for a big hug while his back legs ensured Black had the balance to land her backside on either him or the cushions.
"As a complimentary gift to our passengers," he playfully added with his pseudoformal tone "she will get a big hoof full of hugs after the flight to welcome them back to the earth."
Iron decides Cauldron has had enough, gently lowering his legs towards the cushions with a warm smile on his face.
As soon as he was able to do so without making Cauldron plummet into him, the native cheekily decides to sneak his forelegs back around her crest for a big hug while his back legs ensured Black had the balance to land her backside on either him or the cushions.
"As a complimentary gift to our passengers," he playfully added with his pseudoformal tone "she will get a big hoof full of hugs after the flight to welcome them back to the earth."
>>144679
She is lowered slowly on top of him
"Ah, hehe."
The fur on her back is a bit softer, and she gives him an at least lightly gripped hug in kind
She is lowered slowly on top of him
"Ah, hehe."
The fur on her back is a bit softer, and she gives him an at least lightly gripped hug in kind
>>144678
"That I know. Griffons and ponies are not so different."
If she's nearby, Silver looks and smiles at Jubilosa.
"Is there anything else?"
"That I know. Griffons and ponies are not so different."
If she's nearby, Silver looks and smiles at Jubilosa.
"Is there anything else?"
>>144680
Iron simply closed his eyes at the reply, breathing satisfactorily at his successful attempt as he tenderly stroked Cauldron's withers with his snout. "I am glad you are here with me," he cheesily admitted with a stronger blush than before.
Iron simply closed his eyes at the reply, breathing satisfactorily at his successful attempt as he tenderly stroked Cauldron's withers with his snout. "I am glad you are here with me," he cheesily admitted with a stronger blush than before.
>>144682
"And I'm glad you haven't killed yourself yet." She replies
>>144681
Jubilosa has come in and out of the room at points, but now is nearby
"Well, yes. I can't say that my father's experience with the Union wasn't a big part of it. But then there were the clashes in the street. the rhetoric of the demagogues. And of course the Aquelian Revolution just across the straight."
"And I'm glad you haven't killed yourself yet." She replies
>>144681
Jubilosa has come in and out of the room at points, but now is nearby
"Well, yes. I can't say that my father's experience with the Union wasn't a big part of it. But then there were the clashes in the street. the rhetoric of the demagogues. And of course the Aquelian Revolution just across the straight."
>>144683
Iron snorted softly in amusement, deciding instead to let Cauldron properly stand up on top of him, fully allowing her to move off of him if she chose to.
All the while, he stopped his nuzzling, opting instead to temporarily lose herself on Black's eyes with a dumb smile, still lying on the cushions from head to tail. "After I met you? I would not dream of it," he softly whispered, blushing lightly.
Iron snorted softly in amusement, deciding instead to let Cauldron properly stand up on top of him, fully allowing her to move off of him if she chose to.
All the while, he stopped his nuzzling, opting instead to temporarily lose herself on Black's eyes with a dumb smile, still lying on the cushions from head to tail. "After I met you? I would not dream of it," he softly whispered, blushing lightly.
>>144683
Silver nods, hearing the reasons behind his communist ideals.
"What was it like when Black Hooves first started to find power?"
Silver nods, hearing the reasons behind his communist ideals.
"What was it like when Black Hooves first started to find power?"
>>144684
"D'aww"
Instead of moving, she stays close to him, hugging him back
>>144685
"Almost immediately every paper that was printed was watched by some official. They wanted us to report some things and not others. it was very intrusive. Education was also changed. Some texts changed. Many professors and teachers resigned in protest, others were removed. The old factories were repurposed. The money changed. The Unions, well, they didn't cease to exist. But they were placed under the control of the government. It was... it was a vast change. A dark change."
"D'aww"
Instead of moving, she stays close to him, hugging him back
>>144685
"Almost immediately every paper that was printed was watched by some official. They wanted us to report some things and not others. it was very intrusive. Education was also changed. Some texts changed. Many professors and teachers resigned in protest, others were removed. The old factories were repurposed. The money changed. The Unions, well, they didn't cease to exist. But they were placed under the control of the government. It was... it was a vast change. A dark change."
>>144686
Iron practically squeed as Cauldron's forelegs wrapped around him, ecstatic to find himself willfully enveloped by the zebra mare's toned legs, evidenced by his heartbeat rising in excitement.
(T-this is great,) he cheerfully thought to himself. (I got hugged with love. Good job, me.)
He didn't really say much, simply reciprocating her hug with his own once again, hoping they'd stay like this for a good while.
Iron practically squeed as Cauldron's forelegs wrapped around him, ecstatic to find himself willfully enveloped by the zebra mare's toned legs, evidenced by his heartbeat rising in excitement.
(T-this is great,) he cheerfully thought to himself. (I got hugged with love. Good job, me.)
He didn't really say much, simply reciprocating her hug with his own once again, hoping they'd stay like this for a good while.
>>144686
"It sounds as much. I suppose it was not long after they began to go after those they believed to be harmful to their vision?"
"It sounds as much. I suppose it was not long after they began to go after those they believed to be harmful to their vision?"
>>144688
"Removing local officials, professors, newspaper editors and so forth began almost immediately. They nationalized many things, like the schools, and exerted influence over things they didn't, like the newspapers."
>>144687
She does stay like this for a time. After perhaps a minute, she stands up, and moves off
"Removing local officials, professors, newspaper editors and so forth began almost immediately. They nationalized many things, like the schools, and exerted influence over things they didn't, like the newspapers."
>>144687
She does stay like this for a time. After perhaps a minute, she stands up, and moves off
>>144689
As Cauldron separated, Iron was practically beet red, fully immersed in all his mushy, cuddly feelings as he chuckled dumbly. "Hoo~" the stallion exhaled sharply, completely pleased with himself. "Now that felt quite good."
The stallion took another discreet look at Sands just to see how she reacted to such a display.
As Cauldron separated, Iron was practically beet red, fully immersed in all his mushy, cuddly feelings as he chuckled dumbly. "Hoo~" the stallion exhaled sharply, completely pleased with himself. "Now that felt quite good."
The stallion took another discreet look at Sands just to see how she reacted to such a display.
>>144692
"Mostly thanks to you," Iron swiftly replied with a content smile, lying on the bed as she stared at Cauldron.
It did make him wonder just what was going on with Sands and her need to get closer to the action, as if... she was attracted to it somehow.
(D-does she get turned on when seeing two ponies hugging eachother?) Iron theorized in his head, soon starting to daydream White staring with dilated pupils as both him and Black rubbed their snouts together from side to side contently. (I certainly would not mind it.)
"Mostly thanks to you," Iron swiftly replied with a content smile, lying on the bed as she stared at Cauldron.
It did make him wonder just what was going on with Sands and her need to get closer to the action, as if... she was attracted to it somehow.
(D-does she get turned on when seeing two ponies hugging eachother?) Iron theorized in his head, soon starting to daydream White staring with dilated pupils as both him and Black rubbed their snouts together from side to side contently. (I certainly would not mind it.)
>>144692
"I would still like to ask questions about what it was like when you feel more comfortable with it, even if you did not go through deed.
"So...did you have any questions for me, now that I have gotten to know you bit better?"
"I would still like to ask questions about what it was like when you feel more comfortable with it, even if you did not go through deed.
"So...did you have any questions for me, now that I have gotten to know you bit better?"
>>144695
"I was born in St. Petershoof in Severyana, but I lived much of my adult life in outskirts of Manehatten prior to Great War."
"I was born in St. Petershoof in Severyana, but I lived much of my adult life in outskirts of Manehatten prior to Great War."
>>144695
"I will be just fine here," Iron replied, giving Cauldron a confident yet thankful smile "specially after your healing hugs."
"I will be just fine here," Iron replied, giving Cauldron a confident yet thankful smile "specially after your healing hugs."
>>144698
"I know," Iron agreed, mellowing out as soon as he was reminded of his travesty, yet now he found the strength to smile "and I am ready to do what I must do correct it."
"I know," Iron agreed, mellowing out as soon as he was reminded of his travesty, yet now he found the strength to smile "and I am ready to do what I must do correct it."
>>144698
"Well, St. Petershoof was quaint, old city, even back then. Only couple factories were in city and they only produced materials like timber and steel, so artisans were very much active and traded many finely crafted goods. There were not many non-ponies, mostly those were griffons from Nova Griffonia looking for better life, and while I did not interact with them much I knew they were not well liked or accepted by ponies. Living outside of Manehattan was quiet and peaceful, it was only when you got close to city that it started to get loud and chaotic. Mostly I just stayed out in rural farm area, making living by fixing tools used by farmers, and only went to city to buy food and supplies."
"Well, St. Petershoof was quaint, old city, even back then. Only couple factories were in city and they only produced materials like timber and steel, so artisans were very much active and traded many finely crafted goods. There were not many non-ponies, mostly those were griffons from Nova Griffonia looking for better life, and while I did not interact with them much I knew they were not well liked or accepted by ponies. Living outside of Manehattan was quiet and peaceful, it was only when you got close to city that it started to get loud and chaotic. Mostly I just stayed out in rural farm area, making living by fixing tools used by farmers, and only went to city to buy food and supplies."
>>144701
Iron scrunched at the immediate rejection of his help, almost offended, yet he sighed softly and laid himself down on the bed. "Right..." he muttered, blue, before his energy came back with a vengeance. "...then I will heal as fast as a pony can just to apply!"
Iron scrunched at the immediate rejection of his help, almost offended, yet he sighed softly and laid himself down on the bed. "Right..." he muttered, blue, before his energy came back with a vengeance. "...then I will heal as fast as a pony can just to apply!"
>>144703
"Yeah!" Iron cheered excitedly, pumping his foreleg up before immediately laying back on the couch's cushions, thoughts of healing for Cauldron flowing through his head as he once again secretly glanced at Sands.
"Yeah!" Iron cheered excitedly, pumping his foreleg up before immediately laying back on the couch's cushions, thoughts of healing for Cauldron flowing through his head as he once again secretly glanced at Sands.
>>144677
>>144574
>>144532
The rain that so mercifully ceased for the early hours of the night, has resumed its fall at moderate pace. Amber continues her walk down the long boulevards and simple streets through the city's grid pattern. It's a decent walk, and yet it's only a walk, all the same, as at least half of the inner portions of the city could be traversed in easy walking distance.
Amber has found Traveler street, traversing North and South. She can be pretty sure she's walked across this same road, albeit further north, along the way from her apartment to her places of work. And looking down it, she can see the side railings and upwards arch of a bridge. Before that, and to the right, is a tan brick structure, entirely rectangular in shape, several floors high and with simple, narrow windows where they are any windows at all. To the left of the same, is a mostly empty concrete lot ending in a few small, single story buildings that block a firm view of the river. Still, Amber can see lights on the other side, and lights that illuminate the lot. In front of the rectangular building is what is certainly the most impressive building there, with a red brick first floor, a grand stone stairway to a second floor, and walking paths above the first, before a set of ionic columns at least 30 feet tall that form the entrance of a larger rectangular building with a triangular roof in the center and patterns along the roof. This building, doubtless more impressive in the daylight than the limited light of the night, is completely dark, save for the lights in the front that illuminate the public street path.
