Dark Star starts has embarked in a new venture - infiltrating cells of leftwing radicals at a local university.
/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal
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>>149005
In not much time, Spark reaches the end of the park's pathway, finding himself on a sidewalk on the opposite side of the block from where he started.
>>149031
Silver awakens alone in his bed, perhaps later in the morning than he excepted. The light coming into the room from the great, seaside glass doors is limited and the room is dark for daylight.
In not much time, Spark reaches the end of the park's pathway, finding himself on a sidewalk on the opposite side of the block from where he started.
>>149031
Silver awakens alone in his bed, perhaps later in the morning than he excepted. The light coming into the room from the great, seaside glass doors is limited and the room is dark for daylight.
>>149032
Silver lifts his head slightly, blinking the sleep away while he looks around the dark room.
Silver lifts his head slightly, blinking the sleep away while he looks around the dark room.
>>149033
The room isn't especially dark, but neither is it flooded with natural sunlight, though it is well after daybreak. To the left of him, the covers are pulled down and the sheets are disturbed.
The room isn't especially dark, but neither is it flooded with natural sunlight, though it is well after daybreak. To the left of him, the covers are pulled down and the sheets are disturbed.
>>149034
Silver gets up, stretches, and checks out why it's comparatively dark by going to the balcony door.
Silver gets up, stretches, and checks out why it's comparatively dark by going to the balcony door.
>>149035
It isn't hard to see why. Looming over the horizon, and dominating the sky, is a cloud formation directly South, far south, across the bay. The multicell cumulonimbus nearly forms a wall along the far horizon. Though the curvature of the earth and the forest on the opposite side of the bay blocks of view of the storm's lowest base, it appears as dark thunderclouds that gradually lighten as the clouds go higher, appearing like cotton balls where the sky meets space. Closer to Silver are much smaller, dark and thin rain clouds that partly block the Sun. Whether these are the furthest tendrils spun off of the distant clouds, or independent formations is hard to tell.
The waters of the bay appear troubled, and moved by strong winds blowing south. This has a rather interesting effect, as it means that the waters nearest the beach house have blown away and receded, leaving thirty feet or more of mud, and revealing a small wrecked boat, and a chest.
It isn't hard to see why. Looming over the horizon, and dominating the sky, is a cloud formation directly South, far south, across the bay. The multicell cumulonimbus nearly forms a wall along the far horizon. Though the curvature of the earth and the forest on the opposite side of the bay blocks of view of the storm's lowest base, it appears as dark thunderclouds that gradually lighten as the clouds go higher, appearing like cotton balls where the sky meets space. Closer to Silver are much smaller, dark and thin rain clouds that partly block the Sun. Whether these are the furthest tendrils spun off of the distant clouds, or independent formations is hard to tell.
The waters of the bay appear troubled, and moved by strong winds blowing south. This has a rather interesting effect, as it means that the waters nearest the beach house have blown away and receded, leaving thirty feet or more of mud, and revealing a small wrecked boat, and a chest.
>>149038
"Ooooo, what kind of treasures were you carrying, my friend?"
Silver turns and leaves the room, and enters the living room to see who's there.
"Ooooo, what kind of treasures were you carrying, my friend?"
Silver turns and leaves the room, and enters the living room to see who's there.
>>149039
Silver goes down the stairs to see Paperclipping sitting up on the couch, looking remarkably better, and wearing a leather jacket vest that obscures any view of the bandages on his chest, though it does not cover his belly. Jubilosa is there too, walking into the room with coffee in one claw, stopping to adjust the knob on the radio, which she seems to be listening to.
Silver goes down the stairs to see Paperclipping sitting up on the couch, looking remarkably better, and wearing a leather jacket vest that obscures any view of the bandages on his chest, though it does not cover his belly. Jubilosa is there too, walking into the room with coffee in one claw, stopping to adjust the knob on the radio, which she seems to be listening to.
>>149041
Jubilosa looks up
"Fine"
Paperclipping also looks over, and raises a hoof in a wave
"Good Morning" he says
Jubilosa looks up
"Fine"
Paperclipping also looks over, and raises a hoof in a wave
"Good Morning" he says
>>149042
The unicorn goes over to give his Jubee a hug.
"This weather is very interesting. I saw chest and wrecked boat exposed by retreating waters I would like to investigate."
The unicorn goes over to give his Jubee a hug.
"This weather is very interesting. I saw chest and wrecked boat exposed by retreating waters I would like to investigate."
>>149043
She seems a little surprised by this, raising a foreclaw, partially openning her wings, and moving half a step back, but ultimately the griffin is hugged.
"Uh, that's alright. Yeah, they've mentioned it on the news earlier. But it's all south of us, I think."
She seems a little surprised by this, raising a foreclaw, partially openning her wings, and moving half a step back, but ultimately the griffin is hugged.
"Uh, that's alright. Yeah, they've mentioned it on the news earlier. But it's all south of us, I think."
>>149049
"Bothered? I'm not bothered. Just reconciling myself to living with a sex hound, that is all." She answers
"Bothered? I'm not bothered. Just reconciling myself to living with a sex hound, that is all." She answers
>>149050
"It rather sounds like it is bothering you, dove."
He smiles at her.
"If you want what happened last night to never happen again, all you have to do is say word. I care for you lot more than I do casual sex."
"It rather sounds like it is bothering you, dove."
He smiles at her.
"If you want what happened last night to never happen again, all you have to do is say word. I care for you lot more than I do casual sex."
>>149051
"Well, it's kind of hard to believe that when I see you lusting after my friend, after random mares... even after him." She says
"Well, it's kind of hard to believe that when I see you lusting after my friend, after random mares... even after him." She says
>>149052
He grabs a hold of her talon, and holds it in his forehooves.
"If you asked it of me, I would swear it upon anything and everything dear to me."
He grabs a hold of her talon, and holds it in his forehooves.
"If you asked it of me, I would swear it upon anything and everything dear to me."
>>149053
She looks to him and has a solemn expression. The slow music ceases and is replaced with a news broadcaster's voice
Paperclipping interjects
"Stop bickering and listen"
The Broadcaster states,
"We interrupt this broadcast to bring you an important message from Governor Halcyon Shores. All air and rail travel through the Upper Basin between Tenochtitlan - Tonaltzintli and Baltimare - Saltlickingham has been suspended until further notice. All travel up and down the Snake River has likewise been suspended.
The Governor has issued an order mandating the evacuation of all civilians from the Zazquiyahuitl region, and has issued an advisory evacuation of Tonaltzintli. Those living in Saltlickingham and Tonalzintli are advised to fill bathtubs and buckets with freshwater, and stock up on food, medicine, and heating fuel. Subjects are advised to avoid travelling to these areas if possible. Furthermore, schools and non-essential government services are closed for the day in Tenochtitlan, Tonalzintli, and Saltlickingham.
Furthermore, the Governor has issued an order creating a District-wide Militia force under the control of the District, and asks ponies to join. Ponies with law enforcement, military, and especially medical skills are asked to volunteer their services for the good of the District. This concludes the message."
The broadcaster stops speaking, and the music resumes, albeit a different song than was playing before.
She looks to him and has a solemn expression. The slow music ceases and is replaced with a news broadcaster's voice
Paperclipping interjects
"Stop bickering and listen"
The Broadcaster states,
"We interrupt this broadcast to bring you an important message from Governor Halcyon Shores. All air and rail travel through the Upper Basin between Tenochtitlan - Tonaltzintli and Baltimare - Saltlickingham has been suspended until further notice. All travel up and down the Snake River has likewise been suspended.
The Governor has issued an order mandating the evacuation of all civilians from the Zazquiyahuitl region, and has issued an advisory evacuation of Tonaltzintli. Those living in Saltlickingham and Tonalzintli are advised to fill bathtubs and buckets with freshwater, and stock up on food, medicine, and heating fuel. Subjects are advised to avoid travelling to these areas if possible. Furthermore, schools and non-essential government services are closed for the day in Tenochtitlan, Tonalzintli, and Saltlickingham.
Furthermore, the Governor has issued an order creating a District-wide Militia force under the control of the District, and asks ponies to join. Ponies with law enforcement, military, and especially medical skills are asked to volunteer their services for the good of the District. This concludes the message."
The broadcaster stops speaking, and the music resumes, albeit a different song than was playing before.
>>149054
He looks at the radio as the report goes through.
"Hmm. Sounds like it is going to be bad in south."
He returns to look at Jubee.
"Just say word, my dove. I will follow it for as long as I am yours, and you are mine."
He looks at the radio as the report goes through.
"Hmm. Sounds like it is going to be bad in south."
He returns to look at Jubee.
"Just say word, my dove. I will follow it for as long as I am yours, and you are mine."
>>149056
She doesn't break her eyes from him.
"I would appreciate it." She says
Paperclipping interjects
"Prude."
This causes her eyes to move from Silver to Paperclipping. He follows up.
"I never took you for a puritan."
She says,
"Will you mind your own business?"
He says
"Will you mind yours? Stop being so jealous."
Then she says,
"Did you actually sleep with him?"
And he:
"And if I did? What would it matter? It's not like you've lost anything..."
This continues
She doesn't break her eyes from him.
"I would appreciate it." She says
Paperclipping interjects
"Prude."
This causes her eyes to move from Silver to Paperclipping. He follows up.
"I never took you for a puritan."
She says,
"Will you mind your own business?"
He says
"Will you mind yours? Stop being so jealous."
Then she says,
"Did you actually sleep with him?"
And he:
"And if I did? What would it matter? It's not like you've lost anything..."
This continues
>>149057
Silver interrupts them both with a firm voice.
"Both of you, enough."
He looks at Jubilosa first, his voice softening.
"I promise, Jubee, you will be my only. And no, I did not sleep with Clip."
He looks then at Clip, voice still soft.
"It is something you will understand when you get into relationship. There is give and there is take."
Silver interrupts them both with a firm voice.
"Both of you, enough."
He looks at Jubilosa first, his voice softening.
"I promise, Jubee, you will be my only. And no, I did not sleep with Clip."
He looks then at Clip, voice still soft.
"It is something you will understand when you get into relationship. There is give and there is take."
>>149059
He smiles at him.
"You would be surprised what she gives me. She gives me kind of companionship I have missed for many years."
He smiles at him.
"You would be surprised what she gives me. She gives me kind of companionship I have missed for many years."
>>149065
He smiles widely.
"That is great to hear. I hope you are healed soon."
He looks to the two people in the room with him.
"Anyways, I hope you two continue to get along, I do not like my favorite people fighting. I want to investigate that boat wreckage before tide comes back in."
He smiles widely.
"That is great to hear. I hope you are healed soon."
He looks to the two people in the room with him.
"Anyways, I hope you two continue to get along, I do not like my favorite people fighting. I want to investigate that boat wreckage before tide comes back in."
>>149066
"Okay" Juilosa says, slowly walking closer towards one of the two couches, again picking up her coffee.
"Okay" Juilosa says, slowly walking closer towards one of the two couches, again picking up her coffee.
>>149068
Silver exits out the rear door of the house. Though the area immediately next to the house is leeward of it, when Silver goes down the wooden staircase to ground level, he can feel the chill wind passing by.
The area nearest the shoreline is filled with many rocks and debris, but further away is more sand and silt, which turns to mud with scattered rocks, a couple clams, a bottle or two, a few pieces of drift wood, and near where the water meets the exposed mud, an overturned boat and the chest.
Silver exits out the rear door of the house. Though the area immediately next to the house is leeward of it, when Silver goes down the wooden staircase to ground level, he can feel the chill wind passing by.
The area nearest the shoreline is filled with many rocks and debris, but further away is more sand and silt, which turns to mud with scattered rocks, a couple clams, a bottle or two, a few pieces of drift wood, and near where the water meets the exposed mud, an overturned boat and the chest.
>>149070
It's a rowboat, a little larger than a dinghy, turned upside and partially buried in the mud, with the bow and port side sticking out a bit more than the stern and starboard. The boat is painted white, though this chips and fades to grey and naked brown wood, and there seems to be a name upside in black, chipped letters. It looks like "Emirate." Probably it belonged to a much larger vessel, either as a ship's boat or a lifeboat.
It's a rowboat, a little larger than a dinghy, turned upside and partially buried in the mud, with the bow and port side sticking out a bit more than the stern and starboard. The boat is painted white, though this chips and fades to grey and naked brown wood, and there seems to be a name upside in black, chipped letters. It looks like "Emirate." Probably it belonged to a much larger vessel, either as a ship's boat or a lifeboat.
>>149073
It's in the process of rotting, but still sturdier than not. It's deep enough in the mud that it would need to be dug out with a shovel.
It's in the process of rotting, but still sturdier than not. It's deep enough in the mud that it would need to be dug out with a shovel.
>>149074
That's unfortunate, he likely wouldn't have enough time to dredge it up. Well, time to investigate the chest.
That's unfortunate, he likely wouldn't have enough time to dredge it up. Well, time to investigate the chest.
>>149075
The "chest" is a metal box, likewise painted white, though more obviously flaking, somewhere in size between a tool box and a trunk.
The "chest" is a metal box, likewise painted white, though more obviously flaking, somewhere in size between a tool box and a trunk.
>>149077
A latch holding it together can be pulled up, opening the box.
Inside are one, two, three carbine rifles, four pistols, waterlogged ammunition, and detachable magazines
A latch holding it together can be pulled up, opening the box.
Inside are one, two, three carbine rifles, four pistols, waterlogged ammunition, and detachable magazines
>>149078
"Woah...what kind of boat did this come from, anyhow?"
Can Silver close the box and bring it with him?
"Woah...what kind of boat did this come from, anyhow?"
Can Silver close the box and bring it with him?
>>149081
Mala silently lays on his bed, but seems to open his eyes and looks to Silver as he approaches
Mala silently lays on his bed, but seems to open his eyes and looks to Silver as he approaches
>>149084
He smiles.
"Well, if you wanted, I could use some help. Waterline outside has receded in advance of storm, and it has exposed crashed lifeboat and gun locker. If you were willing, I could use some help unburying them from mud and bringing them to safety."
He smiles.
"Well, if you wanted, I could use some help. Waterline outside has receded in advance of storm, and it has exposed crashed lifeboat and gun locker. If you were willing, I could use some help unburying them from mud and bringing them to safety."
>>149091
Silver and Mala go out onto the mud. The wind blows strong and cold, and further off Silver can see the bay is worked up into waves. The storm cell looks a little larger than it did before, or at least that's the appearance. But the boat and chest are right before them.
Mala's feet slowly start to sink into the mud, as do Silver's. But he lifts them up, and readjusts his position.
Silver and Mala go out onto the mud. The wind blows strong and cold, and further off Silver can see the bay is worked up into waves. The storm cell looks a little larger than it did before, or at least that's the appearance. But the boat and chest are right before them.
Mala's feet slowly start to sink into the mud, as do Silver's. But he lifts them up, and readjusts his position.
>>149092
"Come on, friend, let us hurry. I am not sure how long we have."
Silver gets to work unburying the boat and chest.
"Come on, friend, let us hurry. I am not sure how long we have."
Silver gets to work unburying the boat and chest.
>>149093
Silver digs, and digs, and Mala likewise digs with his paws, trying to get underneath the boat and the chest
Silver should roll die with a strength modifier
[1d20+2 = 19]
Silver digs, and digs, and Mala likewise digs with his paws, trying to get underneath the boat and the chest
Silver should roll die with a strength modifier
[1d20+2 = 19]
>>149095
>>149094
Between the shovel and Mala's paws, the two are remarkably efficient in removing mud around the chest and the boat. This is rather fortunate, as the wind is beginning to shift directions and the water is already on its way back in. The boat was on the edge of the water when Silver found it, and it will soon again be under it.
>>149094
Between the shovel and Mala's paws, the two are remarkably efficient in removing mud around the chest and the boat. This is rather fortunate, as the wind is beginning to shift directions and the water is already on its way back in. The boat was on the edge of the water when Silver found it, and it will soon again be under it.
>>149097
At last, both objects are freed from the mud, or at least free enough that they may be dislodged.
At last, both objects are freed from the mud, or at least free enough that they may be dislodged.
>>149099
Silver and Mala attempt to turn the boat right side up, and lift the chest onto the boat.
Roll strength
Silver and Mala attempt to turn the boat right side up, and lift the chest onto the boat.
Roll strength
>>149101
Success! The boat is flipped over by the pair, and the two lift up the heavy chest and place it in the boat. While the bottom of the boat wants to press into the mud, the rising water makes moving the boat increasingly easy.
Success! The boat is flipped over by the pair, and the two lift up the heavy chest and place it in the boat. While the bottom of the boat wants to press into the mud, the rising water makes moving the boat increasingly easy.
>>149102
"Thank you very much for your help, Mala. Maybe someday we can fix this boat up and go fishing together. We could have steady supply of meat for you and Jubee."
"Thank you very much for your help, Mala. Maybe someday we can fix this boat up and go fishing together. We could have steady supply of meat for you and Jubee."
>>149103
Mala wags his tail
"That sounds like fun. I've never been fishing before."
But the wind has changed direction again, and the water makes a loud, running sound, as it starts to come in in small waves.
Mala wags his tail
"That sounds like fun. I've never been fishing before."
But the wind has changed direction again, and the water makes a loud, running sound, as it starts to come in in small waves.
>>149104
"It is quite nice. But, eh...we should probably take care not to join fish before that happens."
"It is quite nice. But, eh...we should probably take care not to join fish before that happens."
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>>149120
All of the ponies around him have moved further away; the stallion with the foal has crossed the street, the mare on the opposite side of the road to the left has turned the corner away from Spark, and the stallion further behind him has moved another block and out of sight. All have moved, save for the naked brown stallion who, previously walking parallel to Spark on the sidewalk, has turned right where the block turns, thus completing a half circle around the block going 180 degrees, and placing him behind Spark as he too, enters the sidewalk and turns right. A pink mare in a winter jacket walks along the same sidewalk, heading towards Spark.
>>149133
>>149128
Dark Star has asked Lunar Nadir "What is it like attending the university.
Nadir looks down, and mumbles something inaudible through her teeth.
All of the ponies around him have moved further away; the stallion with the foal has crossed the street, the mare on the opposite side of the road to the left has turned the corner away from Spark, and the stallion further behind him has moved another block and out of sight. All have moved, save for the naked brown stallion who, previously walking parallel to Spark on the sidewalk, has turned right where the block turns, thus completing a half circle around the block going 180 degrees, and placing him behind Spark as he too, enters the sidewalk and turns right. A pink mare in a winter jacket walks along the same sidewalk, heading towards Spark.
>>149133
>>149128
Dark Star has asked Lunar Nadir "What is it like attending the university.
Nadir looks down, and mumbles something inaudible through her teeth.
>>149135
The mare in front of Spark continues walking forward. When she reaches a certain distance from him, about twenty feet, she briefly looks to him, raises her left hoof in a wave, says “Hiya,” and then turns back, moving to pass Spark to his left. The brown stallion behind Spark, though he is harder to see, seems to momentarily stop, move forward, stop again, and then move forward at a slower pace.
The mare in front of Spark continues walking forward. When she reaches a certain distance from him, about twenty feet, she briefly looks to him, raises her left hoof in a wave, says “Hiya,” and then turns back, moving to pass Spark to his left. The brown stallion behind Spark, though he is harder to see, seems to momentarily stop, move forward, stop again, and then move forward at a slower pace.
>>149139
Spark passes him, moving to the side as he does so.
He seems to walk by, though at a low pace
Spark passes him, moving to the side as he does so.
He seems to walk by, though at a low pace
>>149141
Spark walks in, and after a moment of the other pony loitering around, he follows Spark into the park, staying some ways behind
Spark walks in, and after a moment of the other pony loitering around, he follows Spark into the park, staying some ways behind
>>149146
He moves past, and stops at a position where he's facing sort of perpendicular to Spark.
"A... A leasing office. My sister is moving in."
He moves past, and stops at a position where he's facing sort of perpendicular to Spark.
"A... A leasing office. My sister is moving in."
