Virgin Flame arrives in Baltimare and makes her aqua intense with the staff of a Cathedral there. Spark goes back to Blackwood, helping a rebel and several wolves. Iron takes a train off to the mountains where there is said to be treasure. Silver is pleasantly surprised to wake up to the world-not-ending. Dark Star goes home for the night, disturbed by the forces corrupting the youth, and left to contemplate his role in stopping it.
/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal
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>>150957 →
"Heh" She looks away, and pulls her lips back in a smile that shows off her teeth. Her pointy canines make another appearance. She looks down to the tea cup, which she picks up.
"Well... I don't know about that. But I am trying to get myself established in my own life in this city. And that is one part of it."
"Heh" She looks away, and pulls her lips back in a smile that shows off her teeth. Her pointy canines make another appearance. She looks down to the tea cup, which she picks up.
"Well... I don't know about that. But I am trying to get myself established in my own life in this city. And that is one part of it."
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>>151009
The cards vary, but the following seem to be common elements:
A crest of crooked horn, ears and rings.
A headshot photograph of the individual (In black and white)
Name
Race
Eye color
Coat color
Sex
Date of birth
Address
Registered district
Description of cutie mark. This is sometimes replaced by an image
Marital status
“Love compliance.” This segment has letters next to it with no obvious meaning to the reader
“Internal Use” - this segment has letters next to it with no obvious meaning
The IDs are sometimes green, sometimes blue, sometimes Manila. If there is a pattern it isn’t immediate obvious.
The cards are laminated in plastic or coated in wax. They don’t seem very resilient, as most are slightly damaged on the edges, or browned by sunlight.
The cards vary, but the following seem to be common elements:
A crest of crooked horn, ears and rings.
A headshot photograph of the individual (In black and white)
Name
Race
Eye color
Coat color
Sex
Date of birth
Address
Registered district
Description of cutie mark. This is sometimes replaced by an image
Marital status
“Love compliance.” This segment has letters next to it with no obvious meaning to the reader
“Internal Use” - this segment has letters next to it with no obvious meaning
The IDs are sometimes green, sometimes blue, sometimes Manila. If there is a pattern it isn’t immediate obvious.
The cards are laminated in plastic or coated in wax. They don’t seem very resilient, as most are slightly damaged on the edges, or browned by sunlight.
>>151032
"Well..." She looks around
"There is installing the garden, that is a big thing. More laundry detergent would be helpful. And maybe more food. Also, do you have a place for that Unicorn to stay? Will he be staying here, or will he go to a hotel?"
"Well..." She looks around
"There is installing the garden, that is a big thing. More laundry detergent would be helpful. And maybe more food. Also, do you have a place for that Unicorn to stay? Will he be staying here, or will he go to a hotel?"
>>151033
"I can help with those. I do not know yet about Clip, but I will get that sorted very soon. Maybe on our date tonight we can ask taxi driver to show us around city, if you are still up for it."
"I can help with those. I do not know yet about Clip, but I will get that sorted very soon. Maybe on our date tonight we can ask taxi driver to show us around city, if you are still up for it."
>>151035
He smiles at her.
"You do not sound intensely excited. You know you do not have to agree to everything just because you live here, yes? If you have concerns or you do not wish to do something, I would want you to be honest with me."
He smiles at her.
"You do not sound intensely excited. You know you do not have to agree to everything just because you live here, yes? If you have concerns or you do not wish to do something, I would want you to be honest with me."
>>151036
Her smile retreats as her lips return to a more neutral position. She moves her head back slightly, and her ears lower.
“No. That’s not what I mean. That’s not what I mean at all…”
Her smile retreats as her lips return to a more neutral position. She moves her head back slightly, and her ears lower.
“No. That’s not what I mean. That’s not what I mean at all…”
>>151037
Silver tilts his head at her.
"I am sorry, I do not always understand others well. What did you mean?"
Silver tilts his head at her.
"I am sorry, I do not always understand others well. What did you mean?"
>>151038
“I mean… In the time I’ve been here, I’ve seen, maybe two streets. One east and west along the north shore, and another north and south along the western shore. I’ve been in maybe two restaurants and two stores. I am not complaining. That is what I would do in my home village, and at Cua Song. But so far, this feels more like Cua Song than like Equestria. Where are the glistening castles, the sprawling meadows, the cities in the clouds? Where are all of the ponies living in Harmony? Cua Song had automobiles and a cinema. There is no war here. It wasn’t just that I could feel the explosions in Cua Song…” she winces.. “And there is more pay here. But to be so far from home, I kind of want something more…”
“I mean… In the time I’ve been here, I’ve seen, maybe two streets. One east and west along the north shore, and another north and south along the western shore. I’ve been in maybe two restaurants and two stores. I am not complaining. That is what I would do in my home village, and at Cua Song. But so far, this feels more like Cua Song than like Equestria. Where are the glistening castles, the sprawling meadows, the cities in the clouds? Where are all of the ponies living in Harmony? Cua Song had automobiles and a cinema. There is no war here. It wasn’t just that I could feel the explosions in Cua Song…” she winces.. “And there is more pay here. But to be so far from home, I kind of want something more…”
>>151040
“Well… I mean… well, maybe. But what I really mean is that…. In Ngua Nam, I had a village, and I had a family. I was a maiden there as here, but I had a village. There were great bays with mountains that had temples and monasteries on them, with sheer drops down cliffs to the ocean. There were rainforests and villages with rice paddies. There were modern brick cities with automobiles… not as modern as this one, no, but I think you know my meaning. The land had identity and I was a part of that. I left because I could not get over what I saw in the field hospital at Cua Song. I heard stories of Equestria, I met several Equestrians and I liked them. I wanted to be a part of that. And… I like what you have here. No really, I do. Even if I don’t trust the hyena, and even if your… your culture’s attitude is very different from mine… I can see the intention. I do appreciate it. But I am not where I want to be. I am away from Ngua Nam, and I feel as if I never entered Equestria. It’s like Equestria stops somewhere, and does not extend to the shore.”
She blinks
“But I am doing well for a few weeks. If anything I am further along than I should have expected. Thank you, again.”
“Well… I mean… well, maybe. But what I really mean is that…. In Ngua Nam, I had a village, and I had a family. I was a maiden there as here, but I had a village. There were great bays with mountains that had temples and monasteries on them, with sheer drops down cliffs to the ocean. There were rainforests and villages with rice paddies. There were modern brick cities with automobiles… not as modern as this one, no, but I think you know my meaning. The land had identity and I was a part of that. I left because I could not get over what I saw in the field hospital at Cua Song. I heard stories of Equestria, I met several Equestrians and I liked them. I wanted to be a part of that. And… I like what you have here. No really, I do. Even if I don’t trust the hyena, and even if your… your culture’s attitude is very different from mine… I can see the intention. I do appreciate it. But I am not where I want to be. I am away from Ngua Nam, and I feel as if I never entered Equestria. It’s like Equestria stops somewhere, and does not extend to the shore.”
She blinks
“But I am doing well for a few weeks. If anything I am further along than I should have expected. Thank you, again.”
>>151041
"Ah, so this is what you mean. Yes, I understand this. Baltimare is modern city, still young with little yet story behind it. And it is one of farthest cities from core of Equestria. I can understand how you feel. It is much different here than it is in Canterlot, Cloudsdale, and other cities in Equestrian Heartland. Even if you were to just visit them, you would see that Equestria you wish so much to find."
"Ah, so this is what you mean. Yes, I understand this. Baltimare is modern city, still young with little yet story behind it. And it is one of farthest cities from core of Equestria. I can understand how you feel. It is much different here than it is in Canterlot, Cloudsdale, and other cities in Equestrian Heartland. Even if you were to just visit them, you would see that Equestria you wish so much to find."
>>151043
“Well, even in this city I have only seen small part of it. And this street is very different from the harbor side. But I mean, my part in it. I am not so established. I do not even know much or have seen much.”
She looks down, and taps her cup with her split hooves. Then she looks back up, and back to Silver.
“You have been to those places?”
“Well, even in this city I have only seen small part of it. And this street is very different from the harbor side. But I mean, my part in it. I am not so established. I do not even know much or have seen much.”
She looks down, and taps her cup with her split hooves. Then she looks back up, and back to Silver.
“You have been to those places?”
>>151044
Silver nods.
"I have seen ivory towers of Canterlot, with trim of purple and gold, and while I have not been inside I have also seen columns and white monuments of Cloudsdale, floating in sky."
Silver nods.
"I have seen ivory towers of Canterlot, with trim of purple and gold, and while I have not been inside I have also seen columns and white monuments of Cloudsdale, floating in sky."
>>151046
"Well, Canterlot is built into side of Canterhorn Mountain, which stretches into sky all on its own. Some of city is built onto mountainside, but it has grown large enough that much of it hangs out over nothingness, supported by some of greatest engineering this world has ever seen. It is opulent, richest city on entire continent, with shops selling finest goods from world over and restaurants serving fine dishes on platters of purest silver. Its roads are clean and wide, and many ponies you would pass on them are aristocracy wearing newest designs from clothing designers like Rarity. Biggest building in entire city is of course Canterlot Castle, where our two Princesses once ruled from before war. It towers above everything, its tallest spires being used for observing Luna's night skies or for housing castle's occupants."
"Well, Canterlot is built into side of Canterhorn Mountain, which stretches into sky all on its own. Some of city is built onto mountainside, but it has grown large enough that much of it hangs out over nothingness, supported by some of greatest engineering this world has ever seen. It is opulent, richest city on entire continent, with shops selling finest goods from world over and restaurants serving fine dishes on platters of purest silver. Its roads are clean and wide, and many ponies you would pass on them are aristocracy wearing newest designs from clothing designers like Rarity. Biggest building in entire city is of course Canterlot Castle, where our two Princesses once ruled from before war. It towers above everything, its tallest spires being used for observing Luna's night skies or for housing castle's occupants."
>>151047
Khoi sits back in her chair, both forelegs placed before her, her long, honey-gold leonine tail with brown, fluffy end wrapped around herself. She listens intently.
"Wow... sounds beautiful."
Khoi sits back in her chair, both forelegs placed before her, her long, honey-gold leonine tail with brown, fluffy end wrapped around herself. She listens intently.
"Wow... sounds beautiful."
>>151048
"It is. And it is not only beautiful. Up there, on that mountain, in that city...it is closest you can ever be to Celestia's light, and it fills you completely with warmth and comfort. I once thought as foal that nothing could make you feel closer to Celestia than being in Temple of Light in my motherland. I was very, very wrong."
"It is. And it is not only beautiful. Up there, on that mountain, in that city...it is closest you can ever be to Celestia's light, and it fills you completely with warmth and comfort. I once thought as foal that nothing could make you feel closer to Celestia than being in Temple of Light in my motherland. I was very, very wrong."
>>151049
She moves her hind legs up, as if she were attempting to stand up in the chair, and there is a sound of the chair moving. She must have realized that this wasn't wise, as she immediately moved to sit back down.
"... Celestia's light?" She asks
She moves her hind legs up, as if she were attempting to stand up in the chair, and there is a sound of the chair moving. She must have realized that this wasn't wise, as she immediately moved to sit back down.
"... Celestia's light?" She asks
>>151050
Silver nods again.
"It is like being hugged by your friends and family, it is comfort and peace, Harmony in its purest essence. Even now, I wonder if one can feel it in that city, with Celestia captured so far away."
He looks right into Khoi's eyes, and takes a hold of her hoof if it's available.
"I would bring you and everyone else there, if I could, just so everyone could understand why Celestia is special to us. Maybe soon I will bring you there if you wish, once I have things settled here."
Silver nods again.
"It is like being hugged by your friends and family, it is comfort and peace, Harmony in its purest essence. Even now, I wonder if one can feel it in that city, with Celestia captured so far away."
He looks right into Khoi's eyes, and takes a hold of her hoof if it's available.
"I would bring you and everyone else there, if I could, just so everyone could understand why Celestia is special to us. Maybe soon I will bring you there if you wish, once I have things settled here."
>>151051
Khoi's hoof is beneath her. No matter, when Silver reaches for it, she extends it. There's a tuft of fluff at the rear of her fetlock, and nails at the end of her not just one, but two toes, which has been trimmed to a nice, consistent feel.
She looks into his eyes with her own magenta eyes, with closed lips turned slightly down in somber expression.
"That's... heh. I would like that."
Khoi's hoof is beneath her. No matter, when Silver reaches for it, she extends it. There's a tuft of fluff at the rear of her fetlock, and nails at the end of her not just one, but two toes, which has been trimmed to a nice, consistent feel.
She looks into his eyes with her own magenta eyes, with closed lips turned slightly down in somber expression.
"That's... heh. I would like that."
>>151052
He gently rubs the top of her hoof, feeling both of her toes. It's a strange sensation compared to uniform pony hooves, but it's not bad. He smiles at her, his blue eyes glinting.
"Why are you so somber?"
He gently rubs the top of her hoof, feeling both of her toes. It's a strange sensation compared to uniform pony hooves, but it's not bad. He smiles at her, his blue eyes glinting.
"Why are you so somber?"
>>151053
On the upper side of the hoof is short, honey-gold fur. It's no different than a pony, really. Nor do the nails of her hooves feel particularly different. Where Silver does notice a difference, is when he applies more pressure to one side of the hoof, than to the other. The toes move separately, one side up and the other side down, each on their own bone structure. They don't move much, but they do move, and there are more bones there than in a pony. No, it's the strangest appendage Silver has felt. Griffin claws, and gnoll paws, have many more fingers and toes, and many more bones. They altogether feel and look different. But it's precisely because kirin hooves are so similar to those of ponies that the differences stand out. For a moment, Silver could almost be convinced that Kirin are really a long lost tribe of ponies from across the ocean. That moment ends when the toes move.
She pulls her lips back, showing off her teeth in a smile. The somber expression is fully gone now.
"Because it's a somber moment. To be spiritually connected. It is important."
On the upper side of the hoof is short, honey-gold fur. It's no different than a pony, really. Nor do the nails of her hooves feel particularly different. Where Silver does notice a difference, is when he applies more pressure to one side of the hoof, than to the other. The toes move separately, one side up and the other side down, each on their own bone structure. They don't move much, but they do move, and there are more bones there than in a pony. No, it's the strangest appendage Silver has felt. Griffin claws, and gnoll paws, have many more fingers and toes, and many more bones. They altogether feel and look different. But it's precisely because kirin hooves are so similar to those of ponies that the differences stand out. For a moment, Silver could almost be convinced that Kirin are really a long lost tribe of ponies from across the ocean. That moment ends when the toes move.
She pulls her lips back, showing off her teeth in a smile. The somber expression is fully gone now.
"Because it's a somber moment. To be spiritually connected. It is important."
>>151054
He smiles back at his kirin, who is so similar to a pony and yet so different.
"I just wanted to make sure. Your smile is beautiful, and it is always something to worry about when I see it disappear."
He smiles back at his kirin, who is so similar to a pony and yet so different.
"I just wanted to make sure. Your smile is beautiful, and it is always something to worry about when I see it disappear."
>>151055
She tilts her head down, pulls her lips all the way back, still showing teeth, and lowers her ears in what seems to be a blush.
“Ehheh…”
She tilts her head down, pulls her lips all the way back, still showing teeth, and lowers her ears in what seems to be a blush.
“Ehheh…”
>>151056
He chuckles, and continues on softly rubbing and stroking her hoof.
"I suppose there is some somberness to Celestialism, but it is not focus of it. For us, focus is on friends, family, and loved ones. Those closest to us, and joy and happiness they bring to our lives."
He chuckles, and continues on softly rubbing and stroking her hoof.
"I suppose there is some somberness to Celestialism, but it is not focus of it. For us, focus is on friends, family, and loved ones. Those closest to us, and joy and happiness they bring to our lives."
>>151061
Unless something was to happen or Khoi says something else, Silver doesn't follow this up with anything else.
Unless something was to happen or Khoi says something else, Silver doesn't follow this up with anything else.
>>151064
Khoi goes into the kitchen, and attempts to wash the cup. She also takes Silver’s cup, and starts to wash it.
Khoi goes into the kitchen, and attempts to wash the cup. She also takes Silver’s cup, and starts to wash it.
>>151066
There is a sound of clanking of porcelin, and she suddenly turns her head to Silver, bending her copper-scaled back further away. Her eyes are wide
There is a sound of clanking of porcelin, and she suddenly turns her head to Silver, bending her copper-scaled back further away. Her eyes are wide
>>151067
He continues.
"My late wife and I considered each other equals. We both did dishes, laundry, cooking, cleaner, and even chopping firewood. I was ready to wash my own tea cup, but you snatched it right out of my grasp."
He smiles at her.
He continues.
"My late wife and I considered each other equals. We both did dishes, laundry, cooking, cleaner, and even chopping firewood. I was ready to wash my own tea cup, but you snatched it right out of my grasp."
He smiles at her.
>>151068
Without quite a smile, she says
“You provided the house, and I believe, the tea. I will do the cleaning.”
Without quite a smile, she says
“You provided the house, and I believe, the tea. I will do the cleaning.”
>>151070
She smiles back, and sits down, slowly, placing both hooves together.
“What is it… exactly… you are offering to me?”
She smiles back, and sits down, slowly, placing both hooves together.
“What is it… exactly… you are offering to me?”
>>151075
"You are kind, caring, generous. You have good heart and gentle soul. These are all harder-to-find qualities in this world, and on top of it you have astounding beauty. So...yes, there is interest from me."
"You are kind, caring, generous. You have good heart and gentle soul. These are all harder-to-find qualities in this world, and on top of it you have astounding beauty. So...yes, there is interest from me."
>>151076
She blushes, raising her hoof to partly cover her mouth. A line of scales the color of polished copper rubs from her about to her forehead, and her hooves share a copper-like color. Silver can see in the naked areas of her ears and her snout dark brown skin, similar in color to her mahogany mane. Her horn is red-brown, and her coat is honey-yellow.
“But what… what do you offer me?”
She blushes, raising her hoof to partly cover her mouth. A line of scales the color of polished copper rubs from her about to her forehead, and her hooves share a copper-like color. Silver can see in the naked areas of her ears and her snout dark brown skin, similar in color to her mahogany mane. Her horn is red-brown, and her coat is honey-yellow.
“But what… what do you offer me?”
>>151077
"Well, I can offer you love and companionship, security and protection, stable and excellent standard of living, care, affection, experience and knowledge that most bucks lack, and I have rather impressive record with bringing up healthy and successful foals. In addition, you will have no fear of me abandoning you or leaving you alone and destitute."
"Well, I can offer you love and companionship, security and protection, stable and excellent standard of living, care, affection, experience and knowledge that most bucks lack, and I have rather impressive record with bringing up healthy and successful foals. In addition, you will have no fear of me abandoning you or leaving you alone and destitute."
>>151078
She pulls her lips far back, showing teeth. She is firmly sitting down, and curls her tail around herself.
"But I mean... what kind of relationship?"
She pulls her lips far back, showing teeth. She is firmly sitting down, and curls her tail around herself.
"But I mean... what kind of relationship?"
>>151081
"Oh. Well, I am looking for someone to love and to hold, for more than just casual sex even though it is great. Someone to call mine and to call me theirs. Someone to live my life with."
"Oh. Well, I am looking for someone to love and to hold, for more than just casual sex even though it is great. Someone to call mine and to call me theirs. Someone to live my life with."
>>151082
Her left ear falls and eyes narrow at the great casual sex remark.
"I mean..." She raises a hoof and waives it in the air
"Equestria has marriage too, does it not? Shouldn't your parents contact mine, and consult the augurs for whether there will be a successful relationship, then negotiate a price for the bride, then send gifts to the bride-to-be's family, and then consult the augurs again for a wedding date?" She taps her hooves together.
"Something like that?"
Her left ear falls and eyes narrow at the great casual sex remark.
"I mean..." She raises a hoof and waives it in the air
"Equestria has marriage too, does it not? Shouldn't your parents contact mine, and consult the augurs for whether there will be a successful relationship, then negotiate a price for the bride, then send gifts to the bride-to-be's family, and then consult the augurs again for a wedding date?" She taps her hooves together.
"Something like that?"
>>151083
"Well, yes, though it is no longer quite like that. Generally, both prospective partners will meet each others parents who will then approve or disapprove. If they approve, then partners will go on dates and become more familiar with each other until male then ask female to marry him. If she accepts, he will present her with a ring she will carry until their wedding day."
"Well, yes, though it is no longer quite like that. Generally, both prospective partners will meet each others parents who will then approve or disapprove. If they approve, then partners will go on dates and become more familiar with each other until male then ask female to marry him. If she accepts, he will present her with a ring she will carry until their wedding day."
>>151084
She shakes her head
"Are the parents not the ones who select the mates? And what about the dowry?"
She shakes her head
"Are the parents not the ones who select the mates? And what about the dowry?"
>>151085
"They did in Equestria, once, but now it is individual ponies, or people, to choose their own mates, and parents can only approve or disapprove. They can still try to choose for their children, but it is sometimes seen as old-fashioned. And dowry has been replaced with gifts given to mare by stallion over course of their dating."
"They did in Equestria, once, but now it is individual ponies, or people, to choose their own mates, and parents can only approve or disapprove. They can still try to choose for their children, but it is sometimes seen as old-fashioned. And dowry has been replaced with gifts given to mare by stallion over course of their dating."
>>151087
"And mine are dead..."
He looks at Khoi considerately.
"Is there anything I can do for you? I know you value tradition, is there anything from your culture I can do?"
"And mine are dead..."
He looks at Khoi considerately.
"Is there anything I can do for you? I know you value tradition, is there anything from your culture I can do?"
>>151091
Silver does actually blush a little, which shows up well under his white coat.
"Oh. I did not know we were that loud."
Silver does actually blush a little, which shows up well under his white coat.
"Oh. I did not know we were that loud."
>>151092
"Yes. That, and the hyena are why I close my door at night. But she tells me... everything. I know you two behave as if you were married, though you are not married."
"Yes. That, and the hyena are why I close my door at night. But she tells me... everything. I know you two behave as if you were married, though you are not married."
>>151094
She narrows her eyes
"So what is going on? Are you looking to try out different mates, and then offer to marry one?"
She narrows her eyes
"So what is going on? Are you looking to try out different mates, and then offer to marry one?"
>>151095
Silver returns to rubbing the back of his neck.
"Well, not exactly. Jubee and I act like married couple because we love and care for each other. Jubee says she is not yet ready for marriage, but she still wishes to have companionship."
Silver returns to rubbing the back of his neck.
"Well, not exactly. Jubee and I act like married couple because we love and care for each other. Jubee says she is not yet ready for marriage, but she still wishes to have companionship."
>>151096
Khoi twists her lips.
"A mare may only ever have one husband. A stallion may only have one primary wife. Jubilosa may be content to be a concubine. But I will accept nothing less than to be head female of the household. I do not care what the Equestrian laws say. I will not accept less."
Khoi twists her lips.
"A mare may only ever have one husband. A stallion may only have one primary wife. Jubilosa may be content to be a concubine. But I will accept nothing less than to be head female of the household. I do not care what the Equestrian laws say. I will not accept less."
>>151099
"Way you have taken charge, put your muzzle to ground, and worked hard to keep this household in top shape, like matriarch of household. Only thing you lack is patriarch."
"Way you have taken charge, put your muzzle to ground, and worked hard to keep this household in top shape, like matriarch of household. Only thing you lack is patriarch."
>>151103
Silver smiles wider now than he has previously, and his eyes seemingly sparkle.
"As am I, Khoi. I will make certain you enjoy it!"
Silver smiles wider now than he has previously, and his eyes seemingly sparkle.
"As am I, Khoi. I will make certain you enjoy it!"
>>151104
She smiles at him with a toothy smile, but gradually lowers her lips
"Why don't you show me something... special. Show me your best. Show me... what being your wife could be." She says, and stands up, turning towards the door.
She smiles at him with a toothy smile, but gradually lowers her lips
"Why don't you show me something... special. Show me your best. Show me... what being your wife could be." She says, and stands up, turning towards the door.
>>151108
Paper Clipping is laying on his back on the couch, his head propped up by a pillow, and a woven blanket covering most of his lower body, with his hind hooves sticking out. His mouth is partly open, and he breathes in somewhat noisily.
Paper Clipping is laying on his back on the couch, his head propped up by a pillow, and a woven blanket covering most of his lower body, with his hind hooves sticking out. His mouth is partly open, and he breathes in somewhat noisily.
>>151111
Paper Clipping’s straight red-brown mane moves under the hoof.
But the ecru colt moves his head side to side, and opens his eyes
“Huh? Is it time to go?”
He tries to raise himself up with his forehooves to look around
Paper Clipping’s straight red-brown mane moves under the hoof.
But the ecru colt moves his head side to side, and opens his eyes
“Huh? Is it time to go?”
He tries to raise himself up with his forehooves to look around
>>151113
The stallion moves his head up, effectively moving his field of view further down, so that he views Silver upside down.
“Oh, right. I’m here.”
He moves his back down (and right-side up), and looks across the living room, and at his surroundings. He tries to twist his barrel to turn his head towards Silver, but quickly abandons this effort.
“Is there something I gotta do?” He asks
The stallion moves his head up, effectively moving his field of view further down, so that he views Silver upside down.
“Oh, right. I’m here.”
He moves his back down (and right-side up), and looks across the living room, and at his surroundings. He tries to twist his barrel to turn his head towards Silver, but quickly abandons this effort.
“Is there something I gotta do?” He asks
>>151114
"No, there is not. I do not think they have those meetings this early in morning. How are you feeling, by way?"
"No, there is not. I do not think they have those meetings this early in morning. How are you feeling, by way?"
>>151117
“Like… maybe a three. Well, if it were a three I couldn’t sleep. Actually I probably couldn’t go back to sleep. Do we have any more of those pills? A three may not sound so bad, but the problem is the pain doesn’t go away. It’s there all the time.”
“Like… maybe a three. Well, if it were a three I couldn’t sleep. Actually I probably couldn’t go back to sleep. Do we have any more of those pills? A three may not sound so bad, but the problem is the pain doesn’t go away. It’s there all the time.”
>>151118
"I have had pain like that. Let me go look for them, or something else for pain."
And thus, Silver goes a-searching.
"I have had pain like that. Let me go look for them, or something else for pain."
And thus, Silver goes a-searching.
>>151119
Silver finds a small brown glass container labeled as containing medical codeine-based tablets on the kitchen bar top.
Silver finds a small brown glass container labeled as containing medical codeine-based tablets on the kitchen bar top.
>>151120
Silver brings it back to Clip.
"Remember to follow directions on bottle, we do not need you overdosing."
Silver brings it back to Clip.
"Remember to follow directions on bottle, we do not need you overdosing."
>>151121
There is a strong tug on the glass, and for a moment at least, Silver's grasp on the container is in serious jeopardy. Paper Clipping tries - and fails - to light his magic to take the container.
"Like Tartarus! I was cut right open, and it hasn't exactly been just a mild pain since.."
There is a strong tug on the glass, and for a moment at least, Silver's grasp on the container is in serious jeopardy. Paper Clipping tries - and fails - to light his magic to take the container.
"Like Tartarus! I was cut right open, and it hasn't exactly been just a mild pain since.."
>>151122
Silver assists by using his magic to open the lid with ease.
"Trust me, I know, I have acquired large number of battlescars over course of my life. Admittedly, nothing quite like what you had, but still, this world needs good young ponies like you."
Silver assists by using his magic to open the lid with ease.
"Trust me, I know, I have acquired large number of battlescars over course of my life. Admittedly, nothing quite like what you had, but still, this world needs good young ponies like you."
>>151123
He raises a hoof, and tries to look inside. From this angle, and with hooves wider than the lid of the container, only pouring out pills will have effect.
“Just give me a few of them.” He says
He raises a hoof, and tries to look inside. From this angle, and with hooves wider than the lid of the container, only pouring out pills will have effect.
“Just give me a few of them.” He says
File (): AFB722C47594E9F1E85E58D92BC9C9E8-142912.gif (139.6 KB, 853x480, 5DBAC853-3C75-4AC8-A5D4-C1C0CEB22A4B.gif)
>>151126
"They knew how bad your injury was, and I guarantee this is as strong as they could find. Besides, you need to make this last while you heal."
"They knew how bad your injury was, and I guarantee this is as strong as they could find. Besides, you need to make this last while you heal."
>>151128
"We can, but they may get suspicuous and believe we are doing unsavory things with them if we ask for more too often."
"We can, but they may get suspicuous and believe we are doing unsavory things with them if we ask for more too often."
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>>151132
"Hmm...alright. But take it easy with those pills."
Silver looks for the bottle of whiskey they had last night to see if there's any left for Clip.
"Hmm...alright. But take it easy with those pills."
Silver looks for the bottle of whiskey they had last night to see if there's any left for Clip.
>>151135
He takes the bottle and attempts to drink directly from it. He almost immediately starts coughing, with whiskey falling out of his mouth, and onto his coat and the blanket.
He takes the bottle and attempts to drink directly from it. He almost immediately starts coughing, with whiskey falling out of his mouth, and onto his coat and the blanket.
Will get back to this thread soonish I hope.
File (): 322C293A98EBB9D30524F116249E30AD-32810.gif (32.0 KB, 250x241, 8DFC97AD-7694-4F68-BA67-182D6C659FF3.gif)
>>151010
I'm going to try something kind of out there for this plan.
Spark raises the window in the seating row behind him.
I'm going to try something kind of out there for this plan.
Spark raises the window in the seating row behind him.
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>>151153
Attempting to do so, without getting out of the seat, isn’t as easy as if would be were the rows all facing the sand direction with each row having its own window, rather than two rows facing each other sharing the sand larger window, as they are
Attempting to do so, without getting out of the seat, isn’t as easy as if would be were the rows all facing the sand direction with each row having its own window, rather than two rows facing each other sharing the sand larger window, as they are
>>151156
Maybe if he leans over the seat, and has a visual to confirm what he’s doing
or maybe a dice roll, wisdom modifier
Maybe if he leans over the seat, and has a visual to confirm what he’s doing
or maybe a dice roll, wisdom modifier
>>151158
Sitting in his seat, and without making eye contact, Spark feels around on the wall behind him, looking for the latch and feeling for the glass pane. He finds something, and pulls it up. There is a sound of a mare going "Guh!" and he feels it pulled down. Looking through the crack between the seat and the wall, Spark can see that a red mare has pulled her purse down, and is now moving it from by the wall, to underneath her seat. Evidently, Spark grabbed a hold of the purse.
>>151159
You'll get 'em next time, little pony
Sitting in his seat, and without making eye contact, Spark feels around on the wall behind him, looking for the latch and feeling for the glass pane. He finds something, and pulls it up. There is a sound of a mare going "Guh!" and he feels it pulled down. Looking through the crack between the seat and the wall, Spark can see that a red mare has pulled her purse down, and is now moving it from by the wall, to underneath her seat. Evidently, Spark grabbed a hold of the purse.
>>151159
You'll get 'em next time, little pony
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>>151164
This is fairly straightforward. Simply lean forward, and the latch can be undone with a hoof, and then a sharp push upwards with one or both hooves to open the window. Using magic also works, although it requires more mental effort, especially in exerting the force to push the window upwards and open. Of course, magic doesn't require Spark to lean forward or even sit up.
Makade looks over, watching Spark as he does this.
This is fairly straightforward. Simply lean forward, and the latch can be undone with a hoof, and then a sharp push upwards with one or both hooves to open the window. Using magic also works, although it requires more mental effort, especially in exerting the force to push the window upwards and open. Of course, magic doesn't require Spark to lean forward or even sit up.
Makade looks over, watching Spark as he does this.
>>151167
Makade watches the whole process, but he seems to be the only one.
Note that the sound of air passing through the open window is pretty loud
Makade watches the whole process, but he seems to be the only one.
Note that the sound of air passing through the open window is pretty loud
>>151168
Spark then casts an illusion spell, a pegasus pony swooping down from the celling towards Spark.
Spark then casts an illusion spell, a pegasus pony swooping down from the celling towards Spark.
>>151170
Bare in mind, the train is fairly small and confined, giving Spark only so much room to be attacked by low flying Pegasus ponies.
Bare in mind, the train is fairly small and confined, giving Spark only so much room to be attacked by low flying Pegasus ponies.
>>151171
In the heat of the moment, not many question what happens, just that their eyes saw it happen. If I cast it anywhere else, it risks getting spotted by a pony that was paying attention.
In the heat of the moment, not many question what happens, just that their eyes saw it happen. If I cast it anywhere else, it risks getting spotted by a pony that was paying attention.
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>>151173
"Hey! Give those back!"
Spark then has the pegasus leap out the window with a what looks like papers in his mouth.
"Hey! Give those back!"
Spark then has the pegasus leap out the window with a what looks like papers in his mouth.
>>151174
This draws everypony’s attention. The ticketing officer tries to rush in to look out the open window, to see if he can get a glimpse of the strange interloper.
“What happened?” He asks
This draws everypony’s attention. The ticketing officer tries to rush in to look out the open window, to see if he can get a glimpse of the strange interloper.
“What happened?” He asks
>>151175
"I was just relaxing here when this pony came out of nowhere and took my things. Of all the days, it had to be today." Spark looks around franticly. "What am I going to do without my papers?"
"I was just relaxing here when this pony came out of nowhere and took my things. Of all the days, it had to be today." Spark looks around franticly. "What am I going to do without my papers?"
>>151176
He blinks, startled.
“What did they look like? Was it a mare or a stallion? What papers did they take? Where did they come from?”
He blinks, startled.
“What did they look like? Was it a mare or a stallion? What papers did they take? Where did they come from?”
>>151177
"I wasn't paying close attention. I was nodding off when he stole everything. I'm fairly sure it was a stallion, but it was a blur. Now everything I brought with me is gone."
"I wasn't paying close attention. I was nodding off when he stole everything. I'm fairly sure it was a stallion, but it was a blur. Now everything I brought with me is gone."
>>151178
Makade speaks up
"I believe it was a whitish color stallion. He grabbed for our tickets and ID's, which of course we had out for presentation. He may have also taken a small bag I had by the window."
Makade reaches down on the ground. Waabishki wakes up, and sits up, looking around with big gold eyes, evidently trying to figure out what was going on.
A red mare on another row volunteers that someone attempted to lift her purse, although her story varies in that the assailant was unseen, and seems to have been a unicorn. The ticket taker is quickly spooked and confused, believing that a pegasus and a unicorn are working together to steal ID's or personal effects. He asks several more ponies if they noticed anything unusual, but no one seems to know much.
Makade speaks up
"I believe it was a whitish color stallion. He grabbed for our tickets and ID's, which of course we had out for presentation. He may have also taken a small bag I had by the window."
Makade reaches down on the ground. Waabishki wakes up, and sits up, looking around with big gold eyes, evidently trying to figure out what was going on.
A red mare on another row volunteers that someone attempted to lift her purse, although her story varies in that the assailant was unseen, and seems to have been a unicorn. The ticket taker is quickly spooked and confused, believing that a pegasus and a unicorn are working together to steal ID's or personal effects. He asks several more ponies if they noticed anything unusual, but no one seems to know much.
>>151179
Well... that might complicate things with the mare giving that information. Now I'm probably going to be suspected as working with the pegasus to rob others. But we will see how it plays out.
Well... that might complicate things with the mare giving that information. Now I'm probably going to be suspected as working with the pegasus to rob others. But we will see how it plays out.
>>151182
He asks,
“Did you see anyone besides the Pegasus? What were you doing, exactly, at the time, and what was taken?
He asks,
“Did you see anyone besides the Pegasus? What were you doing, exactly, at the time, and what was taken?
>>151183
"I was sitting in my seat here, nodding off, and then this pony came and stole my..."
Looks like my other magic is going to have to do. Spark casts a sound illusion to the ceiling, making a thud noise as if there is a pony on the roof.
"I was sitting in my seat here, nodding off, and then this pony came and stole my..."
Looks like my other magic is going to have to do. Spark casts a sound illusion to the ceiling, making a thud noise as if there is a pony on the roof.
>>151184
The stallion, Makade, and the other ponies look up, and listen to the sound of the evident hooves. The stallion stands up, and follows the hoof sounds
The stallion, Makade, and the other ponies look up, and listen to the sound of the evident hooves. The stallion stands up, and follows the hoof sounds
>>151185
The hooves travel along towards the back of the car and one more thud is heard a bit softer. Perhaps the pony leapt to the next car over?
The hooves travel along towards the back of the car and one more thud is heard a bit softer. Perhaps the pony leapt to the next car over?
>>151186
The stallion walks away from Spark, and to the end of the car. Spark is clear, at least for the moment.
The stallion walks away from Spark, and to the end of the car. Spark is clear, at least for the moment.
>>151188
Waabishki, blinking, looks startled. Makade looks over to Spark in silence, with a firm look. Wellspring sits up, gasps, and moves her head about, ears moving up and down.
"What happened?" She asks
The doctor looks over, back and forth between the other four and the ticket stallion, before focusing much of his attention watching the ticket stallion.
Waabishki, blinking, looks startled. Makade looks over to Spark in silence, with a firm look. Wellspring sits up, gasps, and moves her head about, ears moving up and down.
"What happened?" She asks
The doctor looks over, back and forth between the other four and the ticket stallion, before focusing much of his attention watching the ticket stallion.
>>151190
The ticket stallion trots down to the end of the end of the carriage, talks to another pony in green uniform who seems to have entered from an adjacent car, and then comes back to the group.
He asks Spark - and the other three in the section, for that matter - a few questions he has already asked before:
"What was taken?"
"What did he look like?"
"Where did he come from?"
Wellspring looks very uncomfortable. Waabishki looks confused.
The ticket stallion trots down to the end of the end of the carriage, talks to another pony in green uniform who seems to have entered from an adjacent car, and then comes back to the group.
He asks Spark - and the other three in the section, for that matter - a few questions he has already asked before:
"What was taken?"
"What did he look like?"
"Where did he come from?"
Wellspring looks very uncomfortable. Waabishki looks confused.
>>151192
"My papers, documents, and paperwork I was really needing to get on home. I can't remember what he looked like because it was so sudden. Are you saying nopony else got a look at him? You will find my things, right?"
"My papers, documents, and paperwork I was really needing to get on home. I can't remember what he looked like because it was so sudden. Are you saying nopony else got a look at him? You will find my things, right?"
>>151193
The mocha-brown stallion pulls his grey lips back, showing most of his teeth in a smile.
Roll Bluff
The mocha-brown stallion pulls his grey lips back, showing most of his teeth in a smile.
Roll Bluff
>>150297 →
Iron smiles fondly at Cauldron's chest puffing, deciding to give it extra attention by tenderly nuzzling it. In fact, he starts to give soft, dry and kisses on them just to show just how much appreciation he has for those short, stocky hairs.
Iron smiles fondly at Cauldron's chest puffing, deciding to give it extra attention by tenderly nuzzling it. In fact, he starts to give soft, dry and kisses on them just to show just how much appreciation he has for those short, stocky hairs.
>>151209
Iron's muzzle sometimes pushes through the thin layer of fur to glimpse the black skin beneath.
He feels something touch the top of his head, and the edge of his ear. Black Cauldron seems to be petting him
Iron's muzzle sometimes pushes through the thin layer of fur to glimpse the black skin beneath.
He feels something touch the top of his head, and the edge of his ear. Black Cauldron seems to be petting him
>>151211
His ears droop instinctively at the petting while the stallion continues to let out an even spread of kisses along her black chest skin underneath the coat while his hooves hold her close, as if she'd vanish if he doesn't.
His ears droop instinctively at the petting while the stallion continues to let out an even spread of kisses along her black chest skin underneath the coat while his hooves hold her close, as if she'd vanish if he doesn't.
>>151212
Iron can feel something else come down and touch the edge of his head - her muzzle, the end of which just barely reaches the top of his head. With one hoof she pets the back of his ears, and the other hoof, she attempts to place around his neck.
Iron can feel something else come down and touch the edge of his head - her muzzle, the end of which just barely reaches the top of his head. With one hoof she pets the back of his ears, and the other hoof, she attempts to place around his neck.
>>151213
Iron exhaled contently, slowly relaxing his body further than it was ever before as his ears swivel every now and then. He had to admit, this feels far more pleasant than he expected, specially considering his less than stellar track record so far. Was this reciprocal love or is he simply misconstruing these gestures into being such things?
Regardless, the stallion on top of Cauldron in this admittedly cramped bed space cannot possibly think of a better way to spend hours on end. "...I love you," he whispered softly and unexpectedly, only for him to stop dead in his tracks when he realized what he just said.
Iron exhaled contently, slowly relaxing his body further than it was ever before as his ears swivel every now and then. He had to admit, this feels far more pleasant than he expected, specially considering his less than stellar track record so far. Was this reciprocal love or is he simply misconstruing these gestures into being such things?
Regardless, the stallion on top of Cauldron in this admittedly cramped bed space cannot possibly think of a better way to spend hours on end. "...I love you," he whispered softly and unexpectedly, only for him to stop dead in his tracks when he realized what he just said.
>>151215
Iron hesitatnly slides his muzzle out of Cauldron's chest fluff just to look her in the eye with a flustered, terrified look. He messed up, didn't he? That's why she stopped, didn't she?
His breathing, previously serene, soon turned a little anxious while his body trembled softly at the fear of failure after all the work he's put on her. He wasn't going to have a repeat scene like back at the bar, was he?
Iron hesitatnly slides his muzzle out of Cauldron's chest fluff just to look her in the eye with a flustered, terrified look. He messed up, didn't he? That's why she stopped, didn't she?
His breathing, previously serene, soon turned a little anxious while his body trembled softly at the fear of failure after all the work he's put on her. He wasn't going to have a repeat scene like back at the bar, was he?
>>151215
Iron hesitatnly slides his muzzle out of Cauldron's chest fluff just to look her in the eye with a flustered, terrified look. He messed up, didn't he? That's why she stopped, didn't she?
His breathing, previously serene, soon turned a little anxious while his body trembled softly at the fear of failure after all the work he's put on her. He wasn't going to have a repeat scene like back at the bar, was he?
Iron hesitatnly slides his muzzle out of Cauldron's chest fluff just to look her in the eye with a flustered, terrified look. He messed up, didn't he? That's why she stopped, didn't she?
His breathing, previously serene, soon turned a little anxious while his body trembled softly at the fear of failure after all the work he's put on her. He wasn't going to have a repeat scene like back at the bar, was he?
>>151217
Their muzzles nearly cross, unless Iron returns to standing all the way up and over her. Her eyes are wide and fixed on Iron. Her lips are pulled back, and show teeth. She says nothing.
Their muzzles nearly cross, unless Iron returns to standing all the way up and over her. Her eyes are wide and fixed on Iron. Her lips are pulled back, and show teeth. She says nothing.
>>151218
He frankly couldn't even try to stand up after spilling the beans like this, frozen in the spot in a similar way to Cauldron. He even started to sweat a little bit from the tense situation he himself created.
All Iron could do in this precise moment is just stare at her, couragious enough to at least look her in the eye and wait to see what would come off of his apparent mistake.
He frankly couldn't even try to stand up after spilling the beans like this, frozen in the spot in a similar way to Cauldron. He even started to sweat a little bit from the tense situation he himself created.
All Iron could do in this precise moment is just stare at her, couragious enough to at least look her in the eye and wait to see what would come off of his apparent mistake.
>>151220
The small chuckle entered his ears, making them rise up on the spot out of dreadful yet hope-filled curiosity, yet found himself still anxious on what would this really come of it.
Did I ruin the mood? he thought to himself.
The small chuckle entered his ears, making them rise up on the spot out of dreadful yet hope-filled curiosity, yet found himself still anxious on what would this really come of it.
Did I ruin the mood? he thought to himself.
>>151221
"Iron." She says, finally.
"I like you. You know I like you."
Though she seems to have intended to follow up these words with others, these are all she can manage,
"Iron." She says, finally.
"I like you. You know I like you."
Though she seems to have intended to follow up these words with others, these are all she can manage,
>>151222
Despite having already comitted acts that most who'd witness it will have called them a couple, hearing Cauldron's simple yet impactful words made Iron's heart skip a beat as his cheeks were soon flushed with a vibrant red. His previously anxious expression lost turned into pure awe and hope, shocked to hear such words after the times he's failed her. It felt surreal for him.
Yet, as nothing more came of it, Iron knew it was up to him to help her out. "Cauldron," he unintentionally mimicked, slightly breathless as he stared fondly into her blue pools "I... I do not know where I'd be without you."
It was easy to tell by him looking away after saying those words he wasn't used to being emotionally vulnerable like this, yet with his pride on the line, he eventually pulled his gaze back to the mare she loved. "Even after all the inconveniences I've made you go through," he continued with a slightly regretful tone, flashes of the war he created just to try and help the mademare get the supplies Cauldron would need for her potion business "you still kept me around. I..."
It would seem he, too, ran out of courage to say his feelings further, quickly shifting his eyes away from her in shame after having pointed out his insecurities.
Despite having already comitted acts that most who'd witness it will have called them a couple, hearing Cauldron's simple yet impactful words made Iron's heart skip a beat as his cheeks were soon flushed with a vibrant red. His previously anxious expression lost turned into pure awe and hope, shocked to hear such words after the times he's failed her. It felt surreal for him.
Yet, as nothing more came of it, Iron knew it was up to him to help her out. "Cauldron," he unintentionally mimicked, slightly breathless as he stared fondly into her blue pools "I... I do not know where I'd be without you."
It was easy to tell by him looking away after saying those words he wasn't used to being emotionally vulnerable like this, yet with his pride on the line, he eventually pulled his gaze back to the mare she loved. "Even after all the inconveniences I've made you go through," he continued with a slightly regretful tone, flashes of the war he created just to try and help the mademare get the supplies Cauldron would need for her potion business "you still kept me around. I..."
It would seem he, too, ran out of courage to say his feelings further, quickly shifting his eyes away from her in shame after having pointed out his insecurities.
>>151223
She places a hoof on his ear and starts to pet him. She closes her lips.
"Zebras are watching me. Ponies are watching me. In my family, in the Syndicate. I have to be very careful about my romantic relationships. And I have duties to them I can't afford to let slip. I like you, Iron, I really do..."
She places a hoof on his ear and starts to pet him. She closes her lips.
"Zebras are watching me. Ponies are watching me. In my family, in the Syndicate. I have to be very careful about my romantic relationships. And I have duties to them I can't afford to let slip. I like you, Iron, I really do..."
>>151224
Iron's heart started to sink slowly at the rather careful choice of words, a hint of fear starting to grip into his admittedly fragile heart. "W-what do you mean?" he uttered out, dreading the possibly of being told their love was impossible thanks to her responsibilites.
Iron's heart started to sink slowly at the rather careful choice of words, a hint of fear starting to grip into his admittedly fragile heart. "W-what do you mean?" he uttered out, dreading the possibly of being told their love was impossible thanks to her responsibilites.
>>151225
"I mean..." She looks away
"I may as well be blunt. My parents will not approve if they find out I am pregnant out of wedlock, especially with a pony. The Syndicate is much more tolerant of what a mare choses, but even they disdain mares who have multiple casual relationships. And single mothers are not trusted to do their duties to the syndicate."
"I mean..." She looks away
"I may as well be blunt. My parents will not approve if they find out I am pregnant out of wedlock, especially with a pony. The Syndicate is much more tolerant of what a mare choses, but even they disdain mares who have multiple casual relationships. And single mothers are not trusted to do their duties to the syndicate."
>>151226
Iron gulped softly at Cauldron's reply: It was certainly closer to impossible than he'd like right now, but it was certainly more doable than he thought. He simply had to prove to her father he was worthy of taking her daughter's hoof. His commitment to Cauldron should be apparent, right?
"Is... this casual to you?" he uttered, looking a tad confused amidst the emotional cocktail of dread and hope.
Iron gulped softly at Cauldron's reply: It was certainly closer to impossible than he'd like right now, but it was certainly more doable than he thought. He simply had to prove to her father he was worthy of taking her daughter's hoof. His commitment to Cauldron should be apparent, right?
"Is... this casual to you?" he uttered, looking a tad confused amidst the emotional cocktail of dread and hope.
>>151227
“You tell me. You are the one who can leave at will. If I become pregnant, I am the one who will have to live with that. If I gain a reputation for promiscuity, I am the one who will have to live with that.”
After a moment of silence, she lightens her expression
“I’m sorry, maybe I’m reading too much into things. You are a nice stallion. We can snuggle, if that is what you want.”
“You tell me. You are the one who can leave at will. If I become pregnant, I am the one who will have to live with that. If I gain a reputation for promiscuity, I am the one who will have to live with that.”