In front of this same building is an open city block, with grass and multiple concrete paths along it. A bit off center and closer towards Amber is a statue of a pony rearing, surrounded by a small walkway. On a side opposite Traveler Street is a fountain. Nearer the side of the far building is a circular patch of concrete with an obelisk in the center, and a set of columns arranged in a half circle on the side facing Amber, and topped with stone.
To the left of the park, to the left of Traveller street, to Amber's left, and opposite across an east-west street and Traveler Street is a tan colored, multi colored building of brick with big windows and Doric columns at the street level entrance. To this building's side, but in front of Amber, and indeed almost directly in front of Amber, is a large row of both carts and Automobiles in blue color, parked by the building's side, and evidently wrapping back around the building.
Amber is not the only pony out at this hour. Parked in the open lot, a bit nearer the left, is a form that Amber can identify as a truck, colored in green and with a strangely metallic rectangular rear, along with an object protruding from between the cabin and the trailer. There are a couple ponies standing near it, who indeed, resemble pairs of ponies standing at many areas around the block. They have visible brimmed hats, thick green clothing, and the outline of a long object protruding from behind their backs. They are none too keen to be in the rain, and try to stand as close to buildings as possible. They are not alone, as ponies walk down streets, or come in and out of buildings, the building on the left in particular.
>>144574
>>144532
The rain that so mercifully ceased for the early hours of the night, has resumed its fall at moderate pace. Amber continues her walk down the long boulevards and simple streets through the city's grid pattern. It's a decent walk, and yet it's only a walk, all the same, as at least half of the inner portions of the city could be traversed in easy walking distance.
Amber has found Traveler street, traversing North and South. She can be pretty sure she's walked across this same road, albeit further north, along the way from her apartment to her places of work. And looking down it, she can see the side railings and upwards arch of a bridge. Before that, and to the right, is a tan brick structure, entirely rectangular in shape, several floors high and with simple, narrow windows where they are any windows at all. To the left of the same, is a mostly empty concrete lot ending in a few small, single story buildings that block a firm view of the river. Still, Amber can see lights on the other side, and lights that illuminate the lot. In front of the rectangular building is what is certainly the most impressive building there, with a red brick first floor, a grand stone stairway to a second floor, and walking paths above the first, before a set of ionic columns at least 30 feet tall that form the entrance of a larger rectangular building with a triangular roof in the center and patterns along the roof. This building, doubtless more impressive in the daylight than the limited light of the night, is completely dark, save for the lights in the front that illuminate the public street path.
In front of this same building is an open city block, with grass and multiple concrete paths along it. A bit off center and closer towards Amber is a statue of a pony rearing, surrounded by a small walkway. On a side opposite Traveler Street is a fountain. Nearer the side of the far building is a circular patch of concrete with an obelisk in the center, and a set of columns arranged in a half circle on the side facing Amber, and topped with stone.
To the left of the park, to the left of Traveller street, to Amber's left, and opposite across an east-west street and Traveler Street is a tan colored, multi colored building of brick with big windows and Doric columns at the street level entrance. To this building's side, but in front of Amber, and indeed almost directly in front of Amber, is a large row of both carts and Automobiles in blue color, parked by the building's side, and evidently wrapping back around the building.
Amber is not the only pony out at this hour. Parked in the open lot, a bit nearer the left, is a form that Amber can identify as a truck, colored in green and with a strangely metallic rectangular rear, along with an object protruding from between the cabin and the trailer. There are a couple ponies standing near it, who indeed, resemble pairs of ponies standing at many areas around the block. They have visible brimmed hats, thick green clothing, and the outline of a long object protruding from behind their backs. They are none too keen to be in the rain, and try to stand as close to buildings as possible. They are not alone, as ponies walk down streets, or come in and out of buildings, the building on the left in particular.
>>144706
Deciding to leave Cauldron alone for now, he soon decided to focus fully on Sands now with a calm smile. "How are you feeling?" he asked.
Deciding to leave Cauldron alone for now, he soon decided to focus fully on Sands now with a calm smile. "How are you feeling?" he asked.
>>144706
"In St. Petershoof I lived with my father, who was blacksmith and former Royal Guard Quartermaster, but in Manehattan I was alone for good amount of time. I was married long time ago to pegasus mare named Storm Warning and we had three foals together, but she was murdered when we were together having picnic, and few years later my foals grew up and moved out to live their own lives, so for quite some time I was alone until Great War. I would consider right now, being in company of so many wonderful people, to be far superior to loneliness."
"In St. Petershoof I lived with my father, who was blacksmith and former Royal Guard Quartermaster, but in Manehattan I was alone for good amount of time. I was married long time ago to pegasus mare named Storm Warning and we had three foals together, but she was murdered when we were together having picnic, and few years later my foals grew up and moved out to live their own lives, so for quite some time I was alone until Great War. I would consider right now, being in company of so many wonderful people, to be far superior to loneliness."
>>144708
"Oh," Iron muttered before extending his forelegs slowly towards Sands, beckoning her closer. "...will a hug make your pain go away, at least?"
"Oh," Iron muttered before extending his forelegs slowly towards Sands, beckoning her closer. "...will a hug make your pain go away, at least?"
>>144711
"No." She says, flatly
"... But I'll take a hug."
She stands up, and moves in towards iron. Within hugging range.
"No." She says, flatly
"... But I'll take a hug."
She stands up, and moves in towards iron. Within hugging range.
>>144710
Silver smiles at him.
"I appreciate it. It still hurts to think on, but time has dulled pain. Now I continue to live my life as best as I can, and I can find solice in fact that she is resting easy in Elysium."
Silver smiles at him.
"I appreciate it. It still hurts to think on, but time has dulled pain. Now I continue to live my life as best as I can, and I can find solice in fact that she is resting easy in Elysium."
>>144713
He twists his mouth, and says nothing for a moment. Then he says,
"Well, it's good that you haven't let it ruin you."
He twists his mouth, and says nothing for a moment. Then he says,
"Well, it's good that you haven't let it ruin you."
>>144712
After she got close enough, Iron gently and carefully wrapped his forelegs around White's crest, making sure not to make her wounds act up and hurt her.
"We can sleep together in the couch if you want to," he suggested in a half-whisper, a bit embarrassed to proclaim it enough that Cauldron would hear it "so that you can get more hugs if need be."
After she got close enough, Iron gently and carefully wrapped his forelegs around White's crest, making sure not to make her wounds act up and hurt her.
"We can sleep together in the couch if you want to," he suggested in a half-whisper, a bit embarrassed to proclaim it enough that Cauldron would hear it "so that you can get more hugs if need be."
>>144715
"I liked the hotel.." She says
She's definitely softer, and perhaps even a bit fluffier than Black Cauldron, with a bit more bone and not much of the muscle.
"I liked the hotel.." She says
She's definitely softer, and perhaps even a bit fluffier than Black Cauldron, with a bit more bone and not much of the muscle.
>>144716
"This is obviously temporary," Iron reassured the bug, softly stroking her mane in an attempt to comfort her "until we get healthy enough to not rouse any suspicion as to why we are hurt all over."
He had to admit, while Cauldron filled the soul, Sands filled the hooves. It was a rather nice, comforting feeling in its own way. "Did you groom your coat before coming here?" he whispered gently, reveling in the fluffy sensation.
"This is obviously temporary," Iron reassured the bug, softly stroking her mane in an attempt to comfort her "until we get healthy enough to not rouse any suspicion as to why we are hurt all over."
He had to admit, while Cauldron filled the soul, Sands filled the hooves. It was a rather nice, comforting feeling in its own way. "Did you groom your coat before coming here?" he whispered gently, reveling in the fluffy sensation.
>>144718
"I do not know, but way you replied makes it seem like something about what I said bothered you."
"I do not know, but way you replied makes it seem like something about what I said bothered you."
>>144721
"That does not really explain why you tried to knock that bull out when I went down," Iron admitted, not really sure if he should feel thankful or confused. "You could have stayed out of it, yet you tried to take him down almost without a second thought."
"That does not really explain why you tried to knock that bull out when I went down," Iron admitted, not really sure if he should feel thankful or confused. "You could have stayed out of it, yet you tried to take him down almost without a second thought."
>>144722
"Um..."
>>144723
"What was I supposed to do? Leave you to the mercy of that menace, and leave all of them aware of us but not beaten? It was supposed to be a simple hit to the back of the head, and then we were done with him. I did not think I would be stabbed anymore than you thought you would lose a hoof fight."
"Um..."
>>144723
"What was I supposed to do? Leave you to the mercy of that menace, and leave all of them aware of us but not beaten? It was supposed to be a simple hit to the back of the head, and then we were done with him. I did not think I would be stabbed anymore than you thought you would lose a hoof fight."
>>144724
Now Clip has done it. Silver is now looking at him with big, curious eyes, making the big, rough, fluffy stallion look surprisingly adorable.
Now Clip has done it. Silver is now looking at him with big, curious eyes, making the big, rough, fluffy stallion look surprisingly adorable.
>>144724
"If it meant you not getting stabbed," Iron suggested, tenderly stroking her mane. "Besides, we were going to go back after overexerting myself anyways. Y'know, cut our losses and come back for round two against that bull."
He soon flashed a sporting smile at Sands. "I am certainly itching to brawl with him again," he added "just to pay him back for all the cuts he did to you. No matter what."
"If it meant you not getting stabbed," Iron suggested, tenderly stroking her mane. "Besides, we were going to go back after overexerting myself anyways. Y'know, cut our losses and come back for round two against that bull."
He soon flashed a sporting smile at Sands. "I am certainly itching to brawl with him again," he added "just to pay him back for all the cuts he did to you. No matter what."
>>144705
Interesting, I've never seen a truck quite like that. Well, courthouses are where magistrates live and I'd reason that the really imposing building has got to be the courthouse! So, the police station must be there!
She directly approaches the tan, multi-storied building and looks for an entrance. It's not quite so cold as to shiver but Amber is thankful for her cloak keeping her somewhat dry as she huddles by a blue car.
Interesting, I've never seen a truck quite like that. Well, courthouses are where magistrates live and I'd reason that the really imposing building has got to be the courthouse! So, the police station must be there!
She directly approaches the tan, multi-storied building and looks for an entrance. It's not quite so cold as to shiver but Amber is thankful for her cloak keeping her somewhat dry as she huddles by a blue car.
>>144725
Oh noes
"Well, I was going to say I don't think any such thing as 'Elysium' or anything like it exists, but... that would be horribly inappropriate under the circumstances, so I... tried to say nothing."
>>144726
She leans in, closing her eyes, and smiling as she lets him stroke her rather long, and still reasonably soft, mane.
But then she sits up, and looks back at Iron with concern
"No. You don't understand. You surprised them before. Tricked them into fighting with less than their all. They know you are a threat now, and they will not make the same mistake again."
>>144727
The street, especially near the entrance, is brightly lit by street lamps and lights on the buildings. Amber can see another pair of ponies standing outside the building. The Entrance is right there, well illuminated, behind the doric columns, and guarded by the ponies.