>>149156
"He didn't leave a note for how long he was going to be gone for? That's a bit rude of him."
"He didn't leave a note for how long he was going to be gone for? That's a bit rude of him."
>>149161
"Well, since we are both stuck here, why don't we find a way to pass the time? What brings you out to the park to wait for the leasing office?"
"Well, since we are both stuck here, why don't we find a way to pass the time? What brings you out to the park to wait for the leasing office?"
>>149175
"Yeah, it is. I'll... I better go check and see if she came back yet." He turns to walk down the park pathway, down basically the way Spark came.
"Yeah, it is. I'll... I better go check and see if she came back yet." He turns to walk down the park pathway, down basically the way Spark came.
>>149180
He goes down the path, then turns left, then crosses the street, then goes down another block towards more housing.
He goes down the path, then turns left, then crosses the street, then goes down another block towards more housing.
>>149184
Spark sees that it's a corridor that goes between two apartment buildings, and cuts to a walkway that runs between apartment buildings on either side, and allows access to the small patios and backs of these buildings
Spark sees that it's a corridor that goes between two apartment buildings, and cuts to a walkway that runs between apartment buildings on either side, and allows access to the small patios and backs of these buildings
>>149196
Dark Star(Solar Night) Looks a little disappointed in himself for not realizing earlier.
He Smiles Back at her
"No worries, Maybe i could help you get in?"
Dark Star(Solar Night) Looks a little disappointed in himself for not realizing earlier.
He Smiles Back at her
"No worries, Maybe i could help you get in?"
>>149199
"But.... I didn't really... do well enough in secondary school. With mom working and all, and the siege... And I don't know if I have enough money to pay for it, really. It's... kind of expensive."
"But.... I didn't really... do well enough in secondary school. With mom working and all, and the siege... And I don't know if I have enough money to pay for it, really. It's... kind of expensive."
>>149204
"Thank you!"
It is fortunate for Dark Star that he was sitting only perhaps three feet from Nadir. Fortunate, because it gives Nadir very little space to gain momentum for what she does next. She spreads her forehooves, jumps up, and whomps Dark Star.
Whomp
"Thank you!"
It is fortunate for Dark Star that he was sitting only perhaps three feet from Nadir. Fortunate, because it gives Nadir very little space to gain momentum for what she does next. She spreads her forehooves, jumps up, and whomps Dark Star.
Whomp
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File (): 3DA8F9B1CB49BA2BC940AF345A696266-435026.png (424.8 KB, 1280x720, 2436752.png)
>>149209
She still has her forelegs wrapped around Dark Star, and her wings are partially spread. She raises her head to look up at Dark Star, though
"How though? Do you have a relative who works there or something?"
She still has her forelegs wrapped around Dark Star, and her wings are partially spread. She raises her head to look up at Dark Star, though
"How though? Do you have a relative who works there or something?"
>>149211
Dark Star is very possible slowly having the life squeezed out of him, unable to move his forelegs. Her grip remains tight. Her chest, neck, and forelegs press into him, and he can feel short, course fur.
"I always wanted to go. June is a legacy student. His father went here. Mars is real smart. I didn't think I could go here." She pulls away just enough to look Dark Star in the eye
"Did you go here last semester or did you just start?"
Dark Star is very possible slowly having the life squeezed out of him, unable to move his forelegs. Her grip remains tight. Her chest, neck, and forelegs press into him, and he can feel short, course fur.
"I always wanted to go. June is a legacy student. His father went here. Mars is real smart. I didn't think I could go here." She pulls away just enough to look Dark Star in the eye
"Did you go here last semester or did you just start?"
>>149215
"If you do... That will be the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. Except maybe for my mother."
"If you do... That will be the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. Except maybe for my mother."
>>149216
He feels his heart "Smile" when she says that.
"Well you,know. id like to think anypony would do the same."
He feels his heart "Smile" when she says that.
"Well you,know. id like to think anypony would do the same."
>>149221
He Pats her on the back
"Well,thats wrong. Helping Friends id the best thing somepony could do."
He Pats her on the back
"Well,thats wrong. Helping Friends id the best thing somepony could do."
>>149222
A wing unfolds, and moves to wrap around Dark Star, although the wing keeps its distance, ultimately.
She asks a series of excited questions in quick succession, not necessarily waiting for Solar Night to answer before asking the next one:
"You are starting? What are you studying? Were you kept out of the first semester by the peace, and the siege, and all that? Did you say you could get my tuition paid for, or waived, or something?"
A wing unfolds, and moves to wrap around Dark Star, although the wing keeps its distance, ultimately.
She asks a series of excited questions in quick succession, not necessarily waiting for Solar Night to answer before asking the next one:
"You are starting? What are you studying? Were you kept out of the first semester by the peace, and the siege, and all that? Did you say you could get my tuition paid for, or waived, or something?"
>>149225
"Thank you" She presses her muzzle into his neck, and generally presses her upper body into him.
Dark Star can see, however, that June - who before was talking to the other stallions at the party, deliberately walks over to Dark Star, and sits in a chair perpendicular to him. He is smoking a cigarette inside, and looks intently to Solar Night:
"Where do you come from, again?" He asks Dark Star, paying no attention to Nadir
"Thank you" She presses her muzzle into his neck, and generally presses her upper body into him.
Dark Star can see, however, that June - who before was talking to the other stallions at the party, deliberately walks over to Dark Star, and sits in a chair perpendicular to him. He is smoking a cigarette inside, and looks intently to Solar Night:
"Where do you come from, again?" He asks Dark Star, paying no attention to Nadir
>>149228
I'm unsure. He's from a farm of the "South of Baltimare." I would suspect he's also from further west, perhaps from the Hayseed area, though maybe he's closer than that. Of course the farm has been overtaken by Zebras.
I'm unsure. He's from a farm of the "South of Baltimare." I would suspect he's also from further west, perhaps from the Hayseed area, though maybe he's closer than that. Of course the farm has been overtaken by Zebras.
>>149232
I’m phone posting now will only be able to make a couple more posts.
“Yes? What’s so interesting about that? I’m sure a lot of creatures are.”
I’m phone posting now will only be able to make a couple more posts.
“Yes? What’s so interesting about that? I’m sure a lot of creatures are.”
>>149234
"Indeed. A lot of creatures are. Why don't you tell me a bit about your interests? How you came to be that way."
"Indeed. A lot of creatures are. Why don't you tell me a bit about your interests? How you came to be that way."
>>149235
“Well it started a little while before the war. My brother had been on a mailing list for the social democrats. He would let me read them with him.”
Dark star looks at the ground
“Well it started a little while before the war. My brother had been on a mailing list for the social democrats. He would let me read them with him.”
Dark star looks at the ground
>>149241
He nods, evidently accepting that answer for the moment
"So... You'd read the mailing list of the Social Democrats?"
He nods, evidently accepting that answer for the moment
"So... You'd read the mailing list of the Social Democrats?"
>>149109
Silver and Mala pull the boat up over the mid-sized rocks that separate the sand and silt exposed at low tide from the sparse grass that grows above. The water has moved in with the shift of the wind, and white capped waves that were once distant, now begin to crash against the rocks. The wind is strong, and require Silver to speak louder than normal if he wishes to be heard.
Silver and Mala pull the boat up over the mid-sized rocks that separate the sand and silt exposed at low tide from the sparse grass that grows above. The water has moved in with the shift of the wind, and white capped waves that were once distant, now begin to crash against the rocks. The wind is strong, and require Silver to speak louder than normal if he wishes to be heard.
>>149251
They pull it further up, and further in, until the boat is high enough to not be carried away by any ordinary storm or tide.
They pull it further up, and further in, until the boat is high enough to not be carried away by any ordinary storm or tide.
>>149258
"Clip needs something for long-term pain management, we need to find a new job for us, and if we have time there are still those two colts I think would like to meet you."
"Clip needs something for long-term pain management, we need to find a new job for us, and if we have time there are still those two colts I think would like to meet you."
>>149261
"Let us ahead back indoors after we wipe our hooves/paws, I just need few minutes to get ready to go outdoors."
"Let us ahead back indoors after we wipe our hooves/paws, I just need few minutes to get ready to go outdoors."
>>149263
Silver follows him, perhaps less energetically with the box of guns. The unicorn has a few basic things to do before he heads out: put the guns in a safe place in his room, use the bathroom, brush his teeth, get some quick breakfast. As he's getting breakfast (likely either any cereal or oatmeal they have on hoof) he checks to see if anyone is still in the viscinity of the living room.
Silver follows him, perhaps less energetically with the box of guns. The unicorn has a few basic things to do before he heads out: put the guns in a safe place in his room, use the bathroom, brush his teeth, get some quick breakfast. As he's getting breakfast (likely either any cereal or oatmeal they have on hoof) he checks to see if anyone is still in the viscinity of the living room.
>>149320
Khoi Lua, sounding frustrated:
"Superstitious zebras closed down the restaurant for the day."
Jubilosa, sympathetic:
"What is it? Some kind of holiday?"
Khoi:
"No. They didn't like the shade of the moon last night, or something. Closed down the restaurant on a perfectly good work day."
Jubilosa:
"Well enjoy a day off. There weren't going to be many customers today anyways, with the weather as it is. It looks like more rain."
Khoi:
"Less work means less income."
Jubilosa:
"They'll probably still pay you for the missing day. And what do you need money for? You have-"
Jubilosa seems to cut herself off, and mumbles something. Notably, she looks over at Silver and recognizes his presence in the room. Paper Clipping fills the silence:
"The zebra folk are right to be worried. The Fascists are planning a crackdown."
Khoi:
Flat "What."
Paper Clipping:
"It's been on the airwaves all morning. They are restricting travel between cities. Removing the civilian population from rural areas. They have even begun to start a 'volunteer' auxiliary force of locals. They are sectioning off large areas of the countryside and are going to clear them of anyone who resists. This is just the beginning."
Khoi:
"What are you talking about?"
Paper Clipping:
"On the Radio. This morning. Evacuating whole areas."
Jubilosa:
"I'm sure it's just heavy rains, or something."
Paper Clipping:
"No no. This is exactly how they do it. Pretend there is an emergency. You don't know they are coming down on you until they have their hoof on your neck."
Khoi:
"What does that have to do with my job as a cook?"
Paper Clipping:
"It has everything to do with it. Workers everywhere, especially non-ponies, are in danger."
Jubilosa:
"That... does sound kind of like what happened in Sicameon..."
Paper Clipping:
"You see! I hope ponies, err, creatures see through this-"
They continue like this
Khoi Lua, sounding frustrated:
"Superstitious zebras closed down the restaurant for the day."
Jubilosa, sympathetic:
"What is it? Some kind of holiday?"
Khoi:
"No. They didn't like the shade of the moon last night, or something. Closed down the restaurant on a perfectly good work day."
Jubilosa:
"Well enjoy a day off. There weren't going to be many customers today anyways, with the weather as it is. It looks like more rain."
Khoi:
"Less work means less income."
Jubilosa:
"They'll probably still pay you for the missing day. And what do you need money for? You have-"
Jubilosa seems to cut herself off, and mumbles something. Notably, she looks over at Silver and recognizes his presence in the room. Paper Clipping fills the silence:
"The zebra folk are right to be worried. The Fascists are planning a crackdown."
Khoi:
Flat "What."
Paper Clipping:
"It's been on the airwaves all morning. They are restricting travel between cities. Removing the civilian population from rural areas. They have even begun to start a 'volunteer' auxiliary force of locals. They are sectioning off large areas of the countryside and are going to clear them of anyone who resists. This is just the beginning."
Khoi:
"What are you talking about?"
Paper Clipping:
"On the Radio. This morning. Evacuating whole areas."
Jubilosa:
"I'm sure it's just heavy rains, or something."
Paper Clipping:
"No no. This is exactly how they do it. Pretend there is an emergency. You don't know they are coming down on you until they have their hoof on your neck."
Khoi:
"What does that have to do with my job as a cook?"
Paper Clipping:
"It has everything to do with it. Workers everywhere, especially non-ponies, are in danger."
Jubilosa:
"That... does sound kind of like what happened in Sicameon..."
Paper Clipping:
"You see! I hope ponies, err, creatures see through this-"
They continue like this
>>149327
"Admittedly, it does look like nasty storm. Perhaps they are using genuine emergency to push their agenda?"
"Admittedly, it does look like nasty storm. Perhaps they are using genuine emergency to push their agenda?"
>>149329
"Well, perhaps there is chance for river flooding in inland areas. Flash flooding has always been great danger."
"Well, perhaps there is chance for river flooding in inland areas. Flash flooding has always been great danger."
>>149330
Paper clipping tries to stand up, and turn his body to the window.
“Huh. When did that get there?” He says, looking outside
Paper clipping tries to stand up, and turn his body to the window.
“Huh. When did that get there?” He says, looking outside
>>149331
"Since recently. Mala and I pulled sunken rowboat and chest full of firearms that was exposed by receding sea. I am not saying it is impossible Black Hooves are using this opportunity, though."
"Since recently. Mala and I pulled sunken rowboat and chest full of firearms that was exposed by receding sea. I am not saying it is impossible Black Hooves are using this opportunity, though."
>>149332
"Huh. Wow." He says, looking outside.
The clouds, though still at least a hundred miles away, look much closer than before. The tendrils that span from it are much thicker, and begin to darken the skies.
Paper Clipping turns to him
"Real or not, watch out. This is how it begins. I'm telling you."
"Huh. Wow." He says, looking outside.
The clouds, though still at least a hundred miles away, look much closer than before. The tendrils that span from it are much thicker, and begin to darken the skies.
Paper Clipping turns to him
"Real or not, watch out. This is how it begins. I'm telling you."
>>149334
Paper Clipping:
"The weather doesn't provide omens." He says, and Khoi seems to concur with a nod.
Paper Clipping:
"The weather doesn't provide omens." He says, and Khoi seems to concur with a nod.
>>149335
Silver shrugs in response.
"How are you feeling anyways, Clip? Anything specific about your pain I should look for to help you?"
Silver shrugs in response.
"How are you feeling anyways, Clip? Anything specific about your pain I should look for to help you?"
>>149336
"No. More alcohol should help. Actually... got any more of those opioids?"
Jubilosa raises a claw:
"I'll take more alcohol also."
"No. More alcohol should help. Actually... got any more of those opioids?"
Jubilosa raises a claw:
"I'll take more alcohol also."
>>149337
"Hmm. Duly noted, more alcohol."
He smiles at Khoi.
"I know you do not want alcohol, but how are you?"
"Hmm. Duly noted, more alcohol."
He smiles at Khoi.
"I know you do not want alcohol, but how are you?"
>>149338
She lays down on the couch, tail pressed against the back.
"I suppose it's been worse" She says
She lays down on the couch, tail pressed against the back.
"I suppose it's been worse" She says
>>149339
"Anything specific you wish to mention or talk about? I feel like out of all present I know least about how you are doing over course of day."
"Anything specific you wish to mention or talk about? I feel like out of all present I know least about how you are doing over course of day."
>>149344
"Well, I... I don't have a foal. I don't have a husband. I am away from my family. I don't know many here. I don't even have a temple. I don't have any friends besides Jubilosa. What am I to do?" She says, unsettled
"Well, I... I don't have a foal. I don't have a husband. I am away from my family. I don't know many here. I don't even have a temple. I don't have any friends besides Jubilosa. What am I to do?" She says, unsettled
>>149345
"Find hobby, meet new people, get involved with cause you feel strongly about like environment or ending poverty. When I was colt I spent much of my time training my body to perfection."
"Find hobby, meet new people, get involved with cause you feel strongly about like environment or ending poverty. When I was colt I spent much of my time training my body to perfection."
>>149347
He nods.
"What do you feel strongly about? Maybe cultural revival of Ngua Nam kirins in Baltimare?"
He nods.
"What do you feel strongly about? Maybe cultural revival of Ngua Nam kirins in Baltimare?"
>>149348
She shakes her head
“Baltimare is not a part of Ngua Nam. It is something different, for better or for worse.”
She shakes her head
“Baltimare is not a part of Ngua Nam. It is something different, for better or for worse.”
>>149350
“Well… spirituality. And why isn’t Equestria the land of harmony I was promised? Something is wrong here. There is isolation, and hostility.”
“Well… spirituality. And why isn’t Equestria the land of harmony I was promised? Something is wrong here. There is isolation, and hostility.”
>>149353
Silver scratches his chin for a moment, before looking at Clip.
"Do you think you could help her figure out how? You two could bond over it."
Silver scratches his chin for a moment, before looking at Clip.
"Do you think you could help her figure out how? You two could bond over it."
>>149356
The music eminating from the radio once again cuts out, replaced with a silence, and then the following words, played at a higher volume than the music it replaced:
We interrupt this broadcast to bring you an important message. Governor Halcyon Shores has declared a State of Emergency.
All air and rail travel through the Tenochtitlan Basin and Hayseed regions has been suspended. All travel has suspended both up and down the Snake, Ponelippe, and Delemare Rivers.
The Governor has issued an order mandating the evacuation of all civilians from the Tonaltzintli and Saltlickingham regions effective immediately. All civilians remaining within the Zazquiyahuitl region are ordered to remain in their homes or take shelter in a structurally sound building. Civilians in Zazquiyahuitl are to lock all doors, close all windows, and cover all openings to the outside. An advisory evacuation has been issued for residents of the Tenochtitlan and Hayseed regions.
The Governor has ordered the rationing of heating oil, kerosene, coal, firewood, diesel and gasoline. All civilians districtwide are ordered to keep use of water and electricity to a minimum, and to stock up on supplies of freshwater. Schools and non-essential government services are closed until further notice districtwide. Use of medical services is restricted to emergencies.
Civilians are advised to boil any and all tap water, river sourced water, or ground water before drinking or using in the preparation of food. Use bottled water where possible. Residents experiencing high fever, a severe headache, vertigo, black tongue, dark urine, or severe abdominal and chest pain, should seek medical help immediately.
Ponies, particularly those with military, law enforcement, or medical backgrounds, are asked to join in the District Militia.
Keep your radio on for more updates."
The message stops, and the music resumes.
Paper Clipping:
"That is foretelling."
The music eminating from the radio once again cuts out, replaced with a silence, and then the following words, played at a higher volume than the music it replaced:
We interrupt this broadcast to bring you an important message. Governor Halcyon Shores has declared a State of Emergency.
All air and rail travel through the Tenochtitlan Basin and Hayseed regions has been suspended. All travel has suspended both up and down the Snake, Ponelippe, and Delemare Rivers.
The Governor has issued an order mandating the evacuation of all civilians from the Tonaltzintli and Saltlickingham regions effective immediately. All civilians remaining within the Zazquiyahuitl region are ordered to remain in their homes or take shelter in a structurally sound building. Civilians in Zazquiyahuitl are to lock all doors, close all windows, and cover all openings to the outside. An advisory evacuation has been issued for residents of the Tenochtitlan and Hayseed regions.
The Governor has ordered the rationing of heating oil, kerosene, coal, firewood, diesel and gasoline. All civilians districtwide are ordered to keep use of water and electricity to a minimum, and to stock up on supplies of freshwater. Schools and non-essential government services are closed until further notice districtwide. Use of medical services is restricted to emergencies.
Civilians are advised to boil any and all tap water, river sourced water, or ground water before drinking or using in the preparation of food. Use bottled water where possible. Residents experiencing high fever, a severe headache, vertigo, black tongue, dark urine, or severe abdominal and chest pain, should seek medical help immediately.
Ponies, particularly those with military, law enforcement, or medical backgrounds, are asked to join in the District Militia.
Keep your radio on for more updates."
The message stops, and the music resumes.
Paper Clipping:
"That is foretelling."
>>149358
"Hmm...either you are right, or something seriously disasterous is going to happen. Either way, not good."
"Hmm...either you are right, or something seriously disasterous is going to happen. Either way, not good."
>>149361
"I do not know what we can do, besides exposing truth behind this, whatever it is, and spreading word about it to general populace."