After a moment of silence, she lightens her expression
“I’m sorry, maybe I’m reading too much into things. You are a nice stallion. We can snuggle, if that is what you want.”
>>151228
"I would not want to burden you any more than I have," Iron quickly replied in order to rid any fears of him impregnating her right now "but I do want to be with you, Cauldron. Together. I will do whatever it takes for our hearts to be together."
There was a small hint of desperation, frightened beyond belief of losing her.
"I would not want to burden you any more than I have," Iron quickly replied in order to rid any fears of him impregnating her right now "but I do want to be with you, Cauldron. Together. I will do whatever it takes for our hearts to be together."
There was a small hint of desperation, frightened beyond belief of losing her.
>>151229
She takes both hooves, and places them just behind each of Iron’s ears. She ruffles the back of his head, flopping his ears about. She grins playfully.
“What is it you want, exactly?”
She takes both hooves, and places them just behind each of Iron’s ears. She ruffles the back of his head, flopping his ears about. She grins playfully.
“What is it you want, exactly?”
>>151230
"I want to be with you," Iron instantly repeated, his forelegs holding Cauldron a little tighter.
However, his mind quickly remembered this same exact event happening back at her place, which caused her to instantly sour. Will she accept his words now after all his heart spilling?
"I want to be with you," Iron instantly repeated, his forelegs holding Cauldron a little tighter.
However, his mind quickly remembered this same exact event happening back at her place, which caused her to instantly sour. Will she accept his words now after all his heart spilling?
>>151232
"W-well," Iron uttered, soon getting overly flustered from having to express himself further "I-I want to be your... special somepony?"
"W-well," Iron uttered, soon getting overly flustered from having to express himself further "I-I want to be your... special somepony?"
>>151234
Go on? Iron thought to himself, nervous.
"U-uh," he stuttered, getting even more embarrassed for having to say such lewd propositions "I... w-want to s-sire foals with you..:?"
Go on? Iron thought to himself, nervous.
"U-uh," he stuttered, getting even more embarrassed for having to say such lewd propositions "I... w-want to s-sire foals with you..:?"
>>151235
Iron may wonder if Cauldron's tail or hindlegs accidently made contact with exposed electrical wiring.
All of her limbs jolt, and her eyes go wide, ears and lips back.
"So it is that."
Iron may wonder if Cauldron's tail or hindlegs accidently made contact with exposed electrical wiring.
All of her limbs jolt, and her eyes go wide, ears and lips back.
"So it is that."
>>151236
Iron's eyes instantly widened, quickly covering his unmistakingly reddened face with both forelegs. "I-I know it is a lofty goal," he quickly stammered out, fearful of being shot down "b-but I will do whatever it takes to reach you and your father's approval."
Iron's eyes instantly widened, quickly covering his unmistakingly reddened face with both forelegs. "I-I know it is a lofty goal," he quickly stammered out, fearful of being shot down "b-but I will do whatever it takes to reach you and your father's approval."
>>151237
She takes a moment, laying beneath him in silence
"Iron, I do like you. You are funny, strong, and most of all, you really do seem devoted. I like being around you, and I hope you stick around. I am comfortable letting you touch me. But I don't... love you. I may only ever have one shot at a family, and I just haven't spent enough time with you to know that I want that one shot to be with you."
After delivering those lines with little emotion, she forces a small smile, and places her right hoof back on Iron's ear.
"But for now, if you like, you can consider us dating. And I consider you my number one suitor. Be careful, though, who you tell I am your somepony, as some in my family and the Syndicate may take interest in who I am with. And no trying for foals until I have at least a proposal for marriage out of you. Okay?"
She takes a moment, laying beneath him in silence
"Iron, I do like you. You are funny, strong, and most of all, you really do seem devoted. I like being around you, and I hope you stick around. I am comfortable letting you touch me. But I don't... love you. I may only ever have one shot at a family, and I just haven't spent enough time with you to know that I want that one shot to be with you."
After delivering those lines with little emotion, she forces a small smile, and places her right hoof back on Iron's ear.
"But for now, if you like, you can consider us dating. And I consider you my number one suitor. Be careful, though, who you tell I am your somepony, as some in my family and the Syndicate may take interest in who I am with. And no trying for foals until I have at least a proposal for marriage out of you. Okay?"
>>151238
Iron's heart sunk considerably at Cauldron's words, knowing this would've happen but still hurt that his efforts were not enough to fully convince her, yet brightened up considerably at giving him a shot to bridge that gap further.
Almost without thinking, he quickly closes the gap between their muzzles to give her an awfully excited short kiss before smiling eagerly. "Oh thank you!" he enthusiatically replied, quickly enveloping her in a hug. "I will not make you regret this!"
Iron's heart sunk considerably at Cauldron's words, knowing this would've happen but still hurt that his efforts were not enough to fully convince her, yet brightened up considerably at giving him a shot to bridge that gap further.
Almost without thinking, he quickly closes the gap between their muzzles to give her an awfully excited short kiss before smiling eagerly. "Oh thank you!" he enthusiatically replied, quickly enveloping her in a hug. "I will not make you regret this!"
>>151239
The mare is taken surprise by the kiss, and perhaps equally so by the hug. Iron can feel the muscle and bone under her short, striped fur.
The mare is taken surprise by the kiss, and perhaps equally so by the hug. Iron can feel the muscle and bone under her short, striped fur.
>>151240
Iron continued to hug and nuzzle her on the neck for a bit longer to expel the bountiful amounts of excitement out of his system and be able to properly think straight for a second with little success. The idea of Cauldron actually solidifying his own objective of wooing her into having a family with him actually inspired him to continue his pursuit.
Iron continued to hug and nuzzle her on the neck for a bit longer to expel the bountiful amounts of excitement out of his system and be able to properly think straight for a second with little success. The idea of Cauldron actually solidifying his own objective of wooing her into having a family with him actually inspired him to continue his pursuit.
>>151241
It takes a moment for Black Cauldron to recover and wrangle a foreleg free.
"So I guess you're my special somepony now."
She pats him on the back, and starts to rub
It takes a moment for Black Cauldron to recover and wrangle a foreleg free.
"So I guess you're my special somepony now."
She pats him on the back, and starts to rub
>>151242
Iron, feeling Cauldron struggle a bit, quickly softened his hold for her to move more freely with a sheepish smile only for him to nod enthusiastically. "I am certainly proud to be called your special somepony," he replied gingerly before giving her a small peck on the snout.
Iron, feeling Cauldron struggle a bit, quickly softened his hold for her to move more freely with a sheepish smile only for him to nod enthusiastically. "I am certainly proud to be called your special somepony," he replied gingerly before giving her a small peck on the snout.
>>151243
"But I'm not going to call you that quite yet in front of my family and the Syndicate. Well, I'll tell Arlo, but he knows to use discretion. I'll tell Blanche when I get back."
"But I'm not going to call you that quite yet in front of my family and the Syndicate. Well, I'll tell Arlo, but he knows to use discretion. I'll tell Blanche when I get back."
>>151244
Iron nodded a little more seriously, soon calming down to a simple smile. "I will not say a word," he agreed with a curt nod. "You have my word."
Iron nodded a little more seriously, soon calming down to a simple smile. "I will not say a word," he agreed with a curt nod. "You have my word."
>>151245
She smiles, and now it’s her turn to wrap her forelegs around him, pulling his body close to hers in a hug.
She smiles, and now it’s her turn to wrap her forelegs around him, pulling his body close to hers in a hug.
>>151246
Iron uncharacteristically squeed a little bit at the snug hug, deciding to softly nuzzle her snout with his own in a sideways motion in a love-filled motion. "I love you," he uttered softly, now far more confident and happy than before.
Iron uncharacteristically squeed a little bit at the snug hug, deciding to softly nuzzle her snout with his own in a sideways motion in a love-filled motion. "I love you," he uttered softly, now far more confident and happy than before.
>>151247
She says nothing to him in reply. But she does move her own muzzle, nuzzling him back, touching the side of his muzzle.
She says nothing to him in reply. But she does move her own muzzle, nuzzling him back, touching the side of his muzzle.
>>151248
Feeling this, Iron couldn't help but softly connect his lips to hers, deciding to simply enjoy the touch between their muzzles while the train ride kept carrying on. His eyes were closed, his cheeks were still red and his heart thumped in a giddy fashion. It was like he was a horny teenager finally getting his first marefriend.
Feeling this, Iron couldn't help but softly connect his lips to hers, deciding to simply enjoy the touch between their muzzles while the train ride kept carrying on. His eyes were closed, his cheeks were still red and his heart thumped in a giddy fashion. It was like he was a horny teenager finally getting his first marefriend.
>>151249
She acts in kind, opening her lips to his, and lettings them gently touch and press together.
She acts in kind, opening her lips to his, and lettings them gently touch and press together.
>>151250
Iron went a step further, as one of his hooves soon slid up from his hug to Cauldron's cheek, gently cupping it with a hoof as his tongue tentatively snuck through her lips by a small margin.
Iron went a step further, as one of his hooves soon slid up from his hug to Cauldron's cheek, gently cupping it with a hoof as his tongue tentatively snuck through her lips by a small margin.
>>151251
Her blue eyes open, lid, and focus on him. Her tongue curls, and moves up slightly to meet him
Her blue eyes open, lid, and focus on him. Her tongue curls, and moves up slightly to meet him
>>151252
Iron inhaled in surprise, opening one of his eyes to look at the seductive gaze sent his way. With rising confidence, he soon started to explore Cauldron's tongue with his own in a slow, tender dance.
Iron inhaled in surprise, opening one of his eyes to look at the seductive gaze sent his way. With rising confidence, he soon started to explore Cauldron's tongue with his own in a slow, tender dance.
>>151253
Her movements are perhaps a little slower, at first retreating, but ultimately reciprocating, taking up the dance and moving with him.
Her movements are perhaps a little slower, at first retreating, but ultimately reciprocating, taking up the dance and moving with him.
>>151254
Iron didn't mind: As much as he kissed Sands a couple of times, he was also quite new to this. He simply allowed Cauldron this slow dance to get accostumed to him just as much as he was to her.
Iron didn't mind: As much as he kissed Sands a couple of times, he was also quite new to this. He simply allowed Cauldron this slow dance to get accostumed to him just as much as he was to her.
>>151255
Whether she knows precisely what she’s doing, or she’s just as new as Iron, there is no way to tell. She remains cautious in her movements, tending to match Iron after a delay. Her thick, black-flesh lips meet his, giving way to the slim edge of her pink tongue.
Whether she knows precisely what she’s doing, or she’s just as new as Iron, there is no way to tell. She remains cautious in her movements, tending to match Iron after a delay. Her thick, black-flesh lips meet his, giving way to the slim edge of her pink tongue.
>>151256
Iron's own movements, while careful at first, soon started growing bolder and more passionate, pressing his snout against hers gradually as his tongue movements started to become a little more energetic.
Iron's own movements, while careful at first, soon started growing bolder and more passionate, pressing his snout against hers gradually as his tongue movements started to become a little more energetic.
>>151257
For a moment, she seems to have difficultly keeping pace. But her mouth opens just a little more, and her lips press a little harder. She invites him in, and lets their tongues connect. She breathes a little harder, and closes her eyes.
For a moment, she seems to have difficultly keeping pace. But her mouth opens just a little more, and her lips press a little harder. She invites him in, and lets their tongues connect. She breathes a little harder, and closes her eyes.
>>151258
Inbetween small moments where he partially takes out his tongue to breathe out through his mouth, Iron continued ramping up the intensity, his hooves holding her getting ever so slightly more tighter. The primal desire to take her grows, as the cramped inside of the bedroom grows just a smidge less spacious inbetween the two, yet he didn't try to make any moves aside from giving out all of his love through his sensual tongue dance.
Inbetween small moments where he partially takes out his tongue to breathe out through his mouth, Iron continued ramping up the intensity, his hooves holding her getting ever so slightly more tighter. The primal desire to take her grows, as the cramped inside of the bedroom grows just a smidge less spacious inbetween the two, yet he didn't try to make any moves aside from giving out all of his love through his sensual tongue dance.
>>151259
She makes a small moan, moving her muzzle closer. She moves her right foreleg up, trying to wrap it around his shoulder, and with her left hoof she digs into the fur behind his shoulder.
She makes a small moan, moving her muzzle closer. She moves her right foreleg up, trying to wrap it around his shoulder, and with her left hoof she digs into the fur behind his shoulder.
>>151260
Her moan caused him to exhale sharply in primal desire as her forelegs reached their respective spots, removing the hoof cupping her cheek to more properly hold and slightly push her head towards his. It would seem he is a native for a reason, and all the week with his frustrations and self doubt urged him onwards to make this moment as memorable as he can be.
Her moan caused him to exhale sharply in primal desire as her forelegs reached their respective spots, removing the hoof cupping her cheek to more properly hold and slightly push her head towards his. It would seem he is a native for a reason, and all the week with his frustrations and self doubt urged him onwards to make this moment as memorable as he can be.
>>151261
Does Iron stand straight over her? Bend his knee, kneeling over her? Does he dare press his whole body and weight against her?
Black Cauldron moves her hooves, and tries to wrap them both around his shoulders, digging the end of her hooves into his fur.
Does Iron stand straight over her? Bend his knee, kneeling over her? Does he dare press his whole body and weight against her?
Black Cauldron moves her hooves, and tries to wrap them both around his shoulders, digging the end of her hooves into his fur.
>>151262
Iron would kneel for now, eager to enjoy more of Cauldron's touch but not go as far as to smother her with his heaviness. All the while, he continued to show her tongue the dance of his ponies.
Iron would kneel for now, eager to enjoy more of Cauldron's touch but not go as far as to smother her with his heaviness. All the while, he continued to show her tongue the dance of his ponies.
>>151263
She closes her lips as if to grab his tongue, repeating the acts a few times. She becomes more aggressive with her own tongue, nearly pressing into his mouth.
She closes her lips as if to grab his tongue, repeating the acts a few times. She becomes more aggressive with her own tongue, nearly pressing into his mouth.
>>151264
While Iron didn't exactly understand the purpose of that, he was glad to see Cauldron start to put a little more energy into the makeout session. The ember in his heart slowly started to shift into an inferno, giving her just how serious and passionate he was about taking her hoof.
While Iron didn't exactly understand the purpose of that, he was glad to see Cauldron start to put a little more energy into the makeout session. The ember in his heart slowly started to shift into an inferno, giving her just how serious and passionate he was about taking her hoof.
>>151265
She giggles, evidently entertained.
She repeats the intrusion, one, two three times in succession.
She giggles, evidently entertained.
She repeats the intrusion, one, two three times in succession.
>>151266
Iron finally creaked a curious eye open, wondering what was this about exactly, yet still kept up with his rather exaggerated display of affection still running its course.
Iron finally creaked a curious eye open, wondering what was this about exactly, yet still kept up with his rather exaggerated display of affection still running its course.
>>151267
She’s smiling. After the passage several seconds more, she ceases to close her lips on his tongue, or to make her own intrusions.
She presses harder on his shoulder, pulling herself to him.
She’s smiling. After the passage several seconds more, she ceases to close her lips on his tongue, or to make her own intrusions.
She presses harder on his shoulder, pulling herself to him.
>>151268
Iron had to admit that despite the weirdness of the gesture, he couldn't help but find it even more endearing considering it made her smile.
Thus, he kept it up for a few more moments, keeping up with his lengthy attempt to display his fervor for her through oral contact for as long as she could last.
Iron had to admit that despite the weirdness of the gesture, he couldn't help but find it even more endearing considering it made her smile.
Thus, he kept it up for a few more moments, keeping up with his lengthy attempt to display his fervor for her through oral contact for as long as she could last.
>>151269
Her expression returns to serious, and she moves her hind legs further apart, and then presses both hind hooves solidly against the wall of the compartment, her knees bending with the limited space.
Her expression returns to serious, and she moves her hind legs further apart, and then presses both hind hooves solidly against the wall of the compartment, her knees bending with the limited space.
>>151270
Iron's curiosity got the better of him, soon pausing his makeout session to look at Cauldron with a smidge of concern. "Are you faring well?" he asked softly, albeit still far more primal than his usual self.
Iron's curiosity got the better of him, soon pausing his makeout session to look at Cauldron with a smidge of concern. "Are you faring well?" he asked softly, albeit still far more primal than his usual self.
>>151271
She just looks at him, with the wisest smile imaginable. Even with black skin under white and black fur he can see that she is blushing.
“Hehehe what?”
She just looks at him, with the wisest smile imaginable. Even with black skin under white and black fur he can see that she is blushing.
“Hehehe what?”
>>151272
Iron breathed a small sigh of relief, giving her a small nod before plunging back in with the same fervor as before, continuing his makeout session proper until she truly was satisfied.
Iron breathed a small sigh of relief, giving her a small nod before plunging back in with the same fervor as before, continuing his makeout session proper until she truly was satisfied.
>>151273
Black Cauldron lays back down against the pillow, closes her eyes, and lets Iron do as he wills. Her hindlegs remain pressed against the wall, and she moves her mouth slightly open, and then slightly more closed, to move against his lips.
Black Cauldron lays back down against the pillow, closes her eyes, and lets Iron do as he wills. Her hindlegs remain pressed against the wall, and she moves her mouth slightly open, and then slightly more closed, to move against his lips.
>>151274
Iron was practically wrapped around Cauldron at this point, always careful not to drop his entire weight on her yet covering as much ground as possible with his body to cover hers while he pushed his muzzle and tongue against hers, tickling every spot he could and receptive to any sort of moans of pleasure he may have squeezed out his primal onslaught.
Iron was practically wrapped around Cauldron at this point, always careful not to drop his entire weight on her yet covering as much ground as possible with his body to cover hers while he pushed his muzzle and tongue against hers, tickling every spot he could and receptive to any sort of moans of pleasure he may have squeezed out his primal onslaught.
>>151275
He can feel the backside of her premolar teeth, and the smooth gums of that gap between her teeth. He can feel the roof of her mouth, and her rough tongue.
She makes light moaning sounds, moving her head a little side to side, or even in a semi-circular motion, slightly changing the angel at which her lips meet his. She doesn't pull don on him, but now presses into his lower barrel on each side, feeling his ribs.
He can feel the backside of her premolar teeth, and the smooth gums of that gap between her teeth. He can feel the roof of her mouth, and her rough tongue.
She makes light moaning sounds, moving her head a little side to side, or even in a semi-circular motion, slightly changing the angel at which her lips meet his. She doesn't pull don on him, but now presses into his lower barrel on each side, feeling his ribs.
>>151276
Iron simply continued to put great energy and passion into his tongue dance, ensuring no spot in Cauldron's mouth was left unattended or unexplored. Inbetween the two, his potential fifth leg was already watching intently with rapt attention, fully immersed in the experience.
Iron simply continued to put great energy and passion into his tongue dance, ensuring no spot in Cauldron's mouth was left unattended or unexplored. Inbetween the two, his potential fifth leg was already watching intently with rapt attention, fully immersed in the experience.
>>151277
She rolls her tongue up, and lets Iron slide against it. She makes more and more light moans.
Doubtless the lower portion of Iron's body makes contact. The first time, her belly twitches and moves inwards, and her whole lower body shifts slightly to the left. But after the second or third time to make contact, her body stops reacting, simply letting it lay on her belly.
She rolls her tongue up, and lets Iron slide against it. She makes more and more light moans.
Doubtless the lower portion of Iron's body makes contact. The first time, her belly twitches and moves inwards, and her whole lower body shifts slightly to the left. But after the second or third time to make contact, her body stops reacting, simply letting it lay on her belly.
>>151278
Iron, likewise, paid his own companion no mind as well, obviously infatuated with Cauldron's embrace. However, a part of him was starting to worry a little as he continued the maekout session: Will he lose control and accidentally let himself go? Would she mind? Tough questions to consider and no clear answer, considering he was blocking her capacity for speech with his invasive, young and energetic tongue..
Iron, likewise, paid his own companion no mind as well, obviously infatuated with Cauldron's embrace. However, a part of him was starting to worry a little as he continued the maekout session: Will he lose control and accidentally let himself go? Would she mind? Tough questions to consider and no clear answer, considering he was blocking her capacity for speech with his invasive, young and energetic tongue..
>>151279
If she minds anything, she does not show it.
She makes persistent "Mmmmm" sounds, and moves her hooves up, past his shoulders onto his neck. She moves them up higher, and wraps around his neck, and pulls him in.
If she minds anything, she does not show it.
She makes persistent "Mmmmm" sounds, and moves her hooves up, past his shoulders onto his neck. She moves them up higher, and wraps around his neck, and pulls him in.
>>151280
The pulling certainly made him lower further, along with his club that was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Iron even went so far as to hump instinctively every now and then, grunting softly from the accentuated spikes of pleasure and bliss while sending Cauldron into a brief moment of presumed paradise through his incessant, fervent tongue action.
The pulling certainly made him lower further, along with his club that was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Iron even went so far as to hump instinctively every now and then, grunting softly from the accentuated spikes of pleasure and bliss while sending Cauldron into a brief moment of presumed paradise through his incessant, fervent tongue action.
>>151281
As he rubs against her lower belly, she twitches again, pulling her hind legs forward, and then slamming them against the back wall with a "clank" and a kick.
She moves her own tongue faster, and along with his, rolling it, and meeting his in union.
As he rubs against her lower belly, she twitches again, pulling her hind legs forward, and then slamming them against the back wall with a "clank" and a kick.
She moves her own tongue faster, and along with his, rolling it, and meeting his in union.
>>151282
A more level-headed Iron would stop after hearing Cauldron buck against the back wall, but he was too engrossed in the carnal desire to really stop at this point, He wanted more of her sweet heart, her sturdy yet playful soul, her rough, coarse exterior rubbing against his. He couldn't get enough of it, and after all the drought he had been through, it was time for him to reap what he has sown.
His humping, while still mostly sporadic, started to happen a little more often while his tongue practically tussled with Cauldron's, giving it the lovefight of its life. His enduring youth kept going, all too eager to make this last for hours. Maybe even days. All for his special somepony.
A more level-headed Iron would stop after hearing Cauldron buck against the back wall, but he was too engrossed in the carnal desire to really stop at this point, He wanted more of her sweet heart, her sturdy yet playful soul, her rough, coarse exterior rubbing against his. He couldn't get enough of it, and after all the drought he had been through, it was time for him to reap what he has sown.
His humping, while still mostly sporadic, started to happen a little more often while his tongue practically tussled with Cauldron's, giving it the lovefight of its life. His enduring youth kept going, all too eager to make this last for hours. Maybe even days. All for his special somepony.
>>151283
Her mouth continues it movements with his, with the sound of breath leaving her nose becoming evermore noticeable. Her hooves drag through the fur in her neck, then across his shoulder, and then come to rest on his back. She tries to pull him closer.
Iron rubs against her lower belly, running between her teats, and maybe going as low as to touch the lower most tip of her vulva. He's too high on her body to go inside her. Iron feels something touch his leg, and then move. It likely takes him a moment to realize it is her tail, whipping around.
Her mouth continues it movements with his, with the sound of breath leaving her nose becoming evermore noticeable. Her hooves drag through the fur in her neck, then across his shoulder, and then come to rest on his back. She tries to pull him closer.
Iron rubs against her lower belly, running between her teats, and maybe going as low as to touch the lower most tip of her vulva. He's too high on her body to go inside her. Iron feels something touch his leg, and then move. It likely takes him a moment to realize it is her tail, whipping around.
>>151284
When she finally pulled him down enough for him to finally press his entire body against his, Iron paused his humping before lightly breaking the kiss for a bit, panting slightly from being so emotionally pent up. "How's... that for commitment?" he growled out in a whisper, tacitly checking up on her current state as a hungry smile crept up his lips.
When she finally pulled him down enough for him to finally press his entire body against his, Iron paused his humping before lightly breaking the kiss for a bit, panting slightly from being so emotionally pent up. "How's... that for commitment?" he growled out in a whisper, tacitly checking up on her current state as a hungry smile crept up his lips.
>>151285
A smile forms across her face. She pulls her lips inwards, as if she has to try to keep from laughing.
'You have passion. I'll give you that."
A smile forms across her face. She pulls her lips inwards, as if she has to try to keep from laughing.
'You have passion. I'll give you that."
>>151286
Iron chuckled dryly himself, somewhat realizing how aggressive he was being to Cauldron. "That is good, right?" he inquired softly, relaxing considerably as he finally let himself lay on top of her.
Iron chuckled dryly himself, somewhat realizing how aggressive he was being to Cauldron. "That is good, right?" he inquired softly, relaxing considerably as he finally let himself lay on top of her.
>>151287
To lie on Cauldron must be done with caution, as Iron is more than one and a half times her mass.
"It helps you get to where you want to go."
She smiles widely, and moves her hooves up, and presses them into his cheeks, cupping them upwards in a cutesy fashion.
"But it could mean you're just a horny teenager."
To lie on Cauldron must be done with caution, as Iron is more than one and a half times her mass.
"It helps you get to where you want to go."
She smiles widely, and moves her hooves up, and presses them into his cheeks, cupping them upwards in a cutesy fashion.
"But it could mean you're just a horny teenager."
>>151288
Iron, of course, was incredibly careful, making sure his legs took away most of his weight.
He promptly blushed deeply, feeling quite embarrassed to hear her say such poigniant yet truthful words, not even trying to fight off the hooves on his cheeks. "At least I am a resourceful horny colt?" he timidly proposed instead in a roundabout way to save a little face.
Iron, of course, was incredibly careful, making sure his legs took away most of his weight.
He promptly blushed deeply, feeling quite embarrassed to hear her say such poigniant yet truthful words, not even trying to fight off the hooves on his cheeks. "At least I am a resourceful horny colt?" he timidly proposed instead in a roundabout way to save a little face.
>>151289
Iron naturally leans back in coming closer to her, placing his head a little lower over her body, maybe near her chest. Iron's hindquarters, perhaps his hind-knees and certainly his tail, make contact with the wall.
He can feel almost the entire front side of her body making direct contact with him. Her upper chest, her belly down to her pelvis - all is pressed against him. Strong in places, soft in others. Her chest moves up with each breath, and down with each exhalation. Iron's unambiguously erect member is now lower, and is in a position where he could penetrate her if he tried. The edge of her vulva now certainly makes contact with him.
Black Cauldron's hind legs move up, with her hooves pressed against her bed, and her knees folded in against Iron's belly, and making contact with his barrel. It's as if she intends to use her legs, if need be, to keep Iron from crushing her.
She cups his face, against rubbing his cheeks like he is a child.
"You're a tenacious horny little colt. That's who you are." She says, still smiling in glee.
Iron naturally leans back in coming closer to her, placing his head a little lower over her body, maybe near her chest. Iron's hindquarters, perhaps his hind-knees and certainly his tail, make contact with the wall.
He can feel almost the entire front side of her body making direct contact with him. Her upper chest, her belly down to her pelvis - all is pressed against him. Strong in places, soft in others. Her chest moves up with each breath, and down with each exhalation. Iron's unambiguously erect member is now lower, and is in a position where he could penetrate her if he tried. The edge of her vulva now certainly makes contact with him.
Black Cauldron's hind legs move up, with her hooves pressed against her bed, and her knees folded in against Iron's belly, and making contact with his barrel. It's as if she intends to use her legs, if need be, to keep Iron from crushing her.
She cups his face, against rubbing his cheeks like he is a child.
"You're a tenacious horny little colt. That's who you are." She says, still smiling in glee.
>>151291
Iron's tenacity instantly shattered into his bashful self, pouting lightly as Cauldron kept poking holes in his confidence. "That does not sound like something a permanent suitor should be," he idly commented, somewhat bummed out with a small smile, content with being so close to her..
Iron's tenacity instantly shattered into his bashful self, pouting lightly as Cauldron kept poking holes in his confidence. "That does not sound like something a permanent suitor should be," he idly commented, somewhat bummed out with a small smile, content with being so close to her..
>>151292
She stops cupping his cheek, and the smile slowly fades. She lowers both hooves, and says
"No it's not, no."
She stops cupping his cheek, and the smile slowly fades. She lowers both hooves, and says
"No it's not, no."
>>151293
Iron's smile in turn fades alongside hers,feeling quite awkward and out of his depth from their currently predicament. "...what would be a permanent suitor?" he uttered out loud to nopony in particular.
Iron's smile in turn fades alongside hers,feeling quite awkward and out of his depth from their currently predicament. "...what would be a permanent suitor?" he uttered out loud to nopony in particular.
>>151294
"Well... let's see. Duty. Discipline. Loyalty. Respect... You've got the courage. And the strength."
"Well... let's see. Duty. Discipline. Loyalty. Respect... You've got the courage. And the strength."
>>151295
Iron blinked a couple of times, focusing back on Cauldron as he gave her a small smile for her efforts to cheer him up a little. Yet once again, his poor sense of self-worth was starting to gnaw at him proper, somewhat losing his youthful charm and dreamy outlook on life in the process. "...why does it feel like I made a mistake?" he blurted out from out of nowhere.
Iron blinked a couple of times, focusing back on Cauldron as he gave her a small smile for her efforts to cheer him up a little. Yet once again, his poor sense of self-worth was starting to gnaw at him proper, somewhat losing his youthful charm and dreamy outlook on life in the process. "...why does it feel like I made a mistake?" he blurted out from out of nowhere.
>>151297
His ear swivels a little bit from her rubbing as his small, weak smile remained. It was too late for his cheerful self to resurface, however, as he delves into the connotations of her words. His untouched ear drooped in turn as his body sags slightly, always keeping in mind not to squash Cauldron with his mass.
The stallion says nothing in turn, trying to enjoy the moment as it sours from his inadequacies.
His ear swivels a little bit from her rubbing as his small, weak smile remained. It was too late for his cheerful self to resurface, however, as he delves into the connotations of her words. His untouched ear drooped in turn as his body sags slightly, always keeping in mind not to squash Cauldron with his mass.
The stallion says nothing in turn, trying to enjoy the moment as it sours from his inadequacies.
>>151298
She wiggles his ear a little more, but for her playful actions she knows the mood is gone. Her smile fades
"Iron... A week ago, when you showed me the gold bar. I was genuinely afraid. Afraid... well, of you, to be honest. To know that you had something to do with what happened at Blackbriar. Where many young ponies were killed. I don't know what your part in that was. I really don't want to know..." She pets him
"But I know that you can be mean. I know that. I know that you can be... well, a monster. But you've been extremely supportive of me. Extremely. That money you gave me... well it came from that gold bar, but I mean that money not only paid my father's rent for the month, it paid for renovations. He's installing new booths now, and a new décor. Thank you. I don't know if I've said that. And you've been so sweet, and so strong. I know you can punch well. I know you can take a punch, and a bullet, and a knife. And you can make a mare want to sleep with you. I've never claimed to be immune to your charms."
She blinks
"I mean I've seen a bit of you. I've seen good, and I've seen bad. And I like what I see. I like what I know of you. I just, you know, need to see more. I need to know you better. I want to know you better. I know you can be a jerk. I remember when you told me you were wanting to have children in with this kirin mare, and then the very next sentence you asked me for sex. I was offended, you know I was. But here we are now on this train together. I mean, don't think I can't tell your penis is nearly touching my genitals. I don't let stallions I don't have a very special relationship with do that. Don't think I let stallions do that. You are special to me. And this moment is special to me. It's been quite the ride, being around you."
She wiggles his ear a little more, but for her playful actions she knows the mood is gone. Her smile fades
"Iron... A week ago, when you showed me the gold bar. I was genuinely afraid. Afraid... well, of you, to be honest. To know that you had something to do with what happened at Blackbriar. Where many young ponies were killed. I don't know what your part in that was. I really don't want to know..." She pets him
"But I know that you can be mean. I know that. I know that you can be... well, a monster. But you've been extremely supportive of me. Extremely. That money you gave me... well it came from that gold bar, but I mean that money not only paid my father's rent for the month, it paid for renovations. He's installing new booths now, and a new décor. Thank you. I don't know if I've said that. And you've been so sweet, and so strong. I know you can punch well. I know you can take a punch, and a bullet, and a knife. And you can make a mare want to sleep with you. I've never claimed to be immune to your charms."
She blinks
"I mean I've seen a bit of you. I've seen good, and I've seen bad. And I like what I see. I like what I know of you. I just, you know, need to see more. I need to know you better. I want to know you better. I know you can be a jerk. I remember when you told me you were wanting to have children in with this kirin mare, and then the very next sentence you asked me for sex. I was offended, you know I was. But here we are now on this train together. I mean, don't think I can't tell your penis is nearly touching my genitals. I don't let stallions I don't have a very special relationship with do that. Don't think I let stallions do that. You are special to me. And this moment is special to me. It's been quite the ride, being around you."
>>151300
Iron's ears slowly perked up, gradually letting him Cauldron's review of him as his previously unfocused stare soon came back to see her. His heart switched from self-loathing to a tinge of pride akin to a rollercoaster, ending in a rather satisfying loop that tied the whole experience together.
Some of it didn't make much sense, considering how things have gone so far like his supposed charm, but it was a small part of the whole. Not to mention he felt like she'd seen it all, unless he himself didn't know he had a part of himself.
Regardless, a far more genuine, thankful grin started to creep up his features, looking solemn yet optimistic now. "You really think I can match your dream stallion standards?" he tentatively uttered.
Iron's ears slowly perked up, gradually letting him Cauldron's review of him as his previously unfocused stare soon came back to see her. His heart switched from self-loathing to a tinge of pride akin to a rollercoaster, ending in a rather satisfying loop that tied the whole experience together.
Some of it didn't make much sense, considering how things have gone so far like his supposed charm, but it was a small part of the whole. Not to mention he felt like she'd seen it all, unless he himself didn't know he had a part of himself.
Regardless, a far more genuine, thankful grin started to creep up his features, looking solemn yet optimistic now. "You really think I can match your dream stallion standards?" he tentatively uttered.
>>151301
"Well, I don't know." She pets him again, and smiles. "I am pretty sure I did see you in a dream. Just, I think I would like you to be happy to be my special somepony and business partner, just as I am happy to have you as my special somepony and as my business partner. Maybe in time, we could be even more."
"Well, I don't know." She pets him again, and smiles. "I am pretty sure I did see you in a dream. Just, I think I would like you to be happy to be my special somepony and business partner, just as I am happy to have you as my special somepony and as my business partner. Maybe in time, we could be even more."
>>151302
It took him a couple of seconds, but after a deep breath to steady his emotions and focus on the future prospects to meet that goal, Iron nodded a couple of times. "I will give it my all," he soon answered with renewed but tempered hope.
It took him a couple of seconds, but after a deep breath to steady his emotions and focus on the future prospects to meet that goal, Iron nodded a couple of times. "I will give it my all," he soon answered with renewed but tempered hope.
>>151304
Iron in turn held her closer with his forelegs, breathing contently yet utterly beyond his depth. It was a good journey as any, he supposed.
Iron in turn held her closer with his forelegs, breathing contently yet utterly beyond his depth. It was a good journey as any, he supposed.
>>151306
Thus, Iron made himself as snug as possible under Cauldron's serene ministrations with a happy little grin.
Thus, Iron made himself as snug as possible under Cauldron's serene ministrations with a happy little grin.
>>151307
Black Cauldron shifted herself, a little back, and a little to the side, to try to make herself more comfortable. She closes her eyes and places her forelegs next to her, relaxing in his embrace. Iron has more difficulty, surely, trying to keep himself supported just high enough that he does not crush her. They remain like this for some time, with the sound of the rails passing under them, and the air passing the cars. Time is hard to measure in such a position. More likely than not, Iron starts to nod off. Black Cauldron certainly does, or seems to, anyways.
Iron is awoken by the sound of curtains moving. White Sands, sitting in the seat, has moved a part of the curtains to the window, giving her a view outside into the passing scenery.
Black Cauldron shifted herself, a little back, and a little to the side, to try to make herself more comfortable. She closes her eyes and places her forelegs next to her, relaxing in his embrace. Iron has more difficulty, surely, trying to keep himself supported just high enough that he does not crush her. They remain like this for some time, with the sound of the rails passing under them, and the air passing the cars. Time is hard to measure in such a position. More likely than not, Iron starts to nod off. Black Cauldron certainly does, or seems to, anyways.
Iron is awoken by the sound of curtains moving. White Sands, sitting in the seat, has moved a part of the curtains to the window, giving her a view outside into the passing scenery.
>>151308
Feeling refreshed, Iron carefully gets off Cauldron, making sure she gets the rest she needs for the mission ahead, before slowly walking over to Sands to see how she's doing.
Feeling refreshed, Iron carefully gets off Cauldron, making sure she gets the rest she needs for the mission ahead, before slowly walking over to Sands to see how she's doing.
>>151309
White Sands sits in the seat, with her hindquarters down, and forelegs together. Her long red tail wraps around her in the seat, before falling off the edge. Her muzzle looks long and thin, and indeed so does much of her body. Her legs and chest are visibly fluffy, even from Iron's perspective.
Her eyelashes are long, and her forest green eyes look almost squinted as she looks outside at so many passing trees. Her eyes move to Iron, along with her muzzle, as he tries to get up. She is almost perfectly expressionless as she looks at him. But she turns her head back, and looks out the window.
White Sands sits in the seat, with her hindquarters down, and forelegs together. Her long red tail wraps around her in the seat, before falling off the edge. Her muzzle looks long and thin, and indeed so does much of her body. Her legs and chest are visibly fluffy, even from Iron's perspective.
Her eyelashes are long, and her forest green eyes look almost squinted as she looks outside at so many passing trees. Her eyes move to Iron, along with her muzzle, as he tries to get up. She is almost perfectly expressionless as she looks at him. But she turns her head back, and looks out the window.
>>151310
The native promptly walks over to her, seating himself next to her to watch the window himself. It would seem Sands has something weighing down on her mind and it was most likely about what happened not too long ago with Cauldron.
The native promptly walks over to her, seating himself next to her to watch the window himself. It would seem Sands has something weighing down on her mind and it was most likely about what happened not too long ago with Cauldron.
>>151311
White Sands again moves her head to Iron, but again turns it to the trees.
The rail line is raised on gravel at least by a meter above the ground, though at points, the train seems to ride a cliffside, 10 or even more meters above the ground level of the forest. The land is cleared at least 30 meters from the rail line, although small trees have begun to regrow almost everywhere. The trees that pass are huge, broad leafed dark green trees of semi-tropical clime, occupying a middle ground between jungle and temperate forest.
White Sands again moves her head to Iron, but again turns it to the trees.
The rail line is raised on gravel at least by a meter above the ground, though at points, the train seems to ride a cliffside, 10 or even more meters above the ground level of the forest. The land is cleared at least 30 meters from the rail line, although small trees have begun to regrow almost everywhere. The trees that pass are huge, broad leafed dark green trees of semi-tropical clime, occupying a middle ground between jungle and temperate forest.
>>151312
Turning to see Sands proper, Iron gently puts a hoof on her shoulder, feeling something's up and is willing to discuss it if there is.
Turning to see Sands proper, Iron gently puts a hoof on her shoulder, feeling something's up and is willing to discuss it if there is.
>>151314
"I do not know," Iron replied with a shake of his head, keeping his reassuring hoof on her shoulder.
"I do not know," Iron replied with a shake of his head, keeping his reassuring hoof on her shoulder.
>>151315
"I thought you might, being from the region and all. Then again, maybe this isn't the same region. It's a big land."
She turns her head back to the passing trees.
"Look at them, so tall and straight. So bright and green. It makes me think of the forests back home. It is colder and dryer there. Yet still the trees grow tall and thick with leaves. They seemed taller than this. Quite a bit taller, towering over you. They probably weren't though. These are probably taller. But the trees back home seemed taller. And their leaves were fat and thick, with a hard coating. Almost like a cross between a pine needle and a cactus. They grew so close together that beneath them it was black as night. You couldn't see part of the sun. Anyways, the reason I mentioned forest fires is because forest fires would happen in those woods, so I am told. Not that I saw any. And the trees, you see, the forest fires wouldn't kill the trees. Not like it would normal trees. The trees had thick, almost plastic bark. So thick an axe would almost bounce off. And their stumps were thick too. You see, the fires wouldn't kill them. But it would mangle them. Char them to the barest stump, explode their branches. All that was left was a little charred remnant. And the trees would grow back, but they wouldn't grow back normal. They'd grow back twisted, or out of a side. They'd have big black jagged charcoal trunks with another trunk growing out sidewise, and long thin branches that looked out of place.
That must not be how it is here. If there are fires here, it must kill the trees, and leave behind only ash and sunlight. I like the trees here better."
"I thought you might, being from the region and all. Then again, maybe this isn't the same region. It's a big land."
She turns her head back to the passing trees.
"Look at them, so tall and straight. So bright and green. It makes me think of the forests back home. It is colder and dryer there. Yet still the trees grow tall and thick with leaves. They seemed taller than this. Quite a bit taller, towering over you. They probably weren't though. These are probably taller. But the trees back home seemed taller. And their leaves were fat and thick, with a hard coating. Almost like a cross between a pine needle and a cactus. They grew so close together that beneath them it was black as night. You couldn't see part of the sun. Anyways, the reason I mentioned forest fires is because forest fires would happen in those woods, so I am told. Not that I saw any. And the trees, you see, the forest fires wouldn't kill the trees. Not like it would normal trees. The trees had thick, almost plastic bark. So thick an axe would almost bounce off. And their stumps were thick too. You see, the fires wouldn't kill them. But it would mangle them. Char them to the barest stump, explode their branches. All that was left was a little charred remnant. And the trees would grow back, but they wouldn't grow back normal. They'd grow back twisted, or out of a side. They'd have big black jagged charcoal trunks with another trunk growing out sidewise, and long thin branches that looked out of place.
That must not be how it is here. If there are fires here, it must kill the trees, and leave behind only ash and sunlight. I like the trees here better."
>>151316
Iron nodded softly, understanding what she meant. "Forest fires can happen in jungles," he told Sands with a nod. "In fact, it's somewhat common, depending on the tribe being nomadic or not."
Iron nodded softly, understanding what she meant. "Forest fires can happen in jungles," he told Sands with a nod. "In fact, it's somewhat common, depending on the tribe being nomadic or not."
>>151317
“Huh.” She looks back to Iron. Her eyes are as green as the trees outside.
“Well that answers that. I wonder if if kills the trees. I bet it does.”
She turns, and looks back to the trees.
“I wonder how old these are.”
“Huh.” She looks back to Iron. Her eyes are as green as the trees outside.
“Well that answers that. I wonder if if kills the trees. I bet it does.”
She turns, and looks back to the trees.
“I wonder how old these are.”
>>151318
"It does," Iron agreed with a nod "but it is usually done to keep the lands fertile for new generations of plants to take over after the tribe has done its deeds."
"It does," Iron agreed with a nod "but it is usually done to keep the lands fertile for new generations of plants to take over after the tribe has done its deeds."
>>151320
"The tribe in question," Iron replied in a matter of factly manner. "That is what their elders taught them would help nature."
"The tribe in question," Iron replied in a matter of factly manner. "That is what their elders taught them would help nature."
>>151321
She looks at him, eyes fairly wide, for a few seconds
“Huh. I should have expected you…. Equestrians would try to bend nature to your advantage. Even the fire burns when you want. Must be a tamer nature. It’s always warm here, and the rains come….”
She trails off, and looks outside.
She looks at him, eyes fairly wide, for a few seconds
“Huh. I should have expected you…. Equestrians would try to bend nature to your advantage. Even the fire burns when you want. Must be a tamer nature. It’s always warm here, and the rains come….”
She trails off, and looks outside.
>>151322
"It is more of a give and take," Iron reasoned with a small smile. "We help nature, nature helps us."
However, something piqued his interest, soon tilting his head. "I am Equestrian?" he asks with some curiosity.
"It is more of a give and take," Iron reasoned with a small smile. "We help nature, nature helps us."
However, something piqued his interest, soon tilting his head. "I am Equestrian?" he asks with some curiosity.
>>151323
She blinks, and then curls her lips
“Are you?”
And again, she looks out the window.
“I am not from here.”
She blinks, and then curls her lips
“Are you?”
And again, she looks out the window.
“I am not from here.”
>>151325
“You know. Ponies. From Equestria. Not from other places.” She lowers her head and her shoulders.
“Equestria is gone anyways. I don’t care if you don’t claim the name. I don’t claim it. I’m not Equestrian. I doubt your mare friend over there is either.” She turns over and looks to Black Cauldron. Then she again turns, more slowly, to look out the window.
“I’m just saying. The whole ‘stewards of nature’ thing is something I associate your people with.”
“You know. Ponies. From Equestria. Not from other places.” She lowers her head and her shoulders.
“Equestria is gone anyways. I don’t care if you don’t claim the name. I don’t claim it. I’m not Equestrian. I doubt your mare friend over there is either.” She turns over and looks to Black Cauldron. Then she again turns, more slowly, to look out the window.
“I’m just saying. The whole ‘stewards of nature’ thing is something I associate your people with.”
>>151326
"Oh," Iron uttered before nodding with a happy smile "I certainly think that sort of way."
Following his cheerful smile, he soon wrapped his foreleg around her shoulders, pulling her close enough for their coats to touch. "Something tells me you are having some dark thoughts in your head," he bluntly guessed, open to give out comfort if need be.
"Oh," Iron uttered before nodding with a happy smile "I certainly think that sort of way."
Following his cheerful smile, he soon wrapped his foreleg around her shoulders, pulling her close enough for their coats to touch. "Something tells me you are having some dark thoughts in your head," he bluntly guessed, open to give out comfort if need be.
>>151329
Her head faces the forest. The trees extend forever, some higher, and some lower, as hills pass by, with a few jagged rock formations of mountain foothills sometimes showing past the trees.
“Do you think I can’t see that I’m outclassed?”
Her voice almost breaks, and she swallows after closing her mouth.
“What am I doing here, so far away from home?”
This statement, unlike the last, seems to be aimed towards herself, rather than Iron.
Her head faces the forest. The trees extend forever, some higher, and some lower, as hills pass by, with a few jagged rock formations of mountain foothills sometimes showing past the trees.
“Do you think I can’t see that I’m outclassed?”
Her voice almost breaks, and she swallows after closing her mouth.
“What am I doing here, so far away from home?”
This statement, unlike the last, seems to be aimed towards herself, rather than Iron.
>>151330
"I am not too far off," Iron mused, reminding Sands of his presence by squeezing her a bit with the foreleg currently perched on her shoulders. "I walked away from my idyllic village all the way to this confusing concrete jungle where my value as a fighter is less worthy than a math lover's."
The stallion exhaled softly, soon looking at the scenery proper. "I sometimes think that I am not cut out for this life either," he softly admitted. "Frankly, I have no idea what Cauldron saw in me to actually accept my love proposal. I am just a fighter without a leader."
"I am not too far off," Iron mused, reminding Sands of his presence by squeezing her a bit with the foreleg currently perched on her shoulders. "I walked away from my idyllic village all the way to this confusing concrete jungle where my value as a fighter is less worthy than a math lover's."
The stallion exhaled softly, soon looking at the scenery proper. "I sometimes think that I am not cut out for this life either," he softly admitted. "Frankly, I have no idea what Cauldron saw in me to actually accept my love proposal. I am just a fighter without a leader."
>>151331
Without a word, she turns her muzzle and both eyes to Iron. She stares at him, with sad green eyes in silence for an extended period of time.
Without a word, she turns her muzzle and both eyes to Iron. She stares at him, with sad green eyes in silence for an extended period of time.
>>151332
Iron soon used his other hoof to cup Sands' cheek, staring at her with a fond smile on his lips. "Perhaps it was fate that tied us together," he presumed. "Both lost souls trying to adapt to both our home's wants and the world we are unequipped to deal with."
Iron soon used his other hoof to cup Sands' cheek, staring at her with a fond smile on his lips. "Perhaps it was fate that tied us together," he presumed. "Both lost souls trying to adapt to both our home's wants and the world we are unequipped to deal with."
>>151333
She blinks, as her face is turned to his. Her lips pull up, and it seems she begins to smile.
She blinks, as her face is turned to his. Her lips pull up, and it seems she begins to smile.
>>151334
"It would seem we are meant to be together," Iron further assumed as the foreleg wrapped around his shoulders soon pivoted towards her mane, giving it long strokes. "Help eachother out and overcome the circumstances we have been thrusted into, voluntarily or otherwise."
"It would seem we are meant to be together," Iron further assumed as the foreleg wrapped around his shoulders soon pivoted towards her mane, giving it long strokes. "Help eachother out and overcome the circumstances we have been thrusted into, voluntarily or otherwise."
>>151335
She smiles now a bit more warmly. Her mane is long, and has a few tangles. She moves her neck back so Iron can more easily stroke it.
“For what it’s worth, I think my mother would find you acceptable.”