Oh noes
"Well, I was going to say I don't think any such thing as 'Elysium' or anything like it exists, but... that would be horribly inappropriate under the circumstances, so I... tried to say nothing."
>>144726
She leans in, closing her eyes, and smiling as she lets him stroke her rather long, and still reasonably soft, mane.
But then she sits up, and looks back at Iron with concern
"No. You don't understand. You surprised them before. Tricked them into fighting with less than their all. They know you are a threat now, and they will not make the same mistake again."
>>144727
The street, especially near the entrance, is brightly lit by street lamps and lights on the buildings. Amber can see another pair of ponies standing outside the building. The Entrance is right there, well illuminated, behind the doric columns, and guarded by the ponies.
>>144728
"...okay, I can see why you would not try to say anything. But really, you do not believe that Elysium exists? What do you think happens to souls after death, then?"
"...okay, I can see why you would not try to say anything. But really, you do not believe that Elysium exists? What do you think happens to souls after death, then?"
>>144728
"They might," Iron admitted, obviously agreeing with Sands before steeling his gaze, determined "but I am also going to change up my tactics to throw them off. Steal that case of his so we can have a clean fight like before or threaten to break it."
With that hopefully consoling explanation in order, he continued to stroke her mane to lighten her mental load even further.
"They might," Iron admitted, obviously agreeing with Sands before steeling his gaze, determined "but I am also going to change up my tactics to throw them off. Steal that case of his so we can have a clean fight like before or threaten to break it."
With that hopefully consoling explanation in order, he continued to stroke her mane to lighten her mental load even further.
>>144728
Amber approaches the guards by the entrance and asks them gently,
"Excuse me, may I come in? I have...um...something important to give."
Amber approaches the guards by the entrance and asks them gently,
"Excuse me, may I come in? I have...um...something important to give."
>>144729
Sheepishly, he answers
"No. It dies with the body."
>>144730
"That might not be enough. They may come in number, and well armed."
She does, however, lay her head down, and lets him pet her.
>>144731
Amber can see they are stallions, who wear green and have long guns across their backs.
"If ya lookin' for an offica', you'll find one in there" a grey stallion tells Amber, pointing through the door. But just shortly inside, is a blue unformed zebra standing upright and out of the rain.
Sheepishly, he answers
"No. It dies with the body."
>>144730
"That might not be enough. They may come in number, and well armed."
She does, however, lay her head down, and lets him pet her.
>>144731
Amber can see they are stallions, who wear green and have long guns across their backs.
"If ya lookin' for an offica', you'll find one in there" a grey stallion tells Amber, pointing through the door. But just shortly inside, is a blue unformed zebra standing upright and out of the rain.
>>144732
"Okay! Thank you!" She steps inside, making sure to wipe off her hooves. She goes over to the zebra. "Hello, I would like to turn in some evidence, where can I go do that?"
"Okay! Thank you!" She steps inside, making sure to wipe off her hooves. She goes over to the zebra. "Hello, I would like to turn in some evidence, where can I go do that?"
>>144732
"I can run very fast if we have to retreat all of a sudden," Iron boasted as he tenderly kept it up in the hopes of comforting the unicorn in distress. "Perfect to then lure them into a chokepoint and make their numbers insignificant."
"I can run very fast if we have to retreat all of a sudden," Iron boasted as he tenderly kept it up in the hopes of comforting the unicorn in distress. "Perfect to then lure them into a chokepoint and make their numbers insignificant."
>>144733
"Well... Think of it as that much more of a reason to value life. If you only have the one to live."
>>144734
"Go further, ma'am."
He says to her
"To turn in evidence? In what case?"
He asks
>>144735
"You can only take so much. And they are - they will be so much more powerful than before. I think you need help." She says
"Well... Think of it as that much more of a reason to value life. If you only have the one to live."
>>144734
"Go further, ma'am."
He says to her
"To turn in evidence? In what case?"
He asks
>>144735
"You can only take so much. And they are - they will be so much more powerful than before. I think you need help." She says
>>144736
"Hoebuck," she says, not looking back as she continues on. Is there a stairwell in view or should I roll for that?
"Hoebuck," she says, not looking back as she continues on. Is there a stairwell in view or should I roll for that?
>>144736
Iron creaked his mouth open to object, only to be reminded of him biting the dust and getting Sands stabbed for it, which caused him to relent with a scrunch. "Well..." he trailed off, unsure "...we could recruit some more ponies for this... but I do not know who."
He took a second to consider it as he lightly curled one of White's mane strands before an idea popped up. "How about some Waterfront goons?" he offered.
Iron creaked his mouth open to object, only to be reminded of him biting the dust and getting Sands stabbed for it, which caused him to relent with a scrunch. "Well..." he trailed off, unsure "...we could recruit some more ponies for this... but I do not know who."
He took a second to consider it as he lightly curled one of White's mane strands before an idea popped up. "How about some Waterfront goons?" he offered.
>>144736
"I suppose...still, I will let you have your opinion. I know in my heart Elysium exists, even if I am not yet ready to make that trip.
"Any other questions for me?"
"I suppose...still, I will let you have your opinion. I know in my heart Elysium exists, even if I am not yet ready to make that trip.
"Any other questions for me?"
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>>144737
Features like stairways and hallways should be plainly visible.
But let’s roll anyways and see what happens. Spot, wisdom modifier.
>>144738
“I think the Waterfront only wants to own this if it’s a success. You heard what the Zebra said. Something about ‘authority to start a war.’”
>>144739
“Uh... so, we’re you a fighter always, or a... tractor repair stallion?”
Features like stairways and hallways should be plainly visible.
But let’s roll anyways and see what happens. Spot, wisdom modifier.
>>144738
“I think the Waterfront only wants to own this if it’s a success. You heard what the Zebra said. Something about ‘authority to start a war.’”
>>144739
“Uh... so, we’re you a fighter always, or a... tractor repair stallion?”
>>144740
"Oh," Iron muttered, at a loss for words, looking deeper into the confines of his mind. "I... do know a pegasus that likes to beat griffons up... but she is working for one of those government agencies... Blackhooves, if I recall correctly."
"Oh," Iron muttered, at a loss for words, looking deeper into the confines of his mind. "I... do know a pegasus that likes to beat griffons up... but she is working for one of those government agencies... Blackhooves, if I recall correctly."
>>144740
"Bit of both. My cutie mark lends itself both to fighting and to forging. But besides those two, I have not done much else."
"Bit of both. My cutie mark lends itself both to fighting and to forging. But besides those two, I have not done much else."
>>144741
Over to the right, in something of an atrium, is a rather large staircase, going up. In the center, is a hallway leading away. To the left, Amber's field of view cuts off, but it seems logical that there would be a hallway. The floors are tile, mostly holding a beige color not much lighter than the tan colored wooden walls.
>>144742
"Blackhooves." She pulls her upper body away as her hooves remain in place.
"They will do such much more than 'beat them up.'"
>>144743
"Well, I suppose that's a useful range of activities."
Over to the right, in something of an atrium, is a rather large staircase, going up. In the center, is a hallway leading away. To the left, Amber's field of view cuts off, but it seems logical that there would be a hallway. The floors are tile, mostly holding a beige color not much lighter than the tan colored wooden walls.
>>144742
"Blackhooves." She pulls her upper body away as her hooves remain in place.
"They will do such much more than 'beat them up.'"
>>144743
"Well, I suppose that's a useful range of activities."
>>144744
Iron, in response, stopped caressing and hugging her for the time being, feeling it inappropriate for the situation.
"I feel it would be adding wood to the fire and give them more power to nose into other stuff," he presumed with a frown "but if they are tipped towards them, they will be wiped out for sure."
He thought about the option for a second before shaking his head. "... not sure if it would be a good idea..."
Iron, in response, stopped caressing and hugging her for the time being, feeling it inappropriate for the situation.
"I feel it would be adding wood to the fire and give them more power to nose into other stuff," he presumed with a frown "but if they are tipped towards them, they will be wiped out for sure."
He thought about the option for a second before shaking his head. "... not sure if it would be a good idea..."
>>144744
Amber hurries over to the right, trying not to make too much noise, and looks to make sure she can get up the stairs unobstructed.
Amber hurries over to the right, trying not to make too much noise, and looks to make sure she can get up the stairs unobstructed.
Okay, I have to sleep now
>>144750
He smiles down at the smaller stallion.
"If you are worried about any of us turning you in, you can discard those fears. You are free to stay as long as you like."
He smiles down at the smaller stallion.
"If you are worried about any of us turning you in, you can discard those fears. You are free to stay as long as you like."
>>144752
"Because it is nice thing to do, and because you are not bad pony. I actually think you are nice stallion."
He lifts a forehoof, and pats the top of Clip's head.
"Because it is nice thing to do, and because you are not bad pony. I actually think you are nice stallion."
He lifts a forehoof, and pats the top of Clip's head.
>>144753
As the hoof comes down, his eyes close and his ears move aside.
"Well thanks. So, you've got a little group of 'rescues going here, don't you?"
As the hoof comes down, his eyes close and his ears move aside.
"Well thanks. So, you've got a little group of 'rescues going here, don't you?"
>>144754
"Sort of, though I am not sure that is term I would use. They are just good people who all looked for better life and got tricked by traffickers, and now they are free but do not have anywhere else to go. And it is not like I had much else use for three bedrooms. If I had any more room here, I would let even more stay if they wanted."
"Sort of, though I am not sure that is term I would use. They are just good people who all looked for better life and got tricked by traffickers, and now they are free but do not have anywhere else to go. And it is not like I had much else use for three bedrooms. If I had any more room here, I would let even more stay if they wanted."
>>144757
"Heh, a great use of that property, I might say. I am fond of the idea, giving it back to the victims."
"Heh, a great use of that property, I might say. I am fond of the idea, giving it back to the victims."
>>144758
"I could not agree more. There is one more member of household you have yet to meet if you want to."
"I could not agree more. There is one more member of household you have yet to meet if you want to."
>>144760
He nods and gets up from the couch.
"They are like big hyenas. His name is Mala, and he is honestly one of nicest people I have ever met."
He nods and gets up from the couch.
"They are like big hyenas. His name is Mala, and he is honestly one of nicest people I have ever met."
>>144761
"Where did you find him, exactly?"
Paper Clipping gets up from the couch, and seems willing to follow Silver.
"Where did you find him, exactly?"
Paper Clipping gets up from the couch, and seems willing to follow Silver.
>>144762
Silver leads Clip upstairs to the door to Mala's room, talking along the way.
"We found him tied to leash in Hoebuck's lower levels. He was forced to do Maakie's bidding after his parents died, otherwise he would have died homeless and hungry out on street. After we found him and gave him promise of better life, he took up his family's sword to help us bring Maakie and Maarists down, and has since proven himself to be exceptionally nice person, and great friend."
Silver leads Clip upstairs to the door to Mala's room, talking along the way.
"We found him tied to leash in Hoebuck's lower levels. He was forced to do Maakie's bidding after his parents died, otherwise he would have died homeless and hungry out on street. After we found him and gave him promise of better life, he took up his family's sword to help us bring Maakie and Maarists down, and has since proven himself to be exceptionally nice person, and great friend."