"I do not know what we can do, besides exposing truth behind this, whatever it is, and spreading word about it to general populace."
>>149362
Paper Clipping:
“Yes. Yes! Let the masses know. That is what is needed.”
After momentary excitement, he resumes his prior apprehension
Paper Clipping:
“Yes. Yes! Let the masses know. That is what is needed.”
After momentary excitement, he resumes his prior apprehension
>>149363
He smiles at Clip.
"If you are worried about being caught by regime, I doubt there is that much to worry. From personal experience, Black Hooves are more occupied with putting out fires than with random crackdowns and searches. It took private citizens to discover what was going on with Comte Burgher, and our raid on Hoebuck was orchestrated by local government, not federal."
He smiles at Clip.
"If you are worried about being caught by regime, I doubt there is that much to worry. From personal experience, Black Hooves are more occupied with putting out fires than with random crackdowns and searches. It took private citizens to discover what was going on with Comte Burgher, and our raid on Hoebuck was orchestrated by local government, not federal."
>>148973 →
"I have been here for about 7 nights, I think," Iron reluctantly muttered, still holding Sands tightly with a small pout. "It feels I have been here for longer than that."
"I have been here for about 7 nights, I think," Iron reluctantly muttered, still holding Sands tightly with a small pout. "It feels I have been here for longer than that."
>>149365
“I can imagine.” She makes a motion as if reaching for a cigarette, but none is forthcoming, nor is she even wearing a pouch from which one may be produced. When she realizes the error, she stops, and then spreads herself out, laying down on her belly on the bed.
“What did you think you would accomplish?” She asks
“I can imagine.” She makes a motion as if reaching for a cigarette, but none is forthcoming, nor is she even wearing a pouch from which one may be produced. When she realizes the error, she stops, and then spreads herself out, laying down on her belly on the bed.
“What did you think you would accomplish?” She asks
>>149368
For the preceding few sentences, White Sands was content to speak to Iron without looking at him, lazily aiming her gaze at the wall on the far side, or looking down for her pouch. With Iron’s last words, however, she turns her long, thin muzzle towards him, and with her dark green eyes looks into his.
“What the tribe wants? What do they want? What do you think ‘success’ is, I mean?”
For the preceding few sentences, White Sands was content to speak to Iron without looking at him, lazily aiming her gaze at the wall on the far side, or looking down for her pouch. With Iron’s last words, however, she turns her long, thin muzzle towards him, and with her dark green eyes looks into his.
“What the tribe wants? What do they want? What do you think ‘success’ is, I mean?”
>>149369
"They want me to bring back the spoils of my journey," Iron answered back with a tinge of uneasiness, feeling like he was most likely stepping into potential trouble. "Project the worth I have gained to my tribesponies."
For a moment, his grip loosened on Sands as her questions reverberated inside his skull. "...I figured it meant bringing shiny stuff at first," he continued, deep in thought "but now I am not sure."
"They want me to bring back the spoils of my journey," Iron answered back with a tinge of uneasiness, feeling like he was most likely stepping into potential trouble. "Project the worth I have gained to my tribesponies."
For a moment, his grip loosened on Sands as her questions reverberated inside his skull. "...I figured it meant bringing shiny stuff at first," he continued, deep in thought "but now I am not sure."
>>149370
She lays next to him in silence for a moment, and for several seconds Iron likely fears he will have to be the next to speak; that he will have to elaborate, or expand upon his words. But White Sand’s grave expression is, after the passage of some time, accompanied by a slow nod.
“The same as I.” She says, herself less able to hold a firm composure.
“It is your duty, to the family. To the… tribe. To come back with… something. On you they depend. Otherwise… what are you doing? Who even are you?”
At this point, her eyes wander, and she loses her focus on Iron
She lays next to him in silence for a moment, and for several seconds Iron likely fears he will have to be the next to speak; that he will have to elaborate, or expand upon his words. But White Sand’s grave expression is, after the passage of some time, accompanied by a slow nod.
“The same as I.” She says, herself less able to hold a firm composure.
“It is your duty, to the family. To the… tribe. To come back with… something. On you they depend. Otherwise… what are you doing? Who even are you?”
At this point, her eyes wander, and she loses her focus on Iron
>>149371
Such a reply caused Iron to slowly look at Sands with a soft expression, giving Sands a much needed stroke on her mane. However, his mind soon started to connect some dots together. "...you mean you are also part of a tribe?" he soon asked the unicorn mare with a tinge of hope, wondering if such a route may lead to him finally tackling her issues firsthoof like he so desperately wants.
Such a reply caused Iron to slowly look at Sands with a soft expression, giving Sands a much needed stroke on her mane. However, his mind soon started to connect some dots together. "...you mean you are also part of a tribe?" he soon asked the unicorn mare with a tinge of hope, wondering if such a route may lead to him finally tackling her issues firsthoof like he so desperately wants.
>>149372
“I don’t think a creature who isn’t a part of a tribe has much right to be considered a real creature. It is the family and the collective that makes us. To them we owe our existence. But it’s more than that. It is our blood, and our duty to it, that defines what we are. Who we are. It gives us our purpose.”
“I don’t think a creature who isn’t a part of a tribe has much right to be considered a real creature. It is the family and the collective that makes us. To them we owe our existence. But it’s more than that. It is our blood, and our duty to it, that defines what we are. Who we are. It gives us our purpose.”
>>149373
"You are definitely right about that," Iron agreed wholeheartedly with a nod, starting to open himself up by just a bit. "I have barely gone out for nothing at all yet I miss them, but I cannot come back until I can proudly say I did it. Until I make them proud of me."
The words slipped his mouth, feeling quite exposed to reveal such details but ultimately deciding she needed to know he understood her struggles at the very least. It's what he should do for his mare, after all...
"You are definitely right about that," Iron agreed wholeheartedly with a nod, starting to open himself up by just a bit. "I have barely gone out for nothing at all yet I miss them, but I cannot come back until I can proudly say I did it. Until I make them proud of me."
The words slipped his mouth, feeling quite exposed to reveal such details but ultimately deciding she needed to know he understood her struggles at the very least. It's what he should do for his mare, after all...
>>149374
She again looks at him, with no smile and grave expression.
"For you it's been... you say seven days? Well for me it's been seven years. And the last seven months of that with nothing to show for it." She turns her head away from Iron, now looking at the pillow next to him, with a gaze focused far beyond that. It seems like she is done speaking, until she adds:
"I don't actually know how long it's been. Long enough."
She again looks at him, with no smile and grave expression.
"For you it's been... you say seven days? Well for me it's been seven years. And the last seven months of that with nothing to show for it." She turns her head away from Iron, now looking at the pillow next to him, with a gaze focused far beyond that. It seems like she is done speaking, until she adds:
"I don't actually know how long it's been. Long enough."
>>149375
Iron's hope quickly eroded at the sight, realizing none of this was really helping her. He had to do better!
With a determined glint in his eyes, Iron soon placed a hoof of Sands' cheek. "It is not too late to make them proud," he proposed the mare. "You are still living, therefore you must keep trying. We only need to find out how to do it."
Iron's hope quickly eroded at the sight, realizing none of this was really helping her. He had to do better!
With a determined glint in his eyes, Iron soon placed a hoof of Sands' cheek. "It is not too late to make them proud," he proposed the mare. "You are still living, therefore you must keep trying. We only need to find out how to do it."
File (): 10DD3DE0E2E37DCA4F3C907E3F33CA8C-4162348.png (4.0 MB, 1536x2304, 2438162.png)
>>149376
https://youtu.be/n5fXZ0pqg78?t=185
She returns her gaze to his, looking dispirited, yet better than she did a minute ago. She nods, and asks:
"How?"
https://youtu.be/n5fXZ0pqg78?t=185
She returns her gaze to his, looking dispirited, yet better than she did a minute ago. She nods, and asks:
"How?"
>>149377
"What does your tribe cherish most of all?" Iron soon answered with boundless spirit, seizing the opportunity to try to be the best stallion Sands could ever ask for. "Does it value luxury? Power? Wealth? We have to tackle it that way."
"What does your tribe cherish most of all?" Iron soon answered with boundless spirit, seizing the opportunity to try to be the best stallion Sands could ever ask for. "Does it value luxury? Power? Wealth? We have to tackle it that way."
>>149378
"Affection. Love." She says,
"I've yet to see them turn down power, wealth, or luxury where it's offered." She adds
"Affection. Love." She says,
"I've yet to see them turn down power, wealth, or luxury where it's offered." She adds
>>149379
"Love?" Iron uttered, a little confused at Sands' answer. "How are you supposed to love them from so far away?"
Meanwhile, his brain started to brainstorm a little, figuring his gambit with Cauldron could prove to be a viable way to gain the respect and admiration from her family. However, such a solution in it of itself felt a little empty compared to his physical efforts for the striped zebra mare he loved. There must be something a lot more personal to secure their relationship to be as loving as it can be.
"Love?" Iron uttered, a little confused at Sands' answer. "How are you supposed to love them from so far away?"
Meanwhile, his brain started to brainstorm a little, figuring his gambit with Cauldron could prove to be a viable way to gain the respect and admiration from her family. However, such a solution in it of itself felt a little empty compared to his physical efforts for the striped zebra mare he loved. There must be something a lot more personal to secure their relationship to be as loving as it can be.
>>149380
"Well, I mean like, you know, winning the affections of a stallion. Or the praise of a community. Or passion. Like... kind of like starting a tribe or family of your own. That, they will respect."
She pauses,
"But since it's been so long, a remittance check may go a ways to make up for lost time."
"Well, I mean like, you know, winning the affections of a stallion. Or the praise of a community. Or passion. Like... kind of like starting a tribe or family of your own. That, they will respect."
She pauses,
"But since it's been so long, a remittance check may go a ways to make up for lost time."
>>149381
"I presume I do not count in any of these respects, right?" Iron asked in turn in a more neutral yet still caring demeanor.
"I presume I do not count in any of these respects, right?" Iron asked in turn in a more neutral yet still caring demeanor.
>>149383
"I did go as far as... you know," Iron suggested, conspicuously glancing down at Sands' belly while his free hoof pointed down at just after his stomach. "I would need to improve my standing so you can use me as the perfect path to your family's respect, but I am sure I can do it with enough effort and time."
"I did go as far as... you know," Iron suggested, conspicuously glancing down at Sands' belly while his free hoof pointed down at just after his stomach. "I would need to improve my standing so you can use me as the perfect path to your family's respect, but I am sure I can do it with enough effort and time."
>>149384
When Iron points towards her womb, she moves her muzzle down to glance down at her belly. She blushes, and has the warmest, happiest smile he's seen on her all morning.
"You did." she says, the smile fading in part and maintained in part
"But how much do you really... You know" She breaks eye contact. "Want to do that?"
When Iron points towards her womb, she moves her muzzle down to glance down at her belly. She blushes, and has the warmest, happiest smile he's seen on her all morning.
"You did." she says, the smile fading in part and maintained in part
"But how much do you really... You know" She breaks eye contact. "Want to do that?"
>>149385
"If it means making you the happiest mare you can be," Iron instantly replied with unwavering, firm passion "I want it."
Deep down, however, he wasn't honestly sure if the prospect of raising a family with Sands will help them start the spark of a fulfilling relationship. It would certainly aid in finding a suitable aspect to properly latch onto and give them that missing piece he was so eager for... and now that he said it, it seemed like a great idea.
Are we really capable to raising foals in this state, though? Iron soon wondered in his head, yet quickly shooed it off for the time being: Right now, Sands needs his commitment to be shown in full force.
"If it means making you the happiest mare you can be," Iron instantly replied with unwavering, firm passion "I want it."
Deep down, however, he wasn't honestly sure if the prospect of raising a family with Sands will help them start the spark of a fulfilling relationship. It would certainly aid in finding a suitable aspect to properly latch onto and give them that missing piece he was so eager for... and now that he said it, it seemed like a great idea.
Are we really capable to raising foals in this state, though? Iron soon wondered in his head, yet quickly shooed it off for the time being: Right now, Sands needs his commitment to be shown in full force.
>>149386
"But do you really want me as your mare? Because... last night... It kind of seemed hard to compete with... that zebra."
"But do you really want me as your mare? Because... last night... It kind of seemed hard to compete with... that zebra."
>>149387
"You need not compete with Cauldron," Iron succinctly answered before softly nuzzling Sands' cheek. "I chose to stay with you no matter what."
However, a sly smile soon crept up his lips before tenderly kissing the unicorn's cheek. "However," he playfully added "I do not mind if you try your best to match your view of her in my eyes. It is quite endearing."
"You need not compete with Cauldron," Iron succinctly answered before softly nuzzling Sands' cheek. "I chose to stay with you no matter what."
However, a sly smile soon crept up his lips before tenderly kissing the unicorn's cheek. "However," he playfully added "I do not mind if you try your best to match your view of her in my eyes. It is quite endearing."
>>149388
She smiles, at the nuzzling, clearly enjoying it. Though she likes the attention, particularly the kiss, she says in disbelief:
"And what do I do to match it? I'm already prettier, and I've helped you, or tried to help you beat griffins. What do I need?"
She smiles, at the nuzzling, clearly enjoying it. Though she likes the attention, particularly the kiss, she says in disbelief:
"And what do I do to match it? I'm already prettier, and I've helped you, or tried to help you beat griffins. What do I need?"
>>149389
"Fulfilling your desires is a great start," Iron chimed in with a happy smile. "As your partner, it is my duty to make you the happiest mare you can be."
Such a bold statement was soon followed with resting his head next to hers with a content look. "And knowing I am doing my part to help you reach that fulfillment does wonders," he gingerly concluded.
"Fulfilling your desires is a great start," Iron chimed in with a happy smile. "As your partner, it is my duty to make you the happiest mare you can be."
Such a bold statement was soon followed with resting his head next to hers with a content look. "And knowing I am doing my part to help you reach that fulfillment does wonders," he gingerly concluded.
>>149390
“But don’t you see? My desire is that you love me.” She takes a leg, and places it over his body
“But don’t you see? My desire is that you love me.” She takes a leg, and places it over his body
>>149391
"You also desire to be loved by your family, too," Iron happily pointed out in turn.. "Love lasts forever when we both help ourselves grow together."
"You also desire to be loved by your family, too," Iron happily pointed out in turn.. "Love lasts forever when we both help ourselves grow together."
>>149393
"Did we not discuss about what we can do to finally live up to your family's expectations?" Iron presented in turn. "I am sure such a path will prove quite fruitful while it still stands."
"Did we not discuss about what we can do to finally live up to your family's expectations?" Iron presented in turn. "I am sure such a path will prove quite fruitful while it still stands."
>>149395
"Indeed I did," Iron replied with a swift nod. "Cauldron is quite the potion maker, so I believe she will rake in a lot of money with enough investment and advertising. It should prove a great way to improve our living conditions and bolster both your spirits."
Soon enough, however, he turned pensive, reminding himself of the small bicker. "That does mean you will have to bond with Cauldron," he added with a hint of trepidation "and also spread the word of a new up and coming potion maker."
"Indeed I did," Iron replied with a swift nod. "Cauldron is quite the potion maker, so I believe she will rake in a lot of money with enough investment and advertising. It should prove a great way to improve our living conditions and bolster both your spirits."
Soon enough, however, he turned pensive, reminding himself of the small bicker. "That does mean you will have to bond with Cauldron," he added with a hint of trepidation "and also spread the word of a new up and coming potion maker."
>>149397
"For the first part," Iron soon continued, turning more analytical than usual "it is mainly to entice customers into buying her potions. We should probably speak with Cauldron about it later in more detail."
With that taken care of, he soon turned to Sands with a small tilt of his head. "You do not need to kiss her hooves or anything like that," he quickly shut down just in case. "Try to establish a functional work relationship with her. That is pretty much it."
"For the first part," Iron soon continued, turning more analytical than usual "it is mainly to entice customers into buying her potions. We should probably speak with Cauldron about it later in more detail."
With that taken care of, he soon turned to Sands with a small tilt of his head. "You do not need to kiss her hooves or anything like that," he quickly shut down just in case. "Try to establish a functional work relationship with her. That is pretty much it."
>>149398
“So, partners in a business?” She says. “That’s what all theee of us are together? Potion makers?”
“So, partners in a business?” She says. “That’s what all theee of us are together? Potion makers?”
>>149399
"It can be that to start," Iron agreed with a nod "but I do want it to go past that... by a lot."
His gaze soon turned dreamy, reminding himself of the previous night where he could cuddle both him and Sands from both sides. A longing smile soon spread to his lips at the reimagining, approving of his own daydreaming.
"It can be that to start," Iron agreed with a nod "but I do want it to go past that... by a lot."
His gaze soon turned dreamy, reminding himself of the previous night where he could cuddle both him and Sands from both sides. A longing smile soon spread to his lips at the reimagining, approving of his own daydreaming.
>>149401
Iron's eyes averted slightly, reminding himself that his own desires were rather hard to achieve in this society. "I do wish to show my love to both you and Cauldron without fear of hiding it to either one of you," he reluctantly admitted, almost expecting another possible sign of disapproval.
Iron's eyes averted slightly, reminding himself that his own desires were rather hard to achieve in this society. "I do wish to show my love to both you and Cauldron without fear of hiding it to either one of you," he reluctantly admitted, almost expecting another possible sign of disapproval.
>>149403
Iron nodded softly in turn without another word, still a bit bashful over the reveal he frankly had already done.
Iron nodded softly in turn without another word, still a bit bashful over the reveal he frankly had already done.
>>149407
"I... do not know how I can do that right now," Iron reluctantly admitted before looking back at Sands with bountiful will "but I promise you I will be the stallion you can be proud of no matter what it takes."
"I... do not know how I can do that right now," Iron reluctantly admitted before looking back at Sands with bountiful will "but I promise you I will be the stallion you can be proud of no matter what it takes."
>>149408
“I don’t want to be proud of you. I want to be wanted.” She says, turning over onto her side, exposing her belly to him.
“I don’t want to be proud of you. I want to be wanted.” She says, turning over onto her side, exposing her belly to him.
>>149409
Iron spared a glance down at the exposed belly with a bit of concern, surprised to hear her dismiss his earnest attempt to validate her. "Feel wanted?" he asked in turn. "Is striving for your success not equal to feeling wanted?"
Iron spared a glance down at the exposed belly with a bit of concern, surprised to hear her dismiss his earnest attempt to validate her. "Feel wanted?" he asked in turn. "Is striving for your success not equal to feeling wanted?"
>>149410
“Well, it is, it’s just a little… well, you want a child to do well. You want to own a lover. Merge with her. Spend every waking moment with her. It’s a bit different.”
“Well, it is, it’s just a little… well, you want a child to do well. You want to own a lover. Merge with her. Spend every waking moment with her. It’s a bit different.”
>>149412
“Well, I mean…” her eyes looks upwards around the room as if searching.
“Want them to be yours.”
“Well, I mean…” her eyes looks upwards around the room as if searching.
“Want them to be yours.”
>>149415
Iron blinked once before cracking a smile. He soon wrapped his forelegs around Sands once again with renewed vigor and submerged himself inside her plump chestfluff.
Iron blinked once before cracking a smile. He soon wrapped his forelegs around Sands once again with renewed vigor and submerged himself inside her plump chestfluff.
>>149416
squeak
White Sands may have received more than she anticipated. The mare, though much smaller than Iron, has longer, softer fur that is pleasant to the touch, even if it does smell like pennies and anti-biotics. She is content to be enveloped by him, and places her muzzle on his fur.
squeak
White Sands may have received more than she anticipated. The mare, though much smaller than Iron, has longer, softer fur that is pleasant to the touch, even if it does smell like pennies and anti-biotics. She is content to be enveloped by him, and places her muzzle on his fur.
>>149417
Iron breathed contently onto Sands, gently stroking her back up and down for a bit with his forelegs as he poured his love out from big heart onto the mare's own.
I might as well enjoy the moment until Cauldron gets here, he softly thought to himself. I have this feeling she might need me for something today.