She smiles now a bit more warmly. Her mane is long, and has a few tangles. She moves her neck back so Iron can more easily stroke it.
“For what it’s worth, I think my mother would find you acceptable.”
>>151336
Iron couldn't help but chuckle softly at the remark, soon nuzzling her neck with a happy smile. "I will take that as a compliment," he answered in kind, happy to please.
Iron couldn't help but chuckle softly at the remark, soon nuzzling her neck with a happy smile. "I will take that as a compliment," he answered in kind, happy to please.
>>151337
She lets him nuzzle her neck, stretching it out slightly. Her fur is fine, long, and a snow white, soft to the touch. Her eyes close on her smiling face.
She lets him nuzzle her neck, stretching it out slightly. Her fur is fine, long, and a snow white, soft to the touch. Her eyes close on her smiling face.
>>151338
Iron breathed out contently, simply basking in the smooth texture he has sunk his muzzle into, "Rest assured," he prefaced amidst the coat around his mouth "I will not rest until you can make your mother proud to have me around."
Iron breathed out contently, simply basking in the smooth texture he has sunk his muzzle into, "Rest assured," he prefaced amidst the coat around his mouth "I will not rest until you can make your mother proud to have me around."
>>151340
"Despite the bumpy trail we have treaded," Iron admitted with a sheepish smile "I do admit I would miss you if you happen to flee. Both body and soul."
He accentuated his last sentence by pulling out of her neck in order to plant a small peck on the tip of her snout.
"Despite the bumpy trail we have treaded," Iron admitted with a sheepish smile "I do admit I would miss you if you happen to flee. Both body and soul."
He accentuated his last sentence by pulling out of her neck in order to plant a small peck on the tip of her snout.
>>151341
She closes her eyes, and moves her muzzle back in a flinch at the peck.
She smiles, and raises her left hoof up, then lowers it back down.
She closes her eyes, and moves her muzzle back in a flinch at the peck.
She smiles, and raises her left hoof up, then lowers it back down.
>>151342
Iron smiled back with a small tilt of his head, feeling what Sands did had some sort of meaning he didn't get.
Iron smiled back with a small tilt of his head, feeling what Sands did had some sort of meaning he didn't get.
>>151344
Being unaccostumed to being the nuzzled rather than the nuzzler, Iron couldn't help but flinch in surprise yet kept himself steady with an uneasy, embarrassed smile on his face.
Being unaccostumed to being the nuzzled rather than the nuzzler, Iron couldn't help but flinch in surprise yet kept himself steady with an uneasy, embarrassed smile on his face.
>>151346
Iron couldn't help but chuckle to shake off his flustered self. "S-sorry," he stammered out "I am not used to that."
Iron couldn't help but chuckle to shake off his flustered self. "S-sorry," he stammered out "I am not used to that."
>>151348
Iron, thinking he was taking the bait, gives Sands a small peck on the exposed cheek she allowed.
Iron, thinking he was taking the bait, gives Sands a small peck on the exposed cheek she allowed.
>>151350
Iron couldn't help but giggle softly, a blush creeping up his cheeks. "Eye for an eye, huh?" he jokes with mild amusement and a healthy dose of embarrassment.
Iron couldn't help but giggle softly, a blush creeping up his cheeks. "Eye for an eye, huh?" he jokes with mild amusement and a healthy dose of embarrassment.
>>151352
Thinking he finally got the message, Iron quickly pulls Sands in for a big, gentle hug, feeling both his short coat against her more fluffy one. "I will have to test it out in order to make sure," he playfully answered in turn, squeezing her ever so slightly.
Thinking he finally got the message, Iron quickly pulls Sands in for a big, gentle hug, feeling both his short coat against her more fluffy one. "I will have to test it out in order to make sure," he playfully answered in turn, squeezing her ever so slightly.
>>151354
Iron in turn sinks his own muzzle against her own. "Mmh," he murmured soon after, muffled softly due to the fluff.
Although his coat has had a bunch of coat softening baths, his short hair still felt rather stiff and coarse, quickly going back to their neutral position whenever Sands would move away her muzzle.
Iron in turn sinks his own muzzle against her own. "Mmh," he murmured soon after, muffled softly due to the fluff.
Although his coat has had a bunch of coat softening baths, his short hair still felt rather stiff and coarse, quickly going back to their neutral position whenever Sands would move away her muzzle.
>>151355
Soft, fluffy, and actually fairly nice smelling. She starts to make a purring sound as he rubs against her.
Soft, fluffy, and actually fairly nice smelling. She starts to make a purring sound as he rubs against her.
>>151356
Thus, Iron lovingly nuzzled Sands with some much needed tenderness, showing her how much he cared for the unicorn. Up and down his muzzle went, leaving small trails of spread coat hairs in his merry way.
Thus, Iron lovingly nuzzled Sands with some much needed tenderness, showing her how much he cared for the unicorn. Up and down his muzzle went, leaving small trails of spread coat hairs in his merry way.
>>151358
Thus, Iron leans into her, enjoying her warmth and softness of her body, now with the added perk of finally feeling at peace with knowing he meant something to her and could help the unicorn become better through him.
Thus, Iron leans into her, enjoying her warmth and softness of her body, now with the added perk of finally feeling at peace with knowing he meant something to her and could help the unicorn become better through him.
>>151359
Sands opens her scrawny, fluffy forelegs, and now wraps them around Iron's body, leaning onto him.
Sands opens her scrawny, fluffy forelegs, and now wraps them around Iron's body, leaning onto him.
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>>151363
"Well...you get used to it."
Silver sits down next to the ecru colt.
"So, we have some time before I have to go today. Want to get to know each other better?"
"Well...you get used to it."
Silver sits down next to the ecru colt.
"So, we have some time before I have to go today. Want to get to know each other better?"
>>151364
He seems slightly surprised by this, and places the bottle down, wiping another bit of spilled whiskey from his coat.
“Uh… sure.”
He seems slightly surprised by this, and places the bottle down, wiping another bit of spilled whiskey from his coat.
“Uh… sure.”
>>151366
“Colts I knew in school, in the community, at the newspaper and in the Union. I can’t say many of them were quite ‘friends,’ more like acquaintances.”
“Colts I knew in school, in the community, at the newspaper and in the Union. I can’t say many of them were quite ‘friends,’ more like acquaintances.”
>>151369
"We should have colt's night out together like that sometime, just you and me.
"Was there anything particularly fun or noteworthy you and your acquaintances ever did? Like, something that makes for good story?"
"We should have colt's night out together like that sometime, just you and me.
"Was there anything particularly fun or noteworthy you and your acquaintances ever did? Like, something that makes for good story?"
>>151370
"Well... Maybe. There was that time I and a couple others snuck out for the day during summer to go to a hidden pool, and my friend slipped and fell into the lake and cut his leg. So he had to hide it and it got infected. There was that time I went with a friend to his father's beach house out on wilted beach and I tried to tell him but it didn't go well. Uh... funny? Well, there was this motor bike that a stallion had who would visit the convenience store up the road from the malt shop every day. Well he probably worked there, but anyways I was fascinated by the motor bike, and one day I tried to take it apart, but I couldn't really figure out how to put it back together again, but I tried to make it look like no one touched it." He stops speaking, and starts to laugh, then tries to hide his laugh "You know what, how about I don't tell that story." He turns and looks to Silver and asks "What do you want to know?"
"Well... Maybe. There was that time I and a couple others snuck out for the day during summer to go to a hidden pool, and my friend slipped and fell into the lake and cut his leg. So he had to hide it and it got infected. There was that time I went with a friend to his father's beach house out on wilted beach and I tried to tell him but it didn't go well. Uh... funny? Well, there was this motor bike that a stallion had who would visit the convenience store up the road from the malt shop every day. Well he probably worked there, but anyways I was fascinated by the motor bike, and one day I tried to take it apart, but I couldn't really figure out how to put it back together again, but I tried to make it look like no one touched it." He stops speaking, and starts to laugh, then tries to hide his laugh "You know what, how about I don't tell that story." He turns and looks to Silver and asks "What do you want to know?"
>>151372
“The motorbike.” He smiles a little too largely
“But what do you really want to know?” He asks
“The motorbike.” He smiles a little too largely
“But what do you really want to know?” He asks
>>151373
"I do not know entirely what you are implying, but I suppose..."
Silver looks around, and asks Clip:
"How did you figure out your...'preference'?"
"I do not know entirely what you are implying, but I suppose..."
Silver looks around, and asks Clip:
"How did you figure out your...'preference'?"
>>151374
“Uh….” He averts his eyes
“Well, there were little hints when I was a foal. The first time I really noticed, I think, was when I was reading an action comic series I would pick up at the store. The stallion there, he was like a companion of the lead protagonist. And he would wear a short jacket. I noticed how I, how I responded to it. Of course I didn’t really know what was going on. I knew to keep it to myself though.”
“Uh….” He averts his eyes
“Well, there were little hints when I was a foal. The first time I really noticed, I think, was when I was reading an action comic series I would pick up at the store. The stallion there, he was like a companion of the lead protagonist. And he would wear a short jacket. I noticed how I, how I responded to it. Of course I didn’t really know what was going on. I knew to keep it to myself though.”
>>151375
"Ahhhh, like how it was with myself as foal, except with different kind of pony. I guess it was just natural for you. Did your family ever know about it?"
"Ahhhh, like how it was with myself as foal, except with different kind of pony. I guess it was just natural for you. Did your family ever know about it?"
>>151377
Awwwww.
Silver feels the need to give Clip a hug. He in fact does so, taking care not to give him pain.
Awwwww.
Silver feels the need to give Clip a hug. He in fact does so, taking care not to give him pain.
>>151383
"You know, if you had been my son and I found out, it would have been shock at first, but I would have accepted you."
"You know, if you had been my son and I found out, it would have been shock at first, but I would have accepted you."
>>151385
"We can make place for you here, if you want. Make this place you belong. You will always have home here, and we can get you into Movement, get you job working for their newspaper."
"We can make place for you here, if you want. Make this place you belong. You will always have home here, and we can get you into Movement, get you job working for their newspaper."
>>151386
His red-brown tail seems to shift beneath him. He looks up at Silver, and smiles.
“That sounds… that sounds pretty good.”
His red-brown tail seems to shift beneath him. He looks up at Silver, and smiles.
“That sounds… that sounds pretty good.”
>>151387
Silver smiles back.
"And I hope you know that if you need anything at all, that all you have to do is ask me."
Silver smiles back.
"And I hope you know that if you need anything at all, that all you have to do is ask me."
>>151394
He has something of a smile
"So... what is it with the shoreline there. I haven't seen it. Is there sand, or is it rocky? Is there a pier? How about a boat?"
He has something of a smile
"So... what is it with the shoreline there. I haven't seen it. Is there sand, or is it rocky? Is there a pier? How about a boat?"
>>151395
Silver smiles back again.
"Well, we do live on seafront property, if you want to see for yourself."
Silver smiles back again.
"Well, we do live on seafront property, if you want to see for yourself."
>>151397
"Well, from what I have seen, it is sandy. I think we may have pier, but no boat yet. Do you like boating?"
"Well, from what I have seen, it is sandy. I think we may have pier, but no boat yet. Do you like boating?"
>>151405
"Not long, just since we acquired this house. Before I did not live close enough to sea to think of it."
"Not long, just since we acquired this house. Before I did not live close enough to sea to think of it."
>>151406
“Well I think it’s a great idea. It’s something fun and new. I’ve piloted a boat before… briefly, but still. A boat sounds really nice.”
“Well I think it’s a great idea. It’s something fun and new. I’ve piloted a boat before… briefly, but still. A boat sounds really nice.”
>>151408
“So… I think I can make it here. Better here than most anywhere else. The only better place is Stalliongrad, and I don’t speak the language. I mean, I think if I can get connected with those in the unions and the printers, I can do well, I think. I would like to stay here with you very much, yes. At least for now anyways.”
“So… I think I can make it here. Better here than most anywhere else. The only better place is Stalliongrad, and I don’t speak the language. I mean, I think if I can get connected with those in the unions and the printers, I can do well, I think. I would like to stay here with you very much, yes. At least for now anyways.”
>>151409
"That is good. Very good! Maybe tomorrow we can go out on colts' night out together, as well. We could use opportunity to see more of city and help get you more familiar with it."
"That is good. Very good! Maybe tomorrow we can go out on colts' night out together, as well. We could use opportunity to see more of city and help get you more familiar with it."
>>151411
"Well, it is modern city, compared to rest of Equestria. It still bares some minor scars from New Mareland's invasion, but otherwise is doing okay. There is often conflict between Black Hooves, Social Democrats, and socialists."
"Well, it is modern city, compared to rest of Equestria. It still bares some minor scars from New Mareland's invasion, but otherwise is doing okay. There is often conflict between Black Hooves, Social Democrats, and socialists."
>>151412
“Sounds about right. But… is there anything particularly interesting to do, or see?” He asks
“Sounds about right. But… is there anything particularly interesting to do, or see?” He asks
>>151413
"I heard there is amusement park, and I have been to zoo. They have museums. Honestly I have not been to many places in city, but that is why we ask taxi drivers for places to go and things to do."
"I heard there is amusement park, and I have been to zoo. They have museums. Honestly I have not been to many places in city, but that is why we ask taxi drivers for places to go and things to do."
>>151414
"Oh, neat. Yeah, I would bet the taxi drivers would know. They have to ferry everyone around, after all."
"Oh, neat. Yeah, I would bet the taxi drivers would know. They have to ferry everyone around, after all."
>>151415
"Perhaps they can also point out nice hangout. Sometimes it is nice just to sit and relax with drink someplace."
"Perhaps they can also point out nice hangout. Sometimes it is nice just to sit and relax with drink someplace."
>>151416
“That does sound pretty nice.” He says.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been able. Well, I mean, to go out and do that.”
“That does sound pretty nice.” He says.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been able. Well, I mean, to go out and do that.”
>>151417
Silver wraps a foreleg around the ecru colt.
"Then that is what we shall do, just me and you."
Silver wraps a foreleg around the ecru colt.
"Then that is what we shall do, just me and you."
>>151418
He looks down at the hoof on the other side of his shoulder, and then up to Silver, with a very toothy smile.
"Uh, sure."
He looks down at the hoof on the other side of his shoulder, and then up to Silver, with a very toothy smile.
"Uh, sure."
>>151419
The silver unicorn smiles back.
"Have any plans for today, or are you just going to take it easy?"
The silver unicorn smiles back.
"Have any plans for today, or are you just going to take it easy?"
>>151420
“I’d take it east every day if I could, I think.” He says, his hind legs repositioning under the quilted blanket
“I’d take it east every day if I could, I think.” He says, his hind legs repositioning under the quilted blanket
>>151424
Looking through the full range of options, he sees lots of alligator meat (for some reason), fish of questionable age, rice noodles, greens of some kind, and oats.
Looking through the full range of options, he sees lots of alligator meat (for some reason), fish of questionable age, rice noodles, greens of some kind, and oats.
>>151427
Silver makes up two bowls of oats and adds some sugar for flavor. He trots back to Clip, offering one of them to the ecru colt.
Silver makes up two bowls of oats and adds some sugar for flavor. He trots back to Clip, offering one of them to the ecru colt.
>>151428
The bowl is set easily on either the table in front of the sofa, or on the table next to it. Clip repositions himself, and tries to bend over to be closer to the bowl. Leaning his body down, however, is more painful than most movements, and he stops attempting this. With an aura of levitation magic, the spoon goes into the bowl, and comes near his mouth... until, towards the very end, it wobbles slightly, and spills.
The bowl is set easily on either the table in front of the sofa, or on the table next to it. Clip repositions himself, and tries to bend over to be closer to the bowl. Leaning his body down, however, is more painful than most movements, and he stops attempting this. With an aura of levitation magic, the spoon goes into the bowl, and comes near his mouth... until, towards the very end, it wobbles slightly, and spills.
>>151429
Silver watches his attempt, and winces when he sees how much trouble he's having. He puts his own bowl down on the nearby table and asks, "Want some help?" with an almost paternal tone of caring.
Silver watches his attempt, and winces when he sees how much trouble he's having. He puts his own bowl down on the nearby table and asks, "Want some help?" with an almost paternal tone of caring.
>>151432
Clipping smiles as if about to laugh, but all the same opens his mouth for the oats, chewing and then swallowing.
Clipping smiles as if about to laugh, but all the same opens his mouth for the oats, chewing and then swallowing.
>>151434
It’s… well, there’s a number of bites involved, but Paper Clipping opens his mouth and accepts them. He pulls his lips back, and nearly laughs at points, but does not say anything.
It’s… well, there’s a number of bites involved, but Paper Clipping opens his mouth and accepts them. He pulls his lips back, and nearly laughs at points, but does not say anything.
>>151435
Silver is more than willing and is very patient while feeding the ecru colt. It's a bit silly, but sometimes it's nessecary when helping the injured.
Silver is more than willing and is very patient while feeding the ecru colt. It's a bit silly, but sometimes it's nessecary when helping the injured.
>>151436
Clipping continues to make facial expressions that show the awkwardness of the situation. Nevertheless, he accepts each bite.
There are sounds on the stairs, until Jubilosa begins to walk past, heading for the kitchen.
Clipping continues to make facial expressions that show the awkwardness of the situation. Nevertheless, he accepts each bite.
There are sounds on the stairs, until Jubilosa begins to walk past, heading for the kitchen.
>>151438
She turns, almost as if surprised, and walks through the side door that goes into the kitchen, saying nothing
She turns, almost as if surprised, and walks through the side door that goes into the kitchen, saying nothing
>>151441
Clipping turns his head to look at Jubilosa, but resumes with Silver. It takes a couple more minutes, but Silver and Clipping finish
Clipping turns his head to look at Jubilosa, but resumes with Silver. It takes a couple more minutes, but Silver and Clipping finish
>>151443
Both ears are down, and he tilts his muzzle down as he looks up to iron with a smile showing most of his teeth.
“… Thanks…”
Both ears are down, and he tilts his muzzle down as he looks up to iron with a smile showing most of his teeth.
“… Thanks…”
>>151444
"Sorry if it was awkward for you. It is just until you get your strength back."
He ruffles the ecru's colt mane.
"Sorry if it was awkward for you. It is just until you get your strength back."
He ruffles the ecru's colt mane.
>>151445
His mane is ruffled. He lowers his head a little, and his red-brown mane falls down to cover his eyes. He has a wide smile, showing all teeth.
“It’s fine.”
His mane is ruffled. He lowers his head a little, and his red-brown mane falls down to cover his eyes. He has a wide smile, showing all teeth.
“It’s fine.”
>>151448
"It is just something I notice. You must take great care of it, or at least when you are not severly injured."
"It is just something I notice. You must take great care of it, or at least when you are not severly injured."
>>151450
“Uh…… well I haven’t really been able to maintain it for a while for… obvious reasons. But I’d like to grow it out more.”
“Uh…… well I haven’t really been able to maintain it for a while for… obvious reasons. But I’d like to grow it out more.”
>>151451
"I think you would look really good with long mane. I could help with maintenance, if you want. It is not so big step up from feeding you."
"I think you would look really good with long mane. I could help with maintenance, if you want. It is not so big step up from feeding you."
>>151454
Silver shows him the spoon.
"Are you sure? You were having problems lifting spoon in your magic, I am not sure you will be able to lift comb or sponge."
Silver shows him the spoon.
"Are you sure? You were having problems lifting spoon in your magic, I am not sure you will be able to lift comb or sponge."
>>151456
Silver smiles.
"Do not worry, I know little bit about manes. I did have daughter, and it is one of those things you have to learn about as father."
Silver smiles.
"Do not worry, I know little bit about manes. I did have daughter, and it is one of those things you have to learn about as father."
>>151461
"I am not, I am just saying that having daughter forced me to learn about how to take care of manes."
"I am not, I am just saying that having daughter forced me to learn about how to take care of manes."
>>151461
"I am not, I am just saying that having daughter forced me to learn about how to take care of manes."
"I am not, I am just saying that having daughter forced me to learn about how to take care of manes."
>>151462
“Oh. I suppose it would…”
He reached a hoof to the back of his neck, and pushes away his mane.
“Uh, so, what happened to your foals?”
“Oh. I suppose it would…”
He reached a hoof to the back of his neck, and pushes away his mane.
“Uh, so, what happened to your foals?”
>>151464
"They grew up."
After a second, Silver clarifies.
"My eldest son moved to Las Pegasus, and I lost contact with him ever since. My daughter became researcher of magic for Equestria in Canterlot. My youngest son joined Equestrian Army as recon. I do not know what happened to any of them after war..."
"They grew up."
After a second, Silver clarifies.
"My eldest son moved to Las Pegasus, and I lost contact with him ever since. My daughter became researcher of magic for Equestria in Canterlot. My youngest son joined Equestrian Army as recon. I do not know what happened to any of them after war..."
>>151469
“I just… I don’t know. It’s interesting hearing about your being a father and all.”
He blinks, and after a pause asks
“Have you heard from any of them?”
“I just… I don’t know. It’s interesting hearing about your being a father and all.”
He blinks, and after a pause asks
“Have you heard from any of them?”
>>151471
"Not since War ended. My eldest sent me letter right before it started asking if we could get together and talk about things, but it arrived after I had left to go fight. I did have some correspondance with my youngest during War's duration, telling me about what him and his Recon unit had been doing."
"Not since War ended. My eldest sent me letter right before it started asking if we could get together and talk about things, but it arrived after I had left to go fight. I did have some correspondance with my youngest during War's duration, telling me about what him and his Recon unit had been doing."
>>151472
"Hmmm...."
He places his hooves below him on the couch, placing him in a supported sitting position.
"What did... Uh, where is, where is their mother?"
"Hmmm...."
He places his hooves below him on the couch, placing him in a supported sitting position.
"What did... Uh, where is, where is their mother?"
>>151476
"It is okay, it happened long time ago. I do miss her, but having so many, acquaintances, friends, and more today helps."
"It is okay, it happened long time ago. I do miss her, but having so many, acquaintances, friends, and more today helps."
>>151478
Silver smiles at Clip saying this. He also remembers that he had made himself a bowl of oats and sugar that was just sitting on the table, and starts to eat it.
"Anything else you want to know? I asked you questions, it only seems fair."
Silver smiles at Clip saying this. He also remembers that he had made himself a bowl of oats and sugar that was just sitting on the table, and starts to eat it.
"Anything else you want to know? I asked you questions, it only seems fair."
>>151480
"Well, I am second-guessing what my 'preference' includes lately, but...when I was young colt in St. Petershoof, I would sometimes go to Market to see things that were for sale. Some were things found or made locally, while others were brought in from abroad. One of things I found from travelling merchant from Manehattan was fashion magazine, and browsing through it because of my curiosity I found lingerie section filled with pretty mares wearing latest designs of provocative and sexy nightwear. There may have been moments earlier, but that moment and my body's reaction to it sticks in my mind most. It is somewhat similar to your story, I think."
"Well, I am second-guessing what my 'preference' includes lately, but...when I was young colt in St. Petershoof, I would sometimes go to Market to see things that were for sale. Some were things found or made locally, while others were brought in from abroad. One of things I found from travelling merchant from Manehattan was fashion magazine, and browsing through it because of my curiosity I found lingerie section filled with pretty mares wearing latest designs of provocative and sexy nightwear. There may have been moments earlier, but that moment and my body's reaction to it sticks in my mind most. It is somewhat similar to your story, I think."
>>151482
"Well, I have had two encounters so far to make me second guess what I am and am not interested in...and you are rather beautiful..."
He shakes his head clear.
"Anyways...that is story of how I discovered mares."
"Well, I have had two encounters so far to make me second guess what I am and am not interested in...and you are rather beautiful..."
He shakes his head clear.
"Anyways...that is story of how I discovered mares."
>>151486
"Well, I suppose it is best described as mercenary work, as dirty as that may unfortunately sound. Ponies pay me to do things they can not do themselves. Sometimes it is to recover certain object, other times it is to stop bad people. Work itself can vary, but it tends to be quite lucrative."
"Well, I suppose it is best described as mercenary work, as dirty as that may unfortunately sound. Ponies pay me to do things they can not do themselves. Sometimes it is to recover certain object, other times it is to stop bad people. Work itself can vary, but it tends to be quite lucrative."
>>151488
Silver gives him this time while sitting there on the couch, head tilted and looking at the ecru colt rather adorably.
Silver gives him this time while sitting there on the couch, head tilted and looking at the ecru colt rather adorably.
>>151489
"I don't know I much approve. Those in power often use force to remain in power, and pay others to do their dirty work."
"I don't know I much approve. Those in power often use force to remain in power, and pay others to do their dirty work."
>>151490
"I understand that, but it is not just those with power who need pony like me sometimes. I do work for farmers, museums, sometimes just desperate, regular civilians."
"I understand that, but it is not just those with power who need pony like me sometimes. I do work for farmers, museums, sometimes just desperate, regular civilians."
>>151494
“But they don’t have nearly as much, and certainly not as much to spare. It favors those who have land.”
“But they don’t have nearly as much, and certainly not as much to spare. It favors those who have land.”
>>151495
"I do not charge same rates for every job. Desperate mare looking for somepony to save her foalnapped child will pay much, much less than, say, upper class pony wanting specific artifact recovered from ancient dungeon."
"I do not charge same rates for every job. Desperate mare looking for somepony to save her foalnapped child will pay much, much less than, say, upper class pony wanting specific artifact recovered from ancient dungeon."
>>151496
“That’s… noble of you.” He says
Then he blinks
“Uh… how have you, uh, survived this long doing this?”
“That’s… noble of you.” He says
Then he blinks
“Uh… how have you, uh, survived this long doing this?”
>>151497
"By being smart, hitting hard, and being notoriously hard to kill."
Silver puffs his chest out proudly.
"By being smart, hitting hard, and being notoriously hard to kill."
Silver puffs his chest out proudly.
>>151501
"You are quite welcome, Clip."
Silver returns to eating his oat, quickly finishing them off before heading into the kitchen.
"You are quite welcome, Clip."
Silver returns to eating his oat, quickly finishing them off before heading into the kitchen.
A Spark tomorrow
>>151360
As expected, Iron gently hugged her back with his bulkier forelegs, smiling through the silky smooth coat hairs and her heart. "When we finish the job," he mumbled tenderly "be sure not to send all of the money to your mother. We will be needing it for later."
As expected, Iron gently hugged her back with his bulkier forelegs, smiling through the silky smooth coat hairs and her heart. "When we finish the job," he mumbled tenderly "be sure not to send all of the money to your mother. We will be needing it for later."
>>151508
Like a fuzzy pillow, or a teddy bear. Yet Iron need not press down far at all before he meets bone and muscle pushing back under so much fur.
“… later?”
Like a fuzzy pillow, or a teddy bear. Yet Iron need not press down far at all before he meets bone and muscle pushing back under so much fur.
“… later?”
>>151513
She blinks.
“Oh”
She blinks again
“Ohhh….”
She closes her eyes, and tilts her muzzle up as she leans into the back rubs
She opens her eyes and says
“But not too luxurious. Let’s send most of it back.”
She blinks.
“Oh”
She blinks again
“Ohhh….”
She closes her eyes, and tilts her muzzle up as she leans into the back rubs
She opens her eyes and says
“But not too luxurious. Let’s send most of it back.”
>>151514
Iron chuckled gingerly, starting to realize just how much Sands was serious about proving her monetary worth to her mother. "Do not forget we can get more later," he reassured the unicorn before stopping his nuzzling to give her a kiss on the cheek.
Iron chuckled gingerly, starting to realize just how much Sands was serious about proving her monetary worth to her mother. "Do not forget we can get more later," he reassured the unicorn before stopping his nuzzling to give her a kiss on the cheek.
>>151515
She smiles, but the smile goes away.
“But it’s been six months, six months at least. It is ‘later’ for me.”
She shifts around in her seat, raising her left hoof, and putting it back down.
She smiles, but the smile goes away.
“But it’s been six months, six months at least. It is ‘later’ for me.”
She shifts around in her seat, raising her left hoof, and putting it back down.
>>151516
Iron sighs softly in turn, simply petting her back with a little less energy than before. "It will be better if we talked more about this when the job is complete," he reasoned dryly before once again sinking his muzzle right on the side of Sands' neck, giving it a tender kiss.
Iron sighs softly in turn, simply petting her back with a little less energy than before. "It will be better if we talked more about this when the job is complete," he reasoned dryly before once again sinking his muzzle right on the side of Sands' neck, giving it a tender kiss.
>>151519
The hairs are a few inches long in a few places.
“Alright…”
She says, making an expression between a wince and a smile.
The hairs are a few inches long in a few places.
“Alright…”
She says, making an expression between a wince and a smile.
>>151520
Iron, unable to really cheer her up until he knows as well, simply continues hugging Sands for a while as the train continues humming along.
Iron, unable to really cheer her up until he knows as well, simply continues hugging Sands for a while as the train continues humming along.
>>151521
The little pony is hugged. After some time, she lays her head on Iron, pressing into his fur.
The little pony is hugged. After some time, she lays her head on Iron, pressing into his fur.
>>151205
The pony takes a moment, slightly rocking back and forth, looking at Spark. After continued silence, he says
"Let me talk to the other attendant."
And walks away.
The pony takes a moment, slightly rocking back and forth, looking at Spark. After continued silence, he says
"Let me talk to the other attendant."
And walks away.
>>151521
>>151523
The train keeps moving, and the the scenery outside moves in kind. Sometimes the trees are so tall, and so close to the tracks, that they block out the sky and dim the room. Sometimes the train rises high above them, riding the edge of a rising hill. The terrain becomes increasingly uneven as time progresses, with tree covered hills and ravines between, and tall rock formations that stick out like jagged teeth.
Though wild landscape of green, broadleaf trees with occasional rivers and naked rock predominates, civilization seeps through. Roads that cut through the forest are sometimes visible directly, and sometimes through the gaps in the canopy. High tension powerlines follow the ridge of a hill. The flow of trees are sometimes interrupted by great fields of maze, or of monotonous rows of trees surely belonging to plantations. Houses and mills are scarce, but neither are they non-existent, and it is at a cluster of these houses that the train comes to a stop, and Black Cauldron awakes, observing her surroundings.
"This isn't it. This isn't Estruendo. They would notify us otherwise." She looks over to White Sands, still sitting in the chair. She blinks, and opens the door to the small lavatory. She does not go in, but pulls out the sleeping bag, and unrolls it to reveal the lever-gun.
"Have you ever used one of these?"
White Sands blinks, and seems to take a moment to realize that Black Cauldron is speaking to her.
"No. No, I haven't."
Black Cauldron tells her,
"Then let me show you how to handle one."
She replies,
"Do I really need to though? Is it really going to be that dangerous?"
Almost irritated,
"If it is, then I promise you the danger will respect you more if you are holding this than if you are just standing there looking pretty. We're not committing armed robbery, at least I don't expect we will need, but neither are we going to the opera. This isn't exactly a trip to the boutique, and I have no intention of being robbed myself. You chose to come along. Now listen as I tell you how this thing works."
"Uh... okay." Sands says, blinking
Black Cauldron goes over the mechanics of the firearm with White Sands, who seems to understand what she is told. Black Cauldron closes the curtain, and White Sands operates the lever, aims, and dryfires the gun at the wall.
>>151523
The train keeps moving, and the the scenery outside moves in kind. Sometimes the trees are so tall, and so close to the tracks, that they block out the sky and dim the room. Sometimes the train rises high above them, riding the edge of a rising hill. The terrain becomes increasingly uneven as time progresses, with tree covered hills and ravines between, and tall rock formations that stick out like jagged teeth.
Though wild landscape of green, broadleaf trees with occasional rivers and naked rock predominates, civilization seeps through. Roads that cut through the forest are sometimes visible directly, and sometimes through the gaps in the canopy. High tension powerlines follow the ridge of a hill. The flow of trees are sometimes interrupted by great fields of maze, or of monotonous rows of trees surely belonging to plantations. Houses and mills are scarce, but neither are they non-existent, and it is at a cluster of these houses that the train comes to a stop, and Black Cauldron awakes, observing her surroundings.
"This isn't it. This isn't Estruendo. They would notify us otherwise." She looks over to White Sands, still sitting in the chair. She blinks, and opens the door to the small lavatory. She does not go in, but pulls out the sleeping bag, and unrolls it to reveal the lever-gun.
"Have you ever used one of these?"
White Sands blinks, and seems to take a moment to realize that Black Cauldron is speaking to her.
"No. No, I haven't."
Black Cauldron tells her,
"Then let me show you how to handle one."
She replies,
"Do I really need to though? Is it really going to be that dangerous?"
Almost irritated,
"If it is, then I promise you the danger will respect you more if you are holding this than if you are just standing there looking pretty. We're not committing armed robbery, at least I don't expect we will need, but neither are we going to the opera. This isn't exactly a trip to the boutique, and I have no intention of being robbed myself. You chose to come along. Now listen as I tell you how this thing works."
"Uh... okay." Sands says, blinking
Black Cauldron goes over the mechanics of the firearm with White Sands, who seems to understand what she is told. Black Cauldron closes the curtain, and White Sands operates the lever, aims, and dryfires the gun at the wall.
>>151530
Iron simply lets Sands and Cauldron go over the basics of firearm functions as he stares at the frankly nostalgic feeling of being back in his natural habitat. He wonders if he would be able to find a fellow native to spar with during their journey just to relive the times of his foalhood.
Iron simply lets Sands and Cauldron go over the basics of firearm functions as he stares at the frankly nostalgic feeling of being back in his natural habitat. He wonders if he would be able to find a fellow native to spar with during their journey just to relive the times of his foalhood.
>>151531
Black Cauldron does not end it there. She tells White Sands some of the basics of where they are going, and what they are doing.
Whether the land outside is inhabited by ponies much like Iron, by Equestrian colonials, or belongs wholly to nature, Iron can only guess. Forest is the norm, though occasionally there are clearings with either naked mud, or the more common groupings of young trees. In one area, saplings stretch as far as the eye can see, until the train moves on. Maize and other food crops, like those planted by Iron's kin, are far from uncommon, but neither are the larger plantations of fruit trees.
There is a definite shift in scenery as rolling hills give way to sharper, taller, and more common mountains in definite formations, with the railroad winding its way through the valleys. Many of these extend far up the field of view, with high, naked rock crests and shorter trees higher up. Some seem terraced with coffee plantations, while most remain in their natural form. The train stops along one line on a split in the track, evidently for water, and then once more in a mountain town. The train rolls on.
Black Cauldron does not end it there. She tells White Sands some of the basics of where they are going, and what they are doing.
Whether the land outside is inhabited by ponies much like Iron, by Equestrian colonials, or belongs wholly to nature, Iron can only guess. Forest is the norm, though occasionally there are clearings with either naked mud, or the more common groupings of young trees. In one area, saplings stretch as far as the eye can see, until the train moves on. Maize and other food crops, like those planted by Iron's kin, are far from uncommon, but neither are the larger plantations of fruit trees.
There is a definite shift in scenery as rolling hills give way to sharper, taller, and more common mountains in definite formations, with the railroad winding its way through the valleys. Many of these extend far up the field of view, with high, naked rock crests and shorter trees higher up. Some seem terraced with coffee plantations, while most remain in their natural form. The train stops along one line on a split in the track, evidently for water, and then once more in a mountain town. The train rolls on.
>>151532
Iron was partly glad Cauldron took the moment to explain Sands the mission he wasn't overly sure about aside getting that quiksilver thing. However, he hopes the unicorn didn't try to back out after hearing the terms.
For now, however, he stares at the changing scenery in awe, his exploratory self starting to worm out to the surface in excitement. Who would've guessed mountains have so much life?
Iron was partly glad Cauldron took the moment to explain Sands the mission he wasn't overly sure about aside getting that quiksilver thing. However, he hopes the unicorn didn't try to back out after hearing the terms.
For now, however, he stares at the changing scenery in awe, his exploratory self starting to worm out to the surface in excitement. Who would've guessed mountains have so much life?
>>151533
White Sands seems apprehensive at some details, and accepting of others. From what she relates back to Black Cauldron, it seems she's convinced herself that the operation is simply about pulling containers out of a river bed, and bringing them back. It is, after all, not an armed robbery.
The train passes through small forests between mountains, and under cloud and mist that extends halfway up the mountain slopes. The elevation is much higher here, and the mountains are snowcapped at their peaks, with the great ranges extending in every direction as far as the eye can see. Trees become sparse, and localized to breaks in the mountains, streams and lower areas. Grass and shrubs become more common. Sections of mountainside are terraced with potato fields and small huts; there can be no question as to whether these farms belong to the original pony inhabitants of the region.
Ponies are not, however, alone, as at one point Iron can definitely see an adult dragon in flight somewhere above the train. The large creature appears greenish-brown, though its hard to tell in the light, and even harder to gauge the creature's surely colossal size. Several more admittedly smaller, but surely enormous creatures pass likewise. One must be a smaller dragon - "small" being a relative term" - and an eagle of surely immense size. What seems to be a pony - batwinged, it appears - glides low down a cliffside in one area, while pony farmers can be spotted on occasion in fields or along dirt roads. What seems to be a pair of diamond dogs collect water from a small rocky river parallel to the train. Wild animals and livestock don't tend to linger in the open close enough to be discerned, though goats and sheep roam in herds, and a boar and several guanacos are spotted.
Gradually the trees recede, then the shrubs, giving way to Alpine tundra as the train climbs higher. Grass, cut by occasional shrubs and trees.
The train stops.
Black Cauldron says,
"We're here. Estruendo."
White Sands seems apprehensive at some details, and accepting of others. From what she relates back to Black Cauldron, it seems she's convinced herself that the operation is simply about pulling containers out of a river bed, and bringing them back. It is, after all, not an armed robbery.
The train passes through small forests between mountains, and under cloud and mist that extends halfway up the mountain slopes. The elevation is much higher here, and the mountains are snowcapped at their peaks, with the great ranges extending in every direction as far as the eye can see. Trees become sparse, and localized to breaks in the mountains, streams and lower areas. Grass and shrubs become more common. Sections of mountainside are terraced with potato fields and small huts; there can be no question as to whether these farms belong to the original pony inhabitants of the region.
Ponies are not, however, alone, as at one point Iron can definitely see an adult dragon in flight somewhere above the train. The large creature appears greenish-brown, though its hard to tell in the light, and even harder to gauge the creature's surely colossal size. Several more admittedly smaller, but surely enormous creatures pass likewise. One must be a smaller dragon - "small" being a relative term" - and an eagle of surely immense size. What seems to be a pony - batwinged, it appears - glides low down a cliffside in one area, while pony farmers can be spotted on occasion in fields or along dirt roads. What seems to be a pair of diamond dogs collect water from a small rocky river parallel to the train. Wild animals and livestock don't tend to linger in the open close enough to be discerned, though goats and sheep roam in herds, and a boar and several guanacos are spotted.
Gradually the trees recede, then the shrubs, giving way to Alpine tundra as the train climbs higher. Grass, cut by occasional shrubs and trees.
The train stops.
Black Cauldron says,
"We're here. Estruendo."
>>151534
Iron, previously mesmerized by all the life in such high places he hadn't gone before, blinked out of it when Cauldron says her words before turning back to the two mares. "What?" he uttered out, a little breathless from the journey.
Iron, previously mesmerized by all the life in such high places he hadn't gone before, blinked out of it when Cauldron says her words before turning back to the two mares. "What?" he uttered out, a little breathless from the journey.
>>151536
"R-right!" Iron exclaimed in realization before trotting over to pick up the rest of the stuff.
"R-right!" Iron exclaimed in realization before trotting over to pick up the rest of the stuff.
>>151537
The view outside the window is boxcars on a train on an opposite track, though Iron could see buildings before the train came to a stop.
Black Cauldron grabs as much as she can as quickly as she can, while White Sands grabs a few items at least, including the "sleeping bag."
The view outside the window is boxcars on a train on an opposite track, though Iron could see buildings before the train came to a stop.
Black Cauldron grabs as much as she can as quickly as she can, while White Sands grabs a few items at least, including the "sleeping bag."
>>151540
Stepping out of the train, Iron finds himself on a wooden platform with a wooden roof, but otherwise open to the air, and a view of high hills to the far left and far right. Some ponies, though not many, exit the train with the trio. Most by far are continuing on to a different destination. There is only the one platform, at least for passengers, and mail is seen loaded onto a far car, as well as coal onto the tender. Entering into the station, Iron can see it is made of wood, with a large lobby. The station is large compared to most buildings Iron has ever stepped hoof in, approximately the equal of Hoebuck. But the station is far smaller than Union Station of Baltimare, lacking both the size and ostentation. Inside there is an area for tickets, a coffee shop, a map of the area with a rack of smaller maps, and several rocks in a display case.
Stepping out of the train, Iron finds himself on a wooden platform with a wooden roof, but otherwise open to the air, and a view of high hills to the far left and far right. Some ponies, though not many, exit the train with the trio. Most by far are continuing on to a different destination. There is only the one platform, at least for passengers, and mail is seen loaded onto a far car, as well as coal onto the tender. Entering into the station, Iron can see it is made of wood, with a large lobby. The station is large compared to most buildings Iron has ever stepped hoof in, approximately the equal of Hoebuck. But the station is far smaller than Union Station of Baltimare, lacking both the size and ostentation. Inside there is an area for tickets, a coffee shop, a map of the area with a rack of smaller maps, and several rocks in a display case.
>>151542
Iron's eyes dart around enthusiastically, ready to traverse Cauldron's presumed path towards their real destination they stopped here for.
Iron's eyes dart around enthusiastically, ready to traverse Cauldron's presumed path towards their real destination they stopped here for.
>>151543
About one, two, three rocks. They are rather pretty, colored with minerals. Black Cauldron takes a map, and continues towards the door. Near the entrance the group passes blue tile artwork depicting what appear to be industrial processes, mining, and other scenes in life.
Exiting the station, Iron can see a large town spanning much of his field of view with buildings of one or two stories, with walls of either beige stone or whitewash, all topped with sloping roofs of red ceramic tile. The rectangular towers of a church, and the higher floors of a hotel in the fore, and what surely must be a government building further away, stand higher above the roofline than most. The roadway before the group is stone, very old and with distinct ruts worn and eroded into the stone, with small pools of water in some locations, and an uneven pattern of various colors, mostly beige or grey, but sometimes red. To the far left and far right of the group are the brown tops of hills that rise over the town.
But above all, dominating the town and looming over it is a large, tall, cone-shaped mountain behind the town. The mountain stands apart from the other mountains of the range, so that no part of its base touches another. Its peak is decidedly snow covered. The slope is somewhat gentle, as it has a wide base. White on the top, beige in color in the main, brown in areas, the mountain has distinct black strips that run down the side of the mountain between folds on the surface, evidently following streams and rivulets. Though it is hard to see from a distance, the mountain is studded with rail lines and small structures, and peppered with holes. Much of the mountain is bare rock, more so than the hills surrounding it.
Black Cauldron runs purposefully down the steps into the city. White Sands stops after exiting the structure, taking a moment to stop and look around. Black Cauldron does not progress far before she too, stops and looks around. Of in the distance is the sound of metal pounding against rock.
About one, two, three rocks. They are rather pretty, colored with minerals. Black Cauldron takes a map, and continues towards the door. Near the entrance the group passes blue tile artwork depicting what appear to be industrial processes, mining, and other scenes in life.
Exiting the station, Iron can see a large town spanning much of his field of view with buildings of one or two stories, with walls of either beige stone or whitewash, all topped with sloping roofs of red ceramic tile. The rectangular towers of a church, and the higher floors of a hotel in the fore, and what surely must be a government building further away, stand higher above the roofline than most. The roadway before the group is stone, very old and with distinct ruts worn and eroded into the stone, with small pools of water in some locations, and an uneven pattern of various colors, mostly beige or grey, but sometimes red. To the far left and far right of the group are the brown tops of hills that rise over the town.
But above all, dominating the town and looming over it is a large, tall, cone-shaped mountain behind the town. The mountain stands apart from the other mountains of the range, so that no part of its base touches another. Its peak is decidedly snow covered. The slope is somewhat gentle, as it has a wide base. White on the top, beige in color in the main, brown in areas, the mountain has distinct black strips that run down the side of the mountain between folds on the surface, evidently following streams and rivulets. Though it is hard to see from a distance, the mountain is studded with rail lines and small structures, and peppered with holes. Much of the mountain is bare rock, more so than the hills surrounding it.
Black Cauldron runs purposefully down the steps into the city. White Sands stops after exiting the structure, taking a moment to stop and look around. Black Cauldron does not progress far before she too, stops and looks around. Of in the distance is the sound of metal pounding against rock.
>>151544
Iron stops inbetween both mares, glancing at them in mild puzzlement: They seemed to be looking for something in particular. It would seem we need to acclimatize ourselves to this mountanous tribe before we can proceed, he mused to himself.
Thus, he starts looking around, wondering what exactly he should find.
Iron stops inbetween both mares, glancing at them in mild puzzlement: They seemed to be looking for something in particular. It would seem we need to acclimatize ourselves to this mountanous tribe before we can proceed, he mused to himself.
Thus, he starts looking around, wondering what exactly he should find.
>>151545
Black Cauldron looks up, and at the mountain.
"There it is. The Cerro Llorando. In a river on the other side. That's where we'll find it." She starts forward. White Sands looks around disinterestedly, then starts to follow Cauldron.
A few ponies walk on the streets. Not many, but a few. Black Cauldron, White Sands, and Iron stand out. Mostly this is because of the gear they carry, but even then they stand out. White Sands, with all her fur, is unusual looking for a unicorn, and there are no unicorns. There are certainly no zebras. Iron would fit in, save for his massive size and muscles that make him distinct in any crowd.
Some buildings seem abandoned, either deteriorated or with boarded up windows. The population of the town seems lower than its structures would imply.
Black Cauldron looks up, and at the mountain.
"There it is. The Cerro Llorando. In a river on the other side. That's where we'll find it." She starts forward. White Sands looks around disinterestedly, then starts to follow Cauldron.
A few ponies walk on the streets. Not many, but a few. Black Cauldron, White Sands, and Iron stand out. Mostly this is because of the gear they carry, but even then they stand out. White Sands, with all her fur, is unusual looking for a unicorn, and there are no unicorns. There are certainly no zebras. Iron would fit in, save for his massive size and muscles that make him distinct in any crowd.
Some buildings seem abandoned, either deteriorated or with boarded up windows. The population of the town seems lower than its structures would imply.
>>151546
Iron didn't mind standing out at the moment, although he was a little bummed out to discover the denizens here weren't exactly built like him. He wondered if all the ripped ponies were at the top of the mountain or something.
Regardless, he followed Cauldron so long as Sands was in front of him, always keeping an eye on both mares so as to step in for any thugs and the like.
Iron didn't mind standing out at the moment, although he was a little bummed out to discover the denizens here weren't exactly built like him. He wondered if all the ripped ponies were at the top of the mountain or something.
Regardless, he followed Cauldron so long as Sands was in front of him, always keeping an eye on both mares so as to step in for any thugs and the like.
>>151547
White Sands walks somewhat slowly, and cautiously. Walking behind her requires very deliberate steps.
Further along , ponies walk wearing brightly colored woven clothing, or water proof coats in some instances. These are a bit more like Iron, with greater muscle, sturdier build, and more seasoned faces. A few take notice of the interlopers. Most continue about their business.
Black Cauldron walks with haste
White Sands walks somewhat slowly, and cautiously. Walking behind her requires very deliberate steps.
Further along , ponies walk wearing brightly colored woven clothing, or water proof coats in some instances. These are a bit more like Iron, with greater muscle, sturdier build, and more seasoned faces. A few take notice of the interlopers. Most continue about their business.
Black Cauldron walks with haste
>>151550
Iron raises an eyebrow slightly at Sands' slow movements, wondering what made her coat hairs stand on end.
He nonetheless tried to both keep Cauldron's pace while also staying behind Sands.
Iron raises an eyebrow slightly at Sands' slow movements, wondering what made her coat hairs stand on end.
He nonetheless tried to both keep Cauldron's pace while also staying behind Sands.
>>151552
Black Cauldron proceeds at a fast pace. White Sands follows.
The town is rather large. It is not the equal of Baltimare, but it is surely the equal of one of Baltimare's east-side neighborhoods. The ponies pass an old stone church with great mission bells and an arched entrance. They pass a fountain with the figure of who must surely be a historical personage. They pass a large, white walled three story building with Doric columns and iron-barred balconies labeled as a National Mint; they pass all of these, besides many shops, and an open air market with many stalls. Black Cauldron continues forward, not wishing to stop.
She says to Iron,
"Do you know what this place is?"
Black Cauldron proceeds at a fast pace. White Sands follows.