>>144763
"Well that's pretty neat. I've always thought creatures are good at heart. It's the circumstances that make them bad."
He follows Silver up to the room. The door is already open. Silver can see Mala, who appears to have gotten up to great them at the door. He has a small smile and ruffled fur, which goes every which way.
"Well that's pretty neat. I've always thought creatures are good at heart. It's the circumstances that make them bad."
He follows Silver up to the room. The door is already open. Silver can see Mala, who appears to have gotten up to great them at the door. He has a small smile and ruffled fur, which goes every which way.
>>144764
Silver smiles at the lovable gnoll, and greets him with a big hug.
"It is great to see you up, Mala!"
Silver smiles at the lovable gnoll, and greets him with a big hug.
"It is great to see you up, Mala!"
>>144765
"Hello." Mala says to Silver. His head quickly turns to the newcomer, ears at full attention, before he moves his forelegs back to halfway turn his body towards the new pony.
Paper Clipping's reaction is more dramatic, his smile fading, and immediately taking a step back, then another, and then another, almost tripping because of his bad leg.
"You didn't tell me it was this one."
"Hello." Mala says to Silver. His head quickly turns to the newcomer, ears at full attention, before he moves his forelegs back to halfway turn his body towards the new pony.
Paper Clipping's reaction is more dramatic, his smile fading, and immediately taking a step back, then another, and then another, almost tripping because of his bad leg.
"You didn't tell me it was this one."
>>144767
Paper Clipping retreats out of the room.
"That's one of the jailers!"
When he is able, Paper Clipping pulls up his right hind leg and shows Silver the wound - not that there is anything to see with the bandage over it.
Paper Clipping retreats out of the room.
"That's one of the jailers!"
When he is able, Paper Clipping pulls up his right hind leg and shows Silver the wound - not that there is anything to see with the bandage over it.
>>144768
Silver pets Mala, and looks back to Paper Clipping.
"Mala is fine. As I said, he was forced to do Maakie's bidding for food and shelter. He is good person and great friend at heart, if you give him chance to show you."
Silver pets Mala, and looks back to Paper Clipping.
"Mala is fine. As I said, he was forced to do Maakie's bidding for food and shelter. He is good person and great friend at heart, if you give him chance to show you."
>>144769
Mala, still in his own room, is pet. He seems a little disturbed by the response, though much less so than Paper Clipping, who says,
"He sure looked enthusiastic about it to me, barking and yipping at us at the tables and cages. He got his teeth into me when I didn't move from a work bench."
Mala, still in his own room, is pet. He seems a little disturbed by the response, though much less so than Paper Clipping, who says,
"He sure looked enthusiastic about it to me, barking and yipping at us at the tables and cages. He got his teeth into me when I didn't move from a work bench."
>>144771
Mala is frowning, and his ears are down. Note that Paper Clipping is in the hallway, Mala is in the room, and the two don't really have line of sight to each other.
"My leg is still not right." Paper Clipping responds, looking afraid
Mala is frowning, and his ears are down. Note that Paper Clipping is in the hallway, Mala is in the room, and the two don't really have line of sight to each other.
"My leg is still not right." Paper Clipping responds, looking afraid
>>144772
Silver stands up, and goes out to look at Clip.
"Please, just come back and meet him, properly this time. I promise you, Mala is good person when you get to know him. Khoi and Jubilosa both get along with him despite having been in much same situation you yourself were in, and you said it yourself that you think all creatures are good at heart."
Silver stands up, and goes out to look at Clip.
"Please, just come back and meet him, properly this time. I promise you, Mala is good person when you get to know him. Khoi and Jubilosa both get along with him despite having been in much same situation you yourself were in, and you said it yourself that you think all creatures are good at heart."
>>144774
"O... kay..." Paper clipping cautiously limps forward towards the door, and comes within view of Mala. paper Clipping stares for a moment.
"O... kay..." Paper clipping cautiously limps forward towards the door, and comes within view of Mala. paper Clipping stares for a moment.
>>144776
There is silence for a moment, before Mala says
"Hello."
Paper Clipping takes a step back
"Um... sorry... heh."
Paper Clipping continues staring at Mala
"Uh... Hi."
There is silence for a moment, before Mala says
"Hello."
Paper Clipping takes a step back
"Um... sorry... heh."
Paper Clipping continues staring at Mala
"Uh... Hi."
>>144777
Silver smiles, and claps his hooves together.
"There, see? You two can be friendly together, start your relationship from scratch."
Silver smiles, and claps his hooves together.
"There, see? You two can be friendly together, start your relationship from scratch."
>>144778
Paper Clipping moves his head a bit forward
"Is that an earring?"
"Yes," Mala says, twisting his lips, sitting up, and holding a paw over his ear
"Heheh,"
Paper Clipping has a small, somewhat nervous giggle
Paper Clipping moves his head a bit forward
"Is that an earring?"
"Yes," Mala says, twisting his lips, sitting up, and holding a paw over his ear
"Heheh,"
Paper Clipping has a small, somewhat nervous giggle
>>144780
"And the mane. It's... it's a bit different from what I was expecting."
Mala's mane is decidedly ruffled and unkempt from what it was last night. Still, most of the pattern of combing remains.
Mala gives a light smile, looking back at Paper Clipping, while running his paw through his mane, trying to push it over to the right.
"And the mane. It's... it's a bit different from what I was expecting."
Mala's mane is decidedly ruffled and unkempt from what it was last night. Still, most of the pattern of combing remains.
Mala gives a light smile, looking back at Paper Clipping, while running his paw through his mane, trying to push it over to the right.
>>144782
"I like it."
Paper Clipping still has an awkward expression, but he manages a smile
Mala smiles likewise.
"I like it."
Paper Clipping still has an awkward expression, but he manages a smile
Mala smiles likewise.
>>144783
Silver smiles as well.
"See? You two can get along."
He looks down at the smaller stallion beside him.
"I can continue to show you upstairs of house if you want, unless you would rather get to know Mala better."
Silver smiles as well.
"See? You two can get along."
He looks down at the smaller stallion beside him.
"I can continue to show you upstairs of house if you want, unless you would rather get to know Mala better."
>>144785
"Well, this is Mala's room, and over here is Khoi's room."
He leads Clip over to the mentioned room, and opens the door.
"Well, this is Mala's room, and over here is Khoi's room."
He leads Clip over to the mentioned room, and opens the door.
>>144786
Silver opens the door to a simple bedroom with a well kept bed, and a door to the patio. There are no clothes on the floor, no depressions in the bed, and the only sign that anycreature has occupied the room is a couple candles and a couple pieces of wood, looks like they came from the sea, placed on a dresser on the far side.
Silver opens the door to a simple bedroom with a well kept bed, and a door to the patio. There are no clothes on the floor, no depressions in the bed, and the only sign that anycreature has occupied the room is a couple candles and a couple pieces of wood, looks like they came from the sea, placed on a dresser on the far side.
>>144787
"She does keep tidy room."
He closes the door, and continues to tour onto the next room.
"And here is room where Jubee and I are staying."
"She does keep tidy room."
He closes the door, and continues to tour onto the next room.
"And here is room where Jubee and I are staying."
>>144788
"Woah." Paper Clipping is already impressed with the room, trying to make his way inside. There are no bedsheets, nor any covers on the bed.
"Woah." Paper Clipping is already impressed with the room, trying to make his way inside. There are no bedsheets, nor any covers on the bed.
>>144789
Silver lets the stallion inside, following him in close behind.
"I know, it is amazing room. Our bedsheets are currently in wash, we got them rather, um...dirty."
Silver lets the stallion inside, following him in close behind.
"I know, it is amazing room. Our bedsheets are currently in wash, we got them rather, um...dirty."
>>144790
He looks back to Silver with twisted lips. But then he continues his search around the room. Again, he takes particular note of a taxidermied animal, this time being the weird dog thing that is near the wall.
"Woah. Is this is a Star Cross Wolf?"
He looks back to Silver with twisted lips. But then he continues his search around the room. Again, he takes particular note of a taxidermied animal, this time being the weird dog thing that is near the wall.
"Woah. Is this is a Star Cross Wolf?"
>>144792
It looks like a small wolf, sort of, with a canine head and general appearance of a carnivore. But the ears are rounded, the fur is stripped in the hind quarters, and its arched rear only gradually connects to a long, straight tail with a rounded end. It's hard to tell how accurately the taxidermist imitated the live animal.
"I think so. Hard to say. I've never seen a live one."
It looks like a small wolf, sort of, with a canine head and general appearance of a carnivore. But the ears are rounded, the fur is stripped in the hind quarters, and its arched rear only gradually connects to a long, straight tail with a rounded end. It's hard to tell how accurately the taxidermist imitated the live animal.
"I think so. Hard to say. I've never seen a live one."
>>144794
"I don't, really. It's one of our local animals. One of the animals of 'Her Majesty's Dominion of New Mareland, New Freeside, and Starcross.' I mean it's not found anywhere else. There were some articles about the animal some years back, and they mentioned them in school."
"I don't, really. It's one of our local animals. One of the animals of 'Her Majesty's Dominion of New Mareland, New Freeside, and Starcross.' I mean it's not found anywhere else. There were some articles about the animal some years back, and they mentioned them in school."
>>144796
"Well, yes. That is what the articles were about. The colonial government passed a law to protect them."
"Well, yes. That is what the articles were about. The colonial government passed a law to protect them."
>>144798
"Heh, good luck finding one. He probably bought one someone else stuffed years ago. They're not exactly easy to come by."
He takes a pause, and his smile fades to straighter expression
"Oh course I don't really know."
"Heh, good luck finding one. He probably bought one someone else stuffed years ago. They're not exactly easy to come by."
He takes a pause, and his smile fades to straighter expression
"Oh course I don't really know."
>>144800
And Clip is pat
"Some griffinland decadence. Always wanting to show off by collecting the rarest things."
After another pause
"I can almost understand it. This might be the only one I'll ever see."
And Clip is pat
"Some griffinland decadence. Always wanting to show off by collecting the rarest things."
After another pause
"I can almost understand it. This might be the only one I'll ever see."
>>144801
"I suppose there is some good in that. It is good to learn about world, and things within it."
"I suppose there is some good in that. It is good to learn about world, and things within it."
>>144802
"Education is always good, and always important." He says, moving on to a different item. this time, he inspects the globe a little past the taxidermied animal.
"Education is always good, and always important." He says, moving on to a different item. this time, he inspects the globe a little past the taxidermied animal.
>>144804
Paper Clipping moves the globe around, looking at new Mareland, and then Equestria in particular, before moving it around to what seem to be random points.
"It's getting smaller." He says
Paper Clipping moves the globe around, looking at new Mareland, and then Equestria in particular, before moving it around to what seem to be random points.
"It's getting smaller." He says
>>144805
"Yes, but in some ways that is not so bad. It means it is easier now than ever before to learn about different places and peoples, and come to understand and appreciate them."
"Yes, but in some ways that is not so bad. It means it is easier now than ever before to learn about different places and peoples, and come to understand and appreciate them."
>>144806
"This is true. Perhaps someday we can have true friendship. A true fraternity of all creatures, everyone working for the good of the other."