Iron breathed contently onto Sands, gently stroking her back up and down for a bit with his forelegs as he poured his love out from big heart onto the mare's own.
I might as well enjoy the moment until Cauldron gets here, he softly thought to himself. I have this feeling she might need me for something today.
>>149418
purr
The mare purrs in his grasp. She lays there contentedly with her eyes closed for what must be several minutes.
purr
The mare purrs in his grasp. She lays there contentedly with her eyes closed for what must be several minutes.
>>149419
All the while, Iron made sure Sands felt as wanted as possible with his foreleg, giving her only the best stroking and mane combing he could feasibly do.
All the while, Iron made sure Sands felt as wanted as possible with his foreleg, giving her only the best stroking and mane combing he could feasibly do.
>>149420
Her mane - though frizzled and in areas, tangled, after the events of the last day - is still long and smooth, pleasant to touch.
She lets him go on like this for a while, and then says,
“You’re welcome for last night.”
Her mane - though frizzled and in areas, tangled, after the events of the last day - is still long and smooth, pleasant to touch.
She lets him go on like this for a while, and then says,
“You’re welcome for last night.”
>>149421
Iron's left ear swiveled at the comment, causing him to finally get his head off her chest with a questioning look. "What for?" he innocently asked the unicorn mare in question.
Iron's left ear swiveled at the comment, causing him to finally get his head off her chest with a questioning look. "What for?" he innocently asked the unicorn mare in question.
>>149422
“For making you look good in front of the zebra.” She says.
“She’s onviously interested in you, but ponies don’t prize what they can have at any time, if they want. With me being there, and acting interested in you - pretty young white unicorn pony mare that I am, you look more desirable to her. And more to the point, she has to take you now or maybe lose you.”
“For making you look good in front of the zebra.” She says.
“She’s onviously interested in you, but ponies don’t prize what they can have at any time, if they want. With me being there, and acting interested in you - pretty young white unicorn pony mare that I am, you look more desirable to her. And more to the point, she has to take you now or maybe lose you.”
>>149423
"Huh?" Iron uttered, somewhat shocked to hear Sands' words. "How long did you know she was into me?"
"Huh?" Iron uttered, somewhat shocked to hear Sands' words. "How long did you know she was into me?"
>>149425
"L-like what?" Iron uttered, curious as to what Sands saw that made her realize Cauldron was into him.
"L-like what?" Iron uttered, curious as to what Sands saw that made her realize Cauldron was into him.
>>149426
She smiles, showing teeth
“Hehehe, don’t worry about it. The point is she’ll want you more, and want you now, if a pretty mare may take you instead.”
She smiles, showing teeth
“Hehehe, don’t worry about it. The point is she’ll want you more, and want you now, if a pretty mare may take you instead.”
>>149427
Iron's mouth was still slightly agape from the big reveal, remaining in astonished silence for a good while as he stared up at the Marechiavellian unicorn proudly smiling at such adept social manipulation. He couldn't believe Sands had done such a pivotal act, almost to the point of slightly doubting if Cauldron really desired him as much as he thought right now.
Iron's mouth was still slightly agape from the big reveal, remaining in astonished silence for a good while as he stared up at the Marechiavellian unicorn proudly smiling at such adept social manipulation. He couldn't believe Sands had done such a pivotal act, almost to the point of slightly doubting if Cauldron really desired him as much as he thought right now.
>>149431
"Oh," Iron muttered, fully understanding where Sands was coming from. "It is not a big deal. She might have gotten too much responsibilities on her hooves to really go for it."
Regardless of his platitudes, he was a bit bummed out over it.
"Oh," Iron muttered, fully understanding where Sands was coming from. "It is not a big deal. She might have gotten too much responsibilities on her hooves to really go for it."
Regardless of his platitudes, he was a bit bummed out over it.
>>149432
“Uh huh.” She tilts her head with a doubting expression
“But because of that, you doubt whether she’s really yours.”
“Uh huh.” She tilts her head with a doubting expression
“But because of that, you doubt whether she’s really yours.”
>>149433
"I would not say that," Iron denied with a shake of his head. "I am more worried that by fully comitting to it, she may find herself at her limit by taking care of the future foals."
"I would not say that," Iron denied with a shake of his head. "I am more worried that by fully comitting to it, she may find herself at her limit by taking care of the future foals."
>>149435
"You mean by using her mouth?" Iron asked in turn, not fully convinced at the presumed suggestion.
"You mean by using her mouth?" Iron asked in turn, not fully convinced at the presumed suggestion.
>>149436
"No. Well yes, but I mean by just pulling out before you orgasm, or by using a condom. Or just have sex when she's not on her cycle."
"No. Well yes, but I mean by just pulling out before you orgasm, or by using a condom. Or just have sex when she's not on her cycle."
>>149437
"Those sound pretty risky," Iron commented, not too sure to risk jumping the gun with these alien concepts of birth control. "I doubt I can pull out, or know when she's on her heat cycle, or what even these 'condoms' are."
"Those sound pretty risky," Iron commented, not too sure to risk jumping the gun with these alien concepts of birth control. "I doubt I can pull out, or know when she's on her heat cycle, or what even these 'condoms' are."
>>149438
She says
"So long as you don't get any semen inside her, pulling out will work. And condoms keep any from getting inside as well, so long as they don't break. As for cycles, she'll know."
She says
"So long as you don't get any semen inside her, pulling out will work. And condoms keep any from getting inside as well, so long as they don't break. As for cycles, she'll know."
>>149439
"Why should I play with fire like that?" Iron answered in turn, getting more unsure by the minute. "I can always cuddle or tickle that pink nub with my tongue. The last thing I want is Cauldron being unable to properly secure her dream job due to motherhood."
"Why should I play with fire like that?" Iron answered in turn, getting more unsure by the minute. "I can always cuddle or tickle that pink nub with my tongue. The last thing I want is Cauldron being unable to properly secure her dream job due to motherhood."
>>149441
Iron couldn't help but pout a little at the dismissive answer, yet simply exhaled and opted instead to just continue the cuddling with Sands for the time being.
Iron couldn't help but pout a little at the dismissive answer, yet simply exhaled and opted instead to just continue the cuddling with Sands for the time being.
>>149443
The pat on the back suddenly reminded Iron that Sands was a mare, too, soon looking back at her with a bit of concern. "Speaking of receiving," he prefaced it with a tinge of concern "are you going to start trying for foals after this?"
The pat on the back suddenly reminded Iron that Sands was a mare, too, soon looking back at her with a bit of concern. "Speaking of receiving," he prefaced it with a tinge of concern "are you going to start trying for foals after this?"
>>149445
"I did say I would accept responsibility, after all," Iron soon added with a sheepish smile. "Perhaps you thought it expired after some time or something like that."
"I did say I would accept responsibility, after all," Iron soon added with a sheepish smile. "Perhaps you thought it expired after some time or something like that."
>>149447
"Eleven months?" Iron asked in astonishment as he reeled back his head a bit. "Does it really take that long?"
"Eleven months?" Iron asked in astonishment as he reeled back his head a bit. "Does it really take that long?"
>>149449
"Huh..." Iron muttered, turning pensive. "So that is why couples try for foals many times..."
"Huh..." Iron muttered, turning pensive. "So that is why couples try for foals many times..."
>>149450
“I mean… it takes that long until birth when there is a pregnancy. Foaling is hit or miss. A mare is not guaranteed to become pregnant under even the best of conditions.”
“I mean… it takes that long until birth when there is a pregnancy. Foaling is hit or miss. A mare is not guaranteed to become pregnant under even the best of conditions.”
>>149452
Iron nodded further, thinking he got the gist of it. "That means I will have to go at it for more times than I do now to be as sure as possible it takes place," he concluded "got it."
Iron nodded further, thinking he got the gist of it. "That means I will have to go at it for more times than I do now to be as sure as possible it takes place," he concluded "got it."
>>149453
“You’ll know what there is a pregnancy.” She says, then smiles,
“But yes. Many more times.”
Looking up at him slyly
“You’ll know what there is a pregnancy.” She says, then smiles,
“But yes. Many more times.”
Looking up at him slyly
>>149454
Iron nodded a couple more times before humming softly in deep thought. "...would your family be proud of you having foals?" he not-so-casually inquired.
Iron nodded a couple more times before humming softly in deep thought. "...would your family be proud of you having foals?" he not-so-casually inquired.
>>149456
"Even if your social standing could be better?" Iron followed up as a hoof soon trailed to her cheek while he stared at the unicorn into her eyes.
"Even if your social standing could be better?" Iron followed up as a hoof soon trailed to her cheek while he stared at the unicorn into her eyes.
>>149458
"Then it seems I must really work on displaying such standing to ensure your family is extra proud, then," Iron concluded with a small smile.
"Then it seems I must really work on displaying such standing to ensure your family is extra proud, then," Iron concluded with a small smile.
>>149460
Wrapping his other hoof around the back of Sands' head, Iron soon shuffled his position so that his snout was inches away from hers, breathing lightly brushing against the unicorn's coat hairs as he soon smiled along with her. "We will show them just how worthy you really are," he softly yet confidently whispered to his mare.
Wrapping his other hoof around the back of Sands' head, Iron soon shuffled his position so that his snout was inches away from hers, breathing lightly brushing against the unicorn's coat hairs as he soon smiled along with her. "We will show them just how worthy you really are," he softly yet confidently whispered to his mare.
>>149461
She locks her green eyes into his, and smiles
"Hehehehehe"
She lies relaxed in his embrace, letting Iron move her as he wills.
She locks her green eyes into his, and smiles
"Hehehehehe"
She lies relaxed in his embrace, letting Iron move her as he wills.
>>149462
And with that, Iron soon leans into Sands to plant his lips against hers in a tender display of the affection she had craved for a while.
And with that, Iron soon leans into Sands to plant his lips against hers in a tender display of the affection she had craved for a while.
>>149463
Only when it is clear that Iron has made the first move does she herself move, tilting her head to gently lock lips with his, and placing her forelegs on his sides.
Only when it is clear that Iron has made the first move does she herself move, tilting her head to gently lock lips with his, and placing her forelegs on his sides.
>>149464
Iron didn't do much else aside from enjoying Sands' lips on his, gently breathing in and out as his forelegs tenderly brushed her mane up and down in a soothing rhythm.
Iron didn't do much else aside from enjoying Sands' lips on his, gently breathing in and out as his forelegs tenderly brushed her mane up and down in a soothing rhythm.
>>149465
Sands, however, tilts her head, opens her mouth wider, and starts to place her tongue in his mouth.
Sands, however, tilts her head, opens her mouth wider, and starts to place her tongue in his mouth.
>>149466
Iron allows it, carefully dancing along Sands' invading tongue at her tempo, always trying to go slow and enjoy the more romantic moment.
Iron allows it, carefully dancing along Sands' invading tongue at her tempo, always trying to go slow and enjoy the more romantic moment.
>>149467
She briefly invades, and then recedes, keeping pace. Her lips are thin, but certainly soft, and she makes slow movements reciprocating his.
She briefly invades, and then recedes, keeping pace. Her lips are thin, but certainly soft, and she makes slow movements reciprocating his.
>>149468
Iron's heart couldn't help but swell a little at Sands' restraint, happy to see her reciprocating the mood he had crafted but feeling she wanted a lot more than he really wanted for the time being.
Nevertheless, he simply stayed like this, lovingly making out with Sands until she was fully satisfied or somepony decided to interrupt the moment.
Iron's heart couldn't help but swell a little at Sands' restraint, happy to see her reciprocating the mood he had crafted but feeling she wanted a lot more than he really wanted for the time being.
Nevertheless, he simply stayed like this, lovingly making out with Sands until she was fully satisfied or somepony decided to interrupt the moment.
>>149470
Thus, Iron pulls back as well, flashing a lovedrunk smile from the rather tame makeout session they had just experienced. "Feeling any better?" he breathed out, the satisfaction apparent in his voice.
Thus, Iron pulls back as well, flashing a lovedrunk smile from the rather tame makeout session they had just experienced. "Feeling any better?" he breathed out, the satisfaction apparent in his voice.
>>149472
"I would rather ask Cauldron for permission first before messing up her furniture," Iron sheepishly admitted. "You won't be able to catch all of it with your lower mouth."
"I would rather ask Cauldron for permission first before messing up her furniture," Iron sheepishly admitted. "You won't be able to catch all of it with your lower mouth."
>>149474
"That is what I mean," Iron replied soon after. "She will most likely smell me if I were to try with you here."
"That is what I mean," Iron replied soon after. "She will most likely smell me if I were to try with you here."
>>149476
"Surely you did not think she would not notice the smell of sex in her bedroom, right?" Iron presented, almost wondering if her desire to become a proud member of her family had blinded her just a bit. "Cauldron is quite perceptive."
With that being said, however, he soon started to slide out of bed in order to get back on his feet before quickly checking if he had bits in his pocket still. "Besides," he added with a smirk "I'm sure you would like something a lot more fancy than this."
"Surely you did not think she would not notice the smell of sex in her bedroom, right?" Iron presented, almost wondering if her desire to become a proud member of her family had blinded her just a bit. "Cauldron is quite perceptive."
With that being said, however, he soon started to slide out of bed in order to get back on his feet before quickly checking if he had bits in his pocket still. "Besides," he added with a smirk "I'm sure you would like something a lot more fancy than this."
>>149478
"Nice is not going to cut it this time," Iron boldly proclaimed before hopping off the bed with a confident strut. "We are gonna look for the best hotel room for today."
"Nice is not going to cut it this time," Iron boldly proclaimed before hopping off the bed with a confident strut. "We are gonna look for the best hotel room for today."
>>149482
Iron first ensured his leather belt was properly set before checking his bit pouch a second time with more of a frown: He may need to get some extra money to ensure he could buy Sands the best time of her life... for now.
I sure hope Cauldron is using all the money I invested in her wisely, he half-hoped before slowly walking towards the bedroom's exit.
Iron first ensured his leather belt was properly set before checking his bit pouch a second time with more of a frown: He may need to get some extra money to ensure he could buy Sands the best time of her life... for now.
I sure hope Cauldron is using all the money I invested in her wisely, he half-hoped before slowly walking towards the bedroom's exit.
>>149484
At least she got some of her appetite back, Iron mused to himself with a proud smile.
Following that, he soon walked over to where Sands was making tea, silently watching her in rapt interest in the offchance he could be the one to do it for her as a friendly gesture later on.
At least she got some of her appetite back, Iron mused to himself with a proud smile.
Following that, he soon walked over to where Sands was making tea, silently watching her in rapt interest in the offchance he could be the one to do it for her as a friendly gesture later on.
>>149487
Iron nodded before trotting over to Cauldron and giving her a warm, welcoming hug. "Welcome back," he greeted.
Iron nodded before trotting over to Cauldron and giving her a warm, welcoming hug. "Welcome back," he greeted.
>>149488
She doesn't seem to have expected the hug, but accepts it all the same. Her fur is course and short.
"Hello. Are you feeling better?"
She doesn't seem to have expected the hug, but accepts it all the same. Her fur is course and short.
"Hello. Are you feeling better?"
>>149489
"I am," Iron confirmed with an energetic nod before backing off back to foreleg's lengths and flashing a thankful smile "thanks to you and Sands."
With that little compliment streak done, he'd soon walk back to where Sands was preparing the water to see how it was done once again, hoping he didn't miss anything.
"I am," Iron confirmed with an energetic nod before backing off back to foreleg's lengths and flashing a thankful smile "thanks to you and Sands."
With that little compliment streak done, he'd soon walk back to where Sands was preparing the water to see how it was done once again, hoping he didn't miss anything.
>>149490
She watches the flames under the teapot, evidently still waiting for it to boil.
Black Cauldron:
“Good. Those Ginoviccis are still out there. And they will try to look for us.”
She watches the flames under the teapot, evidently still waiting for it to boil.
Black Cauldron:
“Good. Those Ginoviccis are still out there. And they will try to look for us.”
>>149491
"Are they also looking for you now?" Iron inquired with a glance at Cauldron, trying his best not to lose focus on the tea making process.
"Are they also looking for you now?" Iron inquired with a glance at Cauldron, trying his best not to lose focus on the tea making process.
>>149492
"I don't believe so. Just you two. But they could associate it with all of us, and start a turf war."
"I don't believe so. Just you two. But they could associate it with all of us, and start a turf war."
>>149493
Thus, the native simply nodded, thankful it wasn't personal at the very least. "I will be ready to face them before they get any ideas," he confidently declared to Cauldron.
Thus, the native simply nodded, thankful it wasn't personal at the very least. "I will be ready to face them before they get any ideas," he confidently declared to Cauldron.
>>149494
“They already have ideas, I am sure. I don’t know if they will want to venture into the city. But they will be looking for you. And they will be ready for when you come to them.”
“They already have ideas, I am sure. I don’t know if they will want to venture into the city. But they will be looking for you. And they will be ready for when you come to them.”
>>149495
Iron nodded once again, taking a deep breath to steel himself for the soon-to-be battle to decide the fate of him and the ones he cares about.
Iron nodded once again, taking a deep breath to steel himself for the soon-to-be battle to decide the fate of him and the ones he cares about.
>>149496
"Iron" she turns her eyes towards White Sands, and then back to Iron.
"Can we talk in private for a minute?"
"Iron" she turns her eyes towards White Sands, and then back to Iron.
"Can we talk in private for a minute?"
>>149497
Iron's ears swiveled at the request, making him turn towards Cauldron before walking over to her. "Sure," he answered with a hint of confusion.
Iron's ears swiveled at the request, making him turn towards Cauldron before walking over to her. "Sure," he answered with a hint of confusion.
>>149498
She looks again to Sands, moves with Iron to the bedroom, looks back suspiciously at Sands, closes and locks the door, and then moves into the bedroom on the other side of the bed, looking suspiciously at the door. In a low whisper she says
"Iron..." She looks into his eyes with seriousness
"Do you want to become an Associate?"
She looks again to Sands, moves with Iron to the bedroom, looks back suspiciously at Sands, closes and locks the door, and then moves into the bedroom on the other side of the bed, looking suspiciously at the door. In a low whisper she says
"Iron..." She looks into his eyes with seriousness
"Do you want to become an Associate?"
>>149499
Oh! She must mean something about fully entering the gang proper if we're pulling ranks like that!
"Remind me what's an Associate, first," he'd whisper back to Cauldron just to make sure that was her intention.
Oh! She must mean something about fully entering the gang proper if we're pulling ranks like that!
"Remind me what's an Associate, first," he'd whisper back to Cauldron just to make sure that was her intention.
>>149500
"It's the lowest level of our organization." She says
"You help make money for the organization. And in return, they offer... we offer, protection. Fraternity."
"It's the lowest level of our organization." She says
"You help make money for the organization. And in return, they offer... we offer, protection. Fraternity."
>>149501
"If it means I can reduce your workload and focus on your dream job, I will definitely become an Associate for you," Iron soon whispered back with a winning smile.
"If it means I can reduce your workload and focus on your dream job, I will definitely become an Associate for you," Iron soon whispered back with a winning smile.
>>149502
“That’s not…” she looks away, then back to Iron.
“It’s not about me. I will be above you in the organization, yes. But it is not about loyalty to me, nor am I at the top. It is about the organization. The syndicate.”
“That’s not…” she looks away, then back to Iron.
“It’s not about me. I will be above you in the organization, yes. But it is not about loyalty to me, nor am I at the top. It is about the organization. The syndicate.”
>>149503
Iron's smile faded just a little bit at Cauldron's reply, almost feeling like there was something off about this ordeal. Nevertheless, he nodded once. "I will not betray the organization at any point," he soon confirmed to Cauldron. "You have my word."
Iron's smile faded just a little bit at Cauldron's reply, almost feeling like there was something off about this ordeal. Nevertheless, he nodded once. "I will not betray the organization at any point," he soon confirmed to Cauldron. "You have my word."
>>149504
“Let’s… well, let’s ease you into it. Maybe it’s better that you not officially be a part of it, so long as you have this problem with the Ginovicci’s. For now, let’s do specific jobs for them. Iron, you know you have to tackle these griffins, right?”