The town is rather large. It is not the equal of Baltimare, but it is surely the equal of one of Baltimare's east-side neighborhoods. The ponies pass an old stone church with great mission bells and an arched entrance. They pass a fountain with the figure of who must surely be a historical personage. They pass a large, white walled three story building with Doric columns and iron-barred balconies labeled as a National Mint; they pass all of these, besides many shops, and an open air market with many stalls. Black Cauldron continues forward, not wishing to stop.
She says to Iron,
"Do you know what this place is?"
>>151557
"Well, I only read a little from the material, but this place is the largest single source of silver in all of Equestria. Perhps the world. It comes from that mountain. The Kunti Amaru, or the 'Cerro Llorando' it is called, 'weeping hill,' supposedly after some native legend about a mare who sacrificed her own daughter on the hill. Another source says it is so called for all the ponies to die in the mines and mills, while another says the name is more modern, named after the black scars on the surface left over from mining, which look like tear trails. Anyways, this place was claimed by dragons, by diamond dogs, and by more than one group of native ponies, before Equestria got a hold of it a few centuries ago. They began mass mining and made this town. The mountain has never been mined out, but many individual mines into the mountain have exhausted seams. Mining has gone down with lower prices in recent decades, and was curtailed during the war. The town has declined since then.
Anyways, extracting the silver from the ore requires mercury. Large amounts of mercury. There's a mill for a set of mines over on the other side of the mountain. A little less than a century ago, a cart carrying several large iron flasks of mercury was being pulled across a tailings dump, when the pile collapsed and sent the cart into the river. Maybe a year ago, there was a flash flood that apparently moved much of the dirt that was burying the flasks, and with the low water level now they are apparently visible in the river at times. Mercury is apparently used in explosive primers for things like bombs and mortars, so the price has more than doubled in the last few years. Just recovering one of those flasks would yield a nice profit, but I hope to recover two, if we can."
"Well, I only read a little from the material, but this place is the largest single source of silver in all of Equestria. Perhps the world. It comes from that mountain. The Kunti Amaru, or the 'Cerro Llorando' it is called, 'weeping hill,' supposedly after some native legend about a mare who sacrificed her own daughter on the hill. Another source says it is so called for all the ponies to die in the mines and mills, while another says the name is more modern, named after the black scars on the surface left over from mining, which look like tear trails. Anyways, this place was claimed by dragons, by diamond dogs, and by more than one group of native ponies, before Equestria got a hold of it a few centuries ago. They began mass mining and made this town. The mountain has never been mined out, but many individual mines into the mountain have exhausted seams. Mining has gone down with lower prices in recent decades, and was curtailed during the war. The town has declined since then.
Anyways, extracting the silver from the ore requires mercury. Large amounts of mercury. There's a mill for a set of mines over on the other side of the mountain. A little less than a century ago, a cart carrying several large iron flasks of mercury was being pulled across a tailings dump, when the pile collapsed and sent the cart into the river. Maybe a year ago, there was a flash flood that apparently moved much of the dirt that was burying the flasks, and with the low water level now they are apparently visible in the river at times. Mercury is apparently used in explosive primers for things like bombs and mortars, so the price has more than doubled in the last few years. Just recovering one of those flasks would yield a nice profit, but I hope to recover two, if we can."
>>151558
"Quite the tragic town," Iron mused softly, nodding softly. "I am betting the ghost of that mare is somehow haunting the place to make it miserable."
"Quite the tragic town," Iron mused softly, nodding softly. "I am betting the ghost of that mare is somehow haunting the place to make it miserable."
>>151559
"No need for ghosts and curses. Mining is dangerous enough, with falls and hard labor, as well as breathing in rock dust. Mercury poisoning from the milling probably killed more than anything else. Lets hope those flasks aren't damaged or overly rusted."
White Sands has her own comment:
"Tragic? Quite fortunate for us, for money to be laying out in the open. What I want to know is who else knows, and why have they not already recovered it?"
"Uh, well, our source told us promptly. We should be the first ponies outside of the area to know..." Black Cauldron answers, not persuaded of her own words
White Sands turns to her, and raises an eyebrow.
"No need for ghosts and curses. Mining is dangerous enough, with falls and hard labor, as well as breathing in rock dust. Mercury poisoning from the milling probably killed more than anything else. Lets hope those flasks aren't damaged or overly rusted."
White Sands has her own comment:
"Tragic? Quite fortunate for us, for money to be laying out in the open. What I want to know is who else knows, and why have they not already recovered it?"
"Uh, well, our source told us promptly. We should be the first ponies outside of the area to know..." Black Cauldron answers, not persuaded of her own words
White Sands turns to her, and raises an eyebrow.
>>151560
Iron nods, not really grasping such drastic effects in his head yet understanding the fatality rate here is still quite high due to the mine business.
Iron nods, not really grasping such drastic effects in his head yet understanding the fatality rate here is still quite high due to the mine business.
>>151561
Black Cauldron recovers:
"Well, you see, it's not enough to have the flasks. You need the contact to sell them to. That's where we have our advantage."
White Sands pushes back, still skeptical
"Is it really that hard to find someone who wants to buy mercury?"
"Only large factories and chemical plants have enough demand."
"But are they really so selective they will only buy it from a very specific set of criminals? It's supposed to be a rare and essential material after all."
"Well..." Black Cauldron turns her head forward, lowers her ears, and briefly glances her eyes (but not her head) to White Sands, whipping her tail
"Just be sure to get the flasks first. It's this way. Once we get through the town, we are going to follow a small valley around the mountain. That area is comparatively wild, and should avoid us being seen by other ponies. It'll take us to the river, ultimately."
Black Cauldron recovers:
"Well, you see, it's not enough to have the flasks. You need the contact to sell them to. That's where we have our advantage."
White Sands pushes back, still skeptical
"Is it really that hard to find someone who wants to buy mercury?"
"Only large factories and chemical plants have enough demand."
"But are they really so selective they will only buy it from a very specific set of criminals? It's supposed to be a rare and essential material after all."
"Well..." Black Cauldron turns her head forward, lowers her ears, and briefly glances her eyes (but not her head) to White Sands, whipping her tail
"Just be sure to get the flasks first. It's this way. Once we get through the town, we are going to follow a small valley around the mountain. That area is comparatively wild, and should avoid us being seen by other ponies. It'll take us to the river, ultimately."
>>151562
Iron couldn't help but break into a smile, happy to hear they would scamper around in the wild like he used to do in his foalhood. "Do you think we will get to meet the Wirraway here?" the stallion asked out loud in his excitement.
Iron couldn't help but break into a smile, happy to hear they would scamper around in the wild like he used to do in his foalhood. "Do you think we will get to meet the Wirraway here?" the stallion asked out loud in his excitement.
>>151563
It’s not Black Cauldron, but White Sands who responds:
“What?”
The group takes a left turn through more buildings, some abandoned, some still occupied by earth ponies, pegasi and Diamond dogs who occasionally turn to watch the ponies pass through. The rough stone roads are now as often unpaved dirt, and the group descend, as if down a hillside.
It’s not Black Cauldron, but White Sands who responds:
“What?”
The group takes a left turn through more buildings, some abandoned, some still occupied by earth ponies, pegasi and Diamond dogs who occasionally turn to watch the ponies pass through. The rough stone roads are now as often unpaved dirt, and the group descend, as if down a hillside.
>>151564
Iron giggles in anticipation, walking at a gingerly pace along the sketchier part of town. "I saw it in the jungle once," he explained. "A metallic shaped deity ruling over a lake."
He soon turned to Cauldron. "You remember that, right?" he asked, hoping she recalled such an event.
Iron giggles in anticipation, walking at a gingerly pace along the sketchier part of town. "I saw it in the jungle once," he explained. "A metallic shaped deity ruling over a lake."
He soon turned to Cauldron. "You remember that, right?" he asked, hoping she recalled such an event.
>>151565
White Sands blinks.
“What.”
Black Cauldron tilts her head, and looks to the left, her right ear flopping down. She gives Iron a sort of smile.
White Sands blinks.
“What.”
Black Cauldron tilts her head, and looks to the left, her right ear flopping down. She gives Iron a sort of smile.
>>151566
Iron chuckled further at her reaction before shaking his head. "It is nothing, really," he admits softly, patting Sands on the head and standing next to her as a consequence. "Just something I recalled."
Iron chuckled further at her reaction before shaking his head. "It is nothing, really," he admits softly, patting Sands on the head and standing next to her as a consequence. "Just something I recalled."
>>151567
White Sands is pat, with both ears falling down as she mumbled something about “cargo cults.”
The buildings thin out, and enclosed lots with small houses and goats become a new norm, before the dirt trail continues past the rows of houses, giving way to open fields. Going further down, there are bushes, higher grass, and trees. Though it is no jungle, it is a sharp change from the urban landscape before, snd both mares show signs of discomfort at the change.
White Sands is pat, with both ears falling down as she mumbled something about “cargo cults.”
The buildings thin out, and enclosed lots with small houses and goats become a new norm, before the dirt trail continues past the rows of houses, giving way to open fields. Going further down, there are bushes, higher grass, and trees. Though it is no jungle, it is a sharp change from the urban landscape before, snd both mares show signs of discomfort at the change.
>>151568
Iron, meanwhile, could not help but gain a spring on his step, actually hopping faster to instead be next to Cauldron. "I cannot wait to see all the different kinds of things this natural forest holds," he enthusiastically declared, giddy with excitement.
Iron, meanwhile, could not help but gain a spring on his step, actually hopping faster to instead be next to Cauldron. "I cannot wait to see all the different kinds of things this natural forest holds," he enthusiastically declared, giddy with excitement.
>>151569
Black Cauldron looks to Iron with turned ears and wide eyes,
"huh?"
The group continues until they come to the side of a small river. The location is far from a jungle; the trees are thin, short, few in number, and of a subtropical broadleaf variation m0re akin to the trees seen before than to a rainforest. The water of the small river is thick with silt, unsuited for drinking, and farm houses at higher elevations can still be seen through breaks in the trees.
Still, the group is comparatively alone, and Sands especially looks uneasy.
Black Cauldron looks to Iron with turned ears and wide eyes,
"huh?"
The group continues until they come to the side of a small river. The location is far from a jungle; the trees are thin, short, few in number, and of a subtropical broadleaf variation m0re akin to the trees seen before than to a rainforest. The water of the small river is thick with silt, unsuited for drinking, and farm houses at higher elevations can still be seen through breaks in the trees.
Still, the group is comparatively alone, and Sands especially looks uneasy.
>>151571
Iron darts his eyes about, letting out a soft 'wow' as they walked the trail, soaking all these visuals with his eyes. "Is it weird of me to think this place looks so similar to my home yet different?" he uttered out loud to nopony in particular, enjoying their little trip towards the river.
Iron darts his eyes about, letting out a soft 'wow' as they walked the trail, soaking all these visuals with his eyes. "Is it weird of me to think this place looks so similar to my home yet different?" he uttered out loud to nopony in particular, enjoying their little trip towards the river.
>>151572
Almost blankly, Black Cauldron replies
“I can’t say it looks similar to my home at all…”
White Sands remarks
“It’s cooler than I was expecting.”
The patch of woods is small, entirely clustered around the water, but still very much present with smaller trees, and a few older, taller, dead ones. The town, higher on the hill, starts to recede behind them. Signs of artifice never fully vanish in this valley between the hills, with the mountainside still filling the right horizon. Yet it does, however, become far enough away that all detail vanishes, and individual creatures appear only as dots in the distance. Movement in the tall grass suggests a rodent, one of the first signs of wildlife.
Almost blankly, Black Cauldron replies
“I can’t say it looks similar to my home at all…”
White Sands remarks
“It’s cooler than I was expecting.”
The patch of woods is small, entirely clustered around the water, but still very much present with smaller trees, and a few older, taller, dead ones. The town, higher on the hill, starts to recede behind them. Signs of artifice never fully vanish in this valley between the hills, with the mountainside still filling the right horizon. Yet it does, however, become far enough away that all detail vanishes, and individual creatures appear only as dots in the distance. Movement in the tall grass suggests a rodent, one of the first signs of wildlife.
>>151584
Silver trots over to his lovely dove, and givers her a big ol' hug from behind.
"Do not think I have forgotten about you, Jubee."
Silver trots over to his lovely dove, and givers her a big ol' hug from behind.
"Do not think I have forgotten about you, Jubee."
>>151597
"...Ah...uhm..."
Just to be sure, Silver checks to see if there's anything else left for Jubee to drink.
"...Ah...uhm..."
Just to be sure, Silver checks to see if there's anything else left for Jubee to drink.
>>151603
"Thank you, if any is left I will give it right back to you."
Silver brings the whiskey bottle over to Jubilosa.
"Here, we have some whiskey left."
"Thank you, if any is left I will give it right back to you."
Silver brings the whiskey bottle over to Jubilosa.
"Here, we have some whiskey left."
>>151608
“Fine, I’ll pour it.”
She looks through a cabinet, then another, then another, finding a glass. She pours an abnormally large amount, and then tries to sip it. She winces
“Fine, I’ll pour it.”
She looks through a cabinet, then another, then another, finding a glass. She pours an abnormally large amount, and then tries to sip it. She winces
>>151613
"Did coffee-whiskey help at all?"
He closes the whiskey bottle and places it on the nearby counter.
"Did coffee-whiskey help at all?"
He closes the whiskey bottle and places it on the nearby counter.
>>151615
He returns to hugging his griffon, and nuzzling into her feathery chest.
"Well, if you ever need fluffy pick-me-up, let me know."
He returns to hugging his griffon, and nuzzling into her feathery chest.
"Well, if you ever need fluffy pick-me-up, let me know."
>>151627
The big unicorn gently pets the back of the griffon's head. She feels like she's floating in a big, fluffy cloud, and if she wasn't hungover already she would be drunk off of his scent.
"I love you so much, Jubee."
The big unicorn gently pets the back of the griffon's head. She feels like she's floating in a big, fluffy cloud, and if she wasn't hungover already she would be drunk off of his scent.
"I love you so much, Jubee."
>>151629
She sniffles a little more, rocking back and forth in the large unicorn’s embrace, and continuing to press her head into his fur.
She sniffles a little more, rocking back and forth in the large unicorn’s embrace, and continuing to press her head into his fur.
>>151630
And thus the two remain entangled, for as long as the griffon chooses. Silver doesn't mind. He likes being able to be there for his beautiful dove, and share the warmth his soft fur provides.
And thus the two remain entangled, for as long as the griffon chooses. Silver doesn't mind. He likes being able to be there for his beautiful dove, and share the warmth his soft fur provides.
>>151632
She makes a sound, rocking back and forth, that sounds like the cooing of a dove. After perhaps as long as two minutes, she pulls away, and raises the cup
She makes a sound, rocking back and forth, that sounds like the cooing of a dove. After perhaps as long as two minutes, she pulls away, and raises the cup
>>151638
She smiles to him, though a bit weakly. She moves back over to the county to pour more coffee, and more whiskey
She smiles to him, though a bit weakly. She moves back over to the county to pour more coffee, and more whiskey
>>151647
She flinches, and forms a smile, as best as her beak will allow, opening her eyes, and looking back to Silver
She flinches, and forms a smile, as best as her beak will allow, opening her eyes, and looking back to Silver
>>151652
Last time:
>>150995 →
Virgin Flame let's go off the mare and walks in fast pace away from the mare. Then she stops and lowers her head.
"I'm sorry I yelled eariler. I know Flutterhy wouldn't have approved of my wrath but I... I will return so if you would, save some of those waffles for me," Virgin Flame says as she starts to walk towards the exit of this place.
I decided that Virgin Flame will go looking for that head and any lost artpiece of this church.
Last time:
>>150995 →
Virgin Flame let's go off the mare and walks in fast pace away from the mare. Then she stops and lowers her head.
"I'm sorry I yelled eariler. I know Flutterhy wouldn't have approved of my wrath but I... I will return so if you would, save some of those waffles for me," Virgin Flame says as she starts to walk towards the exit of this place.
I decided that Virgin Flame will go looking for that head and any lost artpiece of this church.
>>151654
There is a pause
"Oh. Yes. That's, that's alright. Yes, we will save waffles for you."
The exit is two large wooden doors.
The bank is opposite the cathedral on the other side of the avenue. The river is to the right, across a road
There is a pause
"Oh. Yes. That's, that's alright. Yes, we will save waffles for you."
The exit is two large wooden doors.
The bank is opposite the cathedral on the other side of the avenue. The river is to the right, across a road
>>151656
Virgin Flame nods and then leaves but now in a trot. She pushes the doors aside and exit the church.
She decides to seek out that colt first before searching the river since entering a bank soaked doesn't sound like a great idea. She heads towards the bank.
Virgin Flame nods and then leaves but now in a trot. She pushes the doors aside and exit the church.
She decides to seek out that colt first before searching the river since entering a bank soaked doesn't sound like a great idea. She heads towards the bank.
>>151661
Back from work
In front of Virgin flame, there is a roundabout traffic circle with the statue of a pony in the center. Fortunately the traffic is not especially heavy at this time of day.
The Bank is on the opposite side of the circle. Its Neo-classical architectural style gives its appearance a strange kinship to the cathedral opposite, with stone façade, a rectangular shape, a high triangular roof of green tile, and Doric columns outside a front entrance of brass-lined revolving doors, raised above street level and accessible by stone steps.
Back from work
In front of Virgin flame, there is a roundabout traffic circle with the statue of a pony in the center. Fortunately the traffic is not especially heavy at this time of day.
The Bank is on the opposite side of the circle. Its Neo-classical architectural style gives its appearance a strange kinship to the cathedral opposite, with stone façade, a rectangular shape, a high triangular roof of green tile, and Doric columns outside a front entrance of brass-lined revolving doors, raised above street level and accessible by stone steps.
I'll be jumping back in! Probably not today but I'll play tomorrow or whenever it's convenient for the DM.
File (): E3F682FDFB4B691A2C66037769883407-153417.png (149.8 KB, 1280x740, 3908C9E7-6454-407F-BCD3-6D6784474B0B.png)
>>151526
Makade remains still, looking over to Spark. Waabishki is confused, looking around
"What's going on?"
Wellspring is frightened, quietly swiveling her ears around.
The doctor is frightened in his own detached sort of way, attempting to talk with the other passenger in the seat about it.
Makade remains still, looking over to Spark. Waabishki is confused, looking around
"What's going on?"
Wellspring is frightened, quietly swiveling her ears around.
The doctor is frightened in his own detached sort of way, attempting to talk with the other passenger in the seat about it.
>>151670
Waabishki:
"What?!"
Makade places a paw on Waabishki
"Shhh"
Wellspring, however, continues looking around
"Are soldiers going to come?"
And the doctor
"Is the train being attacked?"
Waabishki:
"What?!"
Makade places a paw on Waabishki
"Shhh"
Wellspring, however, continues looking around
"Are soldiers going to come?"
And the doctor
"Is the train being attacked?"
>>151672
"Oh..." She turns her head side to side, and presses herself back into the seat, both ears down
"Okay..."
Waabishki has calmed at least somewhat, with Makade whispering into her ear.
The doctor, meanwhile, is still in a rather emotionally excited state, trying to talk to others.
"Oh..." She turns her head side to side, and presses herself back into the seat, both ears down
"Okay..."
Waabishki has calmed at least somewhat, with Makade whispering into her ear.
The doctor, meanwhile, is still in a rather emotionally excited state, trying to talk to others.
>>151674
It isn't the ticket pony to come back, but rather something else. Something entirely different.
Two changeling drones - and indeed, that is what they are, not merely making no attempt to hide themselves, but wearing distinct beige uniforms - move down the train car, looking down, and around. They must have been on the train, as the train has not stopped nor slowed down.
It isn't the ticket pony to come back, but rather something else. Something entirely different.
Two changeling drones - and indeed, that is what they are, not merely making no attempt to hide themselves, but wearing distinct beige uniforms - move down the train car, looking down, and around. They must have been on the train, as the train has not stopped nor slowed down.
>>151676
>>151677
The drones, slowly, deliberately look around, looking under seats and at windows. They come to Spark, as well as Waabishki, Makade and Wellspring. The two females, both sitting in aisle seats closer to the drones, are unsettled, and try to lean further away, especially Wellspring, who leans into Spark
>>151677
The drones, slowly, deliberately look around, looking under seats and at windows. They come to Spark, as well as Waabishki, Makade and Wellspring. The two females, both sitting in aisle seats closer to the drones, are unsettled, and try to lean further away, especially Wellspring, who leans into Spark
Took me a while but I've caught up with just about everything. I shouldn't have any more long hiatuses. Sad to hear your Discord is gone. I've been watching a bunch of Mr. Ballen videos and I'm hoping there are more spooky adventures ahead.
Not sure where Amber was left off exactly. I know she was still in the police station and was trying to exfiltrate.
Not sure where Amber was left off exactly. I know she was still in the police station and was trying to exfiltrate.
File (): A960631A215CA1A3BC3F7D213F5EF15E-133336.png (130.2 KB, 970x395, 6259060.png)
>>151684
Oh, we can make it spooky
Part of the question is for you. Do you want to pick up directly where we left off, with Amber running into an officer as she's trying to leave the detectives, shortly after, with Amber leaving the police station, or well on her way back?
Oh, we can make it spooky
Part of the question is for you. Do you want to pick up directly where we left off, with Amber running into an officer as she's trying to leave the detectives, shortly after, with Amber leaving the police station, or well on her way back?
>>151685
I've thought of a couple of ways for her to evade getting searched, though there would be risk of failure, and under no circumstances would she start a fight with the police. Still, I think it's better to start shortly after with her leaving. The police station scene stretched on for a long time, it's hard to resume it getting all the details right, and it was almost over anyway.
I've thought of a couple of ways for her to evade getting searched, though there would be risk of failure, and under no circumstances would she start a fight with the police. Still, I think it's better to start shortly after with her leaving. The police station scene stretched on for a long time, it's hard to resume it getting all the details right, and it was almost over anyway.
>>151686
That’s more or less what I was thinking
I don’t know if it needs explanation, but the strange response of the officer by the end of Amber’s sequence was probably in part of reflection of my dissatisfaction with how Trakyr’s remarks undermined his friend, when he would have tried to avoid that.
That’s more or less what I was thinking
I don’t know if it needs explanation, but the strange response of the officer by the end of Amber’s sequence was probably in part of reflection of my dissatisfaction with how Trakyr’s remarks undermined his friend, when he would have tried to avoid that.
File (): 207EAEDACCAAF14CD89E7E69394815CC-106289.png (103.8 KB, 572x437, AmberACute.png)
>>151684
>>151686
Amber makes her way down the stairs, through the marble hallway, into the lobby, past the brass-lined doors, and onto the road. Sometimes ponies lope past in twos and threes. Sometimes wearing blue, sometimes green, sometimes black, and sometimes grey. And sometimes, she is all alone, trotting through a hallway with half of the lights on, and half off. Outside, the moon and stars are gone, and large raindrops fall sporadically. The wind blows much colder than before. The same armored car, and the same few soldiers are there as before, with a flood light on. One soldier wraps a blanket around himself. None pay any attention to the small, well-wrapped mustard-filly.
>>151686
Amber makes her way down the stairs, through the marble hallway, into the lobby, past the brass-lined doors, and onto the road. Sometimes ponies lope past in twos and threes. Sometimes wearing blue, sometimes green, sometimes black, and sometimes grey. And sometimes, she is all alone, trotting through a hallway with half of the lights on, and half off. Outside, the moon and stars are gone, and large raindrops fall sporadically. The wind blows much colder than before. The same armored car, and the same few soldiers are there as before, with a flood light on. One soldier wraps a blanket around himself. None pay any attention to the small, well-wrapped mustard-filly.
File (): C2E5B6258487B50DD12F2780ACC7C3E8-280914.png (274.3 KB, 553x414, ArmoredCar.PNG)
>>151707
Her heart races as she makes it outside without further incident. She briefly looks back at those soldiers, once protective, now persecutory if they knew what she hid under her dress. She keeps walking steadily onwards, shuddering as the car's light pans over her briefly.
Once she is well out of the scene and the adrenaline fades from her body, a wave of exhaustion overtakes her. It could be closer to dawn than it is to midnight, and part of her yearns to go straight home and get some well-deserved rest. However, holding onto those papers for any longer than necessary makes her uneasy, so she blearily trots in the direction of the nightclub, not really looking where she's headed.
Her heart races as she makes it outside without further incident. She briefly looks back at those soldiers, once protective, now persecutory if they knew what she hid under her dress. She keeps walking steadily onwards, shuddering as the car's light pans over her briefly.
Once she is well out of the scene and the adrenaline fades from her body, a wave of exhaustion overtakes her. It could be closer to dawn than it is to midnight, and part of her yearns to go straight home and get some well-deserved rest. However, holding onto those papers for any longer than necessary makes her uneasy, so she blearily trots in the direction of the nightclub, not really looking where she's headed.
>>151710
It's a straight walk up Traveller Street, and then a few blocks westward to the nightclub. Let us only hope Amber recalls the exact number of blocks.
There are fewer lights on in the buildings, and fewer ponies to be seen. The rain and the absence of the moonlight makes the walk a bit different than before. Amber is up perhaps a block and a half when a police automobile pulls over near her. It's driver leans over to roll the window down. He seems to be a darker grey earth pony stallion of slightly above middle age, and he says to Amber
"Where are you headed, little pony?"
It's a straight walk up Traveller Street, and then a few blocks westward to the nightclub. Let us only hope Amber recalls the exact number of blocks.
There are fewer lights on in the buildings, and fewer ponies to be seen. The rain and the absence of the moonlight makes the walk a bit different than before. Amber is up perhaps a block and a half when a police automobile pulls over near her. It's driver leans over to roll the window down. He seems to be a darker grey earth pony stallion of slightly above middle age, and he says to Amber
"Where are you headed, little pony?"
>>151711
As she's approached, Amber thinks to herself, I'm not a bad pony, I have nothing to fear, and it's probably for the better they're here in a neighborhood like this.
She comes up with an explanation somewhat close to the truth, that she agreed to meet her "coltfriend" at the nightclub, giving its name. Although she got caught up in something and had to set out very late, she hopes she can still find him there. The number of blocks is a bit foggy so she asks for directions.
As she's approached, Amber thinks to herself, I'm not a bad pony, I have nothing to fear, and it's probably for the better they're here in a neighborhood like this.
She comes up with an explanation somewhat close to the truth, that she agreed to meet her "coltfriend" at the nightclub, giving its name. Although she got caught up in something and had to set out very late, she hopes she can still find him there. The number of blocks is a bit foggy so she asks for directions.
>>151713
"Oh, that place? Well that's a night club. It's about a mile away. Would you like a ride? I can't imagine you'd want to walk all that distance by yourself in the rain."
"Oh, that place? Well that's a night club. It's about a mile away. Would you like a ride? I can't imagine you'd want to walk all that distance by yourself in the rain."
>>151714
Amber is tired, still a little jittery, getting a bit damp, and she doesn't like being in this strange neighborhood at night, so she accepts and thanks the officer.
Amber is tired, still a little jittery, getting a bit damp, and she doesn't like being in this strange neighborhood at night, so she accepts and thanks the officer.
>>151715
Just open the passenger side door, enter, and probably roll the window up. The officer takes the car out of park and puts it in gear, driving straight down Traveller street. He's definitely just a little on the older side. He turns occasionally to make small talk to Amber:
"You're going to meet your coltfriend? Well that's sweet. I remember having to stay over night in a cold train station with my special somepony way back in the day. So what's his name?"
And
"How long have you been together?'
And
"Where did you meet?"
And those sorts of little questions as he pries curiously..
Just open the passenger side door, enter, and probably roll the window up. The officer takes the car out of park and puts it in gear, driving straight down Traveller street. He's definitely just a little on the older side. He turns occasionally to make small talk to Amber:
"You're going to meet your coltfriend? Well that's sweet. I remember having to stay over night in a cold train station with my special somepony way back in the day. So what's his name?"
And
"How long have you been together?'
And
"Where did you meet?"
And those sorts of little questions as he pries curiously..
>>151716
Wasn't it customary in the 40's for patrol cars to have two policemen? Think "Car 54, Where Are You?"
"His name is Mustard Trim, and we met just a couple of days ago because we work in the same restaurant, a purty fine establishment. He looks a bit like me, as you might guess. I work as a hostess and he's a waiter and we got off work late today, but we decided we might meet there to enjoy a dance."
Her answers are short but friendly, and she fondly recalls to herself the dance they enjoyed before that stressful assignment.
Wasn't it customary in the 40's for patrol cars to have two policemen? Think "Car 54, Where Are You?"
"His name is Mustard Trim, and we met just a couple of days ago because we work in the same restaurant, a purty fine establishment. He looks a bit like me, as you might guess. I work as a hostess and he's a waiter and we got off work late today, but we decided we might meet there to enjoy a dance."
Her answers are short but friendly, and she fondly recalls to herself the dance they enjoyed before that stressful assignment.
>>151717
I don't think it's a 40's thing, but it's definitely a common thing to have two officers rather than one. As BPD probably had half of their officers volunteer or get drafted into the war, and then many quit once the police became part of what was effectively a collaborationist government, it isn't entirely unlikely they'd send some vehicles out with one officer.
"Oh, that's really sweet! Reminds me of when I met my Sunday . I was late coming home from school that day, haha. And I invited her to the dance-"
He goes on like this.
The ride is short, maybe four minutes if even that. The officer tells Amber
"Now be careful around here. There are a lot of bad folk around these kind of establishments at night. And the ponies who run them ain't always the best folk either. Enjoy your dance, but I wouldn't stay too long and too late if I were you."
I don't think it's a 40's thing, but it's definitely a common thing to have two officers rather than one. As BPD probably had half of their officers volunteer or get drafted into the war, and then many quit once the police became part of what was effectively a collaborationist government, it isn't entirely unlikely they'd send some vehicles out with one officer.
"Oh, that's really sweet! Reminds me of when I met my Sunday . I was late coming home from school that day, haha. And I invited her to the dance-"
He goes on like this.
The ride is short, maybe four minutes if even that. The officer tells Amber
"Now be careful around here. There are a lot of bad folk around these kind of establishments at night. And the ponies who run them ain't always the best folk either. Enjoy your dance, but I wouldn't stay too long and too late if I were you."
>>151718
I can see that. Not specifically 40's but generally up to recent times. Nowadays cop cars have one officer with a computer setup in the right seat. Woah, technology!
"I understand, mister. I'll be headed off in not too long." She thanks him sincerely and waves him off.
I can see that. Not specifically 40's but generally up to recent times. Nowadays cop cars have one officer with a computer setup in the right seat. Woah, technology!
"I understand, mister. I'll be headed off in not too long." She thanks him sincerely and waves him off.
>>151719
"Be careful now." He raises a hoof in a wave, and drives off.
Amber does not have to look far for Dark Denizen - not at all.
To the right of the revolving door front entrance are Dark Denizen, and to her left, the diamond dog, with the latter holding a sledge hammer. The wall is significantly damaged, with bricks lying on the ground, and wood and bricks dislodged in a rectangular section next to the door.
"A few more hits" Dark Denizen says, staring at the wall. A light outside the door provides some illumination.
"Make sure it's up to regulation."
She is standing just outside of an awning, and is exposed to the rain. Her back is fairly wet, and water drips off of the thumb of her left wing. The diamond dog, who is just barely within the awning, is mostly dry.
The diamond dog pulls the sledge hammer back, and makes a swing, knocking two bricks loose. A pair of stallions leaving the night club turn around, look back at the scene, and then walk away in the opposite direction.
Neither seems to have noticed Amber or the car.
"Be careful now." He raises a hoof in a wave, and drives off.
Amber does not have to look far for Dark Denizen - not at all.
To the right of the revolving door front entrance are Dark Denizen, and to her left, the diamond dog, with the latter holding a sledge hammer. The wall is significantly damaged, with bricks lying on the ground, and wood and bricks dislodged in a rectangular section next to the door.
"A few more hits" Dark Denizen says, staring at the wall. A light outside the door provides some illumination.
"Make sure it's up to regulation."
She is standing just outside of an awning, and is exposed to the rain. Her back is fairly wet, and water drips off of the thumb of her left wing. The diamond dog, who is just barely within the awning, is mostly dry.
The diamond dog pulls the sledge hammer back, and makes a swing, knocking two bricks loose. A pair of stallions leaving the night club turn around, look back at the scene, and then walk away in the opposite direction.
Neither seems to have noticed Amber or the car.
>>151720
Amber grimaces at the scene, bemused as to why anyone would be doing renovation like this at night. She walks up slowly. "Um, Ms. Denizen?" she asks, her voice practically squeaking.
Amber grimaces at the scene, bemused as to why anyone would be doing renovation like this at night. She walks up slowly. "Um, Ms. Denizen?" she asks, her voice practically squeaking.
>>151721
Her head swiftly turns, and she glares at Amber.
"Oh. You. Do you have it?"
She turns her whole body more fully towards Amber, and the Diamond Dog places the hammer in a resting position.
Her head swiftly turns, and she glares at Amber.
"Oh. You. Do you have it?"
She turns her whole body more fully towards Amber, and the Diamond Dog places the hammer in a resting position.
>>151722
Amber nods feverishly. "Yes, I do." She repositions herself under the awning to not get the papers wet, then with her mouth undoes a couple of front buttons and fishes out the document.
Amber nods feverishly. "Yes, I do." She repositions herself under the awning to not get the papers wet, then with her mouth undoes a couple of front buttons and fishes out the document.
>>151723
Her entire expression changes as her cat-like eyes become wide, and she looks down, focusing on the papers. Her mouth hangs slightly open, exposing her fangs.
"I see. Let's go back to my office." She turns to the Diamond Dog, and points a hoof
"Keep it up. If that cocksucker comes by in the morning thinking he can write us a citation, show him a 'regulation' door. Someone's got to tell me what his face looks like"
She starts moving towards the revolving door, and she motions with her wing for Amber to follow
"I might even stay up late enough to see it myself."
Her entire expression changes as her cat-like eyes become wide, and she looks down, focusing on the papers. Her mouth hangs slightly open, exposing her fangs.
"I see. Let's go back to my office." She turns to the Diamond Dog, and points a hoof
"Keep it up. If that cocksucker comes by in the morning thinking he can write us a citation, show him a 'regulation' door. Someone's got to tell me what his face looks like"
She starts moving towards the revolving door, and she motions with her wing for Amber to follow
"I might even stay up late enough to see it myself."
>>151724
She tucks the papers away safely and follows the owner, feeling awfully conspicuous behind the no-nonsense mare. Once she enters the building she looks back and wonders, Are they really breaking a hole through the wall? This thought is a nice break away from the apprehension of entering her office again.
She tucks the papers away safely and follows the owner, feeling awfully conspicuous behind the no-nonsense mare. Once she enters the building she looks back and wonders, Are they really breaking a hole through the wall? This thought is a nice break away from the apprehension of entering her office again.
>>151725
Perhaps Amber enters with a delay behind her to make the association less obvious. Dance music plays, evidently from a phonograph. If she looks to her left, Amber can see the griffin viol player packing up on stage. Looking to her right at the wall next to the revolving door, Amber can see that yes, they are indeed breaking a hole into the wall at 2 AM on a Saturday morning when it is raining, and during business hours. There are flecks of paint and wood on the ground, and the wall on the inside is pretty badly damaged. A waiter speaks and nods to a male not far away from the hole, and it seems he is a concerned customer.
Dark Denizen continues forward, back to the hallway, and back to her office.
Perhaps Amber enters with a delay behind her to make the association less obvious. Dance music plays, evidently from a phonograph. If she looks to her left, Amber can see the griffin viol player packing up on stage. Looking to her right at the wall next to the revolving door, Amber can see that yes, they are indeed breaking a hole into the wall at 2 AM on a Saturday morning when it is raining, and during business hours. There are flecks of paint and wood on the ground, and the wall on the inside is pretty badly damaged. A waiter speaks and nods to a male not far away from the hole, and it seems he is a concerned customer.
Dark Denizen continues forward, back to the hallway, and back to her office.
File (): 48D90F06680EAA9C64D32E33C0F95EFA-92570.png (90.4 KB, 526x475, AmberSunset.png)
>>151726
Amber notices that although the gramophone is playing pleasant music, a mere recording lacks the charm and energy of the viol player's playing. He spent the last couple of hours doing what he loved, she thinks to herself. She looks back at Denizen and then back to the viol player. I'd hate to keep her waiting, but it's not like I'm leaving the building, and this is the last chance I'll get tonight to talk to him.
She trots up to the musician and greets him politely, smiling broadly.
Amber notices that although the gramophone is playing pleasant music, a mere recording lacks the charm and energy of the viol player's playing. He spent the last couple of hours doing what he loved, she thinks to herself. She looks back at Denizen and then back to the viol player. I'd hate to keep her waiting, but it's not like I'm leaving the building, and this is the last chance I'll get tonight to talk to him.
She trots up to the musician and greets him politely, smiling broadly.
>>151727
As the walkway around the dance floor is rather large, this takes a moment.
Amber approaches the area just below the stage, where the griffin is picking up his case. He is rather old with grey feathers the color of rain-laden clouds, though something about his appearance implies there were either much brighter, or much darker when he was young. He turns his head to look at her with milky blue eyes.
"Huh?"
As the walkway around the dance floor is rather large, this takes a moment.
Amber approaches the area just below the stage, where the griffin is picking up his case. He is rather old with grey feathers the color of rain-laden clouds, though something about his appearance implies there were either much brighter, or much darker when he was young. He turns his head to look at her with milky blue eyes.
"Huh?"
>>151728
"I heard your music earlier this evening and it was unforgettably beautiful. I haven't heard such melodies in a long time, so I wanted to meet you. You're wonderfully talented."
"I heard your music earlier this evening and it was unforgettably beautiful. I haven't heard such melodies in a long time, so I wanted to meet you. You're wonderfully talented."
>>151729
He looks at her with a plain, or even hardened expression, and blinks his eyes. Small twitches and movements imply age has been unkind to him.
"Danke, uh, thank you" he says, after what seems to have been a deliberate delay. He speaks very slowly, seriously, and with an atrocious accent:
"I play the... klang and the melodie given to me with the biggest respect, as you should all music."
He looks at her with a plain, or even hardened expression, and blinks his eyes. Small twitches and movements imply age has been unkind to him.
"Danke, uh, thank you" he says, after what seems to have been a deliberate delay. He speaks very slowly, seriously, and with an atrocious accent:
"I play the... klang and the melodie given to me with the biggest respect, as you should all music."
>>151730
She nods in response. "Oh yes, I could sense that. I play the mandolin but I'm still practicing. I'm nowhere near good enough to play in public though." She continues, "Have you dedicated your whole life to music?"
She nods in response. "Oh yes, I could sense that. I play the mandolin but I'm still practicing. I'm nowhere near good enough to play in public though." She continues, "Have you dedicated your whole life to music?"
>>151731
"My life and more" He replies, looking to the side for a moment, and then locking his eyes back on Amber
"To play for a crowd" he shakes his head "That is not the sign of love of music. To play for a crowd is to make money and to pay rent." He pauses again
"Practice more. Practice in the night. Practice, and the Bragi may bless you."
"My life and more" He replies, looking to the side for a moment, and then locking his eyes back on Amber
"To play for a crowd" he shakes his head "That is not the sign of love of music. To play for a crowd is to make money and to pay rent." He pauses again
"Practice more. Practice in the night. Practice, and the Bragi may bless you."
>>151732
She pays heed to his words. "Thank you, mister.
It was a pleasure to get to meet you." She pauses, in case the old gryphon has anything more to say.
She pays heed to his words. "Thank you, mister.
It was a pleasure to get to meet you." She pauses, in case the old gryphon has anything more to say.
>>151733
He does not say anything to her. He looks away, wearing an expression of uncertainty, or perhaps sadness, and picks up the case, trying to hold it over his shoulder.
He does not say anything to her. He looks away, wearing an expression of uncertainty, or perhaps sadness, and picks up the case, trying to hold it over his shoulder.
Despite her respect for this skilled musician, his demeanor gives her second thoughts. Is this really the result of wholehearted devotion to music, a melancholic life ending in playing to a gruff audience just to get by? Playing nightly at a club would be alright as a stepping stone of a career, but that dismal reality being all that awaits at a summit is not what she hopes for.
Her mind less at ease than it was before, she trudges to Dark Denizen's office.
Her mind less at ease than it was before, she trudges to Dark Denizen's office.
>>151735
Amber doesn't make it far before a waitress approaches her
"Huh. He doesn't normally talk to ponies." And after a pause
"Get back here. Denizen is impatient. She's in a bad mood because of the fire regulations."
She trots very quickly, leading Amber back to the office. When Amber enters, Denizen, standing up next to her desk rather than behind it says,
"Did you get lost on the way to my office? Where is it?"
Amber doesn't make it far before a waitress approaches her
"Huh. He doesn't normally talk to ponies." And after a pause
"Get back here. Denizen is impatient. She's in a bad mood because of the fire regulations."
She trots very quickly, leading Amber back to the office. When Amber enters, Denizen, standing up next to her desk rather than behind it says,
"Did you get lost on the way to my office? Where is it?"
>>151736
Amber blinks. "No, ma'am. I have it right here." She nervously approaches the desk, digs up the documents like before, and leans over the desk to deposit them. She then retreats backwards and waits for her reaction.
Amber blinks. "No, ma'am. I have it right here." She nervously approaches the desk, digs up the documents like before, and leans over the desk to deposit them. She then retreats backwards and waits for her reaction.
>>151737
She reaches out her hoof, then quickly withdraws it to wipe her hoof off on a cloth. She again extends her hoof, takes the envelopes, and looks into them, going through the documents one by one, looking at them intently.
She reaches out her hoof, then quickly withdraws it to wipe her hoof off on a cloth. She again extends her hoof, takes the envelopes, and looks into them, going through the documents one by one, looking at them intently.
>>151738
The young orange mare bites her lip in worry. What if he had picked out the wrong papers when he gave them to her? What if something is missing? What if there is something in there she doesn't like?
The young orange mare bites her lip in worry. What if he had picked out the wrong papers when he gave them to her? What if something is missing? What if there is something in there she doesn't like?
>>151741
I don't believe that anything was drawn to Amber's attention. She should have just the two sets which she carried in her jacket
I don't believe that anything was drawn to Amber's attention. She should have just the two sets which she carried in her jacket
>>151743
She looks down, presses a set of something into an envelop, slides an image out of the other one, stares at it, and then slams it back in.
"Then it is done." She says
She looks down, presses a set of something into an envelop, slides an image out of the other one, stares at it, and then slams it back in.
"Then it is done." She says
>>151744
She breathes a sigh of relief. "You probably want your gun back, too," she says. She makes no move to pull out the weapon, in case her guards might get alarmed.
She breathes a sigh of relief. "You probably want your gun back, too," she says. She makes no move to pull out the weapon, in case her guards might get alarmed.
>>151746
I have a terrible memory and I haven't been keeping proper notes this quest, so unfortunately I don't know. She may have been searched when entering the police station, in which case she didn't have it on her. Wait, did she leave it by a dumpster somewhere?
I have a terrible memory and I haven't been keeping proper notes this quest, so unfortunately I don't know. She may have been searched when entering the police station, in which case she didn't have it on her. Wait, did she leave it by a dumpster somewhere?
>>151747
I distinctly remember this post >>145039 →, and this post is where Amber actually lost possession >>144983 →
I distinctly remember this post >>145039 →, and this post is where Amber actually lost possession >>144983 →
Thank you, now I remember!
Amber clarifies, "I gave the gun as 'evidence' to be let in, and I was allowed onto the second floor. I told them I found it by a dumpster near Hoebuck."
Amber clarifies, "I gave the gun as 'evidence' to be let in, and I was allowed onto the second floor. I told them I found it by a dumpster near Hoebuck."
>>151749
"Hoebuck? Where Customs killed all of those griffins?"
She curls her nostrils
"Finally they've done something useful. Anyways, hopefully they'll believe that. I would have preferred to have the gun back, but no one ever thought we'd be out of this situation for free. That was quick thinking, I suppose. Anyways, Did they suspect anything?"
"Hoebuck? Where Customs killed all of those griffins?"
She curls her nostrils
"Finally they've done something useful. Anyways, hopefully they'll believe that. I would have preferred to have the gun back, but no one ever thought we'd be out of this situation for free. That was quick thinking, I suppose. Anyways, Did they suspect anything?"
>>151750
She shakes her head. "Nuh-uh. Hanging around long enough to get the papers was a little suspicious, but Scabbard knows how to talk his way out of a situation. I had to pretend to be his fillyfriend." She scrunches when she says that last sentence.
She shakes her head. "Nuh-uh. Hanging around long enough to get the papers was a little suspicious, but Scabbard knows how to talk his way out of a situation. I had to pretend to be his fillyfriend." She scrunches when she says that last sentence.
>>151751
"Heheh" She laughs at Amber's misfortune
"That sounds like him. I'll tell him you're too young for him. He'll be coming for his payment soon enough, I am sure."
"Let us hope that was all of the relevant information. And that nothing finds its way back to you, or to us. This could grow to become very much out of hoof. You should hope you never understand just what is at stake here."
"Heheh" She laughs at Amber's misfortune
"That sounds like him. I'll tell him you're too young for him. He'll be coming for his payment soon enough, I am sure."
"Let us hope that was all of the relevant information. And that nothing finds its way back to you, or to us. This could grow to become very much out of hoof. You should hope you never understand just what is at stake here."
>>151752
"I'd prefer to stay ignorant about all this," she says, frowning. "I don't think I'll get in trouble, at least I hope not. I didn't come to Baltimare to end up in the hooscow."
"I'd prefer to stay ignorant about all this," she says, frowning. "I don't think I'll get in trouble, at least I hope not. I didn't come to Baltimare to end up in the hooscow."
>>151753
"The what now?" She says to Amber's last word. She pauses for a moment, then laughs.
She leans forward, moves a hoof across over the table, and invades Amber's personal space in a way she hasn't experienced in almost half an hour. She ruffle's Amber's mane
"You'll be fine. If anything, you've done well for your first night, little country filly."
"The what now?" She says to Amber's last word. She pauses for a moment, then laughs.
She leans forward, moves a hoof across over the table, and invades Amber's personal space in a way she hasn't experienced in almost half an hour. She ruffle's Amber's mane
"You'll be fine. If anything, you've done well for your first night, little country filly."
>>151754
She's not sure if she wants to work for this mare again, but she managed to get out uninjured and is not an outlaw...yet. Still, she's ill at ease and shows it.
She's not sure if she wants to work for this mare again, but she managed to get out uninjured and is not an outlaw...yet. Still, she's ill at ease and shows it.
>>151755
Dark Denizen either never notices Amber's ill ease, or (more likely) doesn't care. She is still giggly, which if anything is a refreshing change from literally knocking down her own building with a sledge hammer.
"I suppose... I'll have your debt erased."
Dark Denizen either never notices Amber's ill ease, or (more likely) doesn't care. She is still giggly, which if anything is a refreshing change from literally knocking down her own building with a sledge hammer.
"I suppose... I'll have your debt erased."
>>151756
"You can do that?" she asks, blinking. She thinks for a moment, and continues, "You know about it?"
"You can do that?" she asks, blinking. She thinks for a moment, and continues, "You know about it?"
>>151757
She tilts her head down slight, and forms a small, almost malign grin
"You didn't think we looked into who you are before approaching you?"
She tilts her head down slight, and forms a small, almost malign grin
"You didn't think we looked into who you are before approaching you?"
>>151758
Amber retracts with a pensive look on her face. "I suppose you would, but I didn't think it would be possible with me hardly knowing anypony around...." She gets the sense it would be a bad idea to get this lady mad at any point, as it would be hard to hide.
Amber retracts with a pensive look on her face. "I suppose you would, but I didn't think it would be possible with me hardly knowing anypony around...." She gets the sense it would be a bad idea to get this lady mad at any point, as it would be hard to hide.
>>151759
"I just know what I was told, and that is that a filly with the same name as you, and the same adorable expression and coat, borrowed some money from someone else a few days ago. We can have that debt erased. I sort of assumed that was why you were here."
"I just know what I was told, and that is that a filly with the same name as you, and the same adorable expression and coat, borrowed some money from someone else a few days ago. We can have that debt erased. I sort of assumed that was why you were here."
>>151760
She nods. "It's been weighing on my mind for some time, and even with two jobs it'll take a while to pay it all.
She nods. "It's been weighing on my mind for some time, and even with two jobs it'll take a while to pay it all.
>>151761
"You will be released from that. Who will eat the cost, we will figure out later, but you will be released. And to keep silent about all you have seen here, all you have done here, perhaps another 200 bits."