"This is true. Perhaps someday we can have true friendship. A true fraternity of all creatures, everyone working for the good of the other."
>>144807
"Maybe, or something like it. World where we recognize that we are all not so completely different that we can not get along, and where we all are firm in our knowledge of our place in this world."
"Maybe, or something like it. World where we recognize that we are all not so completely different that we can not get along, and where we all are firm in our knowledge of our place in this world."
>>144808
He smiles
"Oh, we can do better than than. Just 15 years ago, many layers of Harmony were thought impossible. A thousand years ago, Harmony itself was barely known. Imagine what could be done with another good, productive, 15 years. Or even another thousand. Elysium will be here, on this planet."
He smiles
"Oh, we can do better than than. Just 15 years ago, many layers of Harmony were thought impossible. A thousand years ago, Harmony itself was barely known. Imagine what could be done with another good, productive, 15 years. Or even another thousand. Elysium will be here, on this planet."
>>144810
"Better than all of this. Better than all of this for sure. I like what you've done here, helping us. It's a very good step."
"Better than all of this. Better than all of this for sure. I like what you've done here, helping us. It's a very good step."
>>144813
“I should thank you, really. Helps to restore my faith in Harmony after all that.”
The colt gets up, and sits down on the bed, with his front legs on the side of the mattress .
“About what?”
He asks, looking over at Silver
“I should thank you, really. Helps to restore my faith in Harmony after all that.”
The colt gets up, and sits down on the bed, with his front legs on the side of the mattress .
“About what?”
He asks, looking over at Silver
>>144814
He can't help but smile even warmer at the praise. He sits down next to Clip.
"You know, about your experience in dance hall."
He can't help but smile even warmer at the praise. He sits down next to Clip.
"You know, about your experience in dance hall."
>>144815
“Well... I... went to a certain dance hall to meet a certain older stallion I’ve known from my working in the newspaper and with a certain political party. I went there, we talked, I drank a couple... alcoholic beverages, and we went to a backroom. There was a knocking on the door, then the door was knocked down, and police entered, and it was very embarrassing. They put me in a cart, they arrested the stallion, they arrested several other ponies and griffins, and I pleaded with them not to tell my parents. Eventually the police stallion did release me, but he gave me a ticket, and told my parents where I was. Thankfully he didn’t tell them why I was detained, but my parents could figure it out, and I rushed to find ponies to help pay off the ticket. I was underaged at the time.”
“Well... I... went to a certain dance hall to meet a certain older stallion I’ve known from my working in the newspaper and with a certain political party. I went there, we talked, I drank a couple... alcoholic beverages, and we went to a backroom. There was a knocking on the door, then the door was knocked down, and police entered, and it was very embarrassing. They put me in a cart, they arrested the stallion, they arrested several other ponies and griffins, and I pleaded with them not to tell my parents. Eventually the police stallion did release me, but he gave me a ticket, and told my parents where I was. Thankfully he didn’t tell them why I was detained, but my parents could figure it out, and I rushed to find ponies to help pay off the ticket. I was underaged at the time.”
>>144817
“By about six months. For alcohol, that is. For, uh, ‘sexual intercourse,’ I was of age. Not that certain kind of intercourse are legal at any age.”
“By about six months. For alcohol, that is. For, uh, ‘sexual intercourse,’ I was of age. Not that certain kind of intercourse are legal at any age.”
>>144818
"Ohhhhh. It is silly there is different legal ages for those. By time I was 16 I had already discovered what my favorite type of alcohol was. Good old whiskey..."
"Ohhhhh. It is silly there is different legal ages for those. By time I was 16 I had already discovered what my favorite type of alcohol was. Good old whiskey..."
>>144819
"Heheh, it was 18 in New Freeside. I've mostly drank beer. Can't say I know much about whiskey. Tried a sip once and it seemed a little strong for me."
"Heheh, it was 18 in New Freeside. I've mostly drank beer. Can't say I know much about whiskey. Tried a sip once and it seemed a little strong for me."
>>144821
"I knew him, yes. He would sometimes write columns for the paper, and I knew him in the Party. I can't quite say he got me into the Party, but that wouldn't be entirely unfair either."
"I knew him, yes. He would sometimes write columns for the paper, and I knew him in the Party. I can't quite say he got me into the Party, but that wouldn't be entirely unfair either."
>>144822
"That is good. Sounds little bit like story friend of mine from Nimbusia told me, where young stallions would take on older stallions as their mentors, and would do things like you and this older stallion did."
"That is good. Sounds little bit like story friend of mine from Nimbusia told me, where young stallions would take on older stallions as their mentors, and would do things like you and this older stallion did."
>>144823
This statement takes him a moment, and he blinks
"Ha! Yes. Equestrian culture isn't really the standard of all cultures through out history when it comes to many things, like attitudes to sexuality, or family formation."
This statement takes him a moment, and he blinks
"Ha! Yes. Equestrian culture isn't really the standard of all cultures through out history when it comes to many things, like attitudes to sexuality, or family formation."
>>144830
"Sounds little bit like first time have sex. Awkward, little bit scary or disgusting at times, but fun."
He smiles at Clip.
"Sounds little bit like first time have sex. Awkward, little bit scary or disgusting at times, but fun."
He smiles at Clip.
>>144833
"Alright, just stay here."
Silver goes downstairs, grabbing the bottle of whiskey and two glasses to bring back.
"Alright, just stay here."
Silver goes downstairs, grabbing the bottle of whiskey and two glasses to bring back.
>>144834
Silver finds the set of apple whiskey, pours two glasses, and returns upstairs easily enough.
>>144836
I don't know... That's a tough peak to climb
https://youtu.be/Wy_kKBBe2Co?t=1233
Silver finds the set of apple whiskey, pours two glasses, and returns upstairs easily enough.
>>144836
I don't know... That's a tough peak to climb
https://youtu.be/Wy_kKBBe2Co?t=1233
>>144841
Silver rejoins him on the bed, pouring whiskey into each of the glasses he brought, giving one to Clip and setting the bottle on the end table.
"Alright, so there are two ways to drink whiskey. First is to drink it quickly, getting through burn as fast as possible. It is good way to get drunk quickly, but you can not enjoy flavor of drink this way, so sometimes it is waste of good whiskey. Alternatively, second way is to hold it in back of your throat, letting burn spread throughout your mouth and enjoying flavor before swallowing. It takes practice to take burn, but once you have it down, you get satisfaction of feeling warmth of drink spread throughout your being, burning in your throat, boiling in your stomach, and tasting like pure, melted gold."
He holds his glass up to Clip, waiting for him to toast their drink.
Silver rejoins him on the bed, pouring whiskey into each of the glasses he brought, giving one to Clip and setting the bottle on the end table.
"Alright, so there are two ways to drink whiskey. First is to drink it quickly, getting through burn as fast as possible. It is good way to get drunk quickly, but you can not enjoy flavor of drink this way, so sometimes it is waste of good whiskey. Alternatively, second way is to hold it in back of your throat, letting burn spread throughout your mouth and enjoying flavor before swallowing. It takes practice to take burn, but once you have it down, you get satisfaction of feeling warmth of drink spread throughout your being, burning in your throat, boiling in your stomach, and tasting like pure, melted gold."
He holds his glass up to Clip, waiting for him to toast their drink.
>>144843
"Well, either works in different situations, but second way is better for drinking to enjoy drink, or drinking with friends."
"Well, either works in different situations, but second way is better for drinking to enjoy drink, or drinking with friends."
>>144844
"Eh, I've seen what alcoholism can do to ponies. And I've heard of what it does to the working classes. If I am going to drink, I'd rather drink more slowly."
"Eh, I've seen what alcoholism can do to ponies. And I've heard of what it does to the working classes. If I am going to drink, I'd rather drink more slowly."
>>144846
He gives a weak smile, holds the glass up to Silver, and clinks it
"Cheers"
He takes the glass, and slowly sips it, holding it in his mouth with a scrunch for some seconds, swallows, and then
"Gah! Ack!"
starts coughing
"Smooth"
He says, smiling in part.
He gives a weak smile, holds the glass up to Silver, and clinks it
"Cheers"
He takes the glass, and slowly sips it, holding it in his mouth with a scrunch for some seconds, swallows, and then
"Gah! Ack!"
starts coughing
"Smooth"
He says, smiling in part.
>>144847
Silver smiles back, and takes his drink, holding it in the back of his throat with a practiced ease. He holds it for a few second before swallowing, shivering as the warmth spreads through of his body.
"Ahhhhh…so much better than swill they call vodka back in Motherland."
Silver smiles back, and takes his drink, holding it in the back of his throat with a practiced ease. He holds it for a few second before swallowing, shivering as the warmth spreads through of his body.
"Ahhhhh…so much better than swill they call vodka back in Motherland."
>>144848
"Is it? I can't really say"
He tries another sip, though this one is smaller. He scrunches again, but swallows with only one cough thereafter.
"Is it? I can't really say"
He tries another sip, though this one is smaller. He scrunches again, but swallows with only one cough thereafter.
>>144849
"Vodka is one of strongest liquors. It tastes like gasoline, it is all burn and no flavor. They make it to get drunk, nothing more. It is reason why alcoholism is so bad in Severyana."
He takes another drink, refilling his whiskey glass afterwards.
"Vodka is one of strongest liquors. It tastes like gasoline, it is all burn and no flavor. They make it to get drunk, nothing more. It is reason why alcoholism is so bad in Severyana."
He takes another drink, refilling his whiskey glass afterwards.
>>144850
Paper Clipping does not drink as quickly as Silver, still having liquid in the glass
"Yeah, I've heard of what it was like there, with the peasantry and the Boyars, the last king and the colonial government. And the trade embargos since."
Paper Clipping does not drink as quickly as Silver, still having liquid in the glass
"Yeah, I've heard of what it was like there, with the peasantry and the Boyars, the last king and the colonial government. And the trade embargos since."
>>144851
"Did you know that production of vodka was limited to only Tsar and those he gave production licenses to, prior to Severyana's annexation into Equestria? That practice actually continued afterwards, except instead ownership of production of vodka was underneath Equestrian Crown, and licenses were given out to nobles in Severyana who gained Canterlot's favor."
The downside of being a bigger, more practiced drinker. Still, he tries to stretch it out, rather wanting to enjoy drinking with Clip than just getting drunk.
"Did you know that production of vodka was limited to only Tsar and those he gave production licenses to, prior to Severyana's annexation into Equestria? That practice actually continued afterwards, except instead ownership of production of vodka was underneath Equestrian Crown, and licenses were given out to nobles in Severyana who gained Canterlot's favor."
The downside of being a bigger, more practiced drinker. Still, he tries to stretch it out, rather wanting to enjoy drinking with Clip than just getting drunk.
>>144852
"That sounds exactly right. And the vodka was portioned out to whoever they wanted to numb."
He takes another sip, and scrunches
"That sounds exactly right. And the vodka was portioned out to whoever they wanted to numb."
He takes another sip, and scrunches
>>144853
"And they got rich and fat off of profits of selling production licenses and from taxes from liquor sales. It is how Severyana managed to fund Empire that could rival Equestria at its peak, at cost of making many ponies in North addicted to drink."