“Let’s… well, let’s ease you into it. Maybe it’s better that you not officially be a part of it, so long as you have this problem with the Ginovicci’s. For now, let’s do specific jobs for them. Iron, you know you have to tackle these griffins, right?”
>>149506
“Alright, well…” she looks away.
“There is a job that would make money. And get you out of the city for the day. Far away from where the Ginovicci would ever look for you.”
“Alright, well…” she looks away.
“There is a job that would make money. And get you out of the city for the day. Far away from where the Ginovicci would ever look for you.”
>>149507
Iron softly tilts his head to the side, puzzled at the sidetrack, but patiently waited for Cauldron to continue explaining the situation.
Iron softly tilts his head to the side, puzzled at the sidetrack, but patiently waited for Cauldron to continue explaining the situation.
>>149508
"We received a tip that out in the mountains, there is an abandoned mine where a load of quicksilver was lost sometime last century. There wasn't that much effort to retrieve it back then but now, with the war time shortages, the price has more than doubled. A flash flood has uncovered it, supposedly. We just have to collect it, bring it back, and sell it."
"We received a tip that out in the mountains, there is an abandoned mine where a load of quicksilver was lost sometime last century. There wasn't that much effort to retrieve it back then but now, with the war time shortages, the price has more than doubled. A flash flood has uncovered it, supposedly. We just have to collect it, bring it back, and sell it."
>>149510
"We will not be the only ones going for it, will we?" Iron muttered, already feeling there will be a lot of ponies gunning for this tip.
"We will not be the only ones going for it, will we?" Iron muttered, already feeling there will be a lot of ponies gunning for this tip.
>>149511
“That… depends on who else knows. It’s a bit remote, and harder to get to, especially with travel around the countryside restricted. And the wildlife… it’s also really heavy, and may be hard to carry back.” She smiles. “That’s why we need your muscles.”
“That… depends on who else knows. It’s a bit remote, and harder to get to, especially with travel around the countryside restricted. And the wildlife… it’s also really heavy, and may be hard to carry back.” She smiles. “That’s why we need your muscles.”
>>149512
Iron couldn't help but stifle a chuckle at the role he had to play. "I see," he answered softly with a nod. "I can definitely do that."
Iron couldn't help but stifle a chuckle at the role he had to play. "I see," he answered softly with a nod. "I can definitely do that."
>>149513
“It’s, well, it’s a bit out of the way. It’ll take much of the morning to get there, and at best, we won’t be back until the night.”
“It’s, well, it’s a bit out of the way. It’ll take much of the morning to get there, and at best, we won’t be back until the night.”
>>149514
Iron hummed softly, soon poking the tip of his chin in thought for a second: Sands may not have the chance to properly have her fill, meaning she'll have to wait a day at the very least. However, he barely had any money and this would prove to be a good way to show Cauldron he was perfectly capable of ending this little feud considering all the dangers. Needless to say, he was easy to convince in that regard.
"It will be fine," he answered with a nod. "It will not eat much of my time."
Iron hummed softly, soon poking the tip of his chin in thought for a second: Sands may not have the chance to properly have her fill, meaning she'll have to wait a day at the very least. However, he barely had any money and this would prove to be a good way to show Cauldron he was perfectly capable of ending this little feud considering all the dangers. Needless to say, he was easy to convince in that regard.
"It will be fine," he answered with a nod. "It will not eat much of my time."
>>149515
“As I said, there’s quite a bit of it up there. And it’s gone up drastically in value since they use it in making munitions, or something. It’s potentially very profitable.”
“As I said, there’s quite a bit of it up there. And it’s gone up drastically in value since they use it in making munitions, or something. It’s potentially very profitable.”
>>149516
Iron smirks softly at Cauldron's added incentive, simply patting her on the shoulder. "I accept the terms," he concluded with a nod. "Who else is coming along?"
Iron smirks softly at Cauldron's added incentive, simply patting her on the shoulder. "I accept the terms," he concluded with a nod. "Who else is coming along?"
>>149523
"Well as i said,My brother would let me read with him. he was a SocDem. he would read books and pamphlets for hours."
He smiles recalling the memories of his actual brother
"But as i said, they weren't inclusive enough for my tastes."
"Well as i said,My brother would let me read with him. he was a SocDem. he would read books and pamphlets for hours."
He smiles recalling the memories of his actual brother
"But as i said, they weren't inclusive enough for my tastes."
>>149525
He chuckles
"Yea thats right. they only seem to care about their own. they are basically fascist,i have came to learn."
He scowls after this statement.
He chuckles
"Yea thats right. they only seem to care about their own. they are basically fascist,i have came to learn."
He scowls after this statement.
>>149531
"Have you ever heard of any creature,that's not a pony of some sort being able to run for office with the social democrats? i Haven't. They Claim to represent Every Creature but they only care about the weight of their bit pouches"
"Have you ever heard of any creature,that's not a pony of some sort being able to run for office with the social democrats? i Haven't. They Claim to represent Every Creature but they only care about the weight of their bit pouches"
>>149533
"About the social democrats? Ok. Well i've seen them turn away. Minotaurs and griffins from positions of power. simply because they aren't ponies."
"About the social democrats? Ok. Well i've seen them turn away. Minotaurs and griffins from positions of power. simply because they aren't ponies."
>>149536
He nods, taking it in
"Well, you came to the right place. Baltimare isn't quite as diverse as Manehattan, but it's the most diverse place in South East Equestria, and it has the greatest class consciousness. And Jim Haykins in particular will teach you a lot about political theory. But let me tell you, it's not just a theory here. We put our beliefs into practice, and we believe politics is a very practical topic here."
He nods, taking it in
"Well, you came to the right place. Baltimare isn't quite as diverse as Manehattan, but it's the most diverse place in South East Equestria, and it has the greatest class consciousness. And Jim Haykins in particular will teach you a lot about political theory. But let me tell you, it's not just a theory here. We put our beliefs into practice, and we believe politics is a very practical topic here."
>>149364
Technically... the party was working for the Blackhooves when they investigated Comte with agent Skies being there, and the Hoebuck, raid, while not done through the Blackhooves's State Security Administration, was done by a different part of the federal government
"Are you sure? Because this is how they would do it. If they wanted to clear the region."
Technically... the party was working for the Blackhooves when they investigated Comte with agent Skies being there, and the Hoebuck, raid, while not done through the Blackhooves's State Security Administration, was done by a different part of the federal government
"Are you sure? Because this is how they would do it. If they wanted to clear the region."
>>149553
shrugs
"Maybe, but they would have to send in troops to clear out most entrenched of rural families."
shrugs
"Maybe, but they would have to send in troops to clear out most entrenched of rural families."
>>149555
"Where those very angry and vengeful ponies are more likely to meet up with resistance groups in city, have their anger galvanized, and cause even more trouble for government than if they were left alone."
"Where those very angry and vengeful ponies are more likely to meet up with resistance groups in city, have their anger galvanized, and cause even more trouble for government than if they were left alone."
>>149557
"Either way, I am not so sure that Black Hooves are interested in anything more than making sure that we do not actively revolt. If I were them, I would be trying to better things in order to actually build loyalty. You cannot just stab country in back during war, call yourselves 'Saviors of Ponykind', and expect loyalty without doing something to earn it."
"Either way, I am not so sure that Black Hooves are interested in anything more than making sure that we do not actively revolt. If I were them, I would be trying to better things in order to actually build loyalty. You cannot just stab country in back during war, call yourselves 'Saviors of Ponykind', and expect loyalty without doing something to earn it."
>>149521
Iron hums softly for a bit, thinking about his options. "...will we need some sort of guide or more hooves to carry other essentials?" he inquired instead. "Is it better to keep the team as small as possible?"
Iron hums softly for a bit, thinking about his options. "...will we need some sort of guide or more hooves to carry other essentials?" he inquired instead. "Is it better to keep the team as small as possible?"
I have been busy, but things might calm down soon to get back to playing.
>>149538
"Paradise? Ha! Far from paradise. There is so much more that can be improved, in the professors, the administrators... even the students. But let me tell you. Paradise is not far off. The creatures of the world are starting to wake. And the steps that will take us to that paradise, or as near as we can make it? That is being planned here. Forged here. I know creatures who were involved in the uprising of last September. I've spoken to them at length about what happened, and what must happen next time."
His eyes light up
"Yes, it failed. They were prepared, we were not. But they are weaker now, with their wars of imperialism. And we will be prepared. Our great mistake in September was reacting to the Fascists, reacting to their closure of the Unions. Can you believe that? Reacting to Reacionaries? When we, the next generation, should be the movers of history? Not again.
The Unions are gone, it is true, and with them ended the first great mobilizing organization of the working class. But the great movers of the Revolution were not arrested - not most of them anyways - and more are being created everyday. They just moved into hiding. And when the time is right, we will rise again. And when we do, we will find ourselves freed from all constraints of Princess, Master, Landlord, or antiquarian morality. We will be free to find fraternity with all feeling creatures, with no bounds of class, nation, or species, and free to pursue all manner of happiness in this, our one and only life. Do you understand what can be won? Do you understand what is to be done?"
He pauses for a moment, enraptured by his own words:
"No. I don't think you do. But if you want to know, well, you came to the right place."
He stands up, still looking at Dark Star, placing a hoof up on the chair next to him.
"Paradise? Ha! Far from paradise. There is so much more that can be improved, in the professors, the administrators... even the students. But let me tell you. Paradise is not far off. The creatures of the world are starting to wake. And the steps that will take us to that paradise, or as near as we can make it? That is being planned here. Forged here. I know creatures who were involved in the uprising of last September. I've spoken to them at length about what happened, and what must happen next time."
His eyes light up
"Yes, it failed. They were prepared, we were not. But they are weaker now, with their wars of imperialism. And we will be prepared. Our great mistake in September was reacting to the Fascists, reacting to their closure of the Unions. Can you believe that? Reacting to Reacionaries? When we, the next generation, should be the movers of history? Not again.
The Unions are gone, it is true, and with them ended the first great mobilizing organization of the working class. But the great movers of the Revolution were not arrested - not most of them anyways - and more are being created everyday. They just moved into hiding. And when the time is right, we will rise again. And when we do, we will find ourselves freed from all constraints of Princess, Master, Landlord, or antiquarian morality. We will be free to find fraternity with all feeling creatures, with no bounds of class, nation, or species, and free to pursue all manner of happiness in this, our one and only life. Do you understand what can be won? Do you understand what is to be done?"
He pauses for a moment, enraptured by his own words:
"No. I don't think you do. But if you want to know, well, you came to the right place."
He stands up, still looking at Dark Star, placing a hoof up on the chair next to him.
floofy floof noises
>>149645
“Wow that was quite the speech. You’re very good at that. It’s frankly amazing. You said you actually know some of the creatures that rose up? Incredible! You’re right I don’t know too much but I would love to know more.”
“Wow that was quite the speech. You’re very good at that. It’s frankly amazing. You said you actually know some of the creatures that rose up? Incredible! You’re right I don’t know too much but I would love to know more.”
>>149661
When June arrived and sat down on the chair across from Dark Star, Lunar Nadir leaned over Solar Night with both forelegs wrapped around his neck and shoulders, and with her head and chin firmly pressed into his back. Her wings have eased away from her body, and fall down, as if failing to fold properly. Yet despite Nadir's thorough invasion of Solar Night's personal space, June does not look at her, nor take any notice of her, nor aim his eyes anywhere save at the eyes of this newcomer, Solar Night. Just before June's last speech, Nadir becomes aware of her now physical clinginess, and backs off of Solar Night, sitting uprising, and allowing a foot and a half between them. Yet even this movement does not draw June's attention, and Dark Star may be forgiven if he believes Lunar Nadir to be a just a hallucination shared by himself and Mars Loaf, albeit a very persistent hallucination, and one he can feel and touch, and be felt and touched in turn.
June smiles, and pulls his head back in triumph. For a moment it seems as if he's been knocked off kilter, or perhaps the alcohol has finally truly set in. But he lowers his head back and regains his composure.
"Oh yes. I know much, and if you are willing, so shall you in time. We will do much."
When June arrived and sat down on the chair across from Dark Star, Lunar Nadir leaned over Solar Night with both forelegs wrapped around his neck and shoulders, and with her head and chin firmly pressed into his back. Her wings have eased away from her body, and fall down, as if failing to fold properly. Yet despite Nadir's thorough invasion of Solar Night's personal space, June does not look at her, nor take any notice of her, nor aim his eyes anywhere save at the eyes of this newcomer, Solar Night. Just before June's last speech, Nadir becomes aware of her now physical clinginess, and backs off of Solar Night, sitting uprising, and allowing a foot and a half between them. Yet even this movement does not draw June's attention, and Dark Star may be forgiven if he believes Lunar Nadir to be a just a hallucination shared by himself and Mars Loaf, albeit a very persistent hallucination, and one he can feel and touch, and be felt and touched in turn.
June smiles, and pulls his head back in triumph. For a moment it seems as if he's been knocked off kilter, or perhaps the alcohol has finally truly set in. But he lowers his head back and regains his composure.
"Oh yes. I know much, and if you are willing, so shall you in time. We will do much."
>>149664
The last post is >>149190, which is "[the stallion] runs some ways down, until the sidewalk meets a street"
>>149559
She answers,
"I'm not sure. It's an area I've never been to, and where it may be easy to get lost. Anypony who joins the group will definitely want a share, and may also be a potential traitor. We definitely need as much strength as possible to carry things out."
The last post is >>149190, which is "[the stallion] runs some ways down, until the sidewalk meets a street"
>>149559
She answers,
"I'm not sure. It's an area I've never been to, and where it may be easy to get lost. Anypony who joins the group will definitely want a share, and may also be a potential traitor. We definitely need as much strength as possible to carry things out."
>>149665
Iron hummed softly, wondering himself if he had such a thing: Even after his positive experiences after his big failure, he was a quite queasy over inviting Sands along in case she got hurt again for his sake.
Quickly shaking his head, he looked back to Cauldron with a tinge of curiosity. "Do you have a pony who would be interested and is trustworthy enough?" he tentatively prodded.
Iron hummed softly, wondering himself if he had such a thing: Even after his positive experiences after his big failure, he was a quite queasy over inviting Sands along in case she got hurt again for his sake.
Quickly shaking his head, he looked back to Cauldron with a tinge of curiosity. "Do you have a pony who would be interested and is trustworthy enough?" he tentatively prodded.
>>149666
Correct. He’s gone down another walkway, and out of line of sight.
>>149667
“That depends… we could invite the creature who first gave the tip. He’ll probably want a share, and we don’t know him well. We could bring another associate from the Syndicate. He’d be trustworthy, but he wouldn’t necessarily know anything about the area. And then we could bring one of your friends…”
Correct. He’s gone down another walkway, and out of line of sight.
>>149667
“That depends… we could invite the creature who first gave the tip. He’ll probably want a share, and we don’t know him well. We could bring another associate from the Syndicate. He’d be trustworthy, but he wouldn’t necessarily know anything about the area. And then we could bring one of your friends…”
>>149668
I suppose Spark will now retreat back to his friends now that the spies have their cover blown.
I suppose Spark will now retreat back to his friends now that the spies have their cover blown.
>>149669
Spark goes south(?), and then west, past apartments, and into a fenced lot where all of the creatures wait in the truck
“Where you followed?” Makade asks
Spark goes south(?), and then west, past apartments, and into a fenced lot where all of the creatures wait in the truck
“Where you followed?” Makade asks
>>149675
Iron blinked once before shaking his head. "I doubt those ponies can be trusted with this," he replied in turn before turning pensive. "...maybe Sands can be trusted?"
Iron blinked once before shaking his head. "I doubt those ponies can be trusted with this," he replied in turn before turning pensive. "...maybe Sands can be trusted?"
>>149677
Yes. With Spark needing to get inside for it to be easy to talk yo him, though speaking through an open driver’s side window is possible. Wellspring has hidden herself in the back.
>>149678
She blinks
“I’ve asked this before, but… who is she? Is she some rescue project of yours? Are you trying to take her as an apprentice. Is she a” she whispers the next part “lover?”
Yes. With Spark needing to get inside for it to be easy to talk yo him, though speaking through an open driver’s side window is possible. Wellspring has hidden herself in the back.
>>149678
She blinks
“I’ve asked this before, but… who is she? Is she some rescue project of yours? Are you trying to take her as an apprentice. Is she a” she whispers the next part “lover?”
>>149679
"I think she will be a valuable asset in order to spread the word of your business," Iron replied as succinctly as he could. "She is quite charismatic."
"I think she will be a valuable asset in order to spread the word of your business," Iron replied as succinctly as he could. "She is quite charismatic."
>>149682
I believe they are driving back to the house and from there, we can find out more about what Wellspring is wanting.
I believe they are driving back to the house and from there, we can find out more about what Wellspring is wanting.
>>149685
"As a travelling partner," Iron proposed instead with a nod. "I think she can shoot magic through her horn, so that could help."
"As a travelling partner," Iron proposed instead with a nod. "I think she can shoot magic through her horn, so that could help."
>>149686
“A unicorn might help.” She mumbles.
“I don’t know how much ‘magic’ is really helpful, but it couldn’t hurt I suppose.”
“A unicorn might help.” She mumbles.
“I don’t know how much ‘magic’ is really helpful, but it couldn’t hurt I suppose.”
>>149687
"We should probably ask her if she is willing to go into the jungle, though," Iron suggested with a bit of hesitation. "She strikes me as an adept concrete jungle dweller only."
"We should probably ask her if she is willing to go into the jungle, though," Iron suggested with a bit of hesitation. "She strikes me as an adept concrete jungle dweller only."
>>149690
"She did jump in a fight when I was downed," Iron tentatively offered with a slightly sheepish smile. "That has to count for something, right?"
"She did jump in a fight when I was downed," Iron tentatively offered with a slightly sheepish smile. "That has to count for something, right?"
>>149693
She enters the living room, and returns to the couch. Petal and Waabishki are together in the kitchen, as the doctor and ply press enter. Makade follows Spark.
She enters the living room, and returns to the couch. Petal and Waabishki are together in the kitchen, as the doctor and ply press enter. Makade follows Spark.
>>149692
Iron is finally feeling a tinge of awkwardness at Cauldron's repeated utterance, causing him to start idly scritching his foreleg with a hoof.
Iron is finally feeling a tinge of awkwardness at Cauldron's repeated utterance, causing him to start idly scritching his foreleg with a hoof.
>>149699
She looks up towards Spark with giant, open bright eyes, surprised by Spark’s question.
“Shed… what light?” She asks, trying to force her lips up over her teeth in a smile.
She looks up towards Spark with giant, open bright eyes, surprised by Spark’s question.
“Shed… what light?” She asks, trying to force her lips up over her teeth in a smile.
>>149698
"I cannot think of anypony else that would be both trustworthy and useful to this task," Iron replied with a nod.
"I cannot think of anypony else that would be both trustworthy and useful to this task," Iron replied with a nod.
>>149700
"You went back there really looking for just one or two particular items, one of which you have now. So it would be most helpful to know what is going on, especially since we are now being spied on by changelings."
"You went back there really looking for just one or two particular items, one of which you have now. So it would be most helpful to know what is going on, especially since we are now being spied on by changelings."
>>149703
"I think us three would be enough," Iron tentatively proposed in turn, not overly sure himself.
"I think us three would be enough," Iron tentatively proposed in turn, not overly sure himself.
>>149704
“Well, I hope. But only you are especially strength. Snd we really will need all of your strength. You see, quicksilver is expensive. But it isn’t as valuable as gold, or even silver. It’ll be very heavy, and you’ll have to carry it through the jungle.”
“Well, I hope. But only you are especially strength. Snd we really will need all of your strength. You see, quicksilver is expensive. But it isn’t as valuable as gold, or even silver. It’ll be very heavy, and you’ll have to carry it through the jungle.”
>>149705
Finally feeling back in his element, Iron soon puffed his chest out proudly as he confidently smiled towards Cauldron. "I can definitely carry a lot of stuff," he boldly proclaimed.