"You will be released from that. Who will eat the cost, we will figure out later, but you will be released. And to keep silent about all you have seen here, all you have done here, perhaps another 200 bits."
>>151762
For the first time since she has entered the office, she smiles at this news. She feels a nagging at the back of her mind about how this is illicit money and she shouldn't accept it.. It's just a piece of paper, I wasn't hurting anypony. Plus, I won't have such a rocky start to life here.
"Thank you, ma'am."
For the first time since she has entered the office, she smiles at this news. She feels a nagging at the back of her mind about how this is illicit money and she shouldn't accept it.. It's just a piece of paper, I wasn't hurting anypony. Plus, I won't have such a rocky start to life here.
"Thank you, ma'am."
>>151763
She opens a drawer, and pulls out notes. The mare scrunches, and Amber can see why. All of the currency produced is of the red paper money that High Sewn disfavored at the store.
She counts out some amount, and tenders it to Amber by pushing it across the desk.
"Again. Do not. Go telling ponies, even those you trust, about what you've done and seen tonight."
She opens a drawer, and pulls out notes. The mare scrunches, and Amber can see why. All of the currency produced is of the red paper money that High Sewn disfavored at the store.
She counts out some amount, and tenders it to Amber by pushing it across the desk.
"Again. Do not. Go telling ponies, even those you trust, about what you've done and seen tonight."
>>151764
Amber stares at the bills. They're not shiny gold, but they still say bits on them, so why are ponies unhappy with them? As soon as Denizen's hoof leaves the table Amber picks up the cash and slowly stows it away.
"You needn't worry about that, ma'am. I know how to be confidential," she says with a nervous smile.
Amber stares at the bills. They're not shiny gold, but they still say bits on them, so why are ponies unhappy with them? As soon as Denizen's hoof leaves the table Amber picks up the cash and slowly stows it away.
"You needn't worry about that, ma'am. I know how to be confidential," she says with a nervous smile.
>>151767
“Oh, yes. One of the waitresses said this was left for you.”
She pushes over a piece of paper with writing on it
“Oh, yes. One of the waitresses said this was left for you.”
She pushes over a piece of paper with writing on it
>>151769
"Sorry I had to leave. Had a great time with you tonight. Hope to do it again. You can contact me at 410-0837, or at 1110 Summervale.
- Mustard Trim"
"Sorry I had to leave. Had a great time with you tonight. Hope to do it again. You can contact me at 410-0837, or at 1110 Summervale.
- Mustard Trim"
>>151770
Poor feller. His ma will probably whoop him for being out so late, all because he just wanted to make sure I was okay. It's nice that I know how to reach him now, maybe we can meet when it's not so inconvenient.
She smiles gently. "Please thank her for me. I think I'll head home now."
Poor feller. His ma will probably whoop him for being out so late, all because he just wanted to make sure I was okay. It's nice that I know how to reach him now, maybe we can meet when it's not so inconvenient.
She smiles gently. "Please thank her for me. I think I'll head home now."
>>151771
“She’ll be there on your way out” she says, and blinks
“I need a doorframe…” she says to herself
“She’ll be there on your way out” she says, and blinks
“I need a doorframe…” she says to herself
>>151773
She is staring at Amber almost as soon as she exits. The flaxen colored mare, with the black, tied back mane. It’s the same mare who served Amber the Hurricane, who talked to the guests when Amber entered, and who directed her to the back room.
She is staring at Amber almost as soon as she exits. The flaxen colored mare, with the black, tied back mane. It’s the same mare who served Amber the Hurricane, who talked to the guests when Amber entered, and who directed her to the back room.
>>151774
https://youtu.be/YEITVTcGbzc
Amber beams at her. "Thank you kindly for the help. Everything is going well."
https://youtu.be/YEITVTcGbzc
Amber beams at her. "Thank you kindly for the help. Everything is going well."
>>151778
"He had to leave, but wants to meet up again sometime and he gave me his address." Amber is relieved that the flaxen mare didn't read the note, though she doubts Dark Denizen shares the same scruples.
"He had to leave, but wants to meet up again sometime and he gave me his address." Amber is relieved that the flaxen mare didn't read the note, though she doubts Dark Denizen shares the same scruples.
>>151780
Amber replies, "He exhorted me to practice more, that playing for a crowd is just to make money, and that all music should be played with the greatest respect." She pauses and adds, "But he seemed awful somber to me...."
Amber replies, "He exhorted me to practice more, that playing for a crowd is just to make money, and that all music should be played with the greatest respect." She pauses and adds, "But he seemed awful somber to me...."
>>151782
"I haven't seen him talk with... well, almost anyone. Denizen likes him. But even she can't get more than a few words with him. I don't think he likes.... playing for, well, playing for other creatures. I mean... like it's alien to him, or beneath him."
"I haven't seen him talk with... well, almost anyone. Denizen likes him. But even she can't get more than a few words with him. I don't think he likes.... playing for, well, playing for other creatures. I mean... like it's alien to him, or beneath him."
>>151783
"I got that feeling. But I suppose he has no choice.
No wonder he looks so sad and doesn't want to talk. He loves music with his whole heart but playing here cheapens it for him.
No offense."
"I got that feeling. But I suppose he has no choice.
No wonder he looks so sad and doesn't want to talk. He loves music with his whole heart but playing here cheapens it for him.
No offense."
>>151784
"I don't know if it's that" she says
"There's this rumor going around that he was the private musician for the Von Katerinbergs, and fled when those two counties fell. Some one else says they passed by his apartment and heard him playing with a whole orchestra. I don't know, I just... I wonder, some times.."
"I don't know if it's that" she says
"There's this rumor going around that he was the private musician for the Von Katerinbergs, and fled when those two counties fell. Some one else says they passed by his apartment and heard him playing with a whole orchestra. I don't know, I just... I wonder, some times.."
>>151785
Amber tries to recall who the von Katerinbergs are....
Knowledge (geography): [1d20+4 = (5+4) = 9]
Amber tries to recall who the von Katerinbergs are....
Knowledge (geography): [1d20+4 = (5+4) = 9]
>>151786
Somewhere over in the Griffin lands. It's sort of in the Empire but not really. There was this young girl who was not just a despot but literally insane, and an older male in a different kingdom who was murderous towards the ponies there.
Somewhere over in the Griffin lands. It's sort of in the Empire but not really. There was this young girl who was not just a despot but literally insane, and an older male in a different kingdom who was murderous towards the ponies there.
>>151789
She shrugs. "Sounds like music is all he has ever had, in any case. Maybe the orchestra was him playing next to a gramophone?"
She shrugs. "Sounds like music is all he has ever had, in any case. Maybe the orchestra was him playing next to a gramophone?"
>>151792
"I've been to an orchestra once and there are dozens and dozens of ponies all playing together. If he managed to fit that many in his apartment, I'd like to know how."
"I've been to an orchestra once and there are dozens and dozens of ponies all playing together. If he managed to fit that many in his apartment, I'd like to know how."
>>151793
"Yeah, that's exactly what I would like to know too. I don't know, he just seems a little strange."
"Yeah, that's exactly what I would like to know too. I don't know, he just seems a little strange."
>>151795
"Heh. That's what Dark Denizen thinks. I think a swing, or jazz band would probably be more popular with the patrons."
"Heh. That's what Dark Denizen thinks. I think a swing, or jazz band would probably be more popular with the patrons."
>>151796
"Hmm, maybe, and that was the music I expected coming here. But for once I agree with her choice."
"Hmm, maybe, and that was the music I expected coming here. But for once I agree with her choice."
>>151799
Can a skilled musician really be so particular that he won't talk to ponies based on musical taste?
"That's a shame, you seem plenty nice."
Can a skilled musician really be so particular that he won't talk to ponies based on musical taste?
"That's a shame, you seem plenty nice."
>>151801
"I'm from a hundred-and-fifty miles to the west of here.
I grew up on a small farm and decided to come here to better support my folks. It's been...a big change of pace." She continues with a smile, "How about yourself? Are you from around here?"
"I'm from a hundred-and-fifty miles to the west of here.
I grew up on a small farm and decided to come here to better support my folks. It's been...a big change of pace." She continues with a smile, "How about yourself? Are you from around here?"
>>151807
"I figured you were from the country. I wouldn't have guessed you were that close though."
She pauses at Amber's question, and it seems as if she was not expecting to be asked reciprocally.
"Well, no. I am from Las Pegasus. But I've been in Baltimare several years now."
"I figured you were from the country. I wouldn't have guessed you were that close though."
She pauses at Amber's question, and it seems as if she was not expecting to be asked reciprocally.
"Well, no. I am from Las Pegasus. But I've been in Baltimare several years now."
>>151822
“Well…” she looks down
“I was abducted, I am a stranger in this land…”
She points her beak directly at the ground
“And… other things… so I’m… not alright…”
“Well…” she looks down
“I was abducted, I am a stranger in this land…”
She points her beak directly at the ground
“And… other things… so I’m… not alright…”
>>151820
Her eyes also light up hearing this. "I've never been there, but I heard it's such a beautiful city up in the clouds. Is it true that the sunsets are like nowhere else?"
Does Las Pegasus also have gambling? The association with Los Angeles is obvious but there's no Las Vegas analogue otherwise.
Her eyes also light up hearing this. "I've never been there, but I heard it's such a beautiful city up in the clouds. Is it true that the sunsets are like nowhere else?"
Does Las Pegasus also have gambling? The association with Los Angeles is obvious but there's no Las Vegas analogue otherwise.
>>151832
She pulls her lips back, showing teeth
“Yeah. I suppose you can call it beautiful. Some places were, some times. I don’t know how the sunset looks most other places. But yeah, it was nice watching it from the clouds as it set over the water. Or from the seaside cliffs. Better than watching it vanish into the forest like it does here.”
I think depictions of Los Pegasus are careful to turn the obvious slot machine allegories in the background into arcade games of various kinds, but it’s definitely a Los Vegas parallel with giant “casinos.” If gambling is legal in Equestria anywhere besides on injun reservations, it’s in Los Pegasus.
She pulls her lips back, showing teeth
“Yeah. I suppose you can call it beautiful. Some places were, some times. I don’t know how the sunset looks most other places. But yeah, it was nice watching it from the clouds as it set over the water. Or from the seaside cliffs. Better than watching it vanish into the forest like it does here.”
I think depictions of Los Pegasus are careful to turn the obvious slot machine allegories in the background into arcade games of various kinds, but it’s definitely a Los Vegas parallel with giant “casinos.” If gambling is legal in Equestria anywhere besides on injun reservations, it’s in Los Pegasus.
>>151834
"Lots of ponies went there to vacation before...you know. It must have been fun living there."
Oh, so child casinos then
"Lots of ponies went there to vacation before...you know. It must have been fun living there."
Oh, so child casinos then
>>151835
“Yeah….” She pauses “There we’re a decent number of things to do there. The things the tourists like, we did but they got old. But I was younger then, and had less freedom than I do now.”
If that’s how you want to interpret it. It seemed pretty clear that the animators wanted to depict a modern Las Vegas mega casino, but were restricted by the show’s rating.
“Yeah….” She pauses “There we’re a decent number of things to do there. The things the tourists like, we did but they got old. But I was younger then, and had less freedom than I do now.”
If that’s how you want to interpret it. It seemed pretty clear that the animators wanted to depict a modern Las Vegas mega casino, but were restricted by the show’s rating.
>>151837
No, I meant what they showed on-screen was basically child casinos which exist in real life, with tokens you buy and tickets you win to exchange for prizes. Personally, I think they're fine as long as parents keep tabs on their kids, but a number of people have decried such gambling. In-universe Las Pegasus has more conventional gambling for sure.
"I'm sorry to hear that. I had to grow up a ways before I was let out in the woods by myself. Understandable what with foals going missing time to time, but life gets tejus and I always wanted to explore. So I sneaked out time to time." She grins.
No, I meant what they showed on-screen was basically child casinos which exist in real life, with tokens you buy and tickets you win to exchange for prizes. Personally, I think they're fine as long as parents keep tabs on their kids, but a number of people have decried such gambling. In-universe Las Pegasus has more conventional gambling for sure.
"I'm sorry to hear that. I had to grow up a ways before I was let out in the woods by myself. Understandable what with foals going missing time to time, but life gets tejus and I always wanted to explore. So I sneaked out time to time." She grins.
>>151838
She blinks at some portion of the first half, but then turns her head and says
"Oh really?" at Amber's last words
She blinks at some portion of the first half, but then turns her head and says
"Oh really?" at Amber's last words
>>151839
"I like to be out in the open. Plus, there was a lake and a stream nearby which made for good swimming. I was always careful, and my sense of direction ain't that bad. How about you, did you ever sneak off someplace?"
"I like to be out in the open. Plus, there was a lake and a stream nearby which made for good swimming. I was always careful, and my sense of direction ain't that bad. How about you, did you ever sneak off someplace?"
>>151840
She turns her head, still grinning widely.
“I don’t think I snuck out, ever. I lied more than a few times about what I was doing, or didn’t say all of where I was going.”
She turns her head, still grinning widely.
“I don’t think I snuck out, ever. I lied more than a few times about what I was doing, or didn’t say all of where I was going.”
>>151841
Amber frowns. Sneaking out is one thing, lying is another. I still feel rotten about what I said earlier. And to one's parents no less. I would have gotten a plot-whooping if I tried that.
"Where did you like to head to?"
Amber frowns. Sneaking out is one thing, lying is another. I still feel rotten about what I said earlier. And to one's parents no less. I would have gotten a plot-whooping if I tried that.
"Where did you like to head to?"
>>151843
"Well, that's nice. Going sworping with friends sounds like a really good time. You had cliffs? What were they like?"
"Well, that's nice. Going sworping with friends sounds like a really good time. You had cliffs? What were they like?"
>>151844
"Yeah. Well, seaside cliffs. That's what the waterline was like. Cliffs, though there were beaches below that in many areas, so you could go to the beach. Just jump off, and glide right down. Well, it helps being able to fly." A quick look confirms that she is indeed a Pegasus.
"Yeah. Well, seaside cliffs. That's what the waterline was like. Cliffs, though there were beaches below that in many areas, so you could go to the beach. Just jump off, and glide right down. Well, it helps being able to fly." A quick look confirms that she is indeed a Pegasus.
>>151845
>>150870 →
Seabreeze nods
"Good. So you have at least two specific names. But we need specific plans and evidence. And more importantly, we need to know who else - and what else. If these ponies are a part of a larger network, it will help to learn as much as possible. It seems it will be profitable for you to stay on their tails. Continue posing as one of them. Go deeper. Gain their trust, and learn more,"
>>150870 →
Seabreeze nods
"Good. So you have at least two specific names. But we need specific plans and evidence. And more importantly, we need to know who else - and what else. If these ponies are a part of a larger network, it will help to learn as much as possible. It seems it will be profitable for you to stay on their tails. Continue posing as one of them. Go deeper. Gain their trust, and learn more,"
>>151849
He gives a single, sharp nod
"Good. Do you wish to know anything else, or need anything else?"
He gives a single, sharp nod
"Good. Do you wish to know anything else, or need anything else?"
>>151851
He nods again
“Alright. Thank you. You are dismissed.” He says to Dark Star, still looking at him - rather than down at his papers - as Dark Star remains in the room.
He nods again
“Alright. Thank you. You are dismissed.” He says to Dark Star, still looking at him - rather than down at his papers - as Dark Star remains in the room.
>>151853
Out in the hallway, Dark Star encounters the same bat pony creature thing, who stands by where the main hallway connects with the back hallway that leads to Seabreeze’s office. He says nothing to Dark Star, though his slit-eyes watch him. The hallway is dimly lit, and it isn’t clear that anyone else is there.
Out in the hallway, Dark Star encounters the same bat pony creature thing, who stands by where the main hallway connects with the back hallway that leads to Seabreeze’s office. He says nothing to Dark Star, though his slit-eyes watch him. The hallway is dimly lit, and it isn’t clear that anyone else is there.
>>151855
The creature blinks, and for a moment hesitates to answer. But he does answer:
"For me, it's still ongoing."
The creature blinks, and for a moment hesitates to answer. But he does answer:
"For me, it's still ongoing."
>>151857
He looks down at the hoof, and with little delay extends his own hoof, forming a small smile as he does so. His grip is firm, though his shake is characterized by a kind of quick, jolting motion.
"Stay strong." he says
He looks down at the hoof, and with little delay extends his own hoof, forming a small smile as he does so. His grip is firm, though his shake is characterized by a kind of quick, jolting motion.
"Stay strong." he says
>>151859
Dark Star leaves the bat, walks past him only a dozen or so feet, and walks up the stairwell. The room is on the right, as it has been.
Dark Star opens the door on the hotel room, walks in, and sitting at the table sees a familiar azure white pegasus sitting at the paper-covered table, hind legs crossed, forelges gripping a paperback book held open, and her turquoise eyes watching Dark Star as he enters.
"Haven't seen you in a while" she says, somewhat softly
Dark Star leaves the bat, walks past him only a dozen or so feet, and walks up the stairwell. The room is on the right, as it has been.
Dark Star opens the door on the hotel room, walks in, and sitting at the table sees a familiar azure white pegasus sitting at the paper-covered table, hind legs crossed, forelges gripping a paperback book held open, and her turquoise eyes watching Dark Star as he enters.
"Haven't seen you in a while" she says, somewhat softly
>>151866
"Oh"
She smiles back deviously
"I was about to say. Equestrian colleges are a unicorn-plot. Colleges in general, really"
"Oh"
She smiles back deviously
"I was about to say. Equestrian colleges are a unicorn-plot. Colleges in general, really"
>>151869
"Yes, it is. First, unicorns try to convince society, especially the well off, that it's essential to teach their children maths and science, literature and philosophy. Which makes sense, really. But what is important is that children are sent away and taught by the unicorns, who think they are entitled to a say in how society is run. The unicorns teach this captive audience all sorts of insidious ideas like equality or licentiousness, or the eight hour work day. And so they make the children rebel against their parents, and society starts to lose cohesion. The unicorns try to impose their own idea of what civilization is, although in truth their ideas lead to vice and ruin."
"Yes, it is. First, unicorns try to convince society, especially the well off, that it's essential to teach their children maths and science, literature and philosophy. Which makes sense, really. But what is important is that children are sent away and taught by the unicorns, who think they are entitled to a say in how society is run. The unicorns teach this captive audience all sorts of insidious ideas like equality or licentiousness, or the eight hour work day. And so they make the children rebel against their parents, and society starts to lose cohesion. The unicorns try to impose their own idea of what civilization is, although in truth their ideas lead to vice and ruin."
>>151870
He puts his hoof to his chin in thought
"I would say thats off base,but what i heard today has really opened my eyes to the types of ponies that run the universities and the types that attend."
He puts his hoof to his chin in thought
"I would say thats off base,but what i heard today has really opened my eyes to the types of ponies that run the universities and the types that attend."
>>151871
"It's not though. They try to weasel their way in, and they get worse as the generations go by, because each new one is taught by the last. The merchants are the ones who carry out the revolutions, but it's always the intelligentsia that plants the thought."
"It's not though. They try to weasel their way in, and they get worse as the generations go by, because each new one is taught by the last. The merchants are the ones who carry out the revolutions, but it's always the intelligentsia that plants the thought."
>>151846
Amber nods, not feeling any common connection in regard to that activity. "What's it like swimming in the ocean?"
Amber nods, not feeling any common connection in regard to that activity. "What's it like swimming in the ocean?"
>>151874
"See! Everything they say, no matter how insane it sounds, no matter how horrible, or radical, or out there, is how the world is going to be in just a few generations, Because they teach the children - the children of the powerful. The children who matter. And everything slowly turns in that direction.
When Nimbusia voted to end apartness, and end the system that had kept all of the eastern ponies safe for a thousand years, I felt betrayed, because I did not understand how a majority of my fellow pegasi could vote for that. But the reason is the schooling. The influence of the the colleges and the theaters. A thousand years of wisdom that was not passed onto the children, but replaced by insidious doctrine instead."
"See! Everything they say, no matter how insane it sounds, no matter how horrible, or radical, or out there, is how the world is going to be in just a few generations, Because they teach the children - the children of the powerful. The children who matter. And everything slowly turns in that direction.
When Nimbusia voted to end apartness, and end the system that had kept all of the eastern ponies safe for a thousand years, I felt betrayed, because I did not understand how a majority of my fellow pegasi could vote for that. But the reason is the schooling. The influence of the the colleges and the theaters. A thousand years of wisdom that was not passed onto the children, but replaced by insidious doctrine instead."
>>151873
"Well, I didn't swim that often. More often we hung around on the beach. But it's nice and warm most of the time, but still cool on a hot day. You can feel the water moving. The water could be kind of gross sometimes, with all of the creatures and things in it, but you can have a good time doing things like bouncing beach balls."
"Well, I didn't swim that often. More often we hung around on the beach. But it's nice and warm most of the time, but still cool on a hot day. You can feel the water moving. The water could be kind of gross sometimes, with all of the creatures and things in it, but you can have a good time doing things like bouncing beach balls."
>>151877
"It's a little warmer there, and usually a little less humid. But really the two cities are kind of similar, since they are both kind of subtropical and by the ocean. I prefer the summers there though."
"It's a little warmer there, and usually a little less humid. But really the two cities are kind of similar, since they are both kind of subtropical and by the ocean. I prefer the summers there though."
>>151879
"Sounds nice. I hope to be able to visit one day. What's your name? I'm Amber." She raises a hoof to shake, smiling.
"Sounds nice. I hope to be able to visit one day. What's your name? I'm Amber." She raises a hoof to shake, smiling.
>>151878
"Yes! It is! It infects every civilization. Well, Changelings are smart enough to avoid it, obviously, but it infects every pony civilization. The Riverlands, here. The griffins got hit by it a whole lot harder than we did, with that revolution thirty years ago.
But I am telling you, every single insidious change in society, every single revolution, just go back one or two or three generations, and you'll see some university professor somewhere who started the whole thing. One pony, setting a bomb, a massive bomb, designed to go off decades in the future, usually after they die. And they bury it right underneath the school that will teach our children's children."
"Yes! It is! It infects every civilization. Well, Changelings are smart enough to avoid it, obviously, but it infects every pony civilization. The Riverlands, here. The griffins got hit by it a whole lot harder than we did, with that revolution thirty years ago.
But I am telling you, every single insidious change in society, every single revolution, just go back one or two or three generations, and you'll see some university professor somewhere who started the whole thing. One pony, setting a bomb, a massive bomb, designed to go off decades in the future, usually after they die. And they bury it right underneath the school that will teach our children's children."
>>151880
"I'm Sanguine Saunter" she answers
She (eventually) raises a hoof to shake. Her shake is rather weak, and she breaks off someone early.
"I don't know if... Well. I would hope I could visit again some day."
"I'm Sanguine Saunter" she answers
She (eventually) raises a hoof to shake. Her shake is rather weak, and she breaks off someone early.
"I don't know if... Well. I would hope I could visit again some day."
>>151882
"I wouldn't worry about it," she replies, though her weak smile betrays some doubt.
"How is work at the Club Maurice?"
"I wouldn't worry about it," she replies, though her weak smile betrays some doubt.
"How is work at the Club Maurice?"
>>151881
"Well thats not Good what so ever. i heard a speech tonight. that could be considered just that."
"Well thats not Good what so ever. i heard a speech tonight. that could be considered just that."
>>151884
"Oh really? What did this creature say?"
>>151883
"Well, it can vary. The ponies here are often wealthier, and even when they aren't, they are drunk. Stallions especially will give big tips. Some of the downsides are that Denizen and her companions... Well, you see how she is... now. And sometimes the stallions don't really mind their manners, especially when they are drunk."
"Oh really? What did this creature say?"
>>151883
"Well, it can vary. The ponies here are often wealthier, and even when they aren't, they are drunk. Stallions especially will give big tips. Some of the downsides are that Denizen and her companions... Well, you see how she is... now. And sometimes the stallions don't really mind their manners, especially when they are drunk."
>>151886
"Not..." She pulls her lips back
"Really. At least for me, anyways.
A few waitresses have been fired, Denizen gets a bad temper when the police accuse her of running backroom gambling rings, a couple stallions get hoofsie, a waitress regretted going home with a stallion... there was that one time a stallion got shot, but I wasn't here for that.
The money can be pretty good though."
>>151887
Blue Skies leans in towards Dark Star, and almost whispers into his ear
"Was it a unicorn?"
"Not..." She pulls her lips back
"Really. At least for me, anyways.
A few waitresses have been fired, Denizen gets a bad temper when the police accuse her of running backroom gambling rings, a couple stallions get hoofsie, a waitress regretted going home with a stallion... there was that one time a stallion got shot, but I wasn't here for that.
The money can be pretty good though."
>>151887
Blue Skies leans in towards Dark Star, and almost whispers into his ear
"Was it a unicorn?"
>>151890
"I knew it" She giggles and smiles, and leans back to be in front of Dark Star
"So... What's with the new coat?"
"I knew it" She giggles and smiles, and leans back to be in front of Dark Star
"So... What's with the new coat?"
File (): 2EC3BAF6B93924B64B5A0E11A7511B19-180918.png (176.7 KB, 745x1072, shocked_twilight_vector_by_superponytime.png)
>>151888
Amber recoils in surprise. "That sounds awful. I just started work at a cozy restaurant–my friend also works there, maybe you saw him with me earlier–and I haven't encountered any of that...yet.
Should I be worried?"
Amber recoils in surprise. "That sounds awful. I just started work at a cozy restaurant–my friend also works there, maybe you saw him with me earlier–and I haven't encountered any of that...yet.
Should I be worried?"
>>151891
"Well its like when i had to disguise myself as a zebra. Surprised you realized it was me. i almost got shot getting in."
Dark Star Laughs
"Well its like when i had to disguise myself as a zebra. Surprised you realized it was me. i almost got shot getting in."
Dark Star Laughs
>>151892
She pulls her teeth back a little
"Heh, what? Well, you'll see some of that if you are a waiter for long enough. But it's definitely different here, in a night club. So you just started as a waiter?"
She pulls her teeth back a little
"Heh, what? Well, you'll see some of that if you are a waiter for long enough. But it's definitely different here, in a night club. So you just started as a waiter?"
>>151894
"A hostess, actually. I greet ponies and get them to a table to be waited on, making sure none of the waiters are overloaded. One of them is my friend Mustard."
"A hostess, actually. I greet ponies and get them to a table to be waited on, making sure none of the waiters are overloaded. One of them is my friend Mustard."
>>151893
"Heh, you've got the same body; the same trot to you. Of course I recognize you. You are my Darkie. That, and who else would come here at night? Not many ponies even have a key.
Good to hear they are taking security seriously though."
>>151895
She nods
"Oh, so you really have just started."
She raises an eye brow
"Who is this 'Mustard'?"
"Heh, you've got the same body; the same trot to you. Of course I recognize you. You are my Darkie. That, and who else would come here at night? Not many ponies even have a key.
Good to hear they are taking security seriously though."
>>151895
She nods
"Oh, so you really have just started."
She raises an eye brow
"Who is this 'Mustard'?"
"He's the colt I was with earlier. I've known him only a couple of days, but he seems nice. I let him know I was coming here after work, so he came here to meet with me, which is sweet I guess."
>>151900
"Well i'm infiltrating a group of Students right now. one appears to have been involved with the revolt."
"Well i'm infiltrating a group of Students right now. one appears to have been involved with the revolt."
>>151900
Nodding, Amber replies, "Mhm. He's the only one there my age but he's friendly 'nough. He lives with his ma and still goes to school, so that has to be a varied life for 'im. This was the first time we were ever anyplace together, and it wasn't really planned."
Nodding, Amber replies, "Mhm. He's the only one there my age but he's friendly 'nough. He lives with his ma and still goes to school, so that has to be a varied life for 'im. This was the first time we were ever anyplace together, and it wasn't really planned."
>>151901
"Oh" She says
"You're young enough. I suppose you really would be a freshly starting student."
She blinks
"Which revolt? The local one?"
"Oh" She says
"You're young enough. I suppose you really would be a freshly starting student."
She blinks
"Which revolt? The local one?"
>>151903
"Yea the local one that happend fairly recently. he said he has ties to someponies that were involved and they have a cache of weapons."
"Yea the local one that happend fairly recently. he said he has ties to someponies that were involved and they have a cache of weapons."
>>151909
Amber smirks. "I won't tell anypony if you don't. It was a good drink too, I've never had anything like it. I thought booze was all acrid and put your throat on fire, but that was just like juice."
Amber smirks. "I won't tell anypony if you don't. It was a good drink too, I've never had anything like it. I thought booze was all acrid and put your throat on fire, but that was just like juice."
>>151912
"Lemons I've heard of, but what's a 'passion fruit'? Does it make you fall in love or somethin'?" she sniggers.
"Lemons I've heard of, but what's a 'passion fruit'? Does it make you fall in love or somethin'?" she sniggers.
>>151915
"Yea,sea breeze approved. honestly im not looking too forward to it. i thought when i was little it would be.....different."
"Yea,sea breeze approved. honestly im not looking too forward to it. i thought when i was little it would be.....different."
>>151918
"Well i thought ponies went there to learn useful things to build their intellect. not to become indoctrinated into a Communist philosophy."
"Well i thought ponies went there to learn useful things to build their intellect. not to become indoctrinated into a Communist philosophy."
>>151918
"Having grown up used to what we could grow locally, I don't mind these fancy fruits one bit. Between them, the music, and dancing, I ain't surprised ponies like coming here. It's a good place to relax, if you don't pay heed to the owner." She says this last part in a hushed tone. "What's your favorite fruit and drink?"
"Having grown up used to what we could grow locally, I don't mind these fancy fruits one bit. Between them, the music, and dancing, I ain't surprised ponies like coming here. It's a good place to relax, if you don't pay heed to the owner." She says this last part in a hushed tone. "What's your favorite fruit and drink?"
>>151919
"Huh. I suppose educating earth ponies on things like, well... how to dig holes better makes sense, I guess. But yeah, it's how philosophies like Liberalism seep their way into a society. Like poisonous gas underneath a door."
>>151920
As if in reply to the "pay heed to the owner" remark, the gap between Amber's statements is filled with the sound of a sledge hammer, and bricks falling
Replying,
"Simple vodka and orange juice."
"Huh. I suppose educating earth ponies on things like, well... how to dig holes better makes sense, I guess. But yeah, it's how philosophies like Liberalism seep their way into a society. Like poisonous gas underneath a door."
>>151920
As if in reply to the "pay heed to the owner" remark, the gap between Amber's statements is filled with the sound of a sledge hammer, and bricks falling
Replying,
"Simple vodka and orange juice."
>>151921
"That sounds refreshing?" said almost if unsure. "It must be rough working at these odd hours."
"That sounds refreshing?" said almost if unsure. "It must be rough working at these odd hours."
>>151922
She turns around
"Yeah, the hours are definitely something. But I'm a night owl anyways, and the total number of hours isn't really that many, since I very rarely have to work during daylight at all. It means I can do other things as well."
>>151923
"Hahaha," She laughs at Dark Star's statement
"I should have figured."
She places a hoof in Dark Star's mane
She turns around
"Yeah, the hours are definitely something. But I'm a night owl anyways, and the total number of hours isn't really that many, since I very rarely have to work during daylight at all. It means I can do other things as well."
>>151923
"Hahaha," She laughs at Dark Star's statement
"I should have figured."
She places a hoof in Dark Star's mane
>>151924
"Sounds like a reasonable trade-off. Probably better than working two jobs from the morning to late at night...."
"Sounds like a reasonable trade-off. Probably better than working two jobs from the morning to late at night...."
>>151927
"I'm just glad to be out of debt, you know? That's the only reason I agreed to help her out, and I don't think I want to do anything like that again."
"I'm just glad to be out of debt, you know? That's the only reason I agreed to help her out, and I don't think I want to do anything like that again."
>>151934
"I mean... well, for example, you taking the drink. That wouldn't have been acceptable in many places, but Dark Denizen is okay with it, so long as the police don't harass her over it. And the same with many things."
>>151935
She leans her head back
"Hahaha"
She recovers, and says
"Yes, like that" and runs her hoof through his mane again
"The weeds regrow every year, or even more often than that, and you must pull them out. And that is what the Junior-Crypteia must do to society. That is what the SSA must do. Every day, pull up weeds."
"I mean... well, for example, you taking the drink. That wouldn't have been acceptable in many places, but Dark Denizen is okay with it, so long as the police don't harass her over it. And the same with many things."
>>151935
She leans her head back
"Hahaha"
She recovers, and says
"Yes, like that" and runs her hoof through his mane again
"The weeds regrow every year, or even more often than that, and you must pull them out. And that is what the Junior-Crypteia must do to society. That is what the SSA must do. Every day, pull up weeds."
>>151936
Amber seems taken aback by this. "I thought it was a nice gesture? I know I shouldn't get into spirits until I'm older, but is one drink really that bad? It didn't taste strong at all either."
Amber seems taken aback by this. "I thought it was a nice gesture? I know I shouldn't get into spirits until I'm older, but is one drink really that bad? It didn't taste strong at all either."
>>151942
"I suppose. Anyway, I'm glad to have had the chance to talk, and I'm looking forward to meeting again, Sanguine." She smiles at the flaxen mare.
"I suppose. Anyway, I'm glad to have had the chance to talk, and I'm looking forward to meeting again, Sanguine." She smiles at the flaxen mare.
>>151944
Amber proceeds to break a rule her parents laid down, "Don't wander alone at night," but does it really count as wandering if she's going straight home?
Amber proceeds to break a rule her parents laid down, "Don't wander alone at night," but does it really count as wandering if she's going straight home?
>>151947
It is indeed, late at night. Amber exits through the front entrance, where Dark Denizen and the diamond dog are in the process of adding a wooden door frame.
>>151948
She extends her wings, at least in part, as she lets Dark Star rub her back
"Oh, a book. Withers' Height." It's a piece of Equestrian romantic literature. I couldn't read in this language just a little over a year ago, you know? So I'm still practicing."
It is indeed, late at night. Amber exits through the front entrance, where Dark Denizen and the diamond dog are in the process of adding a wooden door frame.
>>151948
She extends her wings, at least in part, as she lets Dark Star rub her back
"Oh, a book. Withers' Height." It's a piece of Equestrian romantic literature. I couldn't read in this language just a little over a year ago, you know? So I'm still practicing."
>>151949
What ever is the point of adding another door like this? she asks herself, as she proceeds along into the cold, dark night.
What ever is the point of adding another door like this? she asks herself, as she proceeds along into the cold, dark night.
>>151949
He Continues massaging her back
"Oh Really? That's incredible. Why don't you read some of it to me?"
He Continues massaging her back
"Oh Really? That's incredible. Why don't you read some of it to me?"
>>151954
She looks up to Dark Star, and simultaneously smiles and twists her lips
"Heh. Is there anything you would read?"
She looks up to Dark Star, and simultaneously smiles and twists her lips
"Heh. Is there anything you would read?"
>>151957
"Yea, that one about the unicorns that tried to communicate with the beings not from here. i think i turned it in"
"Yea, that one about the unicorns that tried to communicate with the beings not from here. i think i turned it in"
>>151958
"Oh, the one where the unicorns did stupid things and killed themselves? I didn't hear most of that, but I did hear little bits of it"
"Oh, the one where the unicorns did stupid things and killed themselves? I didn't hear most of that, but I did hear little bits of it"
>>151953
Amber is able to make it home. She overshoots her street by one block, but she makes it home without being mugged or raped or kidnapped.
Amber is able to make it home. She overshoots her street by one block, but she makes it home without being mugged or raped or kidnapped.
>>151960
Honestly disappointed. A seven is not "gang-raped by Maarist cultists" territory, but would probably earn a mugging or at least a stalking.
This city isn't as dangerous as I thought it would be, she thinks to herself, yawning. She drags herself up the stairs of her apartment building, unlocks her door, enters, and locks it behind her.
Honestly disappointed. A seven is not "gang-raped by Maarist cultists" territory, but would probably earn a mugging or at least a stalking.
This city isn't as dangerous as I thought it would be, she thinks to herself, yawning. She drags herself up the stairs of her apartment building, unlocks her door, enters, and locks it behind her.
>>151965
Fortunately, the door seems to work. Hopefully the lights do as well. Amber has made it home, after a very long night.
Fortunately, the door seems to work. Hopefully the lights do as well. Amber has made it home, after a very long night.
With sluggish movements Amber pulls off her cloak and undoes her dress and throws them haphazardly to the side. She places the bundle of bills into her empty money pouch and collapses on her mattress. Although she feels like she could really use a shower, she is too tired to clean up or brush her teeth. She is even too tired to pray, offering quick thanks to Luna for the night before closing her eyes. She is quickly whisked off to sleep.
>>151967
She pauses for a moment, tries to imitate a smile, albeit one with many teeth showing. She moves her head back, the smile fades, her eyes go wide, and her ears fall down as the realization hits her.
"Let's... not think about it"
>>151968
As so, the little pony releases herself to the night, and to what dreams may come.
She pauses for a moment, tries to imitate a smile, albeit one with many teeth showing. She moves her head back, the smile fades, her eyes go wide, and her ears fall down as the realization hits her.
"Let's... not think about it"
>>151968
As so, the little pony releases herself to the night, and to what dreams may come.
>>151972
Plans for tomorrow are to go shopping for living essentials, now that she has a little bit of cash.
Plans for tomorrow are to go shopping for living essentials, now that she has a little bit of cash.
>>151979
Amber groans and wakes up the rest of the way. She thanks Celestia for a beautiful day and brushes her teeth, takes a shower and brushes her hair. Tut-tutting at herself for treating her clothes so poorly, she puts on her dress and headscarf, though not her cloak, and grabs her money pouch and canteen. She heads out, locking the door behind her, and leaves the apartment complex.
Amber groans and wakes up the rest of the way. She thanks Celestia for a beautiful day and brushes her teeth, takes a shower and brushes her hair. Tut-tutting at herself for treating her clothes so poorly, she puts on her dress and headscarf, though not her cloak, and grabs her money pouch and canteen. She heads out, locking the door behind her, and leaves the apartment complex.
>>151981
he strokes her mane with his hoof
"im sure theres nothing spooky out there. want to tell me more about that cool book?"
he strokes her mane with his hoof
"im sure theres nothing spooky out there. want to tell me more about that cool book?"
>>151983
She smiles, and looks back. Her mane is fairly well kept, and silky smooth.
"Well... It's about a mare and a stallion who are in love. You see, the stallion was of lower class, and was adopted by a family. And the mare can't really marry him, she has to marry a different pony instead..." She continues like this
She smiles, and looks back. Her mane is fairly well kept, and silky smooth.
"Well... It's about a mare and a stallion who are in love. You see, the stallion was of lower class, and was adopted by a family. And the mare can't really marry him, she has to marry a different pony instead..." She continues like this
>>151982
The good and bad both of living on your own is that there is no one there to tell you what to do. Amber gets up much later than she is normally accustomed to, but gets out of the house all the same.
She is out on the road on a Saturday morning. Plenty of creatures abound. It's a bit cooler this day, with rain clouds lingering.
The good and bad both of living on your own is that there is no one there to tell you what to do. Amber gets up much later than she is normally accustomed to, but gets out of the house all the same.
She is out on the road on a Saturday morning. Plenty of creatures abound. It's a bit cooler this day, with rain clouds lingering.
>>151985
Amber tries to determine whether or not it will rain again today. Should I roll survival or knowledge (nature)?
Amber tries to determine whether or not it will rain again today. Should I roll survival or knowledge (nature)?
>>151984
Dark Star isnt all that interested in the story but hes Glad it makes her happy
"Hmm Very Compelling stuff. Do all mare read this kind of stuff?"
Dark Star isnt all that interested in the story but hes Glad it makes her happy
"Hmm Very Compelling stuff. Do all mare read this kind of stuff?"
>>151991
Amber rushes in and grabs her dark burlap cloak! Once she's outside again, she sets out west and along the way she looks for a cheap place to grab some breakfast.
Amber rushes in and grabs her dark burlap cloak! Once she's outside again, she sets out west and along the way she looks for a cheap place to grab some breakfast.
>>151993
She extends a wing. There is just a little bit of fur above the bone and muscle, and feathers over most of the surface.
"But I've been told she dies in foaling, giving birth to somepony else's child. So no, I don't think they get together."
>>151994
>Cheap
In luck. A diner is just down the street
She extends a wing. There is just a little bit of fur above the bone and muscle, and feathers over most of the surface.
"But I've been told she dies in foaling, giving birth to somepony else's child. So no, I don't think they get together."
>>151994
>Cheap
In luck. A diner is just down the street
>>151998
She tries not to show any lack of trust in that a griffon is preparing her food. She orders pancakes, a good heaping of hash browns, grits if they have any, and a glass of milk.
She tries not to show any lack of trust in that a griffon is preparing her food. She orders pancakes, a good heaping of hash browns, grits if they have any, and a glass of milk.
>>151999
"Oh, yeah. Well, yes. It's very enjoyable, whether sad or triumphant, to try to feel what they feel."
>>152000
Checked
Sadly, grits are not offered in the location. One more strike against griffinkind.
Pancakes and hashbrowns, however, are available. Milk is available, even if it seems a little suspect. Amber takes her seat in a wooden bench seat, and it doesn't take that long for the food to arrive.
"Oh, yeah. Well, yes. It's very enjoyable, whether sad or triumphant, to try to feel what they feel."
>>152000
Checked
Sadly, grits are not offered in the location. One more strike against griffinkind.
Pancakes and hashbrowns, however, are available. Milk is available, even if it seems a little suspect. Amber takes her seat in a wooden bench seat, and it doesn't take that long for the food to arrive.
>>152001
It truly feels good not having to wonder where your next meal is coming from. She thanks the goddesses for helping her through the most difficult time and has high hopes for the rest of her stay in Baltimare. When the glass arrives she smells it to make sure it hasn't "blinked."
It truly feels good not having to wonder where your next meal is coming from. She thanks the goddesses for helping her through the most difficult time and has high hopes for the rest of her stay in Baltimare. When the glass arrives she smells it to make sure it hasn't "blinked."
>>152004
"Yea. its pretty fun she hated them though. would always say "Starry, you gonna Scare yourself to death with those."
He smiles reliving the memory
"Yea. its pretty fun she hated them though. would always say "Starry, you gonna Scare yourself to death with those."
He smiles reliving the memory
>>152007
Not nearly as good as Ma's cooking. But at least I'll have energy for the day. When she finishes she goes to the counter to pay for the food.
Not nearly as good as Ma's cooking. But at least I'll have energy for the day. When she finishes she goes to the counter to pay for the food.
>>152010
At least it's cheap. She pays and leaves, going westward again and looking for shops selling household supplies.
At least it's cheap. She pays and leaves, going westward again and looking for shops selling household supplies.
File (): 7C85B90C2FABBB44D96E26F3B24E8274-668858.png (653.2 KB, 4295x6376, EC9C0A9E-5D8F-414F-9F0B-9CED6F4D3EE9.png)
Is anypony here this weekend?
>>152023
I am, but I got hit hard with some bad news. Being distracted with a DnD session sounds good.
I am, but I got hit hard with some bad news. Being distracted with a DnD session sounds good.
>>152035
Rob it!
Amber looks for some much-needed essentials. Namely:
Soap
Shower curtain
Shower rod
A couple of cheap towels, both for bath and kitchen
A washboard and bucket
Clothesline and pins
Clothes hangers (she must have a closet of sorts, right?)
Toilet paper
Plunger
Broom and dustpan
Cleaning sponges
A few pots, pans and bowls
Waste basket or trash bin and trash bags
She considers getting a blanket and pillow, but not only would that be bulky but she guesses a furniture store would be a better place to get these things. An alarm clock catches her eye though and she considers getting one.
Amber looks for some much-needed essentials. Namely:
Soap
Shower curtain
Shower rod
A couple of cheap towels, both for bath and kitchen
A washboard and bucket
Clothesline and pins
Clothes hangers (she must have a closet of sorts, right?)
Toilet paper
Plunger
Broom and dustpan
Cleaning sponges
A few pots, pans and bowls
Waste basket or trash bin and trash bags
She considers getting a blanket and pillow, but not only would that be bulky but she guesses a furniture store would be a better place to get these things. An alarm clock catches her eye though and she considers getting one.
>>152036
These are... not necessarily available in a general store. But anything is possible, if only she looks hard and far enough. Department stores several stories tall exist just a little closer to the city center.
48 more bits.
These are... not necessarily available in a general store. But anything is possible, if only she looks hard and far enough. Department stores several stories tall exist just a little closer to the city center.
48 more bits.
>>152037
48 for items which she can find in the store or 48 for everything spread out over several stores?
She remembers she needs some basic hoof care things, like sturdy clippers, a file and a brush. What else could she need....
48 for items which she can find in the store or 48 for everything spread out over several stores?
She remembers she needs some basic hoof care things, like sturdy clippers, a file and a brush. What else could she need....
>>152038
48 bits in total. The general store does not have waste bins. Well, waste bins you can remove from the store, anyways.
48 bits in total. The general store does not have waste bins. Well, waste bins you can remove from the store, anyways.
>>152039
Reasonable enough. She gives the storeowner the bills, thanks him for the change, and takes several minutes to wrap up the paraphernalia in her cloak. She carries the makeshift bag on her back all the way home.
Reasonable enough. She gives the storeowner the bills, thanks him for the change, and takes several minutes to wrap up the paraphernalia in her cloak. She carries the makeshift bag on her back all the way home.
>>152040
This is a bit... unseemly. However, it is not entirely ineffective. Did she actually buy the alarm clock?
This is a bit... unseemly. However, it is not entirely ineffective. Did she actually buy the alarm clock?
>>152041
Although she's thankful this is a weekend and could sleep in, if for whatever reason she stays up late again it could be a problem. So yes, she got one.
Although she's thankful this is a weekend and could sleep in, if for whatever reason she stays up late again it could be a problem. So yes, she got one.
>>152043
Oof. "Err...the clock is a little pricy. I figure I need one because I don't want to wake up late and lose my job, but I just got paid for the first time and I'm worried I won't be able to cover living essentials. I don't suppose the price could be lowered by just a little bit?" Amber asks meekly.
Rolling diplomacy: [1d20+4 = (15+4) = 19]
Oof. "Err...the clock is a little pricy. I figure I need one because I don't want to wake up late and lose my job, but I just got paid for the first time and I'm worried I won't be able to cover living essentials. I don't suppose the price could be lowered by just a little bit?" Amber asks meekly.
Rolling diplomacy: [1d20+4 = (15+4) = 19]
>>152045
"Well..." The mare looks away, and her ears lower
"I can't really change the price of the items. It's store policy."
Though her head turns away, her eyes return to Amber
"But there is another clock that's kind of similar... and while the sale ended, it's still marked as the lower price..."
"Well..." The mare looks away, and her ears lower
"I can't really change the price of the items. It's store policy."
Though her head turns away, her eyes return to Amber
"But there is another clock that's kind of similar... and while the sale ended, it's still marked as the lower price..."
>>152046
She smiles a bit. "I ain't picky, the cheaper option is good for me...but, um, I wouldn't want you to get in trouble." she continues.
She smiles a bit. "I ain't picky, the cheaper option is good for me...but, um, I wouldn't want you to get in trouble." she continues.
>>152047
"Well... This one is 4 bits"
It doesn't look as pretty, being a grey steel color, versus the golden brass color of the other.
"Well... This one is 4 bits"
It doesn't look as pretty, being a grey steel color, versus the golden brass color of the other.
>>152049
She nods, and smiles
Amber's total expenditures for the shopping spree is now 58 bits, having purchased the alarm clock at 50% off.
She nods, and smiles
Amber's total expenditures for the shopping spree is now 58 bits, having purchased the alarm clock at 50% off.
>>152051
As Amber has already paid her rent recently, she is unharrased by the landlord, although she does get watched by a zebra stallion downstairs as she walks up the stairs to her room.
As Amber has already paid her rent recently, she is unharrased by the landlord, although she does get watched by a zebra stallion downstairs as she walks up the stairs to her room.
>>152052
She thinks nothing of it; carrying a makeshift pouch like that is bound to get a few glances. After laying out her things on her floor, putting her cloak back on and locking the door behind her, she sets back out again. Direction: a furniture store.
She thinks nothing of it; carrying a makeshift pouch like that is bound to get a few glances. After laying out her things on her floor, putting her cloak back on and locking the door behind her, she sets back out again. Direction: a furniture store.
>>152053
"Pouch" is understanding it
She thinks she saw a furniture store up north along the same street. Well, maybe one block to the west.
"Pouch" is understanding it
She thinks she saw a furniture store up north along the same street. Well, maybe one block to the west.