He takes another drink, letting the warmth fill his being.
"But this, this is different. Whiskey...it is smooth, flavorful, warm, and yes while it can be strong it is still manageable. It is perfect drink to relax with."
"And they got rich and fat off of profits of selling production licenses and from taxes from liquor sales. It is how Severyana managed to fund Empire that could rival Equestria at its peak, at cost of making many ponies in North addicted to drink."
He takes another drink, letting the warmth fill his being.
"But this, this is different. Whiskey...it is smooth, flavorful, warm, and yes while it can be strong it is still manageable. It is perfect drink to relax with."
>>144855
"For some, perhaps. Many drinks affect others differently, and for me nothing is more relaxing than nice glass of whiskey."
"For some, perhaps. Many drinks affect others differently, and for me nothing is more relaxing than nice glass of whiskey."
>>144857
Silver levitates the bottle of whiskey over, and fills both of their glasses again.
"What do you think of drink, so far?"
Silver levitates the bottle of whiskey over, and fills both of their glasses again.
"What do you think of drink, so far?"
>>144859
He smiles at Clip before taking another drink.
"It is good kick, enough to let you know what you are drinking without being overpowering."
He smiles at Clip before taking another drink.
"It is good kick, enough to let you know what you are drinking without being overpowering."
>>144860
“I guess that’s... that’s true.”
He smiles, a little awkwardly, placing the glass between his legs and keeping a hoof on it.
“I guess that’s... that’s true.”
He smiles, a little awkwardly, placing the glass between his legs and keeping a hoof on it.
Hi there!
I might be busy for the next couple of days, but I hope to be back soon. I am excited to see where this goes.
hopes to continue soon
still hopes to continue soon
Okay, I’m actually available today and tomorrow. There will probably be a few hours I won’t be available, but I am available.
I believe we left off with Waabishki going to have dinner with the rest of the characters.
>>144886
The Doctor continues speaking with Ply Press, talking about his life has been since they moved, with the Doctor likewise having experienced a move. The one from the country to the city, the other from the city to the country.
Petal enters the room,
“Dinner’s ready.”
Ply Press stands up, and directs the group towards a dinner table, which is down the small hallway, past the kitchen and the stairwell, into a room with a large table, plates, wooden floors, and windows yo the back
The Doctor continues speaking with Ply Press, talking about his life has been since they moved, with the Doctor likewise having experienced a move. The one from the country to the city, the other from the city to the country.
Petal enters the room,
“Dinner’s ready.”
Ply Press stands up, and directs the group towards a dinner table, which is down the small hallway, past the kitchen and the stairwell, into a room with a large table, plates, wooden floors, and windows yo the back
>>144889
Ply Press tells the group,
“Come on, sit down.”
The Doctor sits, and Makade, looking a bit displeased, takes his seat as well. Waabishki, with uncertainty, takes a seat. Petal comes in, with a pan
“We have a hot dish. And some bread.” Placing it on the table. Then she comes out with two special plates.
“Smoked Salmon. Luis’s favorite.” She ruffles the top of Makade’s head, flopping his ears about. He scrunches, then bares his teeth. Waabishki giggles at the sight, and then sniffs the fillets fish before her.
Ply Press tells the group,
“Come on, sit down.”
The Doctor sits, and Makade, looking a bit displeased, takes his seat as well. Waabishki, with uncertainty, takes a seat. Petal comes in, with a pan
“We have a hot dish. And some bread.” Placing it on the table. Then she comes out with two special plates.
“Smoked Salmon. Luis’s favorite.” She ruffles the top of Makade’s head, flopping his ears about. He scrunches, then bares his teeth. Waabishki giggles at the sight, and then sniffs the fillets fish before her.
>>144896
Doctor:
“That’s really neat you have something ready for the wolves.
Petal:
“We hoped our little Lyka would come back. And here he is! Smoked Salmon is his favorite.”
Waabishki uses a paw to push a piece of fillet into her mouth. Makade remains scrunching in protest for perhaps as long as thirty seconds, but takes a nibble of the salmon, and then eats more.
Doctor:
“That’s really neat you have something ready for the wolves.
Petal:
“We hoped our little Lyka would come back. And here he is! Smoked Salmon is his favorite.”
Waabishki uses a paw to push a piece of fillet into her mouth. Makade remains scrunching in protest for perhaps as long as thirty seconds, but takes a nibble of the salmon, and then eats more.
>>144897
"It is very kind of you to have made all of this for us. If you have some kind of errand you need done, I would be happy to be of assistance."
"It is very kind of you to have made all of this for us. If you have some kind of errand you need done, I would be happy to be of assistance."
>>144746
"Wiped out? Not even figuratively. The worry is always whether they would be the only ones wiped out."
"Wiped out? Not even figuratively. The worry is always whether they would be the only ones wiped out."
>>144899
“Well... you would like to be able to invite Madake back again I assume. You will need some more supplies if you want to have him and his friends over again, correct?”
“Well... you would like to be able to invite Madake back again I assume. You will need some more supplies if you want to have him and his friends over again, correct?”
>>144901
"Oh, it's alright. We just... won't necessarily have coffee. Or real tea. But there is some nice ersatz tea they make now."
"Oh, it's alright. We just... won't necessarily have coffee. Or real tea. But there is some nice ersatz tea they make now."
>>144902
“But offering less than real tea and having no coffee simply won’t do. After all, a good host has plenty to offer the guests. It won’t be but a short trip to get some more for you.”
“But offering less than real tea and having no coffee simply won’t do. After all, a good host has plenty to offer the guests. It won’t be but a short trip to get some more for you.”
>>144903
"Well... You're not from West Equestria, are you? You see, all of the tea and coffee plantations in Equestria are on the other side of the line, and the Changelings aren't willing to sell much to buy luxuries, at least for most of the pony population. So... well, there isn't really more tea at the store." She smiles awkwardly.
"Well... You're not from West Equestria, are you? You see, all of the tea and coffee plantations in Equestria are on the other side of the line, and the Changelings aren't willing to sell much to buy luxuries, at least for most of the pony population. So... well, there isn't really more tea at the store." She smiles awkwardly.
>>144904
“I might have a way to get some over the line. New Mareland is interested in trade with Madake’s village. I’m sure a few coffee rations can make their way over here once that opens up. In the mean time, I will double check the stores. I’m quite certain you are overlooking some.”
“I might have a way to get some over the line. New Mareland is interested in trade with Madake’s village. I’m sure a few coffee rations can make their way over here once that opens up. In the mean time, I will double check the stores. I’m quite certain you are overlooking some.”
>>144906
“I don’t need to, but I want to. Looking for a little coffee will help me get more familiar with the layout of the city and maybe meet some locals.”
“I don’t need to, but I want to. Looking for a little coffee will help me get more familiar with the layout of the city and maybe meet some locals.”
>>144907
"Well, I don't know if you really want to be seen moving about the city much. During the day it's fine, but at night... Well, you can't move about without good reason."
"Well, I don't know if you really want to be seen moving about the city much. During the day it's fine, but at night... Well, you can't move about without good reason."
>>144910
“I don’t want to overstay my welcome. I can find another place to rest and be back with some tea and coffee in the morning.”
“I don’t want to overstay my welcome. I can find another place to rest and be back with some tea and coffee in the morning.”
>>144911
Yes
>>144747
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCsMKypvmB0
"Not so fast." The Zebra repositions himself to physically block off Amber before she enters the building.
"Nocreature enters without first being searched for weapons or explosives. Now, you are looking for someone invloved with... 'Hoebuck,' was it?"
There are some other obstructions, like a steel railing, that corral those who enter, and makes it difficult to enter without inspection.
>>144913
"Oh no, it's hardly an issue at all. Although... I'm not sure how many beds we have. Still, we can prepare something for all of you, if you like."
Yes
>>144747
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCsMKypvmB0
"Not so fast." The Zebra repositions himself to physically block off Amber before she enters the building.
"Nocreature enters without first being searched for weapons or explosives. Now, you are looking for someone invloved with... 'Hoebuck,' was it?"
There are some other obstructions, like a steel railing, that corral those who enter, and makes it difficult to enter without inspection.
>>144913
"Oh no, it's hardly an issue at all. Although... I'm not sure how many beds we have. Still, we can prepare something for all of you, if you like."
>>144914
She nods nervously. "Y-yes. Actually, I going to turn in some evidence that...that I found nearby." The mare slowly pulls back her cloak with her teeth to show a revolver of sorts. "Thsmm ss ull ah goat ohn muh," she says, her mouth muffled.
She nods nervously. "Y-yes. Actually, I going to turn in some evidence that...that I found nearby." The mare slowly pulls back her cloak with her teeth to show a revolver of sorts. "Thsmm ss ull ah goat ohn muh," she says, her mouth muffled.
>>144917
The Stallion's eyes grow wide, and he rapidly moves back, his hooves momentarily slipping on the tile floor. He moves back far enough to come to a wooden desk.
"SHE'S GOT A GUN!"
He yells, before himself producing a revolver, which slips from his mouth in the first instance.
Inside, a pony dives to the floor, while another tries to scurry away, slipping on the tile and falling down.
"PUT DOWN YA GUN MISS!"
The two green uniformed ponies from outside rush in, both of whom brandish wood and steel rifles, pointing them at Amber, though the second stallion quickly turns around, to look behind them and outside. A third green uniformed stallion rushes in from inside, also carrying a rifle and pointing it towards Amber.
The Stallion's eyes grow wide, and he rapidly moves back, his hooves momentarily slipping on the tile floor. He moves back far enough to come to a wooden desk.
"SHE'S GOT A GUN!"
He yells, before himself producing a revolver, which slips from his mouth in the first instance.
Inside, a pony dives to the floor, while another tries to scurry away, slipping on the tile and falling down.
"PUT DOWN YA GUN MISS!"
The two green uniformed ponies from outside rush in, both of whom brandish wood and steel rifles, pointing them at Amber, though the second stallion quickly turns around, to look behind them and outside. A third green uniformed stallion rushes in from inside, also carrying a rifle and pointing it towards Amber.
File (): 6490CFE325DE982619D13E3DF814D550-98521.png (96.2 KB, 695x360, AmberTakingCover.png)
>>144918
kek
The mare falls on the floor holding her hooves on her head. "Wait, wait! I brought it here because I want to give it to you!" She looks in panic at the ponies with guns barging in.
kek
The mare falls on the floor holding her hooves on her head. "Wait, wait! I brought it here because I want to give it to you!" She looks in panic at the ponies with guns barging in.
>>144919
One of the stallions in green starts talking:
"Get it! Get the gun! Who ya fightin' for? Glimma'?"
The zebra stallion uses a hoof to slide the gun closer towards himself
"A turn in?" He asks Amber
One of the stallions in green starts talking:
"Get it! Get the gun! Who ya fightin' for? Glimma'?"
The zebra stallion uses a hoof to slide the gun closer towards himself
"A turn in?" He asks Amber
>>144920
"I'm-I'm not fighting, I'm...yes, I want to...turn in.... She looks to be shaking half to death from fright.
"I'm-I'm not fighting, I'm...yes, I want to...turn in.... She looks to be shaking half to death from fright.