Finally feeling back in his element, Iron soon puffed his chest out proudly as he confidently smiled towards Cauldron. "I can definitely carry a lot of stuff," he boldly proclaimed.
>>149706
She raises an eyebrow.
“Across land? Up hills? While we are in possible danger? And this isn’t counting the fact that we may have to fish it out of the ravine in the first place.”
She raises an eyebrow.
“Across land? Up hills? While we are in possible danger? And this isn’t counting the fact that we may have to fish it out of the ravine in the first place.”
>>149708
“Uh… uh…” she looks up, and then lowers her head, closing her eyes and lowering her ears flat to her head.
“Okay… I’ve… well, that one Changeling, that’s all true… but I’ve also become involved in… activities.”
“Uh… uh…” she looks up, and then lowers her head, closing her eyes and lowering her ears flat to her head.
“Okay… I’ve… well, that one Changeling, that’s all true… but I’ve also become involved in… activities.”
>>149712
Taking the opportunity to ease tensions by the tiniest bit, Iron quickly plants a swift, dry kiss on Cauldron's lips as she tried going around him. "I am sure we will pull through," he reassured her with a friendly smile.
Taking the opportunity to ease tensions by the tiniest bit, Iron quickly plants a swift, dry kiss on Cauldron's lips as she tried going around him. "I am sure we will pull through," he reassured her with a friendly smile.
>>149713
Iron has to act fast, but there’s the narrowest opportunity as she walks past. And…
Iron succeeds, getting a quick taste of soft, black lips. Cauldron is surprised, jumping slightly and seemingly barking with most of a “Yip!” She quickly recovers, stops moving, smiles, blushes, and looks at Iron
“Heheheh.”
She starts to move past him again, though the end of her tail moves a little to the left, and rubs against Iron’s coat.
Iron has to act fast, but there’s the narrowest opportunity as she walks past. And…
Iron succeeds, getting a quick taste of soft, black lips. Cauldron is surprised, jumping slightly and seemingly barking with most of a “Yip!” She quickly recovers, stops moving, smiles, blushes, and looks at Iron
“Heheheh.”
She starts to move past him again, though the end of her tail moves a little to the left, and rubs against Iron’s coat.
>>149712
"Not exactly anything to hide from this odd bunch. We don't exactly look like rule followers. Care to go more into it?"
"Not exactly anything to hide from this odd bunch. We don't exactly look like rule followers. Care to go more into it?"
>>149715
“I had some contact with ELF before that Changeling, and… I kind of thought that was why he was following me, for a while. Then I got more into it… I’m sure that’s why the other ones are following me now….”
“I had some contact with ELF before that Changeling, and… I kind of thought that was why he was following me, for a while. Then I got more into it… I’m sure that’s why the other ones are following me now….”
>>149716
"Alright. So you need us to drop you off at a spot for the ELF to pick you up or something?"
"Alright. So you need us to drop you off at a spot for the ELF to pick you up or something?"
>>149714
Satisfied with his efforts, Iron steps out of the way with a dumb smile by the smallest margin, allowing her to leave at the intense cost of slightly rubbing his coat against hers.
Satisfied with his efforts, Iron steps out of the way with a dumb smile by the smallest margin, allowing her to leave at the intense cost of slightly rubbing his coat against hers.
>>149719
Iron couldn't help but chuckle a little bit before turning towards the door as well and following her squarely behind Cauldron at a foreleg's length distance.
Iron couldn't help but chuckle a little bit before turning towards the door as well and following her squarely behind Cauldron at a foreleg's length distance.
>>149720
Cauldron’s first move is to open the closet door opposite the bedroom door in the short hallway. From behind a cost, she starts to pull out the guns that were stashed there a few nights before.
Cauldron’s first move is to open the closet door opposite the bedroom door in the short hallway. From behind a cost, she starts to pull out the guns that were stashed there a few nights before.
>>149721
Iron watches intently at the display, ready to swoop in and assist the moment he felt was right.
Iron watches intently at the display, ready to swoop in and assist the moment he felt was right.
>>149722
Probably, this is after the first one is taken out. Black Cauldron removes all three from the closet, and examines them more closely, taking them to the bed.
Probably, this is after the first one is taken out. Black Cauldron removes all three from the closet, and examines them more closely, taking them to the bed.
>>149723
Iron, of course, follows Cauldron's lead and peers more closely at the weapons in display, wondering what she was thinking right now.
Iron, of course, follows Cauldron's lead and peers more closely at the weapons in display, wondering what she was thinking right now.
>>149725
"We could go for two weapons," Iron proposed. "One for you and one for Sands if she agrees to come along."
"We could go for two weapons," Iron proposed. "One for you and one for Sands if she agrees to come along."
>>149726
She looks back to him
“And what about you? There could be real danger. Wildlife. Other ponies…”
She looks back to him
“And what about you? There could be real danger. Wildlife. Other ponies…”
>>149727
"I do not know how to use these things," Iron replied in turn as he pointed back at the firearms on the bed.
"I do not know how to use these things," Iron replied in turn as he pointed back at the firearms on the bed.
>>149728
“If could just be worth teaching you” she says.
“Unless you want to use a hammer, or a hatchet. Even a shovel might work if it doesn’t break. Your hooves are fine, probably, against most ponies. But we could be facing creatures far more threatening than ponies. Ones you don’t really want to get close to.”
“If could just be worth teaching you” she says.
“Unless you want to use a hammer, or a hatchet. Even a shovel might work if it doesn’t break. Your hooves are fine, probably, against most ponies. But we could be facing creatures far more threatening than ponies. Ones you don’t really want to get close to.”
>>149729
Iron couldn' help but grimace a little bit: His native pride was telling him that he shouldn't even consider using such technology in case he gets too used to its power, but the fact he was putting both of his mares in danger in this mission in the offchance he got knocked down again made him reconsider Cauldron's off this time around.
After a few seconds of silence, Iron sighed softly before nodding. "I can give the boomstick a try," he hesitantly offered in turn with a slight smile.
Iron couldn' help but grimace a little bit: His native pride was telling him that he shouldn't even consider using such technology in case he gets too used to its power, but the fact he was putting both of his mares in danger in this mission in the offchance he got knocked down again made him reconsider Cauldron's off this time around.
After a few seconds of silence, Iron sighed softly before nodding. "I can give the boomstick a try," he hesitantly offered in turn with a slight smile.
>>149731
"Oh. Uh. Right."
Silver finishes up with getting ready to go out, then meets back up with Mala in the living room.
"Ready to head out? We can trot until we can hail taxi."
"Oh. Uh. Right."
Silver finishes up with getting ready to go out, then meets back up with Mala in the living room.
"Ready to head out? We can trot until we can hail taxi."
>>149733
"Few places. First is getting drinks for Jubilosa and Clip, then finding job for us, then if we have time meeting some ponies."
"Few places. First is getting drinks for Jubilosa and Clip, then finding job for us, then if we have time meeting some ponies."
>>149730
She uses her hoof to move one of them forward. While each of the firearms is slightly different looking, they are all sort of just cylinders of grey and black metal attached to wood of various lengths, and no factor of appearance stands out to Iron as meaningful in one way or another. Black Cauldron says
"This one right here is a hunting rifle. Equestrian, I think. It'll fire a medium sized bullet a good range. Operate the action by moving the lever. There are seven shots in total, reload by placing a cartridge though the side. It's kind of a medium length, maybe a little easier to hide, but still very long.
To demonstrate this, she places the rifle on the end of the bed, and with her right hoof, cocks the lever. Notably, she has to rest the fore of the rifle on the bed, as it isn't really easily operated with a single leg. She moves another forward.
"This one here, I think is an older Equestrian military rifle. Or maybe it was Zebrican. I don't really know. It's also operated with a lever, but it's a single shot. You pull the lever down, and place a cartridge in there."
She physically does this, again needing to prop it against the bed.
"It fires a very large bullet, kind of slowly. Decent power. This one is also a carbine. It's shorter, easier to hide."
She picks up another with her foreleg, bringing it beside her.
"This is, I think, a Griffin military rifle from like fifty years ago. Turn the bolt handle up, then back, then forward, then down. Reload it by placing a clip... that may be harder to show you, actually. But it'll hold five rounds, and you can reload it with a clip. As you can see, it's the largest and longest of all of these guns, but it also shoots the furthest, and fires the fastest bullet. It'll be hard to conceal though. Oh. And for all of these, lift the rifle." She does this, as she did the same with the bolt "Look down the sights like so... and pull the trigger." click "To bring death to your enemy. Unless that enemy is something like a manticore. Then you probably just made it mad. Still though."
She places this last gun on the bed.
"As I think you've already gathered, none of these are really very easy to use for a quadruped who can't fly and doesn't have magic. You'd have to either have it on your side in a sling, use it prone, or prop it up on something. These are also extremely loud, and the Fascists really don't like ponies having these things... not that the old government or Baltimare allowed it either, but still it's the kind of thing not to be caught with. But I think at least one probably needs to come with us.
If you'd prefer, you can carry a hatchet, a shovel, or even a hammer. We'll probably need to carry most of those things anyways, just because of the work that needs to be done. Just be aware, there could be things stronger than you out there."
She uses her hoof to move one of them forward. While each of the firearms is slightly different looking, they are all sort of just cylinders of grey and black metal attached to wood of various lengths, and no factor of appearance stands out to Iron as meaningful in one way or another. Black Cauldron says
"This one right here is a hunting rifle. Equestrian, I think. It'll fire a medium sized bullet a good range. Operate the action by moving the lever. There are seven shots in total, reload by placing a cartridge though the side. It's kind of a medium length, maybe a little easier to hide, but still very long.
To demonstrate this, she places the rifle on the end of the bed, and with her right hoof, cocks the lever. Notably, she has to rest the fore of the rifle on the bed, as it isn't really easily operated with a single leg. She moves another forward.
"This one here, I think is an older Equestrian military rifle. Or maybe it was Zebrican. I don't really know. It's also operated with a lever, but it's a single shot. You pull the lever down, and place a cartridge in there."
She physically does this, again needing to prop it against the bed.
"It fires a very large bullet, kind of slowly. Decent power. This one is also a carbine. It's shorter, easier to hide."
She picks up another with her foreleg, bringing it beside her.
"This is, I think, a Griffin military rifle from like fifty years ago. Turn the bolt handle up, then back, then forward, then down. Reload it by placing a clip... that may be harder to show you, actually. But it'll hold five rounds, and you can reload it with a clip. As you can see, it's the largest and longest of all of these guns, but it also shoots the furthest, and fires the fastest bullet. It'll be hard to conceal though. Oh. And for all of these, lift the rifle." She does this, as she did the same with the bolt "Look down the sights like so... and pull the trigger." click "To bring death to your enemy. Unless that enemy is something like a manticore. Then you probably just made it mad. Still though."
She places this last gun on the bed.
"As I think you've already gathered, none of these are really very easy to use for a quadruped who can't fly and doesn't have magic. You'd have to either have it on your side in a sling, use it prone, or prop it up on something. These are also extremely loud, and the Fascists really don't like ponies having these things... not that the old government or Baltimare allowed it either, but still it's the kind of thing not to be caught with. But I think at least one probably needs to come with us.
If you'd prefer, you can carry a hatchet, a shovel, or even a hammer. We'll probably need to carry most of those things anyways, just because of the work that needs to be done. Just be aware, there could be things stronger than you out there."
>>149735
"Oh!" Mala seems to light up
"That sounds like fun. What are we going to do with... those things we pulled out of the mud?"
"Oh!" Mala seems to light up
"That sounds like fun. What are we going to do with... those things we pulled out of the mud?"
>>149738
"Nothing right now. Maybe we can find buyer for firearms, and in near future we can try to fix boat."
He scratches his chin.
"Hmm. Actually, how hard would it be to bring box of firearms with us? I have idea of who might want them."
"Nothing right now. Maybe we can find buyer for firearms, and in near future we can try to fix boat."
He scratches his chin.
"Hmm. Actually, how hard would it be to bring box of firearms with us? I have idea of who might want them."
>>149737
Iron looked down at the three rifles in question with a blank expression, taking his sweet time trying to visualize himself using all three of these big hunks of explodey shooty metal thingies. "...so we are only bringing one of these long booms?" he absentmindedly uttered, still embroiled with such a complex set of choices to make.
Iron looked down at the three rifles in question with a blank expression, taking his sweet time trying to visualize himself using all three of these big hunks of explodey shooty metal thingies. "...so we are only bringing one of these long booms?" he absentmindedly uttered, still embroiled with such a complex set of choices to make.
>>149740
“We can take all of them, two of them, or one of them. Maybe even none. I just think you should know that that little unicorn friend of yours is probably not winning a hoof fight with a manticore. Even if her magic does let her use a lever better than we can…”
tl;dr on bang sticks:
Equestrian:
Seven shots, lever action
Intermediate caliber
Medium sized
Zebrican
Single shot, lever-breach
Big slow bullet
Medium-small
Griffonian:
Five shots, bolt action
Fast bullet
Long
Tools:
Hatchet
Shovel
Hammer(?)
“We can bring another of your friends, if you think we need the power.”
>>149739
“Uh… I don’t know. I don’t think we can just put them in the back if a taxi without someone asking questions.”
“We can take all of them, two of them, or one of them. Maybe even none. I just think you should know that that little unicorn friend of yours is probably not winning a hoof fight with a manticore. Even if her magic does let her use a lever better than we can…”
tl;dr on bang sticks:
Equestrian:
Seven shots, lever action
Intermediate caliber
Medium sized
Zebrican
Single shot, lever-breach
Big slow bullet
Medium-small
Griffonian:
Five shots, bolt action
Fast bullet
Long
Tools:
Hatchet
Shovel
Hammer(?)
“We can bring another of your friends, if you think we need the power.”
>>149739
“Uh… I don’t know. I don’t think we can just put them in the back if a taxi without someone asking questions.”
>>149741
Iron nodded slightly as he carefully picked up the Griffonian rifle with a bit of thought. "...I think Sands should use this..." he muttered out loud, still piecing the puzzle pieces together.
Putting it back down soon after his decision, he walked over to the Equestrian rifle with a couple of pensive nods. "...this one would suit you best.." he continued as his gaze fell upon the Zebrican rifle "...and that one is best for me."
Having said that, however, he soon looked over at the tools in question, humming softly. "...stuff to cut is good," he agreed "and digging tools can help make makeshift shelter, traps or cover."
Iron nodded slightly as he carefully picked up the Griffonian rifle with a bit of thought. "...I think Sands should use this..." he muttered out loud, still piecing the puzzle pieces together.
Putting it back down soon after his decision, he walked over to the Equestrian rifle with a couple of pensive nods. "...this one would suit you best.." he continued as his gaze fell upon the Zebrican rifle "...and that one is best for me."
Having said that, however, he soon looked over at the tools in question, humming softly. "...stuff to cut is good," he agreed "and digging tools can help make makeshift shelter, traps or cover."
>>149742
"I think the Zebrican gun suits you. It takes probably the least knowledge to use, and it works best as a last resort, which is probably the only way you'd use a gun.
The Griffonian rifle, well, that little pretty unicorn has magic, so she'd be able to aim it. And I can't imagine she'd want to get close. But she's also..."
Black Cauldron seems to struggle to find the word for a moment. Sitting down, she brings one hoof over top of the other with a few inches between them, and places her hooves in front of her face, as if to show off the narrow space between her closing hooves
"small. That rifle is a bit big for her. And it's heavy on the fore end. As for the Equestrian gun"
She takes it off the bed and places it in her hooves
"It shoots fast, yes. Or at least it can. But it also has to be reloaded one bullet at a time. And this lever"
She opens the lever with a "clack," and notably the lever goes a decent portion of the distance to the ground
"It means that I can't shoot this gun while prone. That kind of limits my using it.
Oh. And I almost forgot. We should bring a machete."
"I think the Zebrican gun suits you. It takes probably the least knowledge to use, and it works best as a last resort, which is probably the only way you'd use a gun.
The Griffonian rifle, well, that little pretty unicorn has magic, so she'd be able to aim it. And I can't imagine she'd want to get close. But she's also..."
Black Cauldron seems to struggle to find the word for a moment. Sitting down, she brings one hoof over top of the other with a few inches between them, and places her hooves in front of her face, as if to show off the narrow space between her closing hooves
"small. That rifle is a bit big for her. And it's heavy on the fore end. As for the Equestrian gun"
She takes it off the bed and places it in her hooves
"It shoots fast, yes. Or at least it can. But it also has to be reloaded one bullet at a time. And this lever"
She opens the lever with a "clack," and notably the lever goes a decent portion of the distance to the ground
"It means that I can't shoot this gun while prone. That kind of limits my using it.
Oh. And I almost forgot. We should bring a machete."
>>149743
Iron simply nodded in turn, feeling Cauldron's judgement to ring true all around. "Then Sands get that boomstick," he replied while pointing at the rifle she had on her hooves "and you take the longer metal shooter."
After declaring the change, he soon nodded once. "I trust that melee weapon will help," he added.
Iron simply nodded in turn, feeling Cauldron's judgement to ring true all around. "Then Sands get that boomstick," he replied while pointing at the rifle she had on her hooves "and you take the longer metal shooter."
After declaring the change, he soon nodded once. "I trust that melee weapon will help," he added.
>>149744
"Well, really it's for harvesting bananas. Or in our case, clearing brush and plants. But yes, you can definitely use it as a weapon."
"Well, really it's for harvesting bananas. Or in our case, clearing brush and plants. But yes, you can definitely use it as a weapon."
>>149746
"Uh, sure" He says, moving forward towards Silver.
The radio cuts out again, with the following playing at a noticeably higher volume than the regular broadcast:
"We interrupt this program to bring you an update on the ongoing crisis in the Baltimare Governate. Shelter in place orders are in effect for Tenochtitlan, Saltmane, Saltlickingham, and surrounding jurisdictions. Rationing of diesel, gasoline, heating oil, kerosene, coal, and firewood is in effect through the district.
Civilians are advised to boil tap, river, and ground water before drinking it, or using it in the preparation of food. Use bottled water where possible. Be advised that power outages may occur. Non-essential government services have been suspended districtwide, including public education. Use of medical services is restricted to emergencies. Residents experiencing high fever, a severe headache, vertigo, black tongue, dark urine, or severe abdominal and chest pain, should seek medical help immediately.
The Governor has issued an order mandating the rationing of food and water throughout the district. Sunset has approved a request by the Governor suspending the exportation of any and all oil and refined fuels from the district.
Ponies, particularly those with military, law enforcement, or medical backgrounds, are asked to join in the District Militia.
Keep your radio on for more updates."
Jubilosa especially looks unnerved by this last broadcast
"Uh, sure" He says, moving forward towards Silver.
The radio cuts out again, with the following playing at a noticeably higher volume than the regular broadcast:
"We interrupt this program to bring you an update on the ongoing crisis in the Baltimare Governate. Shelter in place orders are in effect for Tenochtitlan, Saltmane, Saltlickingham, and surrounding jurisdictions. Rationing of diesel, gasoline, heating oil, kerosene, coal, and firewood is in effect through the district.
Civilians are advised to boil tap, river, and ground water before drinking it, or using it in the preparation of food. Use bottled water where possible. Be advised that power outages may occur. Non-essential government services have been suspended districtwide, including public education. Use of medical services is restricted to emergencies. Residents experiencing high fever, a severe headache, vertigo, black tongue, dark urine, or severe abdominal and chest pain, should seek medical help immediately.
The Governor has issued an order mandating the rationing of food and water throughout the district. Sunset has approved a request by the Governor suspending the exportation of any and all oil and refined fuels from the district.
Ponies, particularly those with military, law enforcement, or medical backgrounds, are asked to join in the District Militia.
Keep your radio on for more updates."
Jubilosa especially looks unnerved by this last broadcast
>>149745
"Right," Iron uttered, vaguely recalling how the blade's sharpness can help in cutting different kinds of stuff. "Anything else we might be missing?"