>>152058
Is this the right place? she starts to wonder to herself. Still, it's probably better than being too fancy, because she's interested only in some plain-looking, albeit sturdy, furniture anyway.
Is this the right place? she starts to wonder to herself. Still, it's probably better than being too fancy, because she's interested only in some plain-looking, albeit sturdy, furniture anyway.
>>152062
Basic, straight-backed chairs would do. A cushion on the seat would be nice but isn't necessary. Is this like Ikea where you bring back the kit to build?
Basic, straight-backed chairs would do. A cushion on the seat would be nice but isn't necessary. Is this like Ikea where you bring back the kit to build?
>>152063
>access to superior, lower cost, easier to use imported goods in a perfect autarkic pony ethno-state
lol no
Wooden chairs are available though, and for relatively cheap.
>access to superior, lower cost, easier to use imported goods in a perfect autarkic pony ethno-state
lol no
Wooden chairs are available though, and for relatively cheap.
>>152064
She takes mental note of that and walks over to the bedroom section. A nightstand isn't needed, but how much does a single bed go for?
She takes mental note of that and walks over to the bedroom section. A nightstand isn't needed, but how much does a single bed go for?
>>152066
She picks out one that costs around fifty bits, rationalizing that it's worth not sleeping on the floor. How about sheets, blankets and pillows?
She picks out one that costs around fifty bits, rationalizing that it's worth not sleeping on the floor. How about sheets, blankets and pillows?
>>152067
5-7 bits per set of bedsheets, pillows from 4 to 7 bits per pair. Blankets are about 3 bits or higher.
5-7 bits per set of bedsheets, pillows from 4 to 7 bits per pair. Blankets are about 3 bits or higher.
>>152068
Amber selects two sets of bedsheets, a pair of pillows and two blankets, all plain with a matching light maroon color.
Amber selects two sets of bedsheets, a pair of pillows and two blankets, all plain with a matching light maroon color.
>>152070
Amber frowns at the waning amount of money she has, though it's all a one-time expense. She decides against getting chairs or a table. Does her apartment have a stove?
Amber frowns at the waning amount of money she has, though it's all a one-time expense. She decides against getting chairs or a table. Does her apartment have a stove?
>>152072
Good enough. She tells the store clerk what she wants, but the question remains: how is she going to get it home? Maybe she can rent a cart and pull it behind her, and she brings up this possibility.
Good enough. She tells the store clerk what she wants, but the question remains: how is she going to get it home? Maybe she can rent a cart and pull it behind her, and she brings up this possibility.
>>152074
Amber grins. "That's wonderful! Thank you!" After paying for everything, her remaining cash should now be a mere 61 bits.
Amber grins. "That's wonderful! Thank you!" After paying for everything, her remaining cash should now be a mere 61 bits.
>>152083
An older earth pony stallion, and a young earth pony colt follow Amber to her apartment, and help move the bed in. They even set it up for her.
Amber is down to 56 bits of last night's gain
An older earth pony stallion, and a young earth pony colt follow Amber to her apartment, and help move the bed in. They even set it up for her.
Amber is down to 56 bits of last night's gain
>>152086
Amber thanks the two. She props the old mattress up against the wall, needing to find a way to get rid of it later. She spends much of the afternoon doing a thorough cleaning of the room and puts away the household supplies.
Amber thanks the two. She props the old mattress up against the wall, needing to find a way to get rid of it later. She spends much of the afternoon doing a thorough cleaning of the room and puts away the household supplies.
>>152087
Someone left a can of lard in the cabinet in the kitchen, It is, fortunately, empty. Also, the bathroom (fortunately) came with (used) shower curtains.
Amber is able to slowly clean up much of the dirt, dust, cigarette ash, cat hair, soot, glass fragments, and other debris in the apartment.
Someone left a can of lard in the cabinet in the kitchen, It is, fortunately, empty. Also, the bathroom (fortunately) came with (used) shower curtains.
Amber is able to slowly clean up much of the dirt, dust, cigarette ash, cat hair, soot, glass fragments, and other debris in the apartment.
>>152088
It's hard, but it's honest work. It's probably late in the afternoon by the time she finishes.
It's hard, but it's honest work. It's probably late in the afternoon by the time she finishes.
>>151824
He uses a hoof to lift her beak, facing her towards his eyes full of worry for his beloved dove.
"Tell me about these other things."
He uses a hoof to lift her beak, facing her towards his eyes full of worry for his beloved dove.
"Tell me about these other things."
>>152090
Even as her face is lifted, the rest of her body droops down. Her wings in particular become loose, and the ends touch the floor.
"Well... I've been thinking... I sent one note to my parents saying I was leaving Midora and I would not see them for a while. I never said I was leaving the country. Not that it would have mattered much if I had told them where I was going, because I didn't end up there anyways. If I had... if, if, if, if you all had not been there... that would have been the last they had ever heard from me, and they would have no idea where I went. Like the kid down the street."
Even as her face is lifted, the rest of her body droops down. Her wings in particular become loose, and the ends touch the floor.
"Well... I've been thinking... I sent one note to my parents saying I was leaving Midora and I would not see them for a while. I never said I was leaving the country. Not that it would have mattered much if I had told them where I was going, because I didn't end up there anyways. If I had... if, if, if, if you all had not been there... that would have been the last they had ever heard from me, and they would have no idea where I went. Like the kid down the street."
>>152091
He does his best to hold his griffon up as she sags to the ground.
"What happened to kid down street?"
He does his best to hold his griffon up as she sags to the ground.
"What happened to kid down street?"
>>152092
"He went out to meet with other griffins one night. And then he wasn't there the next morning. We don't know if he ever came home. It looks like he did. The door and windows were unlocked, and there was clothing on the floor of his room... but that isn't really uncommon for young males. We think the Anti-Partisans got him. He was known to sympathize with the partisans, and we think he would go to the mountains and meet with them. So we think the Blackhooves came that night, and took him away. But he may have fled to live up in the mountains. He might be there to this day. He might have died in a raid. He might have fled the country. He might have hit a bird or a branch while flying, tumbled and fell into the ground and hit his head. We don't know."
"He went out to meet with other griffins one night. And then he wasn't there the next morning. We don't know if he ever came home. It looks like he did. The door and windows were unlocked, and there was clothing on the floor of his room... but that isn't really uncommon for young males. We think the Anti-Partisans got him. He was known to sympathize with the partisans, and we think he would go to the mountains and meet with them. So we think the Blackhooves came that night, and took him away. But he may have fled to live up in the mountains. He might be there to this day. He might have died in a raid. He might have fled the country. He might have hit a bird or a branch while flying, tumbled and fell into the ground and hit his head. We don't know."
>>152093
Silver hugs her tight.
"You are alive, and you are here. Of that I am immensely grateful for. It is no use to dwell on what could have happened, other than to give yourself nightmares."
He looks up at her.
"Would you like to write message to your parents, telling them where you are and that you are okay? I am not certain when it will arrive, but..."
Silver hugs her tight.
"You are alive, and you are here. Of that I am immensely grateful for. It is no use to dwell on what could have happened, other than to give yourself nightmares."
He looks up at her.
"Would you like to write message to your parents, telling them where you are and that you are okay? I am not certain when it will arrive, but..."
>>152094
Griffu is hugged
Fluffy feathers in some parts, and a slender, bony cat-body in others.
"I... I think I would. But it isn't so simple. Messages in and out of the country are monitored. There is a reason I did not tell them I was leaving to Aquelia the first time. If the Blackhooves know I left the country, it may cast suspicion on my parents."
Griffu is hugged
Fluffy feathers in some parts, and a slender, bony cat-body in others.
"I... I think I would. But it isn't so simple. Messages in and out of the country are monitored. There is a reason I did not tell them I was leaving to Aquelia the first time. If the Blackhooves know I left the country, it may cast suspicion on my parents."
>>152095
"Perhaps, but...well, both Eastern Equestria and Sicameon have been annexed by New Mareland. It could be seen as sending message from one part of country to another."
"Perhaps, but...well, both Eastern Equestria and Sicameon have been annexed by New Mareland. It could be seen as sending message from one part of country to another."
>>152097
"And I very seriously doubt any potential resistance movements or partisan groups are going to be communicating across entire ocean rather than other groups closer by."
"And I very seriously doubt any potential resistance movements or partisan groups are going to be communicating across entire ocean rather than other groups closer by."
>>152099
A hoof comes up to gently stroke one of her cheeks.
"If we do not have pen and paper here, I will go get some for you."
A hoof comes up to gently stroke one of her cheeks.
"If we do not have pen and paper here, I will go get some for you."
>>152102
She moves her body up, and closer to Silver. She presses her head to his, so that her beak rests against his muzzle, and then crosses it, placing her beak above his muzzle
“I think I love you… love you too.” She says
She moves her body up, and closer to Silver. She presses her head to his, so that her beak rests against his muzzle, and then crosses it, placing her beak above his muzzle
“I think I love you… love you too.” She says
>>152103
His muzzle is firm and muscular, and the fur is much shorter here and in other parts, but it's not uncomfortable. He holds his griffon like this, content to be there with her. He only breaks the silence after a few seconds.
"Will you tell your parents about me?"
His muzzle is firm and muscular, and the fur is much shorter here and in other parts, but it's not uncomfortable. He holds his griffon like this, content to be there with her. He only breaks the silence after a few seconds.
"Will you tell your parents about me?"
>>152105
He smiles at that.
"I do not know what they think of ponies, but I hope I would be worthy of approval. If we could get access to camera, we could even send them picture."
He smiles at that.
"I do not know what they think of ponies, but I hope I would be worthy of approval. If we could get access to camera, we could even send them picture."
>>152106
"Maybe. I don't know. I think they'd prefer I settle down and have chicks with a griffin. Maybe they'd be fine with it. I don't know. I'm still young, I don't think I should have to worry too much about what they think about it."
"Maybe. I don't know. I think they'd prefer I settle down and have chicks with a griffin. Maybe they'd be fine with it. I don't know. I'm still young, I don't think I should have to worry too much about what they think about it."
>>152107
He nuzzles into the soft feathers around her neck.
"That makes sense. You do not have to tell them about me if you do not want to."
He nuzzles into the soft feathers around her neck.
"That makes sense. You do not have to tell them about me if you do not want to."
>>152114
She moves her head back in reaction, opens her eyes wide, and then forms a broader smile across her face. She leans in, closes her eyes, and kisses him back in kind.
She moves her head back in reaction, opens her eyes wide, and then forms a broader smile across her face. She leans in, closes her eyes, and kisses him back in kind.
>>152115
"Mmm..."
The kiss lasts for some seconds before Silver pulls back, looking lovingly into his dove's violet eyes.
"I love you, and you love me. Whatever we are, whatever you want us to be, that will not change. And it fills my heart with such warmth to know that."
"Mmm..."
The kiss lasts for some seconds before Silver pulls back, looking lovingly into his dove's violet eyes.
"I love you, and you love me. Whatever we are, whatever you want us to be, that will not change. And it fills my heart with such warmth to know that."
>>152117
He nods with conviction.
"I will never leave you, I will always love you, as long as you want me. You are my everything, my beautiful dove."
He nods with conviction.
"I will never leave you, I will always love you, as long as you want me. You are my everything, my beautiful dove."
>>152120
She blinks
"I mean... I don't know... Theoretically I guess it's okay to not be. It's just, you know, it's not, well, it's not traditional. I mean, it kind of is, but it's not traditional to be open about it. And, well, you were saying something like 'marefriend at least' and I don't know what you want."
She blinks
"I mean... I don't know... Theoretically I guess it's okay to not be. It's just, you know, it's not, well, it's not traditional. I mean, it kind of is, but it's not traditional to be open about it. And, well, you were saying something like 'marefriend at least' and I don't know what you want."
>>152124
The griffin leans down, until Silver is nearly overtop of her, and wrapped in fluff. She presses her neck and head upwards, so that they make contact with Silver's neck and muzzle
The griffin leans down, until Silver is nearly overtop of her, and wrapped in fluff. She presses her neck and head upwards, so that they make contact with Silver's neck and muzzle
>>152125
Silver rubs his head and neck against Jubilosa's in response. The unicorn lets out a soft contented whinny.
Silver rubs his head and neck against Jubilosa's in response. The unicorn lets out a soft contented whinny.
>>152126
Jubilosa crouches down, and almost lays on the floor to facilitate this. His chest from the ribs up, neck, and now the flat bottom of hi chin all lay on top of Jubilosa. She starts to rub against him as well, eventually letting out a "coo"
Jubilosa crouches down, and almost lays on the floor to facilitate this. His chest from the ribs up, neck, and now the flat bottom of hi chin all lay on top of Jubilosa. She starts to rub against him as well, eventually letting out a "coo"
>>152128
coo
She keeps her eyes closed, crouched there under Silver. She lowers her hind quarters, placing most of her body just above the floor.
coo
She keeps her eyes closed, crouched there under Silver. She lowers her hind quarters, placing most of her body just above the floor.
>>152129
Silver gazes at her sleek, slender form in its current position. A mischevious thought passes through his mind, and he whispers into her ear.
"You know, way we are positioned, I would be tempted to show you exactly how much I love you if not for others around us."
Silver gazes at her sleek, slender form in its current position. A mischevious thought passes through his mind, and he whispers into her ear.
"You know, way we are positioned, I would be tempted to show you exactly how much I love you if not for others around us."
>>152130
She's as long as he is and with long limbs. Her build is much less massive over all. She moves the lower portion of her body so that she is altogether under him, though she lays her hind section down and does not press against him. With her back arched up somewhat, she fits under him well.
She extends her neck so that her beak sticks out from under his long muzzle
"What others?"
She's as long as he is and with long limbs. Her build is much less massive over all. She moves the lower portion of her body so that she is altogether under him, though she lays her hind section down and does not press against him. With her back arched up somewhat, she fits under him well.
She extends her neck so that her beak sticks out from under his long muzzle
"What others?"
>>152131
"Well, Clip is in other room. I do not know where others are."
He nuzzles her neck some more.
"But, if you did not mind them...I am up for it if you are."
"Well, Clip is in other room. I do not know where others are."
He nuzzles her neck some more.
"But, if you did not mind them...I am up for it if you are."
>>152132
"I'll let you decide" she says.
Silver feels something fluffy bat him on his right flank. It's Jubilosa's tail, which she curls up and around
"I'll let you decide" she says.
Silver feels something fluffy bat him on his right flank. It's Jubilosa's tail, which she curls up and around
>>152133
She actually manages to make the unicorn blush before he smiles mischeviously at her.
"Oh! You naughty griffon."
He leans forward and manages to catch her beak in another kiss.
She actually manages to make the unicorn blush before he smiles mischeviously at her.
"Oh! You naughty griffon."
He leans forward and manages to catch her beak in another kiss.
>>152134
It's a bit difficult from this angle. But not impossible. She lays all the way down, to giver herself room to twist her head up to meet his. She smiles back to him
It's still something of a strange feeling, kissing a solid beak rather than lips. She extends her tongue to meet his, to make up for part of the difference.
It's a bit difficult from this angle. But not impossible. She lays all the way down, to giver herself room to twist her head up to meet his. She smiles back to him
It's still something of a strange feeling, kissing a solid beak rather than lips. She extends her tongue to meet his, to make up for part of the difference.
>>152135
It's not necessarily a bad feeling, and Silver considers if it's a strange feeling for Jubilosa too. Certainly, the fact that they keep doing it suggests they both enjoy it. He breaks the kiss after a few seconds.
"But what does that make me, then?"
He starts to kiss down the back of her neck and down her spine as he slides down her body.
It's not necessarily a bad feeling, and Silver considers if it's a strange feeling for Jubilosa too. Certainly, the fact that they keep doing it suggests they both enjoy it. He breaks the kiss after a few seconds.
"But what does that make me, then?"
He starts to kiss down the back of her neck and down her spine as he slides down her body.
>>152136
"A silly old pony" She answers, with lidded eyes
Silver moves down her body, down her long, thin back, and above her slender frame.
"A silly old pony" She answers, with lidded eyes
Silver moves down her body, down her long, thin back, and above her slender frame.
>>152137
"Mmm, it is good thing this silly old pony has some tricks up his sleeve."
He kisses the top of her rump and the base of her tail before stopping to gaze longingly at her nethers.
"Mmm, it is good thing this silly old pony has some tricks up his sleeve."
He kisses the top of her rump and the base of her tail before stopping to gaze longingly at her nethers.
>>152138
When Silver kisses her, her tail moves back and forth quickly side to side, and ultimate runs into Silver, pressing along his head, and his shoulder. Her rump is thin, and fairly muscular, and the edges of her nethers can be seen. Pink, thin skin, rather than the puffy black flesh of a horse.
When Silver kisses her, her tail moves back and forth quickly side to side, and ultimate runs into Silver, pressing along his head, and his shoulder. Her rump is thin, and fairly muscular, and the edges of her nethers can be seen. Pink, thin skin, rather than the puffy black flesh of a horse.
>>152139
"You always look ravishing, my beautiful dove."
The unicorn punctuates this with a long, slow lick starting at the bottom of her vulva and ending at her anus, to get a taste of his belove griffu.
"You always look ravishing, my beautiful dove."
The unicorn punctuates this with a long, slow lick starting at the bottom of her vulva and ending at her anus, to get a taste of his belove griffu.
>>152140
"Hehe" She giggles, and her hind quarters move up, then back down. Her tail flips up, taps Silver, and then moves firmly off to the right side.
She has a different flavor than any of the ponies Silver has tasted.
"Hehe" She giggles, and her hind quarters move up, then back down. Her tail flips up, taps Silver, and then moves firmly off to the right side.
She has a different flavor than any of the ponies Silver has tasted.
>>152141
Silver lays down on the floor, trapping his rather firm and erect Sword underneath him. He grabs onto both sides of Jubee's toned rump as he continues to lick her vulva from bottom to top at a little faster pace.
lick, lick, lick
Silver lays down on the floor, trapping his rather firm and erect Sword underneath him. He grabs onto both sides of Jubee's toned rump as he continues to lick her vulva from bottom to top at a little faster pace.
lick, lick, lick
>>152142
"Hehe"
There's a little movement, as she moves to open her lips just a little bit wider for him. The lips slowly moisten, and slowly ease apart.
"Hehe"
There's a little movement, as she moves to open her lips just a little bit wider for him. The lips slowly moisten, and slowly ease apart.
>>152143
Yes, just like that.
As they slowly part for him, Silver tries to dig and lick along inside in between tending to the outside.
Yes, just like that.
As they slowly part for him, Silver tries to dig and lick along inside in between tending to the outside.
>>152144
A little deeper, and a little deeper. Her insides are fairly straight and flexible. It's like liking the inside of somepony's cheek, and while Jubilosa's beak may not have warm, moist flesh to rub his tongue against, he gets to enjoy the sensation all the same, pressing his tongue inside her.
Her breathing is audible, and her hindquarters rock back ever so slightly, nearly hitting his nose.
A little deeper, and a little deeper. Her insides are fairly straight and flexible. It's like liking the inside of somepony's cheek, and while Jubilosa's beak may not have warm, moist flesh to rub his tongue against, he gets to enjoy the sensation all the same, pressing his tongue inside her.
Her breathing is audible, and her hindquarters rock back ever so slightly, nearly hitting his nose.
>>152145
As she loosens up and her lips become more pliable, Silver moves on to trying to press his muzzle into her, slowly and a little at a time. He continues to work her smooth fleshy insides with his tongue to keep her stimulated.
As she loosens up and her lips become more pliable, Silver moves on to trying to press his muzzle into her, slowly and a little at a time. He continues to work her smooth fleshy insides with his tongue to keep her stimulated.
>>152146
It's doubtful that Silver will ever be able to fit his whole muzzle into his Griffin. But the soft edges of his nose make contact with her moist lips. She vibrates, and giggles at the movement of air out of her nostrils, blowing onto her
It's doubtful that Silver will ever be able to fit his whole muzzle into his Griffin. But the soft edges of his nose make contact with her moist lips. She vibrates, and giggles at the movement of air out of her nostrils, blowing onto her
>>152147
If she vibrates at the feeling of his breath against her walls, then the feeling of him speaking and his muzzle and snout vibrating her insides likely causes a greater reaction.
"I always love how sensative your insides are."
If she vibrates at the feeling of his breath against her walls, then the feeling of him speaking and his muzzle and snout vibrating her insides likely causes a greater reaction.
"I always love how sensative your insides are."
>>152149
Silver is practically hugging his griffu's rump at this point. He closes his eyes and happily laps up the offerings of secretions, and continues to lick and rub his tongue along the sensative sides of her tunnel of love.
lick, lick, lick, slurp, lick
Silver is practically hugging his griffu's rump at this point. He closes his eyes and happily laps up the offerings of secretions, and continues to lick and rub his tongue along the sensative sides of her tunnel of love.
lick, lick, lick, slurp, lick
>>152150
She attempts to squeeze, and flinches upwards a few times. Her lips slowly part further, and further apart as Silver continues his licking.
She attempts to squeeze, and flinches upwards a few times. Her lips slowly part further, and further apart as Silver continues his licking.
>>152151
Silver tries once again to try to reach deeper with his muzzle, so he may plunder her depths with greater ease.
Silver tries once again to try to reach deeper with his muzzle, so he may plunder her depths with greater ease.
>>152152
Silver finds that she extends deeper than his tongue may reach, her walls parting as deep as he can press. His nose pushes her lips aside, trying to make its way in, but instead stretches her to a limit.
Silver finds that she extends deeper than his tongue may reach, her walls parting as deep as he can press. His nose pushes her lips aside, trying to make its way in, but instead stretches her to a limit.
>>152153
Oh well, Silver is satisfied with this, and doesn't want to hurt her. He continues to lick and lap along her smooth flesh, tasting and smelling her exotic flavors along the way.
Oh well, Silver is satisfied with this, and doesn't want to hurt her. He continues to lick and lap along her smooth flesh, tasting and smelling her exotic flavors along the way.
>>152155
This signals Silver to pick up the intensity. He starts licking faster, pressing his tongue more into and against her walls. He uses a forehoof to spank her muscular flank.
This signals Silver to pick up the intensity. He starts licking faster, pressing his tongue more into and against her walls. He uses a forehoof to spank her muscular flank.
>>152156
"Ah!"
She whips her tail back, hitting Silver's barrel and the side of his head. Her rump flinches again, and the liquids increase.
"Ah!"
She whips her tail back, hitting Silver's barrel and the side of his head. Her rump flinches again, and the liquids increase.
>>152157
Silver laps it all up and keeps licking for a few seconds before he gives her flank another meaty SPANK.
Silver laps it all up and keeps licking for a few seconds before he gives her flank another meaty SPANK.
>>152159
Silver winces and offers her a muffled "Sorry" from her backside. He continues to dine on her insides, and licks up any remaining liquids there are.
Silver winces and offers her a muffled "Sorry" from her backside. He continues to dine on her insides, and licks up any remaining liquids there are.
"Ah, ah..."
The forward portion of her body relaxes, even as her hind presses back
The forward portion of her body relaxes, even as her hind presses back
>>152161
Silver wonders to himself when his griffu will reach climax, or if she has already and he simply hasn't noticed. He nuzzles into her vagina and breathes deeply of her scent, before continuing his oral performance.
lick, lick, slp, slurp, slp, slp, lick
Silver wonders to himself when his griffu will reach climax, or if she has already and he simply hasn't noticed. He nuzzles into her vagina and breathes deeply of her scent, before continuing his oral performance.
lick, lick, slp, slurp, slp, slp, lick
>>152163
Silver pulls his muzzle back and exits her nethers, leaving a string of saliva and vaginal secretions from his snout to her entrance. He stands up, his hardened sword hanging underneath his lower abdomen, and smiles at his griffu.
"Ready for main event?"
Silver pulls his muzzle back and exits her nethers, leaving a string of saliva and vaginal secretions from his snout to her entrance. He stands up, his hardened sword hanging underneath his lower abdomen, and smiles at his griffu.
"Ready for main event?"
>>152164
She takes a moment to breath in and out, and slightly turning her head and eyes back to Silver, says
"Yeah"
She takes a moment to breath in and out, and slightly turning her head and eyes back to Silver, says
"Yeah"
>>152165
She gets a very good look at the large, drooling head of his stallionhood when she does, but not for long as he steps forward and over his griffu. He slowly lowers his fluffy body down onto her, positioning his stallionhood as he does. She feels the firm mass of flesh slide down her rump and past her tail, to rub and slide up and down against her vulva.
She gets a very good look at the large, drooling head of his stallionhood when she does, but not for long as he steps forward and over his griffu. He slowly lowers his fluffy body down onto her, positioning his stallionhood as he does. She feels the firm mass of flesh slide down her rump and past her tail, to rub and slide up and down against her vulva.
>>152166
It's barely at the corner of her vision, but she certainly takes a look
Her tail moves, and whips around as Silver rubs her
It's barely at the corner of her vision, but she certainly takes a look
Her tail moves, and whips around as Silver rubs her
>>152167
He spreads his legs slightly as he positions his fat head up against her entrance, and pushes into it.
"Nnhg!"
He spreads his legs slightly as he positions his fat head up against her entrance, and pushes into it.
"Nnhg!"
>>152169
"Ahhhh..."
He lowers himself on top of her, and begins to slide back and forth inside her love tunnel slowly. His stallionhood is drooling a not unsubstantial amount of pre inside of her, which combined with her secretions helps to keep them both lubricated. He whispers seductively into her ear.
"If you ever have doubts of me loving you, remember feeling of my cock inside of you. How hard it is, how eager, how much it drools and aches for you. That is you doing that to me, and no one else."
"Ahhhh..."
He lowers himself on top of her, and begins to slide back and forth inside her love tunnel slowly. His stallionhood is drooling a not unsubstantial amount of pre inside of her, which combined with her secretions helps to keep them both lubricated. He whispers seductively into her ear.
"If you ever have doubts of me loving you, remember feeling of my cock inside of you. How hard it is, how eager, how much it drools and aches for you. That is you doing that to me, and no one else."
>>152170
"Ah, ah"
She lays her head on the ground, and sticks her tongue out. She points her eyes up to Silver
"Hehehe"
"Ah, ah"
She lays her head on the ground, and sticks her tongue out. She points her eyes up to Silver
"Hehehe"
>>152171
His sliding back and forth quickly turns to proper thrusting as his hips move back only to move forward and clap against her toned flanks. Already the sounds of their union, as vulgar as they are, can be heard from how wet she already is, joined by the sound of his heavy, seed-laden balls slapping against her pubic mound.
slap, plapp, squish, squelch, plap, slapp
His sliding back and forth quickly turns to proper thrusting as his hips move back only to move forward and clap against her toned flanks. Already the sounds of their union, as vulgar as they are, can be heard from how wet she already is, joined by the sound of his heavy, seed-laden balls slapping against her pubic mound.
slap, plapp, squish, squelch, plap, slapp
"Ah, ah, ah..."
She lays her head on the floor, and takes her claws out, pressing them into the floor. She slowly raises her hind quarters, pressing into Silver.
Silver feels her soft insides, which press down hard on him, like a too-small glove, but still let him slide in and out with ease
She lays her head on the floor, and takes her claws out, pressing them into the floor. She slowly raises her hind quarters, pressing into Silver.
Silver feels her soft insides, which press down hard on him, like a too-small glove, but still let him slide in and out with ease
>>152173
"I love you, Jubee."
He bends down and kisses the back of her neck. He steps up the pace of his thrusting, getting slightly deeper inside her with each thrust in. With a grunt from the unicorn, she feels him reach his medial ring against her parted lips before he pushes with some effort to get it inside.
"I love you, Jubee."
He bends down and kisses the back of her neck. He steps up the pace of his thrusting, getting slightly deeper inside her with each thrust in. With a grunt from the unicorn, she feels him reach his medial ring against her parted lips before he pushes with some effort to get it inside.
>>152174
"I..." She exhales loudly
"AH!" Her claws extend outwards, and grab into the floor. Silver is running out of room to place his love into her
"I love you!" She says
"I..." She exhales loudly
"AH!" Her claws extend outwards, and grab into the floor. Silver is running out of room to place his love into her
"I love you!" She says
>>152175
Silver will find a way. He steps up the intensity of his thrusts a bit more, resulting in meaty whaps as his balls come up and slap her pubic mound in the apex of each thrust. She can feel as both the ridges on his flared cockhead and his medial ring slide and push out against her walls. He tries to keep going deeper with each thrust in, the last quarter of his shaft leading to his thick trunk and base of his stallionhood being tricky.
slap, squish, squelch, slick, plapp, squish, whap
Silver will find a way. He steps up the intensity of his thrusts a bit more, resulting in meaty whaps as his balls come up and slap her pubic mound in the apex of each thrust. She can feel as both the ridges on his flared cockhead and his medial ring slide and push out against her walls. He tries to keep going deeper with each thrust in, the last quarter of his shaft leading to his thick trunk and base of his stallionhood being tricky.
slap, squish, squelch, slick, plapp, squish, whap
>>152176
"Ah, ah!"
Silver may worry for the floor with how she pulls her claws across it.
Her insides ppush against him, and almost fight to keep him out. Still, he may force himself deeper. She raises her hindquarters up, and presses herself closer to him, drawing him deeper in. She winces in the process
"Ah, ah!"
Silver may worry for the floor with how she pulls her claws across it.
Her insides ppush against him, and almost fight to keep him out. Still, he may force himself deeper. She raises her hindquarters up, and presses herself closer to him, drawing him deeper in. She winces in the process
>>152177
Silver starts to pant now, as he gets closer to the end. He looks worriedly down at his griffu, even as he continues to thrust.
"Want me...to...slow down? Go easier...?"
Silver starts to pant now, as he gets closer to the end. He looks worriedly down at his griffu, even as he continues to thrust.
"Want me...to...slow down? Go easier...?"
>>152178
"Ah!" Her tongue comes out. She can barely speak, dragging her claws on the floor, and clearly in pain.
"Harder"
She manages to say
"Ah!" Her tongue comes out. She can barely speak, dragging her claws on the floor, and clearly in pain.
"Harder"
She manages to say
>>152179
"O...okay..."
Silver obliges, pushing that extra inch to hilt inside her, his massive trunk stretching her lips to the limit, before resuming his thrusting from the tip of his cock to the base, and at a quick pace. He lowers himself even more until he's right on top of her. His breath starts to get unsteady, and he speaks to her.
"C-close..."
"O...okay..."
Silver obliges, pushing that extra inch to hilt inside her, his massive trunk stretching her lips to the limit, before resuming his thrusting from the tip of his cock to the base, and at a quick pace. He lowers himself even more until he's right on top of her. His breath starts to get unsteady, and he speaks to her.
"C-close..."
>>152180
"Ah! Ah!"
She presses her hind quarters firmly into him, and moves her rump up and down, pressing him against her up, and then lower walls, back and forth. She presses her fore up, firmly gripping the floor and closing her eyes. She stops breathing for a moment, and then pulls her claws across the ground.
"AHHH!"
She suppresses a scream
"Ah! Ah!"
She presses her hind quarters firmly into him, and moves her rump up and down, pressing him against her up, and then lower walls, back and forth. She presses her fore up, firmly gripping the floor and closing her eyes. She stops breathing for a moment, and then pulls her claws across the ground.
"AHHH!"
She suppresses a scream
>>152181
His thrusts get uneven and slow down. One, two, and...
"NnnnnnghJUBEE!"
He bites down gently into her neck and lets out a grunt as he thrusts deep into her with enough force to send them both forward on the floor a couple inches. She feels his cockhead flare up even more than it already was and release a flood of white-hot cum inside of her. Someone behind him would be able to see his balls clench and pulse with each pump of seed. She fills up quickly as rope after rope of foal batter splatters inside of her and paints her walls white. Her belly even distends a little to make it look like she's in the beginning stages of a pregnancy.
His thrusts get uneven and slow down. One, two, and...
"NnnnnnghJUBEE!"
He bites down gently into her neck and lets out a grunt as he thrusts deep into her with enough force to send them both forward on the floor a couple inches. She feels his cockhead flare up even more than it already was and release a flood of white-hot cum inside of her. Someone behind him would be able to see his balls clench and pulse with each pump of seed. She fills up quickly as rope after rope of foal batter splatters inside of her and paints her walls white. Her belly even distends a little to make it look like she's in the beginning stages of a pregnancy.
>>152182
"AH!" She is pressed forward, her beak hitting the ground.
"AHHHHH!"
She drags her claws across the ground, and then picks them up, swiping the floor, then swiping at it again and again, attacking it with her claws. Her insides pull inwards and contract, giving slight friction as the seed eliminates all resistance,
"AH!" She is pressed forward, her beak hitting the ground.
"AHHHHH!"
She drags her claws across the ground, and then picks them up, swiping the floor, then swiping at it again and again, attacking it with her claws. Her insides pull inwards and contract, giving slight friction as the seed eliminates all resistance,
>>152183
Thankfully, it seems Silver's Sword forms a good enough seal to keep it all inside and not spill out and flood the kitchen floor with spunk. The flow of baby gravy starts to taper off after a few ropes, turning into trickles and then stopping altogether as his balls run dry on this load. He manages to hold himself up on shakey legs instead of just slumping down onto his poor, stuffed griffu. He is silent at first, just trying to catch his breath before he looks lovingly at Jubee and says:
"I love you."
Thankfully, it seems Silver's Sword forms a good enough seal to keep it all inside and not spill out and flood the kitchen floor with spunk. The flow of baby gravy starts to taper off after a few ropes, turning into trickles and then stopping altogether as his balls run dry on this load. He manages to hold himself up on shakey legs instead of just slumping down onto his poor, stuffed griffu. He is silent at first, just trying to catch his breath before he looks lovingly at Jubee and says:
"I love you."
>>152089
With enough time, effort, money, and hoof cuts on broken glass, Amber has an apartment she can be tolerant of.
With enough time, effort, money, and hoof cuts on broken glass, Amber has an apartment she can be tolerant of.
>>152187
The angle is awkward, more so than usual. She attempts to reciprocate, but she doesn't seem fully able
The angle is awkward, more so than usual. She attempts to reciprocate, but she doesn't seem fully able
>>152189
He does his best, but has to give up after a short bit. He would move to fix the problem, but he doesn't want to give up the feeling of being inside of his griffu. She's still warm, which keeps his stallionhood erect and tingly.
He does his best, but has to give up after a short bit. He would move to fix the problem, but he doesn't want to give up the feeling of being inside of his griffu. She's still warm, which keeps his stallionhood erect and tingly.
>>152188
Tired, she decides to spend the rest of the day doing something relaxing. She decides to check on how Mustard Trim is doing and embarks southward(?) toward Summervale.
Tired, she decides to spend the rest of the day doing something relaxing. She decides to check on how Mustard Trim is doing and embarks southward(?) toward Summervale.
>>152194
Amber enjoys the warmer afternoon air on her journey. Once she's on the street she looks for his house.
Amber enjoys the warmer afternoon air on her journey. Once she's on the street she looks for his house.
>>152200
"Actually, there is one thing we have never tried, or you have never tried at least. Maybe someday, if you want, we could try oral. I am bit curious."
"Actually, there is one thing we have never tried, or you have never tried at least. Maybe someday, if you want, we could try oral. I am bit curious."
>>152218
"Heh. Just idea."
He nuzzles the back of her neck.
"So...how do you want to do this? I am not sure if we will make big mess on floor or not when I pull out."
"Heh. Just idea."
He nuzzles the back of her neck.
"So...how do you want to do this? I am not sure if we will make big mess on floor or not when I pull out."
>>152219
Her feathers are nuzzled
"Uh, let me just.."
She attempts to move forward to slip out underneath him, sabotaging Silver's efforts
Her feathers are nuzzled
"Uh, let me just.."
She attempts to move forward to slip out underneath him, sabotaging Silver's efforts
>>152221
She seems to be crawling out from under him. Admittedly it isn’t necessarily delicate. Silver can simply get off of her, but that poor floor…
She seems to be crawling out from under him. Admittedly it isn’t necessarily delicate. Silver can simply get off of her, but that poor floor…
File (): F1C94E11DC9934E28948B8826D468374-6811.jpg (6.7 KB, 276x183, Damage report.jfif)
File (): CFE0DD3225F1658BAAF1DEC97E381915-136165.jpg (133.0 KB, 894x894, 6120E8F0-CB46-4F93-8A54-82BC4B5771F1.jpeg)
>>152230
Silver trots forward, taking care to avoid the puddles with his hooves, to look at Jubilosa's backside.
Silver trots forward, taking care to avoid the puddles with his hooves, to look at Jubilosa's backside.
>>152231
Jubilosa has by this time turned herself to present her side to Silver - though perhaps Silver has repositioned himself to be behind her once again. She’s moved her tail down. She looks down at the puddles.
Jubilosa has by this time turned herself to present her side to Silver - though perhaps Silver has repositioned himself to be behind her once again. She’s moved her tail down. She looks down at the puddles.
>>152237
"Mmm, another masterpiece."
He kisses a clean section of her rump.
"Know where Khoi keeps cleaning supplies?"
"Mmm, another masterpiece."
He kisses a clean section of her rump.
"Know where Khoi keeps cleaning supplies?"
>>152239
"Hmm...I will look around for them out here, how about you check inside counters here in kitchen? Must be somewhere..."
Before he leaves the room, Silver peaks around to see who, if anyone, is outside of the kitchen.
"Hmm...I will look around for them out here, how about you check inside counters here in kitchen? Must be somewhere..."
Before he leaves the room, Silver peaks around to see who, if anyone, is outside of the kitchen.
>>152240
Both Paper Clipping and Mala are in the living room, looking at Silver as he approaches, although Mala stands away from Clipping
Both Paper Clipping and Mala are in the living room, looking at Silver as he approaches, although Mala stands away from Clipping
>>152241
Silver retreats before anything is potentially seen, offering a "JUST A SEC!" as he returns to the kitchen. He looks for a soft towel to clean himself up.
Silver retreats before anything is potentially seen, offering a "JUST A SEC!" as he returns to the kitchen. He looks for a soft towel to clean himself up.
>>152243
Wet kitchen rag it is. Not only does it clean, but the cool water forces his Sword back completely in his sheath and feels very uncomfortable.
Wet kitchen rag it is. Not only does it clean, but the cool water forces his Sword back completely in his sheath and feels very uncomfortable.
>>152244
Silver has magic, so this is easier for him than for many creatures. Jubilosa attempts to walk through the living room, before turning around, walking through the kitchen, and out of the side door.
Silver has magic, so this is easier for him than for many creatures. Jubilosa attempts to walk through the living room, before turning around, walking through the kitchen, and out of the side door.
>>152245
"Good call."
Once clean and sheathed, Silver rinses the rag out, and comes out into the living room with a sigh of relief.
"Sorry about that."
"Good call."
Once clean and sheathed, Silver rinses the rag out, and comes out into the living room with a sigh of relief.
"Sorry about that."
>>152246
Mala’s dark brown eyes and triangular ears are much closer to the door for the kitchen, but Paper Clipping’s wide eyed expression over on the couch is also rather noticeable.
Mala’s dark brown eyes and triangular ears are much closer to the door for the kitchen, but Paper Clipping’s wide eyed expression over on the couch is also rather noticeable.
>>152247
Silver looks at Clip with a sheepish smile on his face, and a faintly noticable blush.
"Uh...what is wrong?"
Silver looks at Clip with a sheepish smile on his face, and a faintly noticable blush.
"Uh...what is wrong?"
>>152248
While Mala’s expression is his inexpressive normal, Clipping has his eyes wide, lips pulled back but firmly closed, and ears pulled back.
While Mala’s expression is his inexpressive normal, Clipping has his eyes wide, lips pulled back but firmly closed, and ears pulled back.
>>152249
Silver looks between the two, sheepish smile and blush maintained.
"So, um...did either of you...hear any of that?"
Silver looks between the two, sheepish smile and blush maintained.
"So, um...did either of you...hear any of that?"
>>152253
"So, I take that as yes."
He tilts his head back at Mala.
"Your reaction seems much more calm than, uh...than Clip's."
"So, I take that as yes."
He tilts his head back at Mala.
"Your reaction seems much more calm than, uh...than Clip's."
>>152254
Mala tilts his ears down, and breaks eye contact.
“It’s not the first or the fiftieth time I’ve heard it…”
Mala tilts his ears down, and breaks eye contact.
“It’s not the first or the fiftieth time I’ve heard it…”
>>152255
"...oh, right...thin walls..."
He scratches the back of his head.
"I am sorry if it has disturbed you."
"...oh, right...thin walls..."
He scratches the back of his head.
"I am sorry if it has disturbed you."
>>152262
He presses his muzzle into him, and places a paw over Silver. His leg is also rather fluffy, with a large, soft pad.
He presses his muzzle into him, and places a paw over Silver. His leg is also rather fluffy, with a large, soft pad.
>>152263
Just two fluffy friends hugging. They stay like that for a minute, before Silver looks over at Clip.
"Are you okay? You seem to be troubled by what Jubee and I, uh...did."
Just two fluffy friends hugging. They stay like that for a minute, before Silver looks over at Clip.
"Are you okay? You seem to be troubled by what Jubee and I, uh...did."
>>152264
Paper Clipping blinks. This is the first time he’s seen him blink since he entered the living room, so it’s progress.
Paper Clipping blinks. This is the first time he’s seen him blink since he entered the living room, so it’s progress.
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>>152277
"Ah. Okay, not exceptionally bad...unless you caught glimpse of my, erm...jewels. But yes, that is what sex sounds like, little Clip. Sort of. It does not always sound exactly like that."
"Ah. Okay, not exceptionally bad...unless you caught glimpse of my, erm...jewels. But yes, that is what sex sounds like, little Clip. Sort of. It does not always sound exactly like that."
>>152278
Mala shakes his head
“And they don’t fight before or after. Or at all, really. Not yet at least.”
Paper Clipping’s eyes remain wide open, and his ears down.
Mala shakes his head
“And they don’t fight before or after. Or at all, really. Not yet at least.”
Paper Clipping’s eyes remain wide open, and his ears down.
>>152281
Awwwww...
"I...am sorry to hear that. No, I do not believe Jubee and I will fight. We are good together, and we can work any issues out."
Awwwww...
"I...am sorry to hear that. No, I do not believe Jubee and I will fight. We are good together, and we can work any issues out."
>>152290
“It’s, it’s okay. I do not worry. This is better than any I’ve experienced before, I think. Even if it does not remain so well, it will still be okay.” He says
“It’s, it’s okay. I do not worry. This is better than any I’ve experienced before, I think. Even if it does not remain so well, it will still be okay.” He says
>>152294
Hyena friend is hugged
He leans onto the couch and Silver, and his ears come down. He says nothing. He's fluffy, muscular, and fat all at once, almost as large as Silver.
Hyena friend is hugged
He leans onto the couch and Silver, and his ears come down. He says nothing. He's fluffy, muscular, and fat all at once, almost as large as Silver.
>>152295
He makes for a wonderful hug partner. Silver continues to hug for a minute, before releasing him with a pet.
"Alright, I have some things to clean up. I am going to look around for cleaning supplies."
He makes for a wonderful hug partner. Silver continues to hug for a minute, before releasing him with a pet.
"Alright, I have some things to clean up. I am going to look around for cleaning supplies."
>>152296
“Okay” Mala says. Paper Clipping’s just continues staring. As Mala blocks the path out between the coffee table and the couch, Silver will have to walk past Paper clipping on the other couch, and all the way around the table to get out.
“Okay” Mala says. Paper Clipping’s just continues staring. As Mala blocks the path out between the coffee table and the couch, Silver will have to walk past Paper clipping on the other couch, and all the way around the table to get out.
>>152297
As Silver walks past Clip, he turns to face him.
"Are you sure you are okay? You know you can come to me with anything, yes?"
As Silver walks past Clip, he turns to face him.
"Are you sure you are okay? You know you can come to me with anything, yes?"
>>152299
"Okay" She turns her head, and then turns her eyes back to Amber with a small smile. She turns completely in, and starts yelling,
"Mustard! Mustard! There's a filly here asking for you. She says her name is Amber."
There seems to be a reply of "Coming mom," but really precisely what is spoken is hard to discern. Amber is waiting outside for quite a number of seconds.
"He's coming" she turns and answers to Amber, and there is a still longer delay. After perhaps as long as a minute in total, Amber sees the yellow form of Mustard trim exit out beside his mother, wearing a brown, presumably leather jacket that Amber could be forgiven for thinking was made of burlap, and with a smile and exited demeanor expressing genuine pleasant surprise at Amber's presence.
"Hello" he says to her. "Nice to see you. What brings you by?"
"Okay" She turns her head, and then turns her eyes back to Amber with a small smile. She turns completely in, and starts yelling,
"Mustard! Mustard! There's a filly here asking for you. She says her name is Amber."
There seems to be a reply of "Coming mom," but really precisely what is spoken is hard to discern. Amber is waiting outside for quite a number of seconds.
"He's coming" she turns and answers to Amber, and there is a still longer delay. After perhaps as long as a minute in total, Amber sees the yellow form of Mustard trim exit out beside his mother, wearing a brown, presumably leather jacket that Amber could be forgiven for thinking was made of burlap, and with a smile and exited demeanor expressing genuine pleasant surprise at Amber's presence.
"Hello" he says to her. "Nice to see you. What brings you by?"
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>>152300
She smiles happily. "Howdy! I just finished my chores today, and I was wonderin' if you aren't too busy to go swimmin'. I heard there's a place for that."
She smiles happily. "Howdy! I just finished my chores today, and I was wonderin' if you aren't too busy to go swimmin'. I heard there's a place for that."
>>152301
"Alright. Come to me if you need anything."
Silver squeezes by him and past the couch, to start looking in closets for cleaning supplies.
"Alright. Come to me if you need anything."
Silver squeezes by him and past the couch, to start looking in closets for cleaning supplies.
>>152305
“Uh, let me get some things.”
He ducks into the house, and there’s some sort of back and forth between he and his mother that lasts several lines, that sounds like “where are you going?” and “did you do x?”
He comes back outside. If he grabbed anything, it must be in his jacket pocket.
“I’m ready” he says, walking next to Amber, and looking out past her onto the street, before again turning to her.
“So… where is this place?”
>>152303
Paper Clipping is laying on the couch, so it’s simple enough to get by him.
Now here is the question: where are the cleaning supplies?
“Uh, let me get some things.”
He ducks into the house, and there’s some sort of back and forth between he and his mother that lasts several lines, that sounds like “where are you going?” and “did you do x?”
He comes back outside. If he grabbed anything, it must be in his jacket pocket.
“I’m ready” he says, walking next to Amber, and looking out past her onto the street, before again turning to her.
“So… where is this place?”
>>152303
Paper Clipping is laying on the couch, so it’s simple enough to get by him.
Now here is the question: where are the cleaning supplies?
>>152306
Amber shouts thanks to his mother before turning back to him. "Do you know where the Williams Society is? I heard it is in Westtown. We could go there."
Amber shouts thanks to his mother before turning back to him. "Do you know where the Williams Society is? I heard it is in Westtown. We could go there."
>>152306
That is a good question. Silver is going to start with any closets in the living room and dining room.
That is a good question. Silver is going to start with any closets in the living room and dining room.
>>152307
His mother waves back
“Be careful!”
He replies to Amber:
“Huh… I’ve heard of the Williams society, but I don’t know where their location is. I’ve been around here a while, but not that long… I think it will be fun to try.”
>>152308
And…
Success! There is a closet next to the bathroom on the wall next to the entry foyer that contains a mop and bucket, besides s few other things,
His mother waves back
“Be careful!”
He replies to Amber:
“Huh… I’ve heard of the Williams society, but I don’t know where their location is. I’ve been around here a while, but not that long… I think it will be fun to try.”
>>152308
And…
Success! There is a closet next to the bathroom on the wall next to the entry foyer that contains a mop and bucket, besides s few other things,
>>152310
A helpful aging earth pony stallion provides an answer.
It’s approximately a mile and a half away, mostly west but slightly north.
A helpful aging earth pony stallion provides an answer.
It’s approximately a mile and a half away, mostly west but slightly north.
>>152311
Not too far away at all with a good pace. Amber strikes up a conversation with Mustard on the way. "I'm sorry for keeping you up so late last night, I'm not an owl and I sure as hay didn't want to be one. You didn't get into too much trouble, did you?"
Not too far away at all with a good pace. Amber strikes up a conversation with Mustard on the way. "I'm sorry for keeping you up so late last night, I'm not an owl and I sure as hay didn't want to be one. You didn't get into too much trouble, did you?"