>>144921
There is a pause, and perfect silence for an extended period of time. Measured out, it's probably seven seconds, but when there are four different guns pointed at you, it surely feels like longer
"Uh, sorry miss." One of the stallions smiles awkwardly, tips his hat, and leaves the entryway, going back outside, followed by the other stallion, and the third green uniformed stallion, until only the Zebra stallion and a few others inside remain. The Zebra puts down his revolver on the cart. He picks up and examines the revolver Amber brought it.
"You can never be too cautious. You can get up now. Where did you say you found this?"
There is a pause, and perfect silence for an extended period of time. Measured out, it's probably seven seconds, but when there are four different guns pointed at you, it surely feels like longer
"Uh, sorry miss." One of the stallions smiles awkwardly, tips his hat, and leaves the entryway, going back outside, followed by the other stallion, and the third green uniformed stallion, until only the Zebra stallion and a few others inside remain. The Zebra puts down his revolver on the cart. He picks up and examines the revolver Amber brought it.
"You can never be too cautious. You can get up now. Where did you say you found this?"
>>144922
She looks around anxiously and, without that magical feeling of being mugged, slowly pulls herself up. She seems unsure of how to respond; lost, even. "Um, I, um," she mumbles, blinking confusedly.
She looks around anxiously and, without that magical feeling of being mugged, slowly pulls herself up. She seems unsure of how to respond; lost, even. "Um, I, um," she mumbles, blinking confusedly.
>>144923
Looking around, she can see no trace of the green-uniformed ponies who pointed rifles at her moments ago. Perhaps not no trace, as the silhouttes of two of them can be seen outside, standing as there were before. Still, it is enough almost to cast doubt on whether the vent happened at all. Likewise, inside, the pink mare who slipped and fell on the floor is nowhere to be seen, and the storm-cloud grey Pegasus who jumped, now staring at Amber, is the only pony there besides the zebra.
The Zebra stallion repeats
"Where did you say you found this?"
Looking around, she can see no trace of the green-uniformed ponies who pointed rifles at her moments ago. Perhaps not no trace, as the silhouttes of two of them can be seen outside, standing as there were before. Still, it is enough almost to cast doubt on whether the vent happened at all. Likewise, inside, the pink mare who slipped and fell on the floor is nowhere to be seen, and the storm-cloud grey Pegasus who jumped, now staring at Amber, is the only pony there besides the zebra.
The Zebra stallion repeats
"Where did you say you found this?"
>>144924
She stares. "It was...near the Hoebuck tenement, um...in an alley. I, uh..." she rubs the back of her head with a hoof. "...I saw something shiny by a dumpster."
She stares. "It was...near the Hoebuck tenement, um...in an alley. I, uh..." she rubs the back of her head with a hoof. "...I saw something shiny by a dumpster."
>>144925
He moves in a bit closer, his big, black muzzle nearing her face. He turns his head, and raises an eyebrow in skepticism.
He moves in a bit closer, his big, black muzzle nearing her face. He turns his head, and raises an eyebrow in skepticism.
>>144926
"I knew it had to be related to that case, so I brought it here. Maybe I can explain this better to a detective." She smiles nervously.
"I knew it had to be related to that case, so I brought it here. Maybe I can explain this better to a detective." She smiles nervously.
>>144927
"Hoebuck." He says to himself, pulling away
"Black Veil, do you know who heads the Hoebuck investigation? Is that that cultist case?"
The dark grey stallion moves in closer
"Yes sir. The... the 'New' government is claiming jurisdiction."
The Zebra stallion raises an eyebrow and looks over to him
"Oh they are? What does the chief say about that?"
"Same as the mayor. Don't budge an inch."
"Who is in charge though?"
"I think... Big Malt? It'll be assigned a special group I am sure."
"Well, let's collect all evidence we can."
Then the Zebra looks back to Amber
"Well, we really need to get it to somecreature working on the case. Especially one of the assigned detectives or the original police officer."
"Hoebuck." He says to himself, pulling away
"Black Veil, do you know who heads the Hoebuck investigation? Is that that cultist case?"
The dark grey stallion moves in closer
"Yes sir. The... the 'New' government is claiming jurisdiction."
The Zebra stallion raises an eyebrow and looks over to him
"Oh they are? What does the chief say about that?"
"Same as the mayor. Don't budge an inch."
"Who is in charge though?"
"I think... Big Malt? It'll be assigned a special group I am sure."
"Well, let's collect all evidence we can."
Then the Zebra looks back to Amber
"Well, we really need to get it to somecreature working on the case. Especially one of the assigned detectives or the original police officer."
>>144928
She nods. "I really am sorry, officer, for coming at a very strange hour, but I thought this was important, and I wasn't comfortable holding onto a gun that might've hurt somepony.
I doubt any detective would be up at this time...."
She nods. "I really am sorry, officer, for coming at a very strange hour, but I thought this was important, and I wasn't comfortable holding onto a gun that might've hurt somepony.
I doubt any detective would be up at this time...."
>>144929
"Well, let's go see."
He speaks to the grey pegasus,
"Take my place for a few minutes."
He looks back to her, and offers the gun back
"You may be called as a witness in a future trial. Follow me."
"Well, let's go see."
He speaks to the grey pegasus,
"Take my place for a few minutes."
He looks back to her, and offers the gun back
"You may be called as a witness in a future trial. Follow me."
>>144930
Her ears fold back when she hears 'trial,' but otherwise she only replies, "Okay." Hopeful but with her heart racing, she follows him.
Her ears fold back when she hears 'trial,' but otherwise she only replies, "Okay." Hopeful but with her heart racing, she follows him.
>>144931
Unfortunately I have to go for the night. I will be available tomorrow, including relatively early tomorrow
Unfortunately I have to go for the night. I will be available tomorrow, including relatively early tomorrow
>>144941
The creatures continue eating. The Doctor tries to make conversation, and Petal starts telling stories of the neighbors, followed by Ply Press telling stories of when he would hike through the woods.
Makade cautiously continues eating, while Waabishki finishes everything quickly. Petal volunteers to cook more.
The creatures continue eating. The Doctor tries to make conversation, and Petal starts telling stories of the neighbors, followed by Ply Press telling stories of when he would hike through the woods.
Makade cautiously continues eating, while Waabishki finishes everything quickly. Petal volunteers to cook more.
>>144943
Petal tells of her growing roses for competition in the State Fair back in the day, and how she made it to third prize in the entire region. She also tells of a couple neighbors, including of a mechanic's colt who went off to the War, and wondering if he is still prisoner.
Ply Press makes another mention of Mild Mirth, and also talks about going campaign on a series of hills. he mentions a close encounter with a... bear? Let's hope it was a bear, anyways. Didn't really sound like one, but damn was it big and furry and scary. Kind of hard to tell at night. He also mentions practicing marksmanship with Makade.
Petal tells of her growing roses for competition in the State Fair back in the day, and how she made it to third prize in the entire region. She also tells of a couple neighbors, including of a mechanic's colt who went off to the War, and wondering if he is still prisoner.
Ply Press makes another mention of Mild Mirth, and also talks about going campaign on a series of hills. he mentions a close encounter with a... bear? Let's hope it was a bear, anyways. Didn't really sound like one, but damn was it big and furry and scary. Kind of hard to tell at night. He also mentions practicing marksmanship with Makade.
>>144945
Petal hastily goes upstairs, and the remainder make their way back to the living room. Waabishki, once again, looks anxious.
Petal hastily goes upstairs, and the remainder make their way back to the living room. Waabishki, once again, looks anxious.
>>144949
She looking out, as if to the distance. It takes her a moment to turn her head to Spark.
"Huh? Oh. Yes. I was rather impressed ponies could make it that way."
She looking out, as if to the distance. It takes her a moment to turn her head to Spark.
"Huh? Oh. Yes. I was rather impressed ponies could make it that way."
>>144954
I went to sleep just as the session started, but it doesn't look like you got very far. Can we continue?
I went to sleep just as the session started, but it doesn't look like you got very far. Can we continue?
>>144931
The Stallion goes slightly ahead of Amber, looking back
"Keep that where I can see it."
Note that it is actually Amber who has possession of the revolver.
The two go upwards, and upwards, until they enter through a door into another hallway with a bank of tables and desks, a hallway branching off to the right with closed doors, and a hallway straight ahead with doors with glass windows.
"Okay, now let's find a relevant detective. Let me see who's here..."
The Stallion goes slightly ahead of Amber, looking back
"Keep that where I can see it."
Note that it is actually Amber who has possession of the revolver.
The two go upwards, and upwards, until they enter through a door into another hallway with a bank of tables and desks, a hallway branching off to the right with closed doors, and a hallway straight ahead with doors with glass windows.
"Okay, now let's find a relevant detective. Let me see who's here..."
>>144958
Amber keeps attentive and looks to either side of the hallway, trying to see if there are any names on nameplates or if there are any ponies observable through the windows. Meanwhile her ears are focused on the stallion ahead, trying to catch any names.
Amber keeps attentive and looks to either side of the hallway, trying to see if there are any names on nameplates or if there are any ponies observable through the windows. Meanwhile her ears are focused on the stallion ahead, trying to catch any names.
>>144959
There are indeed nameplates and the windows can be seen through. One room is lit. However, Amber is a little far away and at the wrong angle to see much.
The Zebra Stallion moves ahead of Amber, in what would not have been a wise move had Amber been hiding bullets and a malign intent.
"Rosey! Hey! Rosey!"
Or maybe there's a witness already. Quickly, a small strawberry colored earthpony mare pokes out from the right hallway, and looks at the Zebra stallion and Amber.
"Yes? Bah!"
"Calm down, it's not loaded, and it's evidence from that Hoebuck thing. We need a detective working on that case to turn it in to, or at least somepony who is working on it."
"Uh, oh. Okay. Well, Headliner is leading the case. Temporarily, I think the chief himself will lead it. And as for detectives..."
She looks down at a paper.
"We have Salted Stalwart here. He's in the back. He can check it in."
There are indeed nameplates and the windows can be seen through. One room is lit. However, Amber is a little far away and at the wrong angle to see much.
The Zebra Stallion moves ahead of Amber, in what would not have been a wise move had Amber been hiding bullets and a malign intent.
"Rosey! Hey! Rosey!"
Or maybe there's a witness already. Quickly, a small strawberry colored earthpony mare pokes out from the right hallway, and looks at the Zebra stallion and Amber.
"Yes? Bah!"
"Calm down, it's not loaded, and it's evidence from that Hoebuck thing. We need a detective working on that case to turn it in to, or at least somepony who is working on it."
"Uh, oh. Okay. Well, Headliner is leading the case. Temporarily, I think the chief himself will lead it. And as for detectives..."
She looks down at a paper.
"We have Salted Stalwart here. He's in the back. He can check it in."
>>144960
She goes through the names. Wait! None of them are Red Scabbard! I have to do something.... Panic rising in her chest, she asks, trying to be nonchalant, "You must have a lot of detectives here."
She goes through the names. Wait! None of them are Red Scabbard! I have to do something.... Panic rising in her chest, she asks, trying to be nonchalant, "You must have a lot of detectives here."