"Right," Iron uttered, vaguely recalling how the blade's sharpness can help in cutting different kinds of stuff. "Anything else we might be missing?"
>>149748
"Well, medical supplies. Probably some water, and definitely some rope and a few leather belts. But aside from that, the challenge will be getting the quicksilver back."
"Well, medical supplies. Probably some water, and definitely some rope and a few leather belts. But aside from that, the challenge will be getting the quicksilver back."
>>149750
“It’ll be in iron cylinders. Big ones. We’ll have to strap them to your sides or on your back. A cart would be better if possible.”
“It’ll be in iron cylinders. Big ones. We’ll have to strap them to your sides or on your back. A cart would be better if possible.”
>>149753
Iron stared blankly at Cauldron for a second before a small grin started to form on his face. "I believe I will need a hooves-on demonstration," he coyly suggested.
Iron stared blankly at Cauldron for a second before a small grin started to form on his face. "I believe I will need a hooves-on demonstration," he coyly suggested.
>>149754
Evidently not understanding Cauldron’s meaning, she says
“Well I don’t have one of those flasks here…”
Evidently not understanding Cauldron’s meaning, she says
“Well I don’t have one of those flasks here…”
>>149755
Iron's misguided attempt flopping so hard caused him to once again regain that puzzled look, feeling himself lost. "...maybe you can just show me how would you strap me without the flask?" he tentatively offered instead.
Iron's misguided attempt flopping so hard caused him to once again regain that puzzled look, feeling himself lost. "...maybe you can just show me how would you strap me without the flask?" he tentatively offered instead.
>>149756
“Well, yes.”
She goes over to the closet, and brings out leather straps, and behind to wrap these around Iron’s barrel.
“You add these.” She tightens it. “And where you’d have a saddlebag, you have a cylinder. A heavy cylinder.”
“Well, yes.”
She goes over to the closet, and brings out leather straps, and behind to wrap these around Iron’s barrel.
“You add these.” She tightens it. “And where you’d have a saddlebag, you have a cylinder. A heavy cylinder.”
>>149757
Iron looked back at the new addition to his body, carefully craning his neck about just in case he wasn't allowed to move without making a mess. "How do I look?" he uttered out loud with the faintest hint of the small grin he wore previously.
Iron looked back at the new addition to his body, carefully craning his neck about just in case he wasn't allowed to move without making a mess. "How do I look?" he uttered out loud with the faintest hint of the small grin he wore previously.
>>149759
"I do pack some heavy stuff," Iron coyly replied in turn, feeling in the swing of things once again with a sly grin as he gingerly shook his body a bit to show it off.
"I do pack some heavy stuff," Iron coyly replied in turn, feeling in the swing of things once again with a sly grin as he gingerly shook his body a bit to show it off.
>>149760
She closes her lips as she smiles, in a look at once disturbed and humored. Then she starts laughing again.
She closes her lips as she smiles, in a look at once disturbed and humored. Then she starts laughing again.
>>149761
Iron couldn't help himself but to laugh along with her after a while, glad to see his social chops were still working. Nevertheless, they could mingle further when they were ready.
"Should I ask Sands about the gig now or should we ready up first?" he soon presented with a satisified smile.
Iron couldn't help himself but to laugh along with her after a while, glad to see his social chops were still working. Nevertheless, they could mingle further when they were ready.
"Should I ask Sands about the gig now or should we ready up first?" he soon presented with a satisified smile.
>>149762
“You can talk to her now, if you want to bring her into this.” She says. “I need to ready a few more things.”
“You can talk to her now, if you want to bring her into this.” She says. “I need to ready a few more things.”
>>149747
"It just keeps getting better and better, does it not?"
Even with his accent, the sarcasm in his voice is evident.
"It just keeps getting better and better, does it not?"
Even with his accent, the sarcasm in his voice is evident.
>>149764
Jubilosa
“Suspended exports? They would never do that.”
Clip
“Maybe it’s a ruse?”
Khoi
“Then why announce it?”
Jubilosa
“Suspended exports? They would never do that.”
Clip
“Maybe it’s a ruse?”
Khoi
“Then why announce it?”
>>149763
"Sounds good," Iron answered in tow before leaning in for another quick little kiss just to keep Cauldron on her toes.
No matter how successful it was, he'd soon walk out the bedroom door in order to approach the fluffy unicorn.
"Sounds good," Iron answered in tow before leaning in for another quick little kiss just to keep Cauldron on her toes.
No matter how successful it was, he'd soon walk out the bedroom door in order to approach the fluffy unicorn.
>>149766
She smiles at the kiss, and probably would have accepted more. All the same, Iron finds Sands sitting at a chair, quickly turning her head to look towards Iron.
She smiles at the kiss, and probably would have accepted more. All the same, Iron finds Sands sitting at a chair, quickly turning her head to look towards Iron.
>>149767
Trotting over to sit next to Sands, Iron turns to her with a smile. "This is a bit out of the blue," he prefaced his question with a sheepish smile "but what do you think of jungles?"
Trotting over to sit next to Sands, Iron turns to her with a smile. "This is a bit out of the blue," he prefaced his question with a sheepish smile "but what do you think of jungles?"
>>149765
"Could be they wish to build up local government stockpile. If New Mareland were to ever send military expedition through here, they could make use of it."
"Could be they wish to build up local government stockpile. If New Mareland were to ever send military expedition through here, they could make use of it."
>>149774
"If this is case, it makes me wonder if they are preparing for military expedition. Modern militaries need much fuel and oil to operate."
"If this is case, it makes me wonder if they are preparing for military expedition. Modern militaries need much fuel and oil to operate."
>>149774
"Well..." Iron trailed off as he twiddled the tips of his hooves together "I got a job to go into a wild jungle to retrieve heavy stuff."
Surely he needn't say more than that, considering he may still have the pack animal look to him.
"Well..." Iron trailed off as he twiddled the tips of his hooves together "I got a job to go into a wild jungle to retrieve heavy stuff."
Surely he needn't say more than that, considering he may still have the pack animal look to him.
>>149782
"Remember the wild part?" Iron answered in turn. "We might need a sizable group of ponies to ensure the moving takes place."
"Remember the wild part?" Iron answered in turn. "We might need a sizable group of ponies to ensure the moving takes place."
>>149778
"Perhaps they are using cover of storm, and confusion it will cause populace. Ponies are less likely to question changes like this if they come quickly, and there is catastrophie to act as smokescreen."
"Perhaps they are using cover of storm, and confusion it will cause populace. Ponies are less likely to question changes like this if they come quickly, and there is catastrophie to act as smokescreen."
>>149786
"Well, there is not much we can do, perhaps except meeting and organizing with ponies. You will also need to build your strength up again, Clip."
"Well, there is not much we can do, perhaps except meeting and organizing with ponies. You will also need to build your strength up again, Clip."
>>149808
He nods, smiling as if pleased
“You will know. For now, enjoy the party.” He begins to walk away, evidently moving to rejoin Mars Loaf and the scruffy stallion at the other side of the room.
He nods, smiling as if pleased
“You will know. For now, enjoy the party.” He begins to walk away, evidently moving to rejoin Mars Loaf and the scruffy stallion at the other side of the room.
>>149809
Dark Star watches June walk away, then stares off into the wall and contemplates what he meant by all of that.
Dark Star watches June walk away, then stares off into the wall and contemplates what he meant by all of that.
>>149810
"You're an Earth Pony, right?"
The voice is Nadir's, and she speaks to him without him looking at her. She, however, looks at him.
"The earth ponies back at Gentle Stream weren't very kind to me, to us."
Two seconds pass, and she looks down, evidently regretting her statement.
"I don't meant that.. I mean, some were mean. What I mean is, I think I can understand what you meant about feeling different from the others in the countryside. It was different out there. Different there from here. What you said when you first arrived, I appreciate that. About how they aren't always accepting out there, and you are accepting. I like that..."
"You're an Earth Pony, right?"
The voice is Nadir's, and she speaks to him without him looking at her. She, however, looks at him.
"The earth ponies back at Gentle Stream weren't very kind to me, to us."
Two seconds pass, and she looks down, evidently regretting her statement.
"I don't meant that.. I mean, some were mean. What I mean is, I think I can understand what you meant about feeling different from the others in the countryside. It was different out there. Different there from here. What you said when you first arrived, I appreciate that. About how they aren't always accepting out there, and you are accepting. I like that..."
>>149812
He turns his attention to Her
“I’m sorry they weren’t very kind to you ms nadir. I realize it must have been very difficult for you.”
“I am different...”
He looks at the ground for a few seconds
“It’s very difficult and isolating to be so different from your peers,very difficult. I feel, felt very unaccepted at some points in my life,”
He recalls everything that has happened in his life up until now.
He turns his attention to Her
“I’m sorry they weren’t very kind to you ms nadir. I realize it must have been very difficult for you.”
“I am different...”
He looks at the ground for a few seconds
“It’s very difficult and isolating to be so different from your peers,very difficult. I feel, felt very unaccepted at some points in my life,”
He recalls everything that has happened in his life up until now.
>>149813
"When I first saw you... you were wearing that trench coat. Thick, long, glasses, hat. It's colder, yes. Colder than it ever was back South. But it's not that cold. Not for you. You were hiding. I could see it. You felt different, so you hid a part of yourself from others. I would do the same thing. Seriously, the exact same thing. A trench coat to hide wings, a hat to hide ears. Just, you know, I didn't want to be seen. And to see you doing the same... I don't know. I saw you living through what I live through. An Equestrian earth pony from the countryside. I wouldn't have expected that."
"When I first saw you... you were wearing that trench coat. Thick, long, glasses, hat. It's colder, yes. Colder than it ever was back South. But it's not that cold. Not for you. You were hiding. I could see it. You felt different, so you hid a part of yourself from others. I would do the same thing. Seriously, the exact same thing. A trench coat to hide wings, a hat to hide ears. Just, you know, I didn't want to be seen. And to see you doing the same... I don't know. I saw you living through what I live through. An Equestrian earth pony from the countryside. I wouldn't have expected that."
>>149816
“It seems we are pretty similar then. It is very unexpected I know, I wouldn’t have expected this is the way my life would turn out either.”
He drinks from the beer.
“It seems we are pretty similar then. It is very unexpected I know, I wouldn’t have expected this is the way my life would turn out either.”
He drinks from the beer.
>>149817
“Yeah…”
She looks down for a moment. The other ponies continue talking among themselves. June has his left foreleg overtop of Mars Loaf, who is content to be possessed by him, as StarCut holds his own yellow mare, and the short cut stallion holds the one unmet mare. Looking Lense says nothing, but remains somewhat nearby, attempting to be in the group.
“Yeah…”
She looks down for a moment. The other ponies continue talking among themselves. June has his left foreleg overtop of Mars Loaf, who is content to be possessed by him, as StarCut holds his own yellow mare, and the short cut stallion holds the one unmet mare. Looking Lense says nothing, but remains somewhat nearby, attempting to be in the group.
>>149818
“Well it’s not all bad. If it wasn’t like that then I would have never went down this road. I’m happy actually.I got to meet a friend.”
He looks at her
“Well it’s not all bad. If it wasn’t like that then I would have never went down this road. I’m happy actually.I got to meet a friend.”
He looks at her
>>149819
"How... valuable are we talking about here?" She asks
"Is this like, day laborer work here, or what is going on?"
>>149820
She smiles. Whether by the alcohol intoxication, her emotional state, or some more persistent flaw in her form, her wings do not and have not remained closed for as long as Solar Night has been looking. Now, however, she spreads them a little further, raising the fingers of the midpoints of her wings upwards. The tufts at the end of her tall ears rise likewise.
"You really- you think so?"
"How... valuable are we talking about here?" She asks
"Is this like, day laborer work here, or what is going on?"
>>149820
She smiles. Whether by the alcohol intoxication, her emotional state, or some more persistent flaw in her form, her wings do not and have not remained closed for as long as Solar Night has been looking. Now, however, she spreads them a little further, raising the fingers of the midpoints of her wings upwards. The tufts at the end of her tall ears rise likewise.
"You really- you think so?"
>>149821
"Highly sought after for ponies that do not conform to common concrete jungle laws," Iron finally revealed with what he thought was a modicum of subtlety. "If I recall correctly, you had experience with that kind of thing."
"Highly sought after for ponies that do not conform to common concrete jungle laws," Iron finally revealed with what he thought was a modicum of subtlety. "If I recall correctly, you had experience with that kind of thing."
>>149821
“I do think so. I’m thankful to have been able to have met a good friend.”
He puts his hoof on her shoulder
“I do think so. I’m thankful to have been able to have met a good friend.”
He puts his hoof on her shoulder
>>149824
She smiles, and says nothing, looking up at him, lowering her head slightly but raising the middle section of her wings. The coat on her shoulders is coarse and short.
That infernal zebra music ceases, and returns to a cheerier pony mare's singing some sort of love song.
She smiles, and says nothing, looking up at him, lowering her head slightly but raising the middle section of her wings. The coat on her shoulders is coarse and short.
That infernal zebra music ceases, and returns to a cheerier pony mare's singing some sort of love song.
>>149825
He moves his hoof
“So how long have you known everycreature here?”
He has a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach as the song comes on
He moves his hoof
“So how long have you known everycreature here?”
He has a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach as the song comes on
>>149823
"...sure," Iron uttered, not too confident in his answer. "If it works out of ponice's eyes, then it might as well be."
"...sure," Iron uttered, not too confident in his answer. "If it works out of ponice's eyes, then it might as well be."
>>149826
Dark Star has heard the song before. Not in any serious context, just playing as he’s passed by a radio.
“I… I haven’t, really known everyone. Not for very long. But I’ve known Mars Loaf for a while now. About a year. She would buy food at the same store. I helped her carry groceries one day. She was friendly. This was in the tune just before the drive, when food and work became scare. During the war. Then when it began, I saw her again. We were together, hiding together, during the last battle. I’ve met June a few times since they met. That happened last semester. Not that long ago, maybe two months. These other ponies I’ve met a few times. I’ve visited the campus a few times, and I’ve met them off campus a few times.”
>>149827
“But… like how worth out while?” She tilts her head
“Is this to get away from the griffins?”
Dark Star has heard the song before. Not in any serious context, just playing as he’s passed by a radio.
“I… I haven’t, really known everyone. Not for very long. But I’ve known Mars Loaf for a while now. About a year. She would buy food at the same store. I helped her carry groceries one day. She was friendly. This was in the tune just before the drive, when food and work became scare. During the war. Then when it began, I saw her again. We were together, hiding together, during the last battle. I’ve met June a few times since they met. That happened last semester. Not that long ago, maybe two months. These other ponies I’ve met a few times. I’ve visited the campus a few times, and I’ve met them off campus a few times.”
>>149827
“But… like how worth out while?” She tilts her head
“Is this to get away from the griffins?”
>>149828
"If I understood correctly," Iron answered with a pensive look "it was worth a tidy sum without risk of griffons trying to kill us."
"If I understood correctly," Iron answered with a pensive look "it was worth a tidy sum without risk of griffons trying to kill us."
>>149829
"I... if it gets us away from the griffins..." She looks down
"Money would be useful" She says
"I... if it gets us away from the griffins..." She looks down
"Money would be useful" She says
>>149830
Iron nodded softly. "I thought about the money, too," he added as he softly leaned against Sands with a warm smile. "How else are we going to get the perfect hotel room otherwise?"
Iron nodded softly. "I thought about the money, too," he added as he softly leaned against Sands with a warm smile. "How else are we going to get the perfect hotel room otherwise?"
>>149831
The small mare is pushed back slightly by Iron's greater weight.
She smiles back
"That'll be nice."
Her mouth returns to a more normal expression. Then a pleading expression:
"Maybe, a little something to send back?"
She looks up at him with big, green eyes.
The small mare is pushed back slightly by Iron's greater weight.
She smiles back
"That'll be nice."
Her mouth returns to a more normal expression. Then a pleading expression:
"Maybe, a little something to send back?"
She looks up at him with big, green eyes.
>>149835
"How much are we talking about?" Iron soon inquired in turn with a softened look and a caring smile.
"How much are we talking about?" Iron soon inquired in turn with a softened look and a caring smile.
>>149836
"That's... She looks up, then to the side, then down, eventually settling her eyes back on him
"My question to you."
"That's... She looks up, then to the side, then down, eventually settling her eyes back on him
"My question to you."
>>149837
"Then we will settle that when we know for sure what we will get," Iron answered in turn with a warm smile. "Is that alright with you?"
"Then we will settle that when we know for sure what we will get," Iron answered in turn with a warm smile. "Is that alright with you?"
>>149828
He pats her on the back
“She only met June last semester? I would have guessed they had know each other for awhile.”
He pats her on the back
“She only met June last semester? I would have guessed they had know each other for awhile.”
>>149840
"Heh, no. Or maybe they have known each other longer? I don't know. They started dating last semester. June is a student at the Medical School. He's a legacy, since his father also went there."
"Heh, no. Or maybe they have known each other longer? I don't know. They started dating last semester. June is a student at the Medical School. He's a legacy, since his father also went there."
>>149839
Iron couldn't help but chuckle slightly at her retort before giving Sands a little nuzzle. "And I will make sure you do not forget," he playfully answered in turn.
Iron couldn't help but chuckle slightly at her retort before giving Sands a little nuzzle. "And I will make sure you do not forget," he playfully answered in turn.
>>149844
"Yeah, well, his dad is a doctor in... Fillydelphia, I think? I'm not actually sure, but his father is a doctor. He sends him money. That's why he can afford this nice apartment. He's older, goes to the medical school here. He's really social. Really social. In several student groups. He knows many ponies, on and off of campus. He's dating Mars Loaf... I already told you that. He likes politics, as you can tell."
>>149845
She smiles, and closes her eyes at the nuzzle
"hehehe" she giggles
"Yeah, well, his dad is a doctor in... Fillydelphia, I think? I'm not actually sure, but his father is a doctor. He sends him money. That's why he can afford this nice apartment. He's older, goes to the medical school here. He's really social. Really social. In several student groups. He knows many ponies, on and off of campus. He's dating Mars Loaf... I already told you that. He likes politics, as you can tell."
>>149845
She smiles, and closes her eyes at the nuzzle
"hehehe" she giggles
>>149846
Having done his part, Iron soon pulled back with a smile. "We will take some boomsticks for the journey," he informed the unicorn mare. "You know how to use them?"
Having done his part, Iron soon pulled back with a smile. "We will take some boomsticks for the journey," he informed the unicorn mare. "You know how to use them?"
>>149848
“Oh, I don’t really know…” she has an awkward smile
“I don’t have… all that many. Here…” she turns her head up
“But I know he has many, and he’s pretty heavily involved in student politics. He claims to know ponies involved in the Unions.”
>>149847
”Boomstick?”
It takes her a while to understand
“Like, firearms? I know something” she says.
“Oh, I don’t really know…” she has an awkward smile
“I don’t have… all that many. Here…” she turns her head up
“But I know he has many, and he’s pretty heavily involved in student politics. He claims to know ponies involved in the Unions.”
>>149847
”Boomstick?”
It takes her a while to understand
“Like, firearms? I know something” she says.
>>149849
Iron nodded a couple of times. "Good," he answered in turn before glancing back at the bedroom door, wondering how were the preparations going.
Iron nodded a couple of times. "Good," he answered in turn before glancing back at the bedroom door, wondering how were the preparations going.
>>149851
With that obviously implied cue, Iron soon sprang forth and offer his pack animal services by bowing softly in front of Cauldron to let her choose what sort of stuff does she want to pass onto him.
With that obviously implied cue, Iron soon sprang forth and offer his pack animal services by bowing softly in front of Cauldron to let her choose what sort of stuff does she want to pass onto him.
>>149852
“Just a moment. Well… okay, water, a shovel, blankets… we need blankets. Hurry, the train leaves soon.”
“Just a moment. Well… okay, water, a shovel, blankets… we need blankets. Hurry, the train leaves soon.”