>>152312
“An owl?… No, it’s okay. My mother knew I was working late last night, so I wasn’t really expected back before ten anyways. Fortunately my mother was working day shift, so she was asleep before I was supposed to be home, and my sister was too. So… I didn’t get caught. I don’t think she’d like me going to that place last night.”
“An owl?… No, it’s okay. My mother knew I was working late last night, so I wasn’t really expected back before ten anyways. Fortunately my mother was working day shift, so she was asleep before I was supposed to be home, and my sister was too. So… I didn’t get caught. I don’t think she’d like me going to that place last night.”
>>152313
"That's a relief, I would've felt pretty bad if you got into trouble 'cause of me. I ain't ever been to a place like that either. It was...different."
"That's a relief, I would've felt pretty bad if you got into trouble 'cause of me. I ain't ever been to a place like that either. It was...different."
>>152314
“Yeah, heh heh. It was a little different. I sort of liked it though. It was a little, well, it was different. But I had fun… It was worth the risk.”
He smiles awkwardly.
“Yeah, heh heh. It was a little different. I sort of liked it though. It was a little, well, it was different. But I had fun… It was worth the risk.”
He smiles awkwardly.
>>152315
"The owner might be a bit peevish, but I don't think it's that bad of a place. Good music, good dancin' and good company, it seems alright to me."
A little ways on she continues, "You want to head there again sometime?"
"The owner might be a bit peevish, but I don't think it's that bad of a place. Good music, good dancin' and good company, it seems alright to me."
A little ways on she continues, "You want to head there again sometime?"
>>152315
“I uh, sure. I’ll go there again. With you. I don’t know if my mom would really want me to go there, but sure. We can go after a shift, or something.” He has a toothy smile, looking over at Amber
“I uh, sure. I’ll go there again. With you. I don’t know if my mom would really want me to go there, but sure. We can go after a shift, or something.” He has a toothy smile, looking over at Amber
>>152317
She tosses her head lackadaisically, grinning. "Well, I doubt she would find out, I wouldn't keep you long anyway. This town has so many things to do, might as well try them out. I can only imagine the number of places to explore."
She tosses her head lackadaisically, grinning. "Well, I doubt she would find out, I wouldn't keep you long anyway. This town has so many things to do, might as well try them out. I can only imagine the number of places to explore."
>>152318
"Yeah, heh heh. I've been here a while now, and I've only seen so much. There's a lot out there, definitely. Even if I had spent all of that time going out to new places every night, I don't think I would have seen it all. There's a lot to do, if you really want to."
"Yeah, heh heh. I've been here a while now, and I've only seen so much. There's a lot out there, definitely. Even if I had spent all of that time going out to new places every night, I don't think I would have seen it all. There's a lot to do, if you really want to."
>>152319
"Well, if you're taking care of your folks it won't hurt to live a little. I guess I'm not so afraid of becoming a little citified. What's the old saying? All work and no play...."
"Well, if you're taking care of your folks it won't hurt to live a little. I guess I'm not so afraid of becoming a little citified. What's the old saying? All work and no play...."
>>152321
“Yeah, there wasn’t so much to do back in Blackwater. My mother thinks the city is kind of dangerous. I don’t know. I kind of figure that life is dangerous. So I may as well make the most of it. What made you think you wanted to go swimming?”
“Yeah, there wasn’t so much to do back in Blackwater. My mother thinks the city is kind of dangerous. I don’t know. I kind of figure that life is dangerous. So I may as well make the most of it. What made you think you wanted to go swimming?”
>>152322
"I missed swimming, so when I heard there was a place you could go swimming even in winter, I thought I would head there. I wanted to make sure you didn't get in trouble 'cause of me, and why not invite you along?"
"I missed swimming, so when I heard there was a place you could go swimming even in winter, I thought I would head there. I wanted to make sure you didn't get in trouble 'cause of me, and why not invite you along?"
>>152323
"Heh, well that's real nice of you. I haven't been swimming in a while. Not since before I moved, and even then it had been a while. I wouldn't really think you could swim in the winter, to be honest. Well, at least outside of the ocean. The ocean is probably warm enough. But even then, it's pretty cold for it."
"Heh, well that's real nice of you. I haven't been swimming in a while. Not since before I moved, and even then it had been a while. I wouldn't really think you could swim in the winter, to be honest. Well, at least outside of the ocean. The ocean is probably warm enough. But even then, it's pretty cold for it."
>>152324
"I can't imagine swimming in the ocean. Not only would it be too cold, but the rough ways would tire you out. It'd be much easier to end up drownd'd."
"I can't imagine swimming in the ocean. Not only would it be too cold, but the rough ways would tire you out. It'd be much easier to end up drownd'd."
>>152325
"No no. It actually stays kind of warm during the winter. Not really that warm, but warmer than the air. And the waves aren't really so bad, at least in most places. Not if you swim in an estuary, or bay."
"No no. It actually stays kind of warm during the winter. Not really that warm, but warmer than the air. And the waves aren't really so bad, at least in most places. Not if you swim in an estuary, or bay."
>>152326
"That doesn't sound so bad then. Maybe I'll try that sometime."
She thinks about something for a moment. "Don't you have friends from school to loiter around with?"
"That doesn't sound so bad then. Maybe I'll try that sometime."
She thinks about something for a moment. "Don't you have friends from school to loiter around with?"
>>152328
She doesn't press the issue. "It's always fine to meet new ponies. I guess I'm lucky to have amiable coworkers. Well, maybe not so much at the clothing store."
She doesn't press the issue. "It's always fine to meet new ponies. I guess I'm lucky to have amiable coworkers. Well, maybe not so much at the clothing store."
>>152330
"Well, I don't mind my boss, though she's fixated on clothing and doesn't talk about much else except money. My coworker is a griffon and he hardly talks to anypony, except for some high-society type customers."
"Well, I don't mind my boss, though she's fixated on clothing and doesn't talk about much else except money. My coworker is a griffon and he hardly talks to anypony, except for some high-society type customers."
>>152331
He looks at Amber, blinks, and smiles
"Have you tried talking to her about, well, not clothing? Or to the griffin about... well, anything?"
He looks at Amber, blinks, and smiles
"Have you tried talking to her about, well, not clothing? Or to the griffin about... well, anything?"
"Well, I asked her about her childhood and she got a bit sad when describing Canterlot.
I haven't had much chance for a conversation since. As for the griffin, I don't think he wants to talk to me, I don't think he likes me."
I haven't had much chance for a conversation since. As for the griffin, I don't think he wants to talk to me, I don't think he likes me."
>>152333
"Hmmm. Griffins are like that. I still don't really know why we are letting so many over here. They don't really do friendship. But I can imagine if she misses Canterlot..."
"Hmmm. Griffins are like that. I still don't really know why we are letting so many over here. They don't really do friendship. But I can imagine if she misses Canterlot..."
>>152334
"Griffons are...ugly, I'll just say it. I wish their personality would make up for it but their lack of friendship is very obvious. At least they're not nasty, not like changelings." She shudders.
"Griffons are...ugly, I'll just say it. I wish their personality would make up for it but their lack of friendship is very obvious. At least they're not nasty, not like changelings." She shudders.
>>152335
Mustard Trim turns his head to Amber. Whether his right ankle fails him momentarily and he collapses to his right, or whether he physically recoils at the word and jumps back, Mustard Trim bounces a foot and a half away from Amber.
"Those creatures. I hope I never have to see one."
Mustard Trim turns his head to Amber. Whether his right ankle fails him momentarily and he collapses to his right, or whether he physically recoils at the word and jumps back, Mustard Trim bounces a foot and a half away from Amber.
"Those creatures. I hope I never have to see one."
>>152336
The young mare nods, scowling. "You got that right." She lightens up. "Best not to think of them.
We're almost there anyway."
The young mare nods, scowling. "You got that right." She lightens up. "Best not to think of them.
We're almost there anyway."
>>152337
"I wish it were so easy..." he says
But Amber sees the two story brick and concrete building in front of her:
The Williams Society building
"I wish it were so easy..." he says
But Amber sees the two story brick and concrete building in front of her:
The Williams Society building
>>152339
The two little ponies go through swinging glass doors into a hallway that splits left, right, and center, with peppered black and white square tile floors. There is a desk that breaks up an otherwise white wall, with a subtly pinkish white mare behind it.
"Hello, are you members?"
The two little ponies go through swinging glass doors into a hallway that splits left, right, and center, with peppered black and white square tile floors. There is a desk that breaks up an otherwise white wall, with a subtly pinkish white mare behind it.
"Hello, are you members?"
>>152340
She blinks. "No ma'am, we're visitors. We were hoping that we could use your pool?" She smiles nervously.
She blinks. "No ma'am, we're visitors. We were hoping that we could use your pool?" She smiles nervously.
>>152341
"Oh, well there's a small charge for non-members. But we have limited heating, towels, and a lifeguard on duty, in a temperature controlled indoor pool."
"Oh, well there's a small charge for non-members. But we have limited heating, towels, and a lifeguard on duty, in a temperature controlled indoor pool."
>>152345
"Well, you can stay as long as the pool remains open. Tonight that will be around 9 PM, although the heater is turned off long before then."
Mustard Trim says to Amber
"That's alright, I can pay for myself."
"Well, you can stay as long as the pool remains open. Tonight that will be around 9 PM, although the heater is turned off long before then."
Mustard Trim says to Amber
"That's alright, I can pay for myself."
>>152347
He smiles back, perhaps awkwardly
"I'll cover you on something later" He says
The mare says
"Okay, you two are good. It's down the left hall near the end. There is a concession area just before that if you want food."
He smiles back, perhaps awkwardly
"I'll cover you on something later" He says
The mare says
"Okay, you two are good. It's down the left hall near the end. There is a concession area just before that if you want food."
>>152348
"Thank you! Have a nice day!"
She goes down the hall with Mustard, looking at the concessions and asking if he wants any food.
"Thank you! Have a nice day!"
She goes down the hall with Mustard, looking at the concessions and asking if he wants any food.
>>152349
One colt is seen working at the concessions stand. It has Corn on the cob, hayburgers, and some other food items at approximately average prices. There is a set of stairs going upwards shortly before the concession stand, and a few rooms that branch off. But the hallway does indeed end in a wide open room. It must be as wide as the building as a whole, and the ceiling spans all the way up to the top of the second floor, with rectangular windows letting in natural sunlight, and a white wall with a couple small interior windows on the second floor of the wall on the side from which Amber enters the room. It seems to take up the entire corner of the building. There are two pools, actually. One is a very large rectangular pool with black stripes inside and multiple diving boards. This appears to be a six lane, "short-course" pool that is fairly deep at all points. There is actually a second pool, one that is slightly smaller, with a gradient of depth and a large shallow section. There are a number of ponies (and one zebra family) swimming in or occupying chairs around the pools. Some ponies perform laps, or dive in the larger pool, while a few mares and foals wade in the shallower pool, sometimes using floats.
For a moment, Amber may fear a poison gas attack has occurred. But as she hears the sound of water splashing, and foals whinnying, she knows that the strong smell of chlorine just means she's come to the right place.
One colt is seen working at the concessions stand. It has Corn on the cob, hayburgers, and some other food items at approximately average prices. There is a set of stairs going upwards shortly before the concession stand, and a few rooms that branch off. But the hallway does indeed end in a wide open room. It must be as wide as the building as a whole, and the ceiling spans all the way up to the top of the second floor, with rectangular windows letting in natural sunlight, and a white wall with a couple small interior windows on the second floor of the wall on the side from which Amber enters the room. It seems to take up the entire corner of the building. There are two pools, actually. One is a very large rectangular pool with black stripes inside and multiple diving boards. This appears to be a six lane, "short-course" pool that is fairly deep at all points. There is actually a second pool, one that is slightly smaller, with a gradient of depth and a large shallow section. There are a number of ponies (and one zebra family) swimming in or occupying chairs around the pools. Some ponies perform laps, or dive in the larger pool, while a few mares and foals wade in the shallower pool, sometimes using floats.
For a moment, Amber may fear a poison gas attack has occurred. But as she hears the sound of water splashing, and foals whinnying, she knows that the strong smell of chlorine just means she's come to the right place.
>>152352
Amber wouldn't know what chlorine actually smells like, except for the off-chance that her father's old gear might have the slightest whiff of it, so she only wonders why the water smells funny. What is more surprising is the shape and construction of the pools.
"Gosh, this is a see-ment pond!" she exclaims.
Amber wouldn't know what chlorine actually smells like, except for the off-chance that her father's old gear might have the slightest whiff of it, so she only wonders why the water smells funny. What is more surprising is the shape and construction of the pools.
"Gosh, this is a see-ment pond!" she exclaims.
>>152353
The entire room smells like pool. Rather aggressively so.
While both pools are indeed incased by cement, they are at least recessed into the ground, although this building, like most larger buildings, is raised slightly above ground level and has external steps to get in.
"Yeah, it's an indoor pool." Mustard replies, and then blinks.
"I don't think I've ever actually seen one before."
The entire room smells like pool. Rather aggressively so.
While both pools are indeed incased by cement, they are at least recessed into the ground, although this building, like most larger buildings, is raised slightly above ground level and has external steps to get in.
"Yeah, it's an indoor pool." Mustard replies, and then blinks.
"I don't think I've ever actually seen one before."
>>152354
Ah yes, the pool is made of pool.
Amber looks at a placard which presumably contains safety and courtesy rules, so as to not break anything on accident.
Ah yes, the pool is made of pool.
Amber looks at a placard which presumably contains safety and courtesy rules, so as to not break anything on accident.
File (): D8B85F061058FD24525615E2477511BD-75660.jpg (73.9 KB, 787x585, 602e489719cb8.jpeg)
>>152355
It is indeed very much pool. Probably best not to get it in your eyes.
No running, no glass, and no diving in the shallower half of the shallower pool. Not responsible for loss of belongings. Lifeguard on duty.
It is indeed very much pool. Probably best not to get it in your eyes.
No running, no glass, and no diving in the shallower half of the shallower pool. Not responsible for loss of belongings. Lifeguard on duty.
>>152356
It's customary in a lot of pools to shower first. I'd imagine it to be more common among species that don't wear shoes.
She takes off her clothes and belongings and puts them in a locker or whichever corner seems most secure, then takes a cold shower to rinse off the mud from her hooves. After that, she goes to the shallow pool and sticks her foreleg in, as if to test the water.
It's customary in a lot of pools to shower first. I'd imagine it to be more common among species that don't wear shoes.
She takes off her clothes and belongings and puts them in a locker or whichever corner seems most secure, then takes a cold shower to rinse off the mud from her hooves. After that, she goes to the shallow pool and sticks her foreleg in, as if to test the water.
>>152357
I'll admit I've never seen that. If you didn't urinate, you were doing good
There are two showers relatively near the entrance, and both lockers and chairs. Mustard Trim follows Amber.
The water is surprisingly warm. No, it's not a hot tub. Not even close. But it is subtly above room temperature, and it is much warmer than the ambient temperature outside.
I'll admit I've never seen that. If you didn't urinate, you were doing good
There are two showers relatively near the entrance, and both lockers and chairs. Mustard Trim follows Amber.
The water is surprisingly warm. No, it's not a hot tub. Not even close. But it is subtly above room temperature, and it is much warmer than the ambient temperature outside.
>>152358
Amber grins as she pushes herself into the water, making a small splash. She calls back to Mustard, "This feels so much better than I expected. It's summer's water, that's what it is."
Amber grins as she pushes herself into the water, making a small splash. She calls back to Mustard, "This feels so much better than I expected. It's summer's water, that's what it is."
>>152359
"Huh?"
Mustard Trim steps in. It's no clear if he is as clean as Amber. His face lights up.
"Oh, wow. It is." He wades in a little further, then a little further.
The shock of the cooling effect of water, while there, is not so significant. The temperature is likely around 80 degrees.
"Huh?"
Mustard Trim steps in. It's no clear if he is as clean as Amber. His face lights up.
"Oh, wow. It is." He wades in a little further, then a little further.
The shock of the cooling effect of water, while there, is not so significant. The temperature is likely around 80 degrees.
>>152360
She dips her head below the surface and then pulls back up, her long mane dripping. How deep is the water exactly?
"I knew the water would be warmer than outside, but I thought it would still be cold. This is just fine, and it makes me want to stay for a while."
She dips her head below the surface and then pulls back up, her long mane dripping. How deep is the water exactly?
"I knew the water would be warmer than outside, but I thought it would still be cold. This is just fine, and it makes me want to stay for a while."
>>152361
"Yeah, this is pretty nice."
This pool has a maximum depth of around 5 feet, but where Amber entered is probably only around two and a half feet. She's have o walk further along to get it up to her mane
But maybe the depth needs to be rethought for ponies. The point is half of the pool is a normal adult depth, and half of the pool is shallower for children and lazy people
"Yeah, this is pretty nice."
This pool has a maximum depth of around 5 feet, but where Amber entered is probably only around two and a half feet. She's have o walk further along to get it up to her mane
But maybe the depth needs to be rethought for ponies. The point is half of the pool is a normal adult depth, and half of the pool is shallower for children and lazy people
And I have to sleep now...
>>152309
"Ah, perfect!"
Alright, Silver just needs some soap, water, and the mop and bucket, and he can start cleaning his and Jubee's mess.
"Ah, perfect!"
Alright, Silver just needs some soap, water, and the mop and bucket, and he can start cleaning his and Jubee's mess.
>>152364
Soap and water in the kitchen, and the mess is on the floor... Even if it is a little difficult to spot the transparent liquid.
Soap and water in the kitchen, and the mess is on the floor... Even if it is a little difficult to spot the transparent liquid.
>>152369
But be careful not to simply spread the mess around on a larger area of the floor...
Floor is beginning to be mopped
But be careful not to simply spread the mess around on a larger area of the floor...
Floor is beginning to be mopped
>>152370
It hopefully shouldn't happen, but even if it does, a spread mess is less of a noticeable problem.
mop, mop, mop, mop
It hopefully shouldn't happen, but even if it does, a spread mess is less of a noticeable problem.
mop, mop, mop, mop
>>152371
The kitchen is slowly, but eventually, cleaned.
Note that the incident took place between the bar and the dining table
The kitchen is slowly, but eventually, cleaned.
Note that the incident took place between the bar and the dining table
>>152378
Hmm. Acceptable. Silver makes sure to drain the bucket in an appropriate receptacle, return it and the mop to the closet he found it, and returns to the living room where Clip and Mala are presumably still are.
Hmm. Acceptable. Silver makes sure to drain the bucket in an appropriate receptacle, return it and the mop to the closet he found it, and returns to the living room where Clip and Mala are presumably still are.
>>152379
Mala must've roamed around somewhat, but he returned to a sitting position in the living room. Clipping does not appear to have gotten up, as he remains laying on the bed.
Mala must've roamed around somewhat, but he returned to a sitting position in the living room. Clipping does not appear to have gotten up, as he remains laying on the bed.
>>152380
"So...that was fun."
Silver smiles at the two, before looking at Mala.
"Did you want some breakfast? Everyone else has had some. Except for Jubee, I think..."
"So...that was fun."
Silver smiles at the two, before looking at Mala.
"Did you want some breakfast? Everyone else has had some. Except for Jubee, I think..."
>>152382
"Huh, I think you have said that before, actually. Are you sure? It is just weird to me, not having to eat for so long before becoming hungry."
"Huh, I think you have said that before, actually. Are you sure? It is just weird to me, not having to eat for so long before becoming hungry."
>>152383
"If I had to eat as little in a meal as you eat, then I'd have to eat several times a say as well" He replies
"If I had to eat as little in a meal as you eat, then I'd have to eat several times a say as well" He replies
Silver, ever read "A Clockwork Orange"? There's slang in that book based on the Russian language called "Nadsat" and it might be helpful in using a dialect. Silver is from Severyana after all.
>>152362
Shallow pools are five feet deep for humans because they would be neck-deep for the average person. I don't know what the equivalent for ponies would be but it would be less.
Also I'm still excited for the new HOI4 DLC (not at all typical for me, I just like designing units), don't know the release date so it'll be a while yet.
Amber scoots along in the pool as she glances at the other ponies around.
Shallow pools are five feet deep for humans because they would be neck-deep for the average person. I don't know what the equivalent for ponies would be but it would be less.
Also I'm still excited for the new HOI4 DLC (not at all typical for me, I just like designing units), don't know the release date so it'll be a while yet.
Amber scoots along in the pool as she glances at the other ponies around.
>>152384
"Hmm. I suppose that is fair."
He scratches his chin.
"So, I told you about plans for today, yes?"
"Hmm. I suppose that is fair."
He scratches his chin.
"So, I told you about plans for today, yes?"
>>152388
Amber slowly wades in the ~three and a half feet or so of water. There's a few smaller foals there. Perhaps the most notable set of foals is one, two, three, four zebra foals with a zebra mare. While two of the foals are older males who stay in the vicinity of their mother (or caretaker; who knows), two zebra fillies prance around the pool, prompting the mother to yell "Don't run along the edge now. It's slippery. You'll fall right in. You'll fall right in and I'm not coming to get you. Mhmmm." This is far from the first time Amber's seen zebras, and it's not even the closest she's been to one in the past three days. But it is perhaps the first time she's had the time to appreciate the subtle details of zebras, and how they differ from ponies, like the fleshy leonine tails, or the barrels that extend just a little further down and are a bit straighter near the spine. Or the slightly narrower, longer black muzzles. Or the almost repetitive combinations of grey, black, and white coats, differing from one another mostly in the pattern of the stripes. One of the older zebra colts wades into the water in the shallower section.
Two other "family" units can be seen. One is of an older mare - much older, coming along with two earth pony colts. One eats a red snow cone, while the other moves around to dive into the shallow pool. No water splashes onto Amber, but she's not far away from the scene either. Elsewhere, a mare lays on a chair, and a foal goes up next to her, evidently her own. Several more, perhaps three, foals roam free range in the pool area. One runs around the pool looking into the water at a second, while a third simply floats freely.
Adolescents are greater in number. A small herd of young mares, four in total, congregate by the edge of the shallow pool, with one stallion attempting to insert himself (unsuccessfully) into this group. One stallion and mare, it sort of looks like a couple, prepare to dive into the bigger pool. Inside the bigger pool, two adolescent stallions take laps, as does a third younger colt, though the colt surely proves himself to be an adept swimmer.
There are three adult stallions outside of the bigger pool. One exceptionally fat one with goggles and a swimsuit prepares to dive in, one red stallion with black mane gets out of the pool, and a third cloud grey pegasus jumps off the diving board, uses his wings to fly up a few more feet, does a flip, and then dives into the water, continuing to swim along one of the lanes. Another adult mare takes a sip of a drink, and watches the scene.
Mustard Trim has moved a little further along in the pool. His body below his neck is now fully submerged, and his dark brown tail floats and spread outwards in the water, as do a few of his short, mustard colored coat hairs. He swims in the water with all four legs, and makes a circular pattern around Amber, with himself to the right of Amber perhaps five or six feet away, and on the side opposite from the zebra family. His head and eyes are turned towards Amber, whom he wordlessly gazes at.
>>152391
"Yeah, I think so" Mala seems to form a smile, and his tail begins to move from side to side.
Amber slowly wades in the ~three and a half feet or so of water. There's a few smaller foals there. Perhaps the most notable set of foals is one, two, three, four zebra foals with a zebra mare. While two of the foals are older males who stay in the vicinity of their mother (or caretaker; who knows), two zebra fillies prance around the pool, prompting the mother to yell "Don't run along the edge now. It's slippery. You'll fall right in. You'll fall right in and I'm not coming to get you. Mhmmm." This is far from the first time Amber's seen zebras, and it's not even the closest she's been to one in the past three days. But it is perhaps the first time she's had the time to appreciate the subtle details of zebras, and how they differ from ponies, like the fleshy leonine tails, or the barrels that extend just a little further down and are a bit straighter near the spine. Or the slightly narrower, longer black muzzles. Or the almost repetitive combinations of grey, black, and white coats, differing from one another mostly in the pattern of the stripes. One of the older zebra colts wades into the water in the shallower section.
Two other "family" units can be seen. One is of an older mare - much older, coming along with two earth pony colts. One eats a red snow cone, while the other moves around to dive into the shallow pool. No water splashes onto Amber, but she's not far away from the scene either. Elsewhere, a mare lays on a chair, and a foal goes up next to her, evidently her own. Several more, perhaps three, foals roam free range in the pool area. One runs around the pool looking into the water at a second, while a third simply floats freely.
Adolescents are greater in number. A small herd of young mares, four in total, congregate by the edge of the shallow pool, with one stallion attempting to insert himself (unsuccessfully) into this group. One stallion and mare, it sort of looks like a couple, prepare to dive into the bigger pool. Inside the bigger pool, two adolescent stallions take laps, as does a third younger colt, though the colt surely proves himself to be an adept swimmer.
There are three adult stallions outside of the bigger pool. One exceptionally fat one with goggles and a swimsuit prepares to dive in, one red stallion with black mane gets out of the pool, and a third cloud grey pegasus jumps off the diving board, uses his wings to fly up a few more feet, does a flip, and then dives into the water, continuing to swim along one of the lanes. Another adult mare takes a sip of a drink, and watches the scene.
Mustard Trim has moved a little further along in the pool. His body below his neck is now fully submerged, and his dark brown tail floats and spread outwards in the water, as do a few of his short, mustard colored coat hairs. He swims in the water with all four legs, and makes a circular pattern around Amber, with himself to the right of Amber perhaps five or six feet away, and on the side opposite from the zebra family. His head and eyes are turned towards Amber, whom he wordlessly gazes at.
>>152391
"Yeah, I think so" Mala seems to form a smile, and his tail begins to move from side to side.
>>152396
Silver waves to Clip.
"Have good day while we are out, Clip! If you see Jubee, let her know we will be back, ues?"
Silver waves to Clip.
"Have good day while we are out, Clip! If you see Jubee, let her know we will be back, ues?"
>>152399
Silver and Mala leave the house. His first destination is the orphanage where White Orchid and Mint Marine are, and he keeps an eye out for a taxi as they slowly make their way towards it.
Silver and Mala leave the house. His first destination is the orphanage where White Orchid and Mint Marine are, and he keeps an eye out for a taxi as they slowly make their way towards it.
>>152400
It isn’t long at all before a taxi comes and picks the two creatures up. The older looking purple stallion driving is fairly talkative, but takes them directly to the Saint Prancis Orphanage.
It isn’t long at all before a taxi comes and picks the two creatures up. The older looking purple stallion driving is fairly talkative, but takes them directly to the Saint Prancis Orphanage.
>>152401
I imagine Silver would oblige the driver as they travel with idle conversation. When they arrive, he pays the driver, and exits the taxi with Mala.
"Well, here we are, Mala."
I imagine Silver would oblige the driver as they travel with idle conversation. When they arrive, he pays the driver, and exits the taxi with Mala.
"Well, here we are, Mala."
>>152402
The stallion tells of how he’s lived in the city for a while, how taxis were not especially common just a few short years ago, and how Cherry Hill especially has built up. He engages Mala directly, asking him if he speaks Ponish. And if Silver’s service is brought up, that’s a rabbit hole he tumbles straight down.
Saint Prancis orphanage is an unassuming two story brick building on the northwest side of town opposite Cherry Hill. The drive avoids the less savory parts of Cowtown and Eastside with a more northerly route. Mala steps out, and looks around at the plentiful foliage.
The stallion tells of how he’s lived in the city for a while, how taxis were not especially common just a few short years ago, and how Cherry Hill especially has built up. He engages Mala directly, asking him if he speaks Ponish. And if Silver’s service is brought up, that’s a rabbit hole he tumbles straight down.
Saint Prancis orphanage is an unassuming two story brick building on the northwest side of town opposite Cherry Hill. The drive avoids the less savory parts of Cowtown and Eastside with a more northerly route. Mala steps out, and looks around at the plentiful foliage.
>>152403
Silver heads towards the building, enters, and smiles at whatever nun is up at the front.
"Hello, I am back."
Silver heads towards the building, enters, and smiles at whatever nun is up at the front.
"Hello, I am back."
>>152404
“Hello.” A nun answers. Silver doesn’t really recall her, but she seems to have an idea of who silver is. She recoils, and moves slightly behind the door frame when she she’s the large gnoll next to Silver.
“Hello.” A nun answers. Silver doesn’t really recall her, but she seems to have an idea of who silver is. She recoils, and moves slightly behind the door frame when she she’s the large gnoll next to Silver.
>>152405
"Oh, this is my friend Mala."
He pulls the hyena into a side hug, showcasing how fluffy and friendly he is, just like the Unicorn.
"I was wondering if we could see White Orchid and Mint Marine again."
"Oh, this is my friend Mala."
He pulls the hyena into a side hug, showcasing how fluffy and friendly he is, just like the Unicorn.
"I was wondering if we could see White Orchid and Mint Marine again."
>>152406
Mala seems to like the hug, leaning slightly into it, and lowering his ears for a moment. Silver can feel how the main barrel of his body is much taller than it is wide, or how loose his belly is.
The Nun's eyes remain wide
"Um... White Orchid, I think is practicing for a play. Mint Marine, I am not sure about..."
Mala seems to like the hug, leaning slightly into it, and lowering his ears for a moment. Silver can feel how the main barrel of his body is much taller than it is wide, or how loose his belly is.
The Nun's eyes remain wide
"Um... White Orchid, I think is practicing for a play. Mint Marine, I am not sure about..."
>>152408
“Uh…. I suppose I can fetch the two of them for you. You can - you can step in.” She says, moving from the doorway
“Uh…. I suppose I can fetch the two of them for you. You can - you can step in.” She says, moving from the doorway
>>152410
Silver, and then Mala step into the large entryway of the orphanage. There is a delay of perhaps a minute and a half before a large... well, a large something comes through the hallway on the right.
Silver sees a red dragon-serpent looking costume thing which has a paper machete head with tendrils on the long snout, plastic eyes, a yellow belly, a long back that arches up with about three cardboard(?) fins/spikes, and a long green, fabric tail. The head section seems to be proped up with something solid, while the tail seems to be stuffed with something. There are two thin arms on the costume, eaach of which is connected to a thinner rod that seems designed to facilitate movement. Inside of this fabric and paper machete monster is a familiar face, sticking out from the lower yellow neck. It's White Orchid. His legs are covered in black stockings, as are his thighs. He looks happily to Silver.
Silver, and then Mala step into the large entryway of the orphanage. There is a delay of perhaps a minute and a half before a large... well, a large something comes through the hallway on the right.
Silver sees a red dragon-serpent looking costume thing which has a paper machete head with tendrils on the long snout, plastic eyes, a yellow belly, a long back that arches up with about three cardboard(?) fins/spikes, and a long green, fabric tail. The head section seems to be proped up with something solid, while the tail seems to be stuffed with something. There are two thin arms on the costume, eaach of which is connected to a thinner rod that seems designed to facilitate movement. Inside of this fabric and paper machete monster is a familiar face, sticking out from the lower yellow neck. It's White Orchid. His legs are covered in black stockings, as are his thighs. He looks happily to Silver.
>>152411
Silver feigns terror in a fairly obvious and playful way, if evidenced by the smile on his face when White Orchid comes in.
"Oh no, it is ferocious terrifying dragon! What will we do!?"
Silver feigns terror in a fairly obvious and playful way, if evidenced by the smile on his face when White Orchid comes in.
"Oh no, it is ferocious terrifying dragon! What will we do!?"
>>152413
"Oh, my mistake. It is ferocious terrifying freshwater serpent!"
He maintains the facade for a moment before breaking into smiles and laughter. He runs up and gives the colt a hug, being careful not to damage his costume.
"It is great to see you again, White Orchid. I hope I am not interrupting."
"Oh, my mistake. It is ferocious terrifying freshwater serpent!"
He maintains the facade for a moment before breaking into smiles and laughter. He runs up and gives the colt a hug, being careful not to damage his costume.
"It is great to see you again, White Orchid. I hope I am not interrupting."
>>152414
It isn't particularly easy to hug the colt, particularly because of the cardboard fins that stick out of the costume's back. White Orchid also seems a little less comfortable with male touching than Mala does (at least when the costume is on), tapping his hooves.
"No no, we were starting to practice for a play, you see..."
White Orchid turns his head, and then shoots back in place, slightly bending one of the fins, as Silver is still presumably hugging him
"Ahhh!"
His terror is a bit less feigned
It isn't particularly easy to hug the colt, particularly because of the cardboard fins that stick out of the costume's back. White Orchid also seems a little less comfortable with male touching than Mala does (at least when the costume is on), tapping his hooves.
"No no, we were starting to practice for a play, you see..."
White Orchid turns his head, and then shoots back in place, slightly bending one of the fins, as Silver is still presumably hugging him
"Ahhh!"
His terror is a bit less feigned
>>152415
Oh, right, almost forgot about his aversion to contact. Silver tilts his head at the colt and lets go of him.
"What is wrong?"
Oh, right, almost forgot about his aversion to contact. Silver tilts his head at the colt and lets go of him.
"What is wrong?"
>>152417
"Hmm?" Silver replies, looking back at Mala.
"Oh, that is my friend, Mala. He is very friendly. We rescued him on our most recent mission, and he helped to save many other people."
"Hmm?" Silver replies, looking back at Mala.
"Oh, that is my friend, Mala. He is very friendly. We rescued him on our most recent mission, and he helped to save many other people."
>>152418
Mala's eyes are a little wide, and he tilts his head down,, looking to the ground
"Is it safe?"
However, this scene is interrupted by the arrival of the nun, and a familiar blue unicorn, who looks to Silver, to White Orchid, and then with concern, to Mala
Mala's eyes are a little wide, and he tilts his head down,, looking to the ground
"Is it safe?"
However, this scene is interrupted by the arrival of the nun, and a familiar blue unicorn, who looks to Silver, to White Orchid, and then with concern, to Mala
>>152394
Even zebra foals are cute, she muses to herself. It's nice to see a large, happy family.
However, her attention is quickly captured by the pegasus performing the impressive dive, and then by by the stallion who is impressive in another way. She can guess how a "dive" by him will turn out.
Even zebra foals are cute, she muses to herself. It's nice to see a large, happy family.
However, her attention is quickly captured by the pegasus performing the impressive dive, and then by by the stallion who is impressive in another way. She can guess how a "dive" by him will turn out.
>>152420
One of the zebra fillies runs over to the side of the pool, evidently to come to one of the zebra colts, who is inside the pool next to her. However, she comes up a little two quickly, and a hoof slips on the wet concrete. Her leg slips into the pool, then she falls, she makes a "Yip!" sound, and she falls on her side in the water. She stabilizes herself as the colt comes along to help her up.
The Impressive does not go to the diving board, as interesting a sight as that might be. Rather, he goes to the edge of the water, dips a hoof in, looks down at the water, forms his forelegs into a diving pose, and jumps right in. If Amber ever had interest in what a meteor would look like crashing into the ocean, she surely now sees the same in miniature. He enters the water belly first. It looks uncomfortable, but the stallion doesn't seem to sense a difference, and extends one leg in front of the other swimming. Meanwhile, the young colt, so un-phased in his laps so far, is swept away by the waves, trying to thrust his head above water to get a gasp of air. The Pegasus, further away from the epicenter, swims along, using his wings to push the water behind him as he goes.
Mustard Trim makes a turn, and now circles around the right half of Amber clockwise.
One of the zebra fillies runs over to the side of the pool, evidently to come to one of the zebra colts, who is inside the pool next to her. However, she comes up a little two quickly, and a hoof slips on the wet concrete. Her leg slips into the pool, then she falls, she makes a "Yip!" sound, and she falls on her side in the water. She stabilizes herself as the colt comes along to help her up.
The Impressive does not go to the diving board, as interesting a sight as that might be. Rather, he goes to the edge of the water, dips a hoof in, looks down at the water, forms his forelegs into a diving pose, and jumps right in. If Amber ever had interest in what a meteor would look like crashing into the ocean, she surely now sees the same in miniature. He enters the water belly first. It looks uncomfortable, but the stallion doesn't seem to sense a difference, and extends one leg in front of the other swimming. Meanwhile, the young colt, so un-phased in his laps so far, is swept away by the waves, trying to thrust his head above water to get a gasp of air. The Pegasus, further away from the epicenter, swims along, using his wings to push the water behind him as he goes.
Mustard Trim makes a turn, and now circles around the right half of Amber clockwise.
>>152421
Amber, as far away as she is, can't help but flinch with such a huge bellyflop. It's amusing to her, but the humorous nature of the situation is cut short by the colt's apparent distress. Still not paying attention to Mustard, she puts her forehoofs on the edge of the pool and lifts herself partways. She watches intently to see if the colt will recover or if another pony will help him.
Amber, as far away as she is, can't help but flinch with such a huge bellyflop. It's amusing to her, but the humorous nature of the situation is cut short by the colt's apparent distress. Still not paying attention to Mustard, she puts her forehoofs on the edge of the pool and lifts herself partways. She watches intently to see if the colt will recover or if another pony will help him.
>>152422
There is a moment where the colt is overturned in the tumultuous water. After a couple seconds, he recovers, takes a breath, lingers on the surface of the water some seconds, and then returns to swimming laps. Mustard Trim takes a moment to look over at the commotion, if Amber cares to look. The large stallion continues waddling forth in the water, making a lap, and turning around. The Pegasus has already made almost two laps in that time.
There is a moment where the colt is overturned in the tumultuous water. After a couple seconds, he recovers, takes a breath, lingers on the surface of the water some seconds, and then returns to swimming laps. Mustard Trim takes a moment to look over at the commotion, if Amber cares to look. The large stallion continues waddling forth in the water, making a lap, and turning around. The Pegasus has already made almost two laps in that time.
>>152419
"He," Silver corrects, "and yes, Mala is very friendly, I would not be friends with him otherwise."
Silver looks over to Mint Marine, and smiles.
"Hello Mint! It is good to see you again."
"He," Silver corrects, "and yes, Mala is very friendly, I would not be friends with him otherwise."
Silver looks over to Mint Marine, and smiles.
"Hello Mint! It is good to see you again."
>>152424
“Hello.” Mint Marine says. His voice is lacking in elation as he walks in, although judging from his expression, that may be from concern or confusion at the prescience of the hyena and the lake monster.
“Hello.” Mint Marine says. His voice is lacking in elation as he walks in, although judging from his expression, that may be from concern or confusion at the prescience of the hyena and the lake monster.
>>152423
Amber breathes a sigh of relief and relaxes, and then turns back to Mustard. "There are a lot of different ponies around. This see-ment pond is so very different from swimming in a regular pond or lake." She smirks and continues, "Want to swim some laps?"
Amber breathes a sigh of relief and relaxes, and then turns back to Mustard. "There are a lot of different ponies around. This see-ment pond is so very different from swimming in a regular pond or lake." She smirks and continues, "Want to swim some laps?"
>>152427
She pulls herself out of the water, shaking her mane and swishing her tail to get rid of some of the water before she walks on the cement. A very good idea pops into her head, and she looks to see if there is an open spot/lane that has a diving board.
She pulls herself out of the water, shaking her mane and swishing her tail to get rid of some of the water before she walks on the cement. A very good idea pops into her head, and she looks to see if there is an open spot/lane that has a diving board.
>>152430
Amber grins and slowly climbs up the ladder onto the diving board. She looks down to really make sure the water is deep enough and steels herself.
Amber grins and slowly climbs up the ladder onto the diving board. She looks down to really make sure the water is deep enough and steels herself.
>>152431
Oh it’s deep enough. This is a competition swimming pool. It’s on the smaller side of competition swimming pools, but it’s built did it all the same. The real question is, is Amber built for it?
>>152432
Mint Marine moves closer, and extends a hoof. Mala extends a pas, and the two shake paws/hooves.
White Orchid, however….
“Are you… sure he doesn’t eat ponies?”
Mala turns his head to White Orchid, twists his ears, and lowers his head
Oh it’s deep enough. This is a competition swimming pool. It’s on the smaller side of competition swimming pools, but it’s built did it all the same. The real question is, is Amber built for it?
>>152432
Mint Marine moves closer, and extends a hoof. Mala extends a pas, and the two shake paws/hooves.
White Orchid, however….
“Are you… sure he doesn’t eat ponies?”
Mala turns his head to White Orchid, twists his ears, and lowers his head
>>152436
Amber dives into the water rather gracefully, smoothly retaining the infernos of her jump to push her into the lap.
Amber dives into the water rather gracefully, smoothly retaining the infernos of her jump to push her into the lap.
>>152437
She feels the cool air breeze past her for a minute before becoming submerged in the lukewarm water. Quickly surfacing, Amber looks to make sure she's headed in the right direction before settling into a breaststroke. If she wasn't busy regulating her breathing, she would smiling for how pleasant it is to be immersed and have a chance for exercise.
She feels the cool air breeze past her for a minute before becoming submerged in the lukewarm water. Quickly surfacing, Amber looks to make sure she's headed in the right direction before settling into a breaststroke. If she wasn't busy regulating her breathing, she would smiling for how pleasant it is to be immersed and have a chance for exercise.
>>152438
25 meters from one side to the other, and chlorinated water at 82 degrees. If ever there were a time and place for exercise in water, it’s here and now.
25 meters from one side to the other, and chlorinated water at 82 degrees. If ever there were a time and place for exercise in water, it’s here and now.
>>152439
She lets herself loose and swims with carefree abandon, only making sure she doesn't collide with other swimmers. She realizes that she brought Mustard here and ought to spend time with him, but there will be time for talk after swimming.
She lets herself loose and swims with carefree abandon, only making sure she doesn't collide with other swimmers. She realizes that she brought Mustard here and ought to spend time with him, but there will be time for talk after swimming.
>>152440
Mustard seems to join in, though he stays out of her way and stays in his lane.
Avoiding collisions is sadly harder than it should be, but Amber doesn’t need to slow herself by much to get around others.
Mustard seems to join in, though he stays out of her way and stays in his lane.
Avoiding collisions is sadly harder than it should be, but Amber doesn’t need to slow herself by much to get around others.
>>152441
She keeps swimming for a good amount of time until she's somewhat tired. Then, when Mustard doesn't suspect it, she swims underneath him and pulls him underwater.
She keeps swimming for a good amount of time until she's somewhat tired. Then, when Mustard doesn't suspect it, she swims underneath him and pulls him underwater.
>>152446
Mint Marine comes in closer, and starts rubbing the fur on Mala’s back; that portion of the land that doesn’t stop, but spans all the way down to the base of the tail.
Mala smiles back
>>152447
https://youtu.be/yrEvK-tv5OI
And Mustard Trim is pulled under the water. Never suspected a thing.
Mint Marine comes in closer, and starts rubbing the fur on Mala’s back; that portion of the land that doesn’t stop, but spans all the way down to the base of the tail.
Mala smiles back
>>152447
https://youtu.be/yrEvK-tv5OI
And Mustard Trim is pulled under the water. Never suspected a thing.
>>152448
She hold him in her clutches only for a couple of seconds before releasing him and letting him resurface. She pops up a moment after with a grin on her face.
She hold him in her clutches only for a couple of seconds before releasing him and letting him resurface. She pops up a moment after with a grin on her face.
>>152452
"Hey!" she exclaims. She kicks her legs, not hard enough to cause inadvertent injury, but to get him to release her.
"Hey!" she exclaims. She kicks her legs, not hard enough to cause inadvertent injury, but to get him to release her.
>>152456
Though she has had barely any time to catch a breath, she doubles around and grabs him by the midsection, pushing him back up. When Amber's head emerges she's panting and laughing.
Though she has had barely any time to catch a breath, she doubles around and grabs him by the midsection, pushing him back up. When Amber's head emerges she's panting and laughing.
>>152457
“Ah!” He doesn’t go as far up as she goes down, with gravity and all, but he goes up enough to fall back down. He laughs as well. But he’s not content to leave it at that. Instead, he grabs her around the waist and pulls her up out of the water, before falling down while holding her.
>>152458
White Orchid comes up, and extends a black stocked leg outwards, barely touching Mala. Mala makes an expression almost like he’s intimidated by the large costume
“Ah!” He doesn’t go as far up as she goes down, with gravity and all, but he goes up enough to fall back down. He laughs as well. But he’s not content to leave it at that. Instead, he grabs her around the waist and pulls her up out of the water, before falling down while holding her.
>>152458
White Orchid comes up, and extends a black stocked leg outwards, barely touching Mala. Mala makes an expression almost like he’s intimidated by the large costume
>>152459
"Blrblrblrb!" Amber is caught off-guard by this but after the splash she wriggles out of his hold, pushing underneath him and reappearing behind him. "Nothing personal, colt," she says, before sweeping her forelegs together to spray him with water.
"Blrblrblrb!" Amber is caught off-guard by this but after the splash she wriggles out of his hold, pushing underneath him and reappearing behind him. "Nothing personal, colt," she says, before sweeping her forelegs together to spray him with water.
>>152462
For a moment he feels he has overstepped a boundary, then he is confused as to her whereabouts, and then, only then, at the last moment does he realize he has been out maneuvered
"Ahh!"
He is splashed with water, and falls into the water. But he twists his body as he does so, and with a wide sweep of his foreleg, splashes Amber in return.
>>152461
He is pat, and smiles.
For a moment he feels he has overstepped a boundary, then he is confused as to her whereabouts, and then, only then, at the last moment does he realize he has been out maneuvered
"Ahh!"
He is splashed with water, and falls into the water. But he twists his body as he does so, and with a wide sweep of his foreleg, splashes Amber in return.
>>152461
He is pat, and smiles.
>>152465
While both colts double team pet him, Silver attacks from the rear and hugs him at the same time.
While both colts double team pet him, Silver attacks from the rear and hugs him at the same time.
>>152463
This time Amber takes initiative, taking a gulp of air before diving and grabbing the colt's hind legs, pulling him along in the water.
This time Amber takes initiative, taking a gulp of air before diving and grabbing the colt's hind legs, pulling him along in the water.
>>152468
Amber tries to see how far she can drag a pony while swimming underwater. [1d20+2 = (3+2) = 5]
Amber tries to see how far she can drag a pony while swimming underwater. [1d20+2 = (3+2) = 5]
>>152471
Silver nods.
"On our most recent mission, Mala was one of several people we rescued from group of traffickers. Mala personally chose to pick up weapon and save many people from their clutches."
Silver nods.
"On our most recent mission, Mala was one of several people we rescued from group of traffickers. Mala personally chose to pick up weapon and save many people from their clutches."
>>152472
She goes along with the dance, her hair twisting around her head and body as she spins in the transparent medium. She falls to the bottom and bounces off one leg back up to meet him, grabbing his hips to pull herself up.
She goes along with the dance, her hair twisting around her head and body as she spins in the transparent medium. She falls to the bottom and bounces off one leg back up to meet him, grabbing his hips to pull herself up.
>>152475
As he peers into her purple eyes, Amber thinks, He's leaving himself open! Time for an attack of opportunity! She uses her left forehoof in a clothesline maneuver to dunk him on his back. She can't help but giggle.
As he peers into her purple eyes, Amber thinks, He's leaving himself open! Time for an attack of opportunity! She uses her left forehoof in a clothesline maneuver to dunk him on his back. She can't help but giggle.
>>152475
"That he did, to both of those. Mala here is hero."
He looks right at Mala from his rear hugging position, and smiles brightly.
"He should be proud that he helped save them."
"That he did, to both of those. Mala here is hero."
He looks right at Mala from his rear hugging position, and smiles brightly.
"He should be proud that he helped save them."
>>152478
She doesn't directly resist this time. Instead, she doubles over and grabs him by the back, twisting her body as she wrestles him underwater. Her hooves slip on his wet coat but she attempts to retain a tight hold.
She doesn't directly resist this time. Instead, she doubles over and grabs him by the back, twisting her body as she wrestles him underwater. Her hooves slip on his wet coat but she attempts to retain a tight hold.
>>152480
He drags her down and she grabs onto him. He tries to continue like this for some seconds, but eventually pushes himself up above water, with Amber on his back
He drags her down and she grabs onto him. He tries to continue like this for some seconds, but eventually pushes himself up above water, with Amber on his back
>>152479
"Well...alright. I think I can tell appropriate story about how we stopped traffickers and saved those they captured."
Silver finds a good storytelling seat, sits down, and motions for Mala and the two colts to gather around.
"Well...alright. I think I can tell appropriate story about how we stopped traffickers and saved those they captured."
Silver finds a good storytelling seat, sits down, and motions for Mala and the two colts to gather around.
>>152481
It's an odd sight, as she is upside-down. She falls off backwards with a splash and flips upright. She pushes her mane out of her face, grinning at Mustard. "Wrassling is fun, ain't it?"
It's a small miracle they haven't been kicked out yet for horseplay.
It's an odd sight, as she is upside-down. She falls off backwards with a splash and flips upright. She pushes her mane out of her face, grinning at Mustard. "Wrassling is fun, ain't it?"
It's a small miracle they haven't been kicked out yet for horseplay.
>>152483
"Yeah, a bit" he answers.
Amber can see that the lifeguard assigned to monitor the pools has struck up a conversation with a mare and hasn't seemed to notice the thrashing about in the pool. Multiple other attendees, however, have taken notice, giving the pair odd stares.
"Yeah, a bit" he answers.
Amber can see that the lifeguard assigned to monitor the pools has struck up a conversation with a mare and hasn't seemed to notice the thrashing about in the pool. Multiple other attendees, however, have taken notice, giving the pair odd stares.
>>152485
"Sure" He says, moving to the edge of the pool. The lifeguard by this point has been cajoled by a mare into taking notice of the duo, and he belatedly says "No horseplay," only after the two horses have ceased playing.
"Sure" He says, moving to the edge of the pool. The lifeguard by this point has been cajoled by a mare into taking notice of the duo, and he belatedly says "No horseplay," only after the two horses have ceased playing.
>>152482
Mala sits next to him. Mint Marine prefers to stand. White Orchid would sit, except his costume doesn’t entirely allow it.
Mala sits next to him. Mint Marine prefers to stand. White Orchid would sit, except his costume doesn’t entirely allow it.
>>152486
Amber pulls herself out of the water, chlorinated water dripping, shakes herself off, and walks over to an unclaimed chair where she plops herself down. She waits to see if Mustard will take a chair beside her.
Amber pulls herself out of the water, chlorinated water dripping, shakes herself off, and walks over to an unclaimed chair where she plops herself down. She waits to see if Mustard will take a chair beside her.
>>152489
Silver starts to tell them the story of how they stopped the traffickers at Hoebuck. Mala perhaps notices that as he tells it, Silver leaves out a few details. For instance, the other gnolls, his position among the group at Hoebuck before being rescued (Silver describes finding him leashed by himself), and some of the more gruesome, not appropriate for foals-kind of details and findings like the garbage chute full of bones. He also doesn't really elaborate any on the cultists they fought, mostly lumping them in with the other traffickers, and describing Boek as just a powerful spellcaster. Instead, Silver's story focuses mostly on the battles the group had, with a bit of embelishment and atmosphere to give the story an almost cinematic quality for the colts' enjoyment. He describes Mala's part in the fights as a very heroic one, jumping into the blows that were targetted towards teammates, using his growl to ward off aggressors or intimidate them into submission, wielding a sword like a heroic knight, and his immense strength to help Silver when even he himself got injured.
Silver starts to tell them the story of how they stopped the traffickers at Hoebuck. Mala perhaps notices that as he tells it, Silver leaves out a few details. For instance, the other gnolls, his position among the group at Hoebuck before being rescued (Silver describes finding him leashed by himself), and some of the more gruesome, not appropriate for foals-kind of details and findings like the garbage chute full of bones. He also doesn't really elaborate any on the cultists they fought, mostly lumping them in with the other traffickers, and describing Boek as just a powerful spellcaster. Instead, Silver's story focuses mostly on the battles the group had, with a bit of embelishment and atmosphere to give the story an almost cinematic quality for the colts' enjoyment. He describes Mala's part in the fights as a very heroic one, jumping into the blows that were targetted towards teammates, using his growl to ward off aggressors or intimidate them into submission, wielding a sword like a heroic knight, and his immense strength to help Silver when even he himself got injured.
File (): 1A51818192B2A924D1426E3A84AA8FFB-312911.png (305.6 KB, 832x1024, LyraDirectorChair.png)
>>152491
Not her usual posture, but comfortable enough. She looks to see how the other swimmers are doing.
Not her usual posture, but comfortable enough. She looks to see how the other swimmers are doing.
>>152492
Mint Marine is horrified, genuinely horrified, and unable to reply.
To White Orchid, however, he replies,
“I think I heard a radio play like that before.”
>>152493
Probably a little bit better with Amber and Mustard Trim gone. A few mates and fillies casually loungue in the pool or around it, while several colts and stallions do laps, or lounge themselves.
Mint Marine is horrified, genuinely horrified, and unable to reply.
To White Orchid, however, he replies,
“I think I heard a radio play like that before.”
>>152493
Probably a little bit better with Amber and Mustard Trim gone. A few mates and fillies casually loungue in the pool or around it, while several colts and stallions do laps, or lounge themselves.
>>152494
"...is my life just radio play? That is not first time I have heard that about my adventures."
"...is my life just radio play? That is not first time I have heard that about my adventures."
Amber leans back casually and turns to Mustard beside her. She remarks, "It doesn't have the same embrace of nature that a classic pond has, but this is much more inviting in the winter. No wonder there are so many ponies here. I'm not seeing any griffons though, is it true they hate water?"
>>152503
She ponders about something. "I don't know much about the Williams Society at all. I heard they're a charity of sorts?"
Amber gets up and picks up a couple of body towels with her teeth. She throws one to Mustard and returns to her seat, draping the other around herself. "I was sitting careless...and cold," she explains.
She ponders about something. "I don't know much about the Williams Society at all. I heard they're a charity of sorts?"
Amber gets up and picks up a couple of body towels with her teeth. She throws one to Mustard and returns to her seat, draping the other around herself. "I was sitting careless...and cold," she explains.
>>152506
Silver looks sadly at the colt.
"Oh...I am so sorry, Mint. But that is why ponies like me and Mala exist. We are here to stop baddies."
Silver looks sadly at the colt.
"Oh...I am so sorry, Mint. But that is why ponies like me and Mala exist. We are here to stop baddies."
>>152506
"Odd name. And as nice as pools are, I don't see how they help ponies other than giving them a place to swim."
She shrugs. "It's chilly out of the water...oh, and it ain't polite to sit this way. At least that's what my ma told me."
"Odd name. And as nice as pools are, I don't see how they help ponies other than giving them a place to swim."
She shrugs. "It's chilly out of the water...oh, and it ain't polite to sit this way. At least that's what my ma told me."
>>152512
White Orchid turns, looking strangely at Silver. He is still dressed in a large dragon-serpent costume. Silver gets a feel of a red fabric set of scales on Orchid’s back. Again, he is less comfortable with touching than Mala is, evidently.
>>152513
“Heh” he responds, stretching a leg, and lounging about.
“I’m just fine with this. All if this.” He replies
White Orchid turns, looking strangely at Silver. He is still dressed in a large dragon-serpent costume. Silver gets a feel of a red fabric set of scales on Orchid’s back. Again, he is less comfortable with touching than Mala is, evidently.
>>152513
“Heh” he responds, stretching a leg, and lounging about.
“I’m just fine with this. All if this.” He replies
>>152514
She likewise stretches out her body, pushing her forelegs up above her. "Does your school encourage swimming?
I think they oughta."
She likewise stretches out her body, pushing her forelegs up above her. "Does your school encourage swimming?
I think they oughta."
>>152517
"Aw...but you can trot to places like this. Don't folks like to keep an active lifestyle? I'd imagine you have to make up for not working out in the fields."
"Aw...but you can trot to places like this. Don't folks like to keep an active lifestyle? I'd imagine you have to make up for not working out in the fields."
>>152517
"Anyways...maybe I could see what your play will look like? Mala and Mint can continue to bond if they wish to."
"Anyways...maybe I could see what your play will look like? Mala and Mint can continue to bond if they wish to."
>>152520
"Really? He told me he visited you, but I did not know he was artistically inclined. Show me!"
"Really? He told me he visited you, but I did not know he was artistically inclined. Show me!"
>>152521
"Well, come this way." He says, turning to the doorway. The long tail of the costume nearly hits Silver along the way
"Well, come this way." He says, turning to the doorway. The long tail of the costume nearly hits Silver along the way
>>152520
"It ain't the same. Pulling a plow does wonders for your haunches. But you don't do it to be strong, you do it to eat." She pauses. "Nuthin' wrong with working in any sort of job, but if you ain't fit enough for when you need it, that's no good."
"It ain't the same. Pulling a plow does wonders for your haunches. But you don't do it to be strong, you do it to eat." She pauses. "Nuthin' wrong with working in any sort of job, but if you ain't fit enough for when you need it, that's no good."
>>152522
Silver's dexterous reactions help him evade being hit, certainly. He follows the costumed colt.
Silver's dexterous reactions help him evade being hit, certainly. He follows the costumed colt.
>>152523
"Well, I suppose my grandparents had to pull a plow. But I didn't figure I ever would." He says. "I kind of hoped I wouldn't have to."
"Well, I suppose my grandparents had to pull a plow. But I didn't figure I ever would." He says. "I kind of hoped I wouldn't have to."
>>152527
"You're lucky. My pa didn't grow up as a farmer, but my ma did, and depending on the type of work it wears on you." She continues melancholically, "Plus there's always the risk of the harvest not being enough...."
"You're lucky. My pa didn't grow up as a farmer, but my ma did, and depending on the type of work it wears on you." She continues melancholically, "Plus there's always the risk of the harvest not being enough...."
>>152528
"Yeah I'm... I'm not sure I ever want to be a farmer..." He looks over for a moment. "Just being a waiter wears on me."
"Yeah I'm... I'm not sure I ever want to be a farmer..." He looks over for a moment. "Just being a waiter wears on me."
>>152529
"It ain't that bad...," she says, smiling at him. "We all have to start somewhere, but you'll find better work for sure. What are you plannin' eventually?"
"It ain't that bad...," she says, smiling at him. "We all have to start somewhere, but you'll find better work for sure. What are you plannin' eventually?"
>>152524
>>152532
Silver follows the little pony down white washed hallways, past wooden doors, and to a set of double doors at the end. The doors open into a room that spans both floors, sloping down with rows of seats towards a raised wooden stage. The chairs have built in wooden tables in front of them, and the whole room most closely resembles a university lecture hall. With white walls, a shallow stage, no backstage, and large windows providing natural light the room is suboptimal for a play, yet still silver can see that and effort is being made. Three foals are on the stage . One pink unicorn filly wears a white, thin garnet, while a green and a brown Colt each wear face paint, interestingly, of whichever of those two colors, green and brown, the colt lacks. There are two large paper machete trees on the center right and center left of the stage. Two nuns in robs sit in the first row, watching them.
>>152532
Silver follows the little pony down white washed hallways, past wooden doors, and to a set of double doors at the end. The doors open into a room that spans both floors, sloping down with rows of seats towards a raised wooden stage. The chairs have built in wooden tables in front of them, and the whole room most closely resembles a university lecture hall. With white walls, a shallow stage, no backstage, and large windows providing natural light the room is suboptimal for a play, yet still silver can see that and effort is being made. Three foals are on the stage . One pink unicorn filly wears a white, thin garnet, while a green and a brown Colt each wear face paint, interestingly, of whichever of those two colors, green and brown, the colt lacks. There are two large paper machete trees on the center right and center left of the stage. Two nuns in robs sit in the first row, watching them.
>>152534
White Orchid walks ahead of Silver. The tail, long and unwieldy, touches the ground and drags along it as he descends down the sloping center path. He attempts to turn to Silver
“It’s a play about the story of Saint Colopa.”
Both nuns turn to the two arrivals, and one starts to get up.
White Orchid walks ahead of Silver. The tail, long and unwieldy, touches the ground and drags along it as he descends down the sloping center path. He attempts to turn to Silver
“It’s a play about the story of Saint Colopa.”
Both nuns turn to the two arrivals, and one starts to get up.
>>152535
Silver nods to the nuns, and smiles to Orchid.
"I am bit fuzzy, what is story of Saint Colopa?"
Silver nods to the nuns, and smiles to Orchid.
"I am bit fuzzy, what is story of Saint Colopa?"
>>152536
“It’s a Saint. From the early days after Hearthswarming. She went further south, and came upon some native ponies. And they didn’t trust her exactly. But there was this river, and this river had a ferocious monster. Or so they said there was a ferocious monster. And then one day she had to cross this river, and she had some of the leaders with them because they were going to a meeting or something. Like, some sort of dispute between clans and she was trying to mediate if, but they had to go back to their sacred place which was across the river. Anyways, there was this river. And the river had a monster in it. And the natives thought the monster would attack. And it almost did. But Saint Colopa tried to talk to the monster, and it was threatening at first, but they found out that the monster was just afraid of the ponies because of their traps and how they placed logs in the river. So she showed the monster kindness and befriended the monster. And this impressed the leaders of the clans, and got them to stop fighting each other. And they later joined Equestria, probably because of her and that day.”
“It’s a Saint. From the early days after Hearthswarming. She went further south, and came upon some native ponies. And they didn’t trust her exactly. But there was this river, and this river had a ferocious monster. Or so they said there was a ferocious monster. And then one day she had to cross this river, and she had some of the leaders with them because they were going to a meeting or something. Like, some sort of dispute between clans and she was trying to mediate if, but they had to go back to their sacred place which was across the river. Anyways, there was this river. And the river had a monster in it. And the natives thought the monster would attack. And it almost did. But Saint Colopa tried to talk to the monster, and it was threatening at first, but they found out that the monster was just afraid of the ponies because of their traps and how they placed logs in the river. So she showed the monster kindness and befriended the monster. And this impressed the leaders of the clans, and got them to stop fighting each other. And they later joined Equestria, probably because of her and that day.”
>>152537
Silver smiles wider.
"It is story that is example of what makes Equestria special. It is also kind of like meeting Mala, do you not think?"
Silver smiles wider.
"It is story that is example of what makes Equestria special. It is also kind of like meeting Mala, do you not think?"
>>152538
The colt tries to look back, finds that the costume doesn't really allow this, and then tries to turn all the way around, with the tail squishing up against a wooden base of a table top. He tries to look up at Silver, within the frame of the red and yellow costume.
"Like what?" He asks
The colt tries to look back, finds that the costume doesn't really allow this, and then tries to turn all the way around, with the tail squishing up against a wooden base of a table top. He tries to look up at Silver, within the frame of the red and yellow costume.
"Like what?" He asks
>>152539
"You saw Mala and were afraid and thought he was ferocious, but when you got to know him, you found he was rather friendly."
"You saw Mala and were afraid and thought he was ferocious, but when you got to know him, you found he was rather friendly."
>>152541
Silver resists the urge to pet Orchid to cheer him up.
"I like what you have set up here! Do you know if play will be open to public?"
Silver resists the urge to pet Orchid to cheer him up.
"I like what you have set up here! Do you know if play will be open to public?"
>>152542
"I think it would be neat if it were" He says.
However, a green earth pony (or pegasus?) mare with green coat, and bright blue mane walks up, wearing the black robes of a nun.
"Are you here looking to adopt or foster?" She asks. Then, baring teeth
"Or are you from the State?"
"I think it would be neat if it were" He says.
However, a green earth pony (or pegasus?) mare with green coat, and bright blue mane walks up, wearing the black robes of a nun.
"Are you here looking to adopt or foster?" She asks. Then, baring teeth
"Or are you from the State?"
>>152543
He looks over at the nun, and shakes his head.
"I am not from State, no. I am just visiting with White Orchid right now, but maybe in near future..."
He cuts himself off as he looks around again at the set.
"Why is play not open to public?"
He looks over at the nun, and shakes his head.
"I am not from State, no. I am just visiting with White Orchid right now, but maybe in near future..."
He cuts himself off as he looks around again at the set.
"Why is play not open to public?"
>>152544
"Are you a relative?"
Evidently she doesn't expect Silver to answer this question, as she blinks, and follows up with another statement
"They are foals. They are only just beginning to practice."
"Are you a relative?"
Evidently she doesn't expect Silver to answer this question, as she blinks, and follows up with another statement
"They are foals. They are only just beginning to practice."
>>152545
Silver avoids answering the first question anyways because of its answer.
"What about later date, after some practice?"
Silver avoids answering the first question anyways because of its answer.
"What about later date, after some practice?"
>>152547
"I do not know, but I imagine there is at least one pony out there who would. Hang fliers around town, attract ponies to watch play of our history, and you can use event to encourage ponies to adopt."
"I do not know, but I imagine there is at least one pony out there who would. Hang fliers around town, attract ponies to watch play of our history, and you can use event to encourage ponies to adopt."
>>152548
She sighs
"Perhaps it would give the foals a goal to follow. But for now, just putting on a full play for other foals would be an accomplishment. Maybe for a church or more if they are successful."
She sighs
"Perhaps it would give the foals a goal to follow. But for now, just putting on a full play for other foals would be an accomplishment. Maybe for a church or more if they are successful."
>>152550
"Well, we are practicing lines now. It took us several days to decide on a play. And to design props..."
"Well, we are practicing lines now. It took us several days to decide on a play. And to design props..."
I'm up if you are
Spark might be finally free tomorrow
Due to unforeseen events I won't be able to play for the next couple of weeks. I wish this was because of happy news.
>>151575
Iron's ear flickers at the sounds of the presumed small creature, causing him to look over there in awe while continuing to walk to their destination. "I wonder what sort of animals are in here," he soon utters with great intrigue while he now ensures to be right next to Cauldron rather than the back of the line. "Do you know, Black?"
Iron's ear flickers at the sounds of the presumed small creature, causing him to look over there in awe while continuing to walk to their destination. "I wonder what sort of animals are in here," he soon utters with great intrigue while he now ensures to be right next to Cauldron rather than the back of the line. "Do you know, Black?"
>>152563
"It's a uh..." She looks away "I'm more familiar with the plants... and this isn't exactly the jungle. But uh.." She stops to look over at the bush, and moves multiple steps closer. White Sands, almost uneasy, keeps her distance from the bush, and focuses her eyes forward, and then up at the sky, onto the mountainside, and behind them as she steps ahead of the two.
The bush shakes, once, and then suddenly in a big movement. Then slowly, a very large and fat looking rodent with black fur. Black Cauldron smiles. "That's a guinea pig." She says
"It's a uh..." She looks away "I'm more familiar with the plants... and this isn't exactly the jungle. But uh.." She stops to look over at the bush, and moves multiple steps closer. White Sands, almost uneasy, keeps her distance from the bush, and focuses her eyes forward, and then up at the sky, onto the mountainside, and behind them as she steps ahead of the two.
The bush shakes, once, and then suddenly in a big movement. Then slowly, a very large and fat looking rodent with black fur. Black Cauldron smiles. "That's a guinea pig." She says
>>152564
Iron's eyes sparkle in amazement, having never seen one of those creatures before before gently leaning down her neck to meet the guinea pig at eye level. "Hello, little guinea pig," he enthusiastically yet calmly greeted the robust newcomer.
Iron's eyes sparkle in amazement, having never seen one of those creatures before before gently leaning down her neck to meet the guinea pig at eye level. "Hello, little guinea pig," he enthusiastically yet calmly greeted the robust newcomer.
>>152565
The creature is fearless, not running away at the encroaching ponies, though it does seem to change course somewhat from its previous path as it waddles through an open section of dirt and mud, and moves to a fern plant.
The creature is fearless, not running away at the encroaching ponies, though it does seem to change course somewhat from its previous path as it waddles through an open section of dirt and mud, and moves to a fern plant.
>>152566
Iron nods in approval, quite proud of the rodent's bravery at essentially ignoring the big hooved quadrupeds near him. "Quite the inspiring animal," he mused with an appreciative smile before looking at Cauldron with a small degree of playfulness. "Reminds me of myself."
Iron nods in approval, quite proud of the rodent's bravery at essentially ignoring the big hooved quadrupeds near him. "Quite the inspiring animal," he mused with an appreciative smile before looking at Cauldron with a small degree of playfulness. "Reminds me of myself."
>>152567
Black Cauldron turns her head up, smiling with pressed down lips. She lets out something like a suppressed laugh.
“How does he remind you of you, exactly?”
The rodent begins to chew on the fern.
Black Cauldron turns her head up, smiling with pressed down lips. She lets out something like a suppressed laugh.
“How does he remind you of you, exactly?”
The rodent begins to chew on the fern.
>>152568
At Cauldron's inquiry, Iron simply puffs up his cheeks with as much air as possible to resemble the rodent with a more defined playful smile.
At Cauldron's inquiry, Iron simply puffs up his cheeks with as much air as possible to resemble the rodent with a more defined playful smile.
>>152570
Seeing Cauldron laugh makes him drop the rodent act to laugh along with her before looking towards the guinea pig eating the fern a little fondly. "Seriously, though," he soon added with a hint of sincerity. "His confidence is certainly admirable."
Seeing Cauldron laugh makes him drop the rodent act to laugh along with her before looking towards the guinea pig eating the fern a little fondly. "Seriously, though," he soon added with a hint of sincerity. "His confidence is certainly admirable."
>>152571
The guinea pig Has by now half of a larger leaf in its mouth.
“Confidence?” She asks, raising an eye brow. “Looks a bit more like ‘lazy’ and care free.”
The guinea pig Has by now half of a larger leaf in its mouth.
“Confidence?” She asks, raising an eye brow. “Looks a bit more like ‘lazy’ and care free.”
>>152572
"Confident folk usually know how to adapt to what life throws at them," Iron mused philosophically, approaching the rodent once again to perplexingly try to give it a little nuzzle. "This little rodent definitely knows how to do that. Otherwise, it would have been dead a while ago."
"Confident folk usually know how to adapt to what life throws at them," Iron mused philosophically, approaching the rodent once again to perplexingly try to give it a little nuzzle. "This little rodent definitely knows how to do that. Otherwise, it would have been dead a while ago."
>>152573
For the first time, the creature turns around far enough to look at the pony and zebra. It’s cheeks are as puffed up as Iron’s
“Well, I can sort of see it.” She says, restraining a smile. “But it’s yet to come into my apartment mauled by a tiger.”
For the first time, the creature turns around far enough to look at the pony and zebra. It’s cheeks are as puffed up as Iron’s
“Well, I can sort of see it.” She says, restraining a smile. “But it’s yet to come into my apartment mauled by a tiger.”
>>152574
Iron couldn't help but chuckle a little from Cauldron's retort, glad to see she somewhat understood where he was coming from. "You never know," he playfully suggested instead, thoroughly amused. "You might just find it scratching at the door for your loving help." With that final retort, he finally committed the nuzzling act against the guinea pig in an overly gentle fashion and making sure not to scare it.
Iron couldn't help but chuckle a little from Cauldron's retort, glad to see she somewhat understood where he was coming from. "You never know," he playfully suggested instead, thoroughly amused. "You might just find it scratching at the door for your loving help." With that final retort, he finally committed the nuzzling act against the guinea pig in an overly gentle fashion and making sure not to scare it.
>>152575
The creature, still chewing on the fern, is nuzzled. It doesn’t smell great, but at least the black fur is relatively soft. The creature does not run away, but it does flinch and moves a little to the side, further away.
The creature, still chewing on the fern, is nuzzled. It doesn’t smell great, but at least the black fur is relatively soft. The creature does not run away, but it does flinch and moves a little to the side, further away.
>>152576
Having accomplished his incredibly important mission, Iron gladly leaves the guinea pig alone to come back to Cauldron with a satisfied look. "Me and the rodent are now bonded," he dramatically declared, humorously playing up his rather simple act that probably won't lead to anything. "I gracefully told it to go to your humble apartment if it ever needs the help of the great and powerful potion master named Black Cauldron."
Having accomplished his incredibly important mission, Iron gladly leaves the guinea pig alone to come back to Cauldron with a satisfied look. "Me and the rodent are now bonded," he dramatically declared, humorously playing up his rather simple act that probably won't lead to anything. "I gracefully told it to go to your humble apartment if it ever needs the help of the great and powerful potion master named Black Cauldron."
>>152578
Iron giggles a little more before giving the zebra mare a small, gentle nuzzle for her as well before slowly continuing to walk to their actual objective and waiting for her to catch up. "Alright, alright," he reassured Cauldron "that is enough tomfoolery out of me."
Iron giggles a little more before giving the zebra mare a small, gentle nuzzle for her as well before slowly continuing to walk to their actual objective and waiting for her to catch up. "Alright, alright," he reassured Cauldron "that is enough tomfoolery out of me."
>>152579
White Sands is ahead of them on the shoreline. With an anxious look, she stares back at them. Black Cauldron walks forward with Iron
With the sound of disturbed bushes, the Guinea pig runs away from the fern, and into a large bush nearby.
White Sands is ahead of them on the shoreline. With an anxious look, she stares back at them. Black Cauldron walks forward with Iron
With the sound of disturbed bushes, the Guinea pig runs away from the fern, and into a large bush nearby.
>>152580
Iron's ears flicker a bit, starting to grow a little wary at the little rodent having been disturbed enough to go into hiding. "We should pick up the pace a little," he somewhat whispered to the zebra mare, going from a slow walk to a brisk trot towards Sands, hoping it wasn't serious enough to warrant a fight or flight response.
Iron's ears flicker a bit, starting to grow a little wary at the little rodent having been disturbed enough to go into hiding. "We should pick up the pace a little," he somewhat whispered to the zebra mare, going from a slow walk to a brisk trot towards Sands, hoping it wasn't serious enough to warrant a fight or flight response.
>>152581
Sands stands in an angle diagonal between the direction facing Iron and Cauldron, and the mountainside. She looks at the mountain, and starts undoing and throwing off a wrapped blanket with the remainder of her attention. Black Cauldron, by this point, is concerned, and she looks to Iron.
Sands stands in an angle diagonal between the direction facing Iron and Cauldron, and the mountainside. She looks at the mountain, and starts undoing and throwing off a wrapped blanket with the remainder of her attention. Black Cauldron, by this point, is concerned, and she looks to Iron.
>>152582
Iron simply gave Cauldron a small smile before actively scanning his surroundings with his senses of sight as he eagerly approached Sands' position in order to be at the ready if something were to come out of hiding.
Iron simply gave Cauldron a small smile before actively scanning his surroundings with his senses of sight as he eagerly approached Sands' position in order to be at the ready if something were to come out of hiding.
>>152585
Iron doesn’t see anypony there, or anything flying in the sky. By this point, White Sands has pulled out the lever-action rifle, and is attempting to level it with her green magical aura.
Iron doesn’t see anypony there, or anything flying in the sky. By this point, White Sands has pulled out the lever-action rifle, and is attempting to level it with her green magical aura.
>>152586
In the face of uncertainty, Iron decides that regrouping is the best move they can make, so with a small exhale, he soon went from a brisk trot to a gallop just in case he needed to charge at something.
In the face of uncertainty, Iron decides that regrouping is the best move they can make, so with a small exhale, he soon went from a brisk trot to a gallop just in case he needed to charge at something.
>>152589
Sands has the rifle out, and tries to aim down its sights at some unseen target behind Iron and to his right, in the direction of the brush and the mountainside. Black Cauldron is spooked, and she gallops ahead a moment, looks around, gasps, and starts forward. There is the definite sound of disturbed brush behind them. White Sands does something with the rifle that makes it flinch, and then she frantically lowers the rifle to inspect it.
Sands has the rifle out, and tries to aim down its sights at some unseen target behind Iron and to his right, in the direction of the brush and the mountainside. Black Cauldron is spooked, and she gallops ahead a moment, looks around, gasps, and starts forward. There is the definite sound of disturbed brush behind them. White Sands does something with the rifle that makes it flinch, and then she frantically lowers the rifle to inspect it.
>>152590
Ensuring Cauldron gets to Sands first, Iron slows down just a bit in the offchance the two were going to be pounced on so that he would be the target rather than the zebra mare.
Ensuring Cauldron gets to Sands first, Iron slows down just a bit in the offchance the two were going to be pounced on so that he would be the target rather than the zebra mare.
>>152593
>>152592
>>152594
Iron hears the beat of claws against the sand, and a sees the shape of a large, tan coated big cat, close enough to see the golden eyes, yellowed-white teeth, white muzzle, pink nose, pointy ears and showing ribs in that moment as it jumps to attack Iron, before coming invisible in a flash, disappearing into a blind spot behind him. He feels the creature come down on his rear, hit him with the side of its mouth, and make a side swipe at his hindlegs, hitting the left leg.
[1d6+1 = (6+1) = 7]
Roll strength.
He hears a click
>>152592
>>152594
Iron hears the beat of claws against the sand, and a sees the shape of a large, tan coated big cat, close enough to see the golden eyes, yellowed-white teeth, white muzzle, pink nose, pointy ears and showing ribs in that moment as it jumps to attack Iron, before coming invisible in a flash, disappearing into a blind spot behind him. He feels the creature come down on his rear, hit him with the side of its mouth, and make a side swipe at his hindlegs, hitting the left leg.
[1d6+1 = (6+1) = 7]
Roll strength.
He hears a click
>>152596
The claw slashes into his hind leg and his flank, causing serious pain, and drawing significant blood. Though Iron is injured and rocked to the side, he is not knocked to the ground, and he stands up on the strength of his other three legs.
Iron's turn
The claw slashes into his hind leg and his flank, causing serious pain, and drawing significant blood. Though Iron is injured and rocked to the side, he is not knocked to the ground, and he stands up on the strength of his other three legs.
Iron's turn
>>152597
Inhaling sharply at the pain for a second, Iron soon turns towards the attacker with great anger, opting to non-lethally strike the attacking feline with everything he's got through his two hind legs, despite his recently acquired injury.
[1d20+5 = (18+5) = 23]< Fully Powered, non-lethal Unarmed Attack
Inhaling sharply at the pain for a second, Iron soon turns towards the attacker with great anger, opting to non-lethally strike the attacking feline with everything he's got through his two hind legs, despite his recently acquired injury.
[1d20+5 = (18+5) = 23]< Fully Powered, non-lethal Unarmed Attack
>>152600
The creature is hit firmly, and knocked back with a "mrow!" sound
And then there is a sound of thunder
[1d20+1 = (10+1) = 11]
The creature is hit firmly, and knocked back with a "mrow!" sound
And then there is a sound of thunder
[1d20+1 = (10+1) = 11]
>>152603
Iron breathed out a small sigh of relief at the sight, somewhat grateful it didn't get any worse, but part of him wanted to see if he could plausibly heal the feline and leave him, so he intentionally went closer to it to see if there was a chance for that to happen.
Iron breathed out a small sigh of relief at the sight, somewhat grateful it didn't get any worse, but part of him wanted to see if he could plausibly heal the feline and leave him, so he intentionally went closer to it to see if there was a chance for that to happen.
>>152604
The bullet appears to have gone through the top of the creature's back just above the lower part of its rib cage. Whether the the bullet broke any bones can't be determined, though the presence of an exit wound implies the bullet went through flesh, perhaps barely ricocheting against a rib or the spine. Whether it hit a major artery, a nerve, or part of the lungs is hard to say.
The creature is still alive, bleeding, still breathing, and unable to move.
click-clack
The bullet appears to have gone through the top of the creature's back just above the lower part of its rib cage. Whether the the bullet broke any bones can't be determined, though the presence of an exit wound implies the bullet went through flesh, perhaps barely ricocheting against a rib or the spine. Whether it hit a major artery, a nerve, or part of the lungs is hard to say.
The creature is still alive, bleeding, still breathing, and unable to move.
click-clack
>>152605
Feeling a shred of empathy at the feline's struggles, he soon turned towards either of the two mares with a somewhat concerned look. "Do we have anything for it to eat?" he inquired, showing his eagerness to rescue the cat from the jaws of death. "Maybe it can help us later."
Feeling a shred of empathy at the feline's struggles, he soon turned towards either of the two mares with a somewhat concerned look. "Do we have anything for it to eat?" he inquired, showing his eagerness to rescue the cat from the jaws of death. "Maybe it can help us later."
>>152606
The cat lies on its side, breathing heavily. Iron can see that it has more problems than just being shot in the back and kicked in the chest and neck. It has thin fur in many areas, naked splotches, and overly red and irritated skin in the areas that are hairless. Some of the redness appears to be the result of the creat biting or stratching itself. But some of it appears completely unrelated. The skin in areas is about to fall off.
White Sands, who only just finally starts to lower the rifle
"It's a big cat. It would rather eat us"
Black Cauldron
"Uh.. I suppose we have some food. I... don't know if we have anything one of... those would want."
The cat lies on its side, breathing heavily. Iron can see that it has more problems than just being shot in the back and kicked in the chest and neck. It has thin fur in many areas, naked splotches, and overly red and irritated skin in the areas that are hairless. Some of the redness appears to be the result of the creat biting or stratching itself. But some of it appears completely unrelated. The skin in areas is about to fall off.
White Sands, who only just finally starts to lower the rifle
"It's a big cat. It would rather eat us"
Black Cauldron
"Uh.. I suppose we have some food. I... don't know if we have anything one of... those would want."
>>152607
"...seems this feline has been having some health problems," Iron mused with a small degree of disgust, feeling rather sorry for the potentially flea-riddled creature.
Just to make sure, he'd inspect the hairless areas to ensure there were no signs of the little insects that like to hide underneath the fur.
"...seems this feline has been having some health problems," Iron mused with a small degree of disgust, feeling rather sorry for the potentially flea-riddled creature.
Just to make sure, he'd inspect the hairless areas to ensure there were no signs of the little insects that like to hide underneath the fur.
>>152608
Looking under the hair, Iron can see that much of the skin is overly red, or starting to peel, and hairs come out even as Iron moves them. Iron finds one tick along its back, but there are no signs of mites or of flea infestation.
More seriously, the creature is still bleeding from a major gunshot. If the bullet nipped its postcava artery, it is all over already, and as it is, it is bleeding heavily.
The creature is also emaciated with its ribs showing. It was definitely not eating well.
Looking under the hair, Iron can see that much of the skin is overly red, or starting to peel, and hairs come out even as Iron moves them. Iron finds one tick along its back, but there are no signs of mites or of flea infestation.
More seriously, the creature is still bleeding from a major gunshot. If the bullet nipped its postcava artery, it is all over already, and as it is, it is bleeding heavily.
The creature is also emaciated with its ribs showing. It was definitely not eating well.
>>152610
Thus, with an understanding yet solemn nod, Iron steps away from the feline in question, knowing that their death would most likely end its suffering from whatever caused such malnourishment and disease to overtake it. "Poor thing was borderline dead before it attacked us," he muttered, quite saddened at the revelation.
He sniffled softly before reluctantly readying himself to stomp it on the head to end it quickly but waiting to see if the mares had any objections or ways to help it pull through before doing the heartbreaking feat.
Thus, with an understanding yet solemn nod, Iron steps away from the feline in question, knowing that their death would most likely end its suffering from whatever caused such malnourishment and disease to overtake it. "Poor thing was borderline dead before it attacked us," he muttered, quite saddened at the revelation.
He sniffled softly before reluctantly readying himself to stomp it on the head to end it quickly but waiting to see if the mares had any objections or ways to help it pull through before doing the heartbreaking feat.
>>152611
The two mares are simply silent. White Sands blinks, and her mouth opens slightly, while Cauldron's simple staring is a bit harder to gauge.
The two mares are simply silent. White Sands blinks, and her mouth opens slightly, while Cauldron's simple staring is a bit harder to gauge.
>>152612
Hearing nothing, the stallion soon ended its suffering with a hard stomp with both forelegs against its skull, hopefully finishing it off without much more suffering than it had to endure.
Hearing nothing, the stallion soon ended its suffering with a hard stomp with both forelegs against its skull, hopefully finishing it off without much more suffering than it had to endure.
>>152613
There is a yelp from the creature that ends quickly. Iron can feel its skull fracture and brains come out. Iron can't really entirely crush its head, only break it.
"Ah! Celestia!" Cauldron calls out and turns away. It's White Sand's turn to stare blankly at it, mouth partly open.
There is a yelp from the creature that ends quickly. Iron can feel its skull fracture and brains come out. Iron can't really entirely crush its head, only break it.
"Ah! Celestia!" Cauldron calls out and turns away. It's White Sand's turn to stare blankly at it, mouth partly open.
>>152614
With a small sigh at the dirty act, the stallion simply decides to put on a stoic face and wordlessly continue on their journey ahead, deciding to let the mares process the event for themselves and ask questions if necessary.
With a small sigh at the dirty act, the stallion simply decides to put on a stoic face and wordlessly continue on their journey ahead, deciding to let the mares process the event for themselves and ask questions if necessary.
>>152615
Iron has a bit of blood and cat brain on his hoof, and he may or may not be cut in the soft part of his hoof from the creature's bone fragments.
More importantly, much more importantly, Iron is badly injured in his upper thigh, to the degree it hurts to walk.
Black Cauldron seems somewhat nauseous, and she's in the same place, with her head down to the ground. White Sands blinks, and jumps forward, as if ready to move.
Iron has a bit of blood and cat brain on his hoof, and he may or may not be cut in the soft part of his hoof from the creature's bone fragments.
More importantly, much more importantly, Iron is badly injured in his upper thigh, to the degree it hurts to walk.
Black Cauldron seems somewhat nauseous, and she's in the same place, with her head down to the ground. White Sands blinks, and jumps forward, as if ready to move.
>>152616
Iron breathes in at the painful feeling, deciding it's best to get to the river in order to clean himself off the blood and properly see the damage. "I did not expect such a clean hit," he muttered softly as he looked at the water to see if it looked clean enough to treat himself.
Iron breathes in at the painful feeling, deciding it's best to get to the river in order to clean himself off the blood and properly see the damage. "I did not expect such a clean hit," he muttered softly as he looked at the water to see if it looked clean enough to treat himself.
>>152617
The river is murky from silt, with a brown tint. Anything else about the water quality, he can't really discern.
The river is murky from silt, with a brown tint. Anything else about the water quality, he can't really discern.
>>152618
With a careful gait, he soon sat down just next to the river and washed off the cat entrails and blood from his forelegs' hooves first to further inspect that damage. Something told him his hindleg injury may need some help from one of the two mares to properly clean up.
With a careful gait, he soon sat down just next to the river and washed off the cat entrails and blood from his forelegs' hooves first to further inspect that damage. Something told him his hindleg injury may need some help from one of the two mares to properly clean up.
Just want to say I love you all (no homo) and I'm looking forward to playing again soon.
Also cats try to take you down with a bite to the neck, making it impossible to respond in time even with a bite to the neck. But obviously this was a pretty bad hunter.
Also cats try to take you down with a bite to the neck, making it impossible to respond in time even with a bite to the neck. But obviously this was a pretty bad hunter.
>>152619
Fortunately, the only blood on the hoof is the cat's. The same cannot be said of his left flank and upper leg, which is still bleeding. Black Cauldron is only now looking up.
>>152620
D'aww. I'm looking forward to it too
Iron's ass was in the way of it getting to his neck, so it hit his ass instead
Fortunately, the only blood on the hoof is the cat's. The same cannot be said of his left flank and upper leg, which is still bleeding. Black Cauldron is only now looking up.
>>152620
D'aww. I'm looking forward to it too
Iron's ass was in the way of it getting to his neck, so it hit his ass instead
File (): 1904778FDFD2511E9782D940019A3118-158808.png (155.1 KB, 591x593, AnonfillyRear.png)
>>152621
Seeing Cauldron in distress right now, Iron soon turns his head towards Sands. "Could you help me clean up my leg injury, please?" the stallion politely and neutrally asked, hoping she wasn't as shocked from her admittedly brutal act.
Seeing Cauldron in distress right now, Iron soon turns his head towards Sands. "Could you help me clean up my leg injury, please?" the stallion politely and neutrally asked, hoping she wasn't as shocked from her admittedly brutal act.
>>152622
Oh my...
>>152623
"Huh?" She looks up at him, almost as if awoken from a brief sleep.
"Oh, yeah. I brought bandages, and Iodine."
She sets her pack down, and starts to look through it. Iron hears a soft sound that it may take a moment to recognize is the voice of White Sands:
"Could anyone have heard the gunshot?"
Oh my...
>>152623
"Huh?" She looks up at him, almost as if awoken from a brief sleep.
"Oh, yeah. I brought bandages, and Iodine."
She sets her pack down, and starts to look through it. Iron hears a soft sound that it may take a moment to recognize is the voice of White Sands:
"Could anyone have heard the gunshot?"
>>152625
"I think we could be close enough to town that somepony might have heard," Iron guessed as Sands looked at his leg.
"I think we could be close enough to town that somepony might have heard," Iron guessed as Sands looked at his leg.
>>152626
Sands, who has remained mostly to Iron's right, and thus has not had a great view of Iron's injury. Black Cauldron pulls out a set of bandages and looks up.
"Yes. We need to move."
Sands, who has remained mostly to Iron's right, and thus has not had a great view of Iron's injury. Black Cauldron pulls out a set of bandages and looks up.
"Yes. We need to move."
>>152627
"I agree," Iron answered, still waiting on either mare to finally apply medical treatment on his still hurting leg. "There is little time to waste now."
"I agree," Iron answered, still waiting on either mare to finally apply medical treatment on his still hurting leg. "There is little time to waste now."
>>152628
White Sands trots around getting closer, and sounding anxious. Black Cauldron fiddles around with bandages before going to Iron. She wipes something across his hind area, which hurts, and then applies a liquid, which hurts much more. She applies a second liquid, and then begins to bandage his flank. One set of bandages is actually on his upper leg, which can simply be wrapped around, but the other wounds, which is immediately below and possibly partly on his cutie mark, needs tape. Black Cauldron sits during this process.
"Come on" White Sands says, anxious
"Just a damn minute" Black Cauldron retorts, stressed
White Sands trots around getting closer, and sounding anxious. Black Cauldron fiddles around with bandages before going to Iron. She wipes something across his hind area, which hurts, and then applies a liquid, which hurts much more. She applies a second liquid, and then begins to bandage his flank. One set of bandages is actually on his upper leg, which can simply be wrapped around, but the other wounds, which is immediately below and possibly partly on his cutie mark, needs tape. Black Cauldron sits during this process.
"Come on" White Sands says, anxious
"Just a damn minute" Black Cauldron retorts, stressed
>>152629
"We will pull through, Sands," Iron gently reassures Sands, hoping the reminder of his most recent combat encounter would allow her to calm down.
He soon relaxes a bit, hiding the pain coming from the patchup process and trusting Cauldron to finish up soon.
"We will pull through, Sands," Iron gently reassures Sands, hoping the reminder of his most recent combat encounter would allow her to calm down.
He soon relaxes a bit, hiding the pain coming from the patchup process and trusting Cauldron to finish up soon.
>>152630
"These might need stitches. I think we will have to revisit this wound later.' Black Cauldron says
White Sands is prancing in place. However, the ponies and zebra are ready to leave
"These might need stitches. I think we will have to revisit this wound later.' Black Cauldron says
White Sands is prancing in place. However, the ponies and zebra are ready to leave
>>152631
Iron nods before carefully standing up and trying to continue their journey. "Let us go," he soon declared.
Iron nods before carefully standing up and trying to continue their journey. "Let us go," he soon declared.
>>152632
White Sands needs no push. She moves forward. At first, seeing the small white unicorn walk along the dirt, grass and river stones between the brush and the river seems almost odd, like she doesn't belong. But if you squint long and hard enough, she almost looks like an alpaca. At least she would, except that she no longer hides the rifle, instead letting it rest on the sling along her back.
Black Cauldron quickly tries to put the bottles up, making a mistake in the process, and needing to move an object within her bag.
"Yes. We may want to move away from the river bank."
White Sands needs no push. She moves forward. At first, seeing the small white unicorn walk along the dirt, grass and river stones between the brush and the river seems almost odd, like she doesn't belong. But if you squint long and hard enough, she almost looks like an alpaca. At least she would, except that she no longer hides the rifle, instead letting it rest on the sling along her back.
Black Cauldron quickly tries to put the bottles up, making a mistake in the process, and needing to move an object within her bag.
"Yes. We may want to move away from the river bank."
>>152633
"We shall not, then," Iron agreed, deciding to follow Cauldron's advice to reduce the chance of these random natural encounters along with her two mares.
"We shall not, then," Iron agreed, deciding to follow Cauldron's advice to reduce the chance of these random natural encounters along with her two mares.
>>152634
"There ahead is a bridge. Should we cross it to get away from the site, or do you think it will expose us too much, and make us more vulnerable?" Black Cauldron asks
"There ahead is a bridge. Should we cross it to get away from the site, or do you think it will expose us too much, and make us more vulnerable?" Black Cauldron asks
>>152635
"Depends on how long is this bridge," Iron mused, now always watchful.
They definitely weren't in a pseudo camping trip now. It was time to get serious.
"Depends on how long is this bridge," Iron mused, now always watchful.
They definitely weren't in a pseudo camping trip now. It was time to get serious.
>>152636
The bridge is a stone arch bridge, with two spans in the water, and maybe a total length of 40 or so meters. The stone is dark grey and old, stained almost black up until almost the top, and with moss growing in areas. Portions lowest to the water look almost as if they have been physically eroded by the action of the water, and various parts are chipped by that same freezing of stone that weathers mountains. The area on top is a simple cart pathway paved in stone, yet covered in dirt. The road that leads up to it is dirt and unpaved, with deep ruts from the action of carts. The way the dirt is disturbed, it is obvious the road and bridge have been used relatively recently. Hoof prints likewise span the roadway, and not all of them belong to ponies
The bridge is a stone arch bridge, with two spans in the water, and maybe a total length of 40 or so meters. The stone is dark grey and old, stained almost black up until almost the top, and with moss growing in areas. Portions lowest to the water look almost as if they have been physically eroded by the action of the water, and various parts are chipped by that same freezing of stone that weathers mountains. The area on top is a simple cart pathway paved in stone, yet covered in dirt. The road that leads up to it is dirt and unpaved, with deep ruts from the action of carts. The way the dirt is disturbed, it is obvious the road and bridge have been used relatively recently. Hoof prints likewise span the roadway, and not all of them belong to ponies
>>152637
"Seems like many have passed before us," Iron mused, unsure of actually utilizing it before finally looking at Cauldron again. "Do you happen to know another way to the other side of this bridge?"
"Seems like many have passed before us," Iron mused, unsure of actually utilizing it before finally looking at Cauldron again. "Do you happen to know another way to the other side of this bridge?"
>>152638
"Do you mean to cross the river? You'd have to wade the river, or find a different bridge or place to cross."
"Do you mean to cross the river? You'd have to wade the river, or find a different bridge or place to cross."
>>152640
"The spot is located within the river itself. We may well be fine to get to it from this side. The question is really more about what we encounter on the way to it, and who knows we are here."
"The spot is located within the river itself. We may well be fine to get to it from this side. The question is really more about what we encounter on the way to it, and who knows we are here."
>>152641
"If we do not need to pass through, then we are better off not exposing ourselves in a chokepoint," Iron firmly concluded at the answer. "I would rather not attract pony attention until we get to the spot."
"If we do not need to pass through, then we are better off not exposing ourselves in a chokepoint," Iron firmly concluded at the answer. "I would rather not attract pony attention until we get to the spot."
>>152642
The bridge still presents a small challenge, as it cuts through the river side, blocking it off. While it isn't really that difficult to go around it, it does mean that the ponies need to cross the road, potentially exposing themselves, if anycreature is on the road.
The bridge still presents a small challenge, as it cuts through the river side, blocking it off. While it isn't really that difficult to go around it, it does mean that the ponies need to cross the road, potentially exposing themselves, if anycreature is on the road.
>>152643
Iron hums softly in thought for a bit. "Might be best for us to pass one at a time along the road," he figures with a couple of nods. "Better to let them see us separated than all grouped up."
Iron hums softly in thought for a bit. "Might be best for us to pass one at a time along the road," he figures with a couple of nods. "Better to let them see us separated than all grouped up."
>>152644
White Sands simply nods. She's a reluctant to pass through the brush, but finds a narrow through-spot all the same. She pokes her head out of the bush line, looks around, and then lopes across the roadway.
White Sands simply nods. She's a reluctant to pass through the brush, but finds a narrow through-spot all the same. She pokes her head out of the bush line, looks around, and then lopes across the roadway.
>>152645
Iron remains vigilant, waiting to see if Sands is somehow intercepted or perhaps he could spot any potential watchmares that could snitch on them to other interested parties.
Iron remains vigilant, waiting to see if Sands is somehow intercepted or perhaps he could spot any potential watchmares that could snitch on them to other interested parties.
>>152648
Oh shit it's a pony off in the distance. Wait. No. That's an alpaca. It's grazing near the road on the other side of the bridge.
More interesting, however, is movement higher on the mountain. It looks like two, relatively tall creatures moving in an open area near the mouth of what seems to be a mine entrance, or perhaps a natural cave.
Oh shit it's a pony off in the distance. Wait. No. That's an alpaca. It's grazing near the road on the other side of the bridge.
More interesting, however, is movement higher on the mountain. It looks like two, relatively tall creatures moving in an open area near the mouth of what seems to be a mine entrance, or perhaps a natural cave.
>>152649
Feeling the coast is clear, Iron decides to cross the road after Sands, making sure not to entangle himself with the shrubbery, and hope for the best. Cauldron should be able to make it after him as long as nothing out