>>144961
The Zebra responds
"A few, yeah. Only so many at 1:30."
The mare replies
"Let me get Stalwart."
The Zebra responds
"A few, yeah. Only so many at 1:30."
The mare replies
"Let me get Stalwart."
"Okay," she says, but she intently looks at the doors to see if she can find the name she needs.
>>144862
"Well, I..." He turns his head slightly down and away
"I've tried reading. History, poetry..."
"Well, I..." He turns his head slightly down and away
"I've tried reading. History, poetry..."
>>144968
A blue stallion walks from down the central hallway
"Hello,"
And introducing himself
"Detective Salted Stallwart. You found a weapon near Hoebuck?"
A blue stallion walks from down the central hallway
"Hello,"
And introducing himself
"Detective Salted Stallwart. You found a weapon near Hoebuck?"
>>144969
"Yes. Caramel Marks, Valley Lemon's book on the State and..." He tilts his head.
"I haven't heard of that book before."
"Yes. Caramel Marks, Valley Lemon's book on the State and..." He tilts his head.
"I haven't heard of that book before."
>>144971
"It is Romanticist classic, written by Leo Trotstoy, one of Severyana's greatest authors. It is chronicle of Groverian invasion of Severyanan Empire and influence it had in following years after Severyana accepted Equestrian protection in wake of defeat."
"It is Romanticist classic, written by Leo Trotstoy, one of Severyana's greatest authors. It is chronicle of Groverian invasion of Severyanan Empire and influence it had in following years after Severyana accepted Equestrian protection in wake of defeat."
>>144972
"Ah." He nods his head
"Rather neat. I haven't, well, I haven't read that, but I've read some Equestrian and Aquellian literature."
"Ah." He nods his head
"Rather neat. I haven't, well, I haven't read that, but I've read some Equestrian and Aquellian literature."
>>144970
Amber nods. "Y-yes, it was..." she pauses to recollect her thoughts. "...It was in an alleyway by a dumpster."
Amber nods. "Y-yes, it was..." she pauses to recollect her thoughts. "...It was in an alleyway by a dumpster."
>>144974
"Let me write this down." He says, pulling out a paper and placing it on a table near him. He places a pencil in his mouth, moving it off to the side to let him speak.
"So, which alley did you find it in? And where was it located relative to the dumpster?"
"Let me write this down." He says, pulling out a paper and placing it on a table near him. He places a pencil in his mouth, moving it off to the side to let him speak.
"So, which alley did you find it in? And where was it located relative to the dumpster?"
>>144976
"Well... Yes. There are a couple by John Huffing. And the best is this one called Le Malheureux. The best I've read so far, anyways."
"Well... Yes. There are a couple by John Huffing. And the best is this one called Le Malheureux. The best I've read so far, anyways."
>>144975
"It wasn't far, maybe a block away...and it was on the left side of a green dumpster, I saw something shiny and decided to see." Her ear twitches. "I'm sorry if I'm not very good with directions, I arrived in Baltimare a few days ago but I heard about the awful things that happened at Hoebuck."
"It wasn't far, maybe a block away...and it was on the left side of a green dumpster, I saw something shiny and decided to see." Her ear twitches. "I'm sorry if I'm not very good with directions, I arrived in Baltimare a few days ago but I heard about the awful things that happened at Hoebuck."
>>144978
"Huh..." He writes something down
"Right by where we found those three unconscious griffins tied together in the dumpster. Wonder why the police missed it. When did you find it? Exactly where was it next to the dumpster? Do you think you could show me, or someone?"
"Huh..." He writes something down
"Right by where we found those three unconscious griffins tied together in the dumpster. Wonder why the police missed it. When did you find it? Exactly where was it next to the dumpster? Do you think you could show me, or someone?"
>>144977
"I admit I do not do as much reading as I should, but it is good idea to broaden one's horizons."
He finishes his glass of whiskey, and puts it on the end table.
"I had better stop it here, do not want to get too drunk before tonight. How are you holding up?"
"I admit I do not do as much reading as I should, but it is good idea to broaden one's horizons."
He finishes his glass of whiskey, and puts it on the end table.
"I had better stop it here, do not want to get too drunk before tonight. How are you holding up?"
>>144979
"Um, I-I think I could." She gives a nervous smile. "B-but I don't think you would be able to find anything else there."
"Um, I-I think I could." She gives a nervous smile. "B-but I don't think you would be able to find anything else there."
>>144981
"No no. It's where the gun was located. That says much about how it got there. And why it wasn't noticed on the first sweep. Whether it was even there on the night of the clearing. Here. Let me see it."
He extends a hoof
>>144981
"Heh. I'm getting a little bit of a buzz now. At least I think I am? I'm feeling something, that's for sure." He has a strange smile
"No no. It's where the gun was located. That says much about how it got there. And why it wasn't noticed on the first sweep. Whether it was even there on the night of the clearing. Here. Let me see it."
He extends a hoof
>>144981
"Heh. I'm getting a little bit of a buzz now. At least I think I am? I'm feeling something, that's for sure." He has a strange smile
>>144984
And he is pat.
"Uh, yeah. Everything's alright." He says
>>144983
He takes it rather quickly, turning it over
"Lavender Number 2. Equestrian Service Revolver." He turns it over, then presses a button with his hoof, breaking the cylinder open. He spins the cylinder, then snaps the barrel back in place.
"Dated 1011. Wartime production, Mareway Small Arms Company."
He places the gun in a foreleg, and extends it forward, toward the wall in front of him. He holds it up, and looks down the sight, closing an eye. The way the gun is positioned between the ankle and the end of hoof is rather awkward. yet nevertheless he manages a squeaking action by pulling the end of the hoof inwards towards the ankle, pulling the trigger without jerking the gun. Amber could see the hammer rise and the cylinder turn, before
Click
He turns around, and places it back on the table.
"This was probably issued to an Equestrian military non-commissioned officer. I wonder how it got here. It has most of the factory bluing. Wasn't found lying out on the battlefield. Not for long, anyways. Wasn't laying out in the alley very long either. It works fine and there is no rust. Not many scratches either."
And he is pat.
"Uh, yeah. Everything's alright." He says
>>144983
He takes it rather quickly, turning it over
"Lavender Number 2. Equestrian Service Revolver." He turns it over, then presses a button with his hoof, breaking the cylinder open. He spins the cylinder, then snaps the barrel back in place.
"Dated 1011. Wartime production, Mareway Small Arms Company."
He places the gun in a foreleg, and extends it forward, toward the wall in front of him. He holds it up, and looks down the sight, closing an eye. The way the gun is positioned between the ankle and the end of hoof is rather awkward. yet nevertheless he manages a squeaking action by pulling the end of the hoof inwards towards the ankle, pulling the trigger without jerking the gun. Amber could see the hammer rise and the cylinder turn, before
Click
He turns around, and places it back on the table.
"This was probably issued to an Equestrian military non-commissioned officer. I wonder how it got here. It has most of the factory bluing. Wasn't found lying out on the battlefield. Not for long, anyways. Wasn't laying out in the alley very long either. It works fine and there is no rust. Not many scratches either."
>>144986
"Well... Make a life here, I suppose. Get in contact with the paper, or the activists here. they are much stronger than back home. Or leave, go to Aquellia or Stalliongrad."
"Well... Make a life here, I suppose. Get in contact with the paper, or the activists here. they are much stronger than back home. Or leave, go to Aquellia or Stalliongrad."
>>144987
"Hmm...well, as long as you do not get house raided by government, I would be happy to help you make your life."
"Hmm...well, as long as you do not get house raided by government, I would be happy to help you make your life."
>>144991
She does not directly answer him. Instead: "Oh, can I have a looksie? It sounds really important." She looks a bit more chipper. Youthful energy perhaps?
This is my chance! she thinks to herself.
She does not directly answer him. Instead: "Oh, can I have a looksie? It sounds really important." She looks a bit more chipper. Youthful energy perhaps?
This is my chance! she thinks to herself.
>>144992
He turns to her, and smiles awkwardly.
"Uh, at the evidence room? Civilians aren't normally allowed back there."
He turns to her, and smiles awkwardly.
"Uh, at the evidence room? Civilians aren't normally allowed back there."
>>144993
"Oh, I'm sorry...but I'm just surprised there are so many detectives. Even now there must be...what? Four or five here, I'd wager."
"Oh, I'm sorry...but I'm just surprised there are so many detectives. Even now there must be...what? Four or five here, I'd wager."
>>144994
"At 1:30? Most of us go home long before then. Some of us stay late because we are working on a case, though there's always a few for dedicated nightshift. Tonight there's myself, Griselda, Sunnyside Meadow, Red Scabbard, Tracker, and Strummed Sound. Well, I think that's who hasn't gone home. Just six of us."
"At 1:30? Most of us go home long before then. Some of us stay late because we are working on a case, though there's always a few for dedicated nightshift. Tonight there's myself, Griselda, Sunnyside Meadow, Red Scabbard, Tracker, and Strummed Sound. Well, I think that's who hasn't gone home. Just six of us."
>>144991
"Like, do not join any armed mobs or the such that would draw major attention from government. Did not mean anything bad, Clip."
He smiles again at the smaller stallion, before wrapping a foreleg around his shoulders.
"Like, do not join any armed mobs or the such that would draw major attention from government. Did not mean anything bad, Clip."
He smiles again at the smaller stallion, before wrapping a foreleg around his shoulders.
>>144996
"Well, you know what they do. You can't just do nothing." He says. But the smaller stallion lets Silver wrap his legs around him.
"Well, you know what they do. You can't just do nothing." He says. But the smaller stallion lets Silver wrap his legs around him.
>>144995
"They sound very different, and not at all what I'd expect ponies with detective-ing...detecting cutie marks to be named." She says with slightly eager interest. "Can any pony sign up?"
"They sound very different, and not at all what I'd expect ponies with detective-ing...detecting cutie marks to be named." She says with slightly eager interest. "Can any pony sign up?"
>>144997
"Then go ahead and do it. Working on paper sounds like good idea, maybe you could use fact you used to work for one in order to get editor position."
"Then go ahead and do it. Working on paper sounds like good idea, maybe you could use fact you used to work for one in order to get editor position."
New Thread! >>145000 →
>>144998
"They are not all ponies, to begin with. Griselda is a female griffin. Tracker is a diamond dog. Sunnyside Meadow's optimism is a value in this profession, as is Strummed Sound's thestral hearing, and Red Scabbard's talent in confrontation. But, well, sort of. but not really. You have to already be a police officer, or have some other prior experience for a number of years."
>>144999
"Uh, alright. I'll do that."
He seems to wag his tail, though it's close to the bed and can hardly move. He has a wide, toothy smile.
>>144998
"They are not all ponies, to begin with. Griselda is a female griffin. Tracker is a diamond dog. Sunnyside Meadow's optimism is a value in this profession, as is Strummed Sound's thestral hearing, and Red Scabbard's talent in confrontation. But, well, sort of. but not really. You have to already be a police officer, or have some other prior experience for a number of years."
>>144999
"Uh, alright. I'll do that."
He seems to wag his tail, though it's close to the bed and can hardly move. He has a wide, toothy smile.