>>149853
Sensing Cauldron's mind being overly busy right now, Iron decides to simply take the initiative and take the heavy stuff off her back to lighten the load. Besides, he should still have the straps on him, right? Why not act the part, too?
Sensing Cauldron's mind being overly busy right now, Iron decides to simply take the initiative and take the heavy stuff off her back to lighten the load. Besides, he should still have the straps on him, right? Why not act the part, too?
>>149849
“Well you have one more now.”
He smiles at her
“In the unions wow! That so awesome. Has he said anything else?”
“Well you have one more now.”
He smiles at her
“In the unions wow! That so awesome. Has he said anything else?”
>>149855
She smiles, and it's a smile that is almost accompanied by a laugh, as her lips move back and up, and show her teeth and fangs. But then her smile is removed, to a more neutral or even displeased expression.
"Yeah, he says a lot of things. Like, a lot of things. He claims that he was involved in the September rising somehow. Like, he carried a rifle, and helped build a barricade, or something. And then he bravely hid and buried the guns. Something about helping hide ponies, anyways, he claims to know ponies in the old political organizations. But that's just what he's said to me and Mars. He helps head some kind of student organization. He says it's for freedom of speech, and he has special access to news through sources. I don't know about all of that."
Nadir looks over, and noticably Mars and June have started making out, as have the short cut stallion and the mare, while Lense talks to the yellow mare and Star Cut.
She smiles, and it's a smile that is almost accompanied by a laugh, as her lips move back and up, and show her teeth and fangs. But then her smile is removed, to a more neutral or even displeased expression.
"Yeah, he says a lot of things. Like, a lot of things. He claims that he was involved in the September rising somehow. Like, he carried a rifle, and helped build a barricade, or something. And then he bravely hid and buried the guns. Something about helping hide ponies, anyways, he claims to know ponies in the old political organizations. But that's just what he's said to me and Mars. He helps head some kind of student organization. He says it's for freedom of speech, and he has special access to news through sources. I don't know about all of that."
Nadir looks over, and noticably Mars and June have started making out, as have the short cut stallion and the mare, while Lense talks to the yellow mare and Star Cut.
>>149854
Basically, Iron just needs a big saddle bag, as does Cauldron. Cauldron is trying to hide the firearms in a bag, then in a sleeping bag, and spends a while trying to make the long items look as inconspicuous as possible.
Basically, Iron just needs a big saddle bag, as does Cauldron. Cauldron is trying to hide the firearms in a bag, then in a sleeping bag, and spends a while trying to make the long items look as inconspicuous as possible.
>>149857
“Did I say something wrong?”
“Wow that’s so cool, June sounds like an amazing creature it’s so cool. Helping hide creatures from the fascists is the best thing you could do.”
“Did I say something wrong?”
“Wow that’s so cool, June sounds like an amazing creature it’s so cool. Helping hide creatures from the fascists is the best thing you could do.”
>>149859
"It's just-" Her right ear twitches, turns, and then flops down, as her eyes momentarily look away. Then she looks back to Solar Night and stares for a few seconds.
"Yeah, he is pretty amazing I guess. He's really nice, and really charming. I can see why Mars likes him."
Mars is showing how much he likes him over closer to the kitchen, and the short hallway that leads past the kitchen to the front door. The display of affection would be obnoxious in a different setting, and the couple is not alone, joined by the seemingly new couple of the short cut stallion and the mare Solar Night has not spoken to.
"It's just-" Her right ear twitches, turns, and then flops down, as her eyes momentarily look away. Then she looks back to Solar Night and stares for a few seconds.
"Yeah, he is pretty amazing I guess. He's really nice, and really charming. I can see why Mars likes him."
Mars is showing how much he likes him over closer to the kitchen, and the short hallway that leads past the kitchen to the front door. The display of affection would be obnoxious in a different setting, and the couple is not alone, joined by the seemingly new couple of the short cut stallion and the mare Solar Night has not spoken to.
>>149795
"Well, you and I could go to meeting and meet up with other ponies, and discuss these sudden changes."
"Well, you and I could go to meeting and meet up with other ponies, and discuss these sudden changes."
>>149854
A shovel, a rifle, a set of blankets, a rifle, a set of leather belts... another rifle? Iron gets a set, and Cauldron gets the remainder, like medical supplies and the machete
A shovel, a rifle, a set of blankets, a rifle, a set of leather belts... another rifle? Iron gets a set, and Cauldron gets the remainder, like medical supplies and the machete
>>149865
Exactly why Iron is carrying so many overly long rolled up rugs, and so much leather and ropes, few can tell. But it's time for the ponies to go to the train station
Exactly why Iron is carrying so many overly long rolled up rugs, and so much leather and ropes, few can tell. But it's time for the ponies to go to the train station
>>149866
Iron was wholly prepared for this little adventure, standing proud with all the stuff he was carrying while awaiting Cauldron and Sands to be ready as well.
Iron was wholly prepared for this little adventure, standing proud with all the stuff he was carrying while awaiting Cauldron and Sands to be ready as well.
>>149868
Iron quickly follows along with Cauldron's pace, making sure the equipment on his back didn't try to slide off or spill just in case.
Iron quickly follows along with Cauldron's pace, making sure the equipment on his back didn't try to slide off or spill just in case.
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There should be time to play tomorrow.
Everypony in this thread is a qt
>>149872
Black Cauldron hails and gets in a taxi, telling the driver not to mind the sleeping bag, what is totes a folding chair, blanket and bulging saddlebags and shovels, and asks for a short trip to a specific bar, and then the train station
>>149900
She stares at Spark for a moment, blinking, and then saying
"Okay, I'll do that. If you will, I mean...
>>149861
"Sure. Yeah. We could do that..." He is laying down on the couch, with his ears starting to fold down, and looking very much afraid.
Black Cauldron hails and gets in a taxi, telling the driver not to mind the sleeping bag, what is totes a folding chair, blanket and bulging saddlebags and shovels, and asks for a short trip to a specific bar, and then the train station
>>149900
She stares at Spark for a moment, blinking, and then saying
"Okay, I'll do that. If you will, I mean...
>>149861
"Sure. Yeah. We could do that..." He is laying down on the couch, with his ears starting to fold down, and looking very much afraid.
>>149904
"Once we are all set to return, we will be moving out of the city, which should make it easier to avoid trouble and locate a way back to your friends."
"Once we are all set to return, we will be moving out of the city, which should make it easier to avoid trouble and locate a way back to your friends."
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>>149921
And thus, the pair leave through the front door, walking towards the bar where he met Cauldron. At least, until they can flag down a taxi.
And thus, the pair leave through the front door, walking towards the bar where he met Cauldron. At least, until they can flag down a taxi.
>>149925
Walking outside, there is a strong, chill wind blowing north from the bay. In the short time Silver has been inside, the temperature has fallen even further to something more appropriate to Winter than Baltimare typically provides. As the pair walks west towards the city, no taxi is forthcoming - not that taxis are particularly numerous in Cherry Hill in the morning.
Walking outside, there is a strong, chill wind blowing north from the bay. In the short time Silver has been inside, the temperature has fallen even further to something more appropriate to Winter than Baltimare typically provides. As the pair walks west towards the city, no taxi is forthcoming - not that taxis are particularly numerous in Cherry Hill in the morning.
>>149926
"Winter Cold. This is time when thick coats of fur are most useful, like what you and I have."
"Winter Cold. This is time when thick coats of fur are most useful, like what you and I have."
>>149927
Mala nods, smiling. It's colder than Silver has ever felt in Baltimare before. And yet it's hardly cold at all, and Mala is no more bothered than Silver. He walks along at a fast pace, sometimes pulling in front of Silver, and sometimes waiting for the stallion.
Mala nods, smiling. It's colder than Silver has ever felt in Baltimare before. And yet it's hardly cold at all, and Mala is no more bothered than Silver. He walks along at a fast pace, sometimes pulling in front of Silver, and sometimes waiting for the stallion.
>>149928
"Are there any types of jobs in particular you would like, by way? We are going to be partners, after all."
"Are there any types of jobs in particular you would like, by way? We are going to be partners, after all."
>>149929
Mala moves his eyes up towards Silver
"It's probably best to... keep it simple" he says, moving his eyes back to look where he is walking
Mala moves his eyes up towards Silver
"It's probably best to... keep it simple" he says, moving his eyes back to look where he is walking
>>149930
"Simple. We can do simple. We may have to take dangerous jobs sometimes, in order to make more money. Is that okay with you?"
"Simple. We can do simple. We may have to take dangerous jobs sometimes, in order to make more money. Is that okay with you?"
Do I have to tell you again that (You) are a cute pony?
Spark should be back tomorrow.
>>149943
"Well, we got in contact with the doctors. They did a first surgery to remove growth over night, and he's recovering this morning."
"Well, we got in contact with the doctors. They did a first surgery to remove growth over night, and he's recovering this morning."
>>149946
“Yes, but also when Miskobag will be. I realize he will be here a while, but we will need to get him out of here.”
“Yes, but also when Miskobag will be. I realize he will be here a while, but we will need to get him out of here.”
>>149947
Looking up and away, almost joyfully.
“Oh, well after a surgery like that - it’s quite invasive - they usually give the patient time to recover. Could be a couple days.”
He pauses, and looks down at Spark with wide open eyes, lips pulled slightly back to show teeth, and ears straight up and forward.
“Do we… do we need to leave sooner than that?”
Looking up and away, almost joyfully.
“Oh, well after a surgery like that - it’s quite invasive - they usually give the patient time to recover. Could be a couple days.”
He pauses, and looks down at Spark with wide open eyes, lips pulled slightly back to show teeth, and ears straight up and forward.
“Do we… do we need to leave sooner than that?”
>>149948
“He should be fine to stay, but it would be best for us to leave. Wellspring is resistance.”
“He should be fine to stay, but it would be best for us to leave. Wellspring is resistance.”
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>>149953
“We need to move out in unison. They would be less suspicious if we move and they don’t find her at all.”
“We need to move out in unison. They would be less suspicious if we move and they don’t find her at all.”
>>149954
“Oh… okay… what, what, what are you going to do about the older wolf? And the two big ones that are younger? And where is she going? Where am I going? [unintelligible]…”
“Oh… okay… what, what, what are you going to do about the older wolf? And the two big ones that are younger? And where is she going? Where am I going? [unintelligible]…”
>>149955
“We will head back to the forest, then I will set up a meeting with the resistance to pick her up.”
“We will head back to the forest, then I will set up a meeting with the resistance to pick her up.”
>>149957
“Besides, hanging out in a city full of changelings isn’t exactly the greatest way to spend our time.”
“Besides, hanging out in a city full of changelings isn’t exactly the greatest way to spend our time.”
>>149949
"Yeah..." She turns her head down, but her eyes still up and making contact with Solar Night's, her lips pulled back and showing her teeth and fangs, and her wings spread in part.
"Yeah..." She turns her head down, but her eyes still up and making contact with Solar Night's, her lips pulled back and showing her teeth and fangs, and her wings spread in part.
>>149992
“It’s just…” she looks away
“I feel a little… less than them, sometimes…” she looks down and away from from Solar Night’s face, though possibly into his fur.
“It’s just…” she looks away
“I feel a little… less than them, sometimes…” she looks down and away from from Solar Night’s face, though possibly into his fur.
>>149996
Nadir leans in, letting Dark Star hug her. With her velvety, webbed wings open, it’s a little difficult to wrap himself around her, and he’s likely to get a face full of batwing regardless. She makes a strange high pitched squeaking sound, which at least sounds content.
She closes her eyes, smiles, and places her left hoof on Dark Star’s shoulder.
Nadir leans in, letting Dark Star hug her. With her velvety, webbed wings open, it’s a little difficult to wrap himself around her, and he’s likely to get a face full of batwing regardless. She makes a strange high pitched squeaking sound, which at least sounds content.
She closes her eyes, smiles, and places her left hoof on Dark Star’s shoulder.
>>149999
Blue Skies is still best pony
“Do you, um… do you want to tell me more about you?”
She pulls her lips back in an awkward smile, again showing her small fangs
Blue Skies is still best pony
“Do you, um… do you want to tell me more about you?”
She pulls her lips back in an awkward smile, again showing her small fangs
>>150001
She looks down and to the left again, and her ears momentarily pop down.
"Do you ever... not feel like a great pony?" She asks, and moves her eyes up almost as if peaking behind cover
She looks down and to the left again, and her ears momentarily pop down.
"Do you ever... not feel like a great pony?" She asks, and moves her eyes up almost as if peaking behind cover
>>150004
Moving her muzzle up, she asks,
"But why though? You are nice, very nice, and you are able to attend the university, like the other ponies with money and talent. What do you lack?"
Moving her muzzle up, she asks,
"But why though? You are nice, very nice, and you are able to attend the university, like the other ponies with money and talent. What do you lack?"
>>150005
"Im not very athletic. and im not Good at a lot of things. for example that dart game earlier."
"Im not very athletic. and im not Good at a lot of things. for example that dart game earlier."
>>150006
"Heh." This makes her smile
"And I'm not a very good flier..."
She again raises her wings somewhat.
"Heh." This makes her smile
"And I'm not a very good flier..."
She again raises her wings somewhat.
>>150008
She smiles, lowers her ears, and half turns her head
"I don't... I don't think I could."
She continues blushing
"What brings you to the university?"
She smiles, lowers her ears, and half turns her head
"I don't... I don't think I could."
She continues blushing
"What brings you to the university?"
>>150009
"Ah you should give yourself more credit,miss nadir."
He Adjusts his Glasses
"The pursuit of knowledge."
"Ah you should give yourself more credit,miss nadir."
He Adjusts his Glasses
"The pursuit of knowledge."
>>150010
She smiles a bit more warmly, making eye contact
"What knowledge are you looking for? I don't understand much of it. But it seems so impressive, like what that stallion said earlier tonight."
She smiles a bit more warmly, making eye contact
"What knowledge are you looking for? I don't understand much of it. But it seems so impressive, like what that stallion said earlier tonight."
>>150011
he smiles as well
"Well any kind of Knowledge in General. but im looking for something a little......Esoteric."
he smiles as well
"Well any kind of Knowledge in General. but im looking for something a little......Esoteric."
>>150012
Her ears twitch, and then focus on him, and she tilts her head
"Esoter..ish? What does that mean?"
Her ears twitch, and then focus on him, and she tilts her head
"Esoter..ish? What does that mean?"
>>150013
"Esoteric means Hidden Knowledge. knowledge the masses wouldn't be interested in or wouldn't care to know. Knowledge they most likely couldn't handle."
"Esoteric means Hidden Knowledge. knowledge the masses wouldn't be interested in or wouldn't care to know. Knowledge they most likely couldn't handle."
>>150015
"Well Of course it could be for you."
He adjusts his glasses again
"But its not for every creature. they might not like what they find."
He thinks about the Book he found at the estate. with the cosmic entities
"Well Of course it could be for you."
He adjusts his glasses again
"But its not for every creature. they might not like what they find."
He thinks about the Book he found at the estate. with the cosmic entities
>>150016
She blinks, and both ears double their focus on Dark Star. She moves slightly closer
"What do you mean?"
She blinks, and both ears double their focus on Dark Star. She moves slightly closer
"What do you mean?"
>>150017
He Grins
"Oh you know, Stuff about the True nature of the World. and beings that may or may not have control over our lives."
He Grins
"Oh you know, Stuff about the True nature of the World. and beings that may or may not have control over our lives."
>>150018
The smile fades as her eyes widen. Her lips narrow
"Why would somecreature not want to know that? Isn't that what June was talking about. You know, gain power through knowledge?"
The smile fades as her eyes widen. Her lips narrow
"Why would somecreature not want to know that? Isn't that what June was talking about. You know, gain power through knowledge?"
>>150019
"Well i find."
He takes a sip of his beer
"Some Creatures have a...willful ignorance when it comes to these types of things. and yes it is similar to what june was talking about."
"Well i find."
He takes a sip of his beer
"Some Creatures have a...willful ignorance when it comes to these types of things. and yes it is similar to what june was talking about."
I'll be here tomorrow.
>>149959
"We will leave once everypony is ready. We will have to make a return trip for Miskobag if it will take days to get him out of care."
"We will leave once everypony is ready. We will have to make a return trip for Miskobag if it will take days to get him out of care."
>>150038
“Oh… alright. Well then. Just… tell me what you want to do with the older wolf. Err… Miskobag.”
“Oh… alright. Well then. Just… tell me what you want to do with the older wolf. Err… Miskobag.”
>>150039
"Well, we are going to pick him up and take him back home once he has recovered. So make sure he is well cared for for when we come back. If all goes well, it shouldn't be long."
"Well, we are going to pick him up and take him back home once he has recovered. So make sure he is well cared for for when we come back. If all goes well, it shouldn't be long."
>>150043
Wellspring has once again made herself comfortable on the living room couch, albeit on the smaller loveseat opposite the main sofa, and by the closed blinds of the streetwise windows. She keeps her eyes on Spark as she silently watches him approach.
Wellspring has once again made herself comfortable on the living room couch, albeit on the smaller loveseat opposite the main sofa, and by the closed blinds of the streetwise windows. She keeps her eyes on Spark as she silently watches him approach.
>>150046
"I don't suppose there is a prescribed way to contact other members once we make it out of the city, is there?"
"I don't suppose there is a prescribed way to contact other members once we make it out of the city, is there?"
>>150021
"Well, upon my travels i may have come into the possession of a certain book that describes Equestria's ancient past and Some Supernatural Cosmic beings"
"Well, upon my travels i may have come into the possession of a certain book that describes Equestria's ancient past and Some Supernatural Cosmic beings"
>>150048
She sits upright on the sofa, with her forelegs next to her body, and both of her cat-like eyes focused on Dark Star. She listens with the wonder of a child.
"You, you did? What did it say?"
>>150047
"There's a safe word they have... But they change it every few days. You can ask around. But they are always looking for informants. I had a token... but it was taken..." She looks away.
She sits upright on the sofa, with her forelegs next to her body, and both of her cat-like eyes focused on Dark Star. She listens with the wonder of a child.
"You, you did? What did it say?"
>>150047
"There's a safe word they have... But they change it every few days. You can ask around. But they are always looking for informants. I had a token... but it was taken..." She looks away.
>>150055
I think he gave it to Blue Skies in https://mlpol.net/vx/81000#81586. I suppose I could allow it anyways. What will he do with it? Show it to Nadir?
I think he gave it to Blue Skies in https://mlpol.net/vx/81000#81586. I suppose I could allow it anyways. What will he do with it? Show it to Nadir?
>>150049
"Do you know where there is a typical meeting grounds at? Surely they frequent certain places if they look for informants?"
"Do you know where there is a typical meeting grounds at? Surely they frequent certain places if they look for informants?"
>>149931
"Dangerous is alright. But.... What will others think of what we do?" He asks, looking up at Silver
"Dangerous is alright. But.... What will others think of what we do?" He asks, looking up at Silver
>>150064
"Well a group of unicorns called beings known as the outer ones from beyond the stars,and made a deal with them."
"Well a group of unicorns called beings known as the outer ones from beyond the stars,and made a deal with them."
>>150067
Nadir moves her head in closer towards Dark Star, mouth partly open
"Unicorns did that? 'Outer Ones?'"
Nadir moves her head in closer towards Dark Star, mouth partly open
"Unicorns did that? 'Outer Ones?'"
>>150068
"Yes,that's exactly correct. From what i remember there goal was the Domination of all pony kind. they come from beyond our moon.They assumed them to be gods, but from what i read they turned out to be devils."
"Yes,that's exactly correct. From what i remember there goal was the Domination of all pony kind. they come from beyond our moon.They assumed them to be gods, but from what i read they turned out to be devils."
>>150071
Her mouth comes open, and her wings unfold more so, tilting down below the couch on her right, and hitting the side of the couch with her right.
"Are they... gone now?" She asks
Her mouth comes open, and her wings unfold more so, tilting down below the couch on her right, and hitting the side of the couch with her right.
"Are they... gone now?" She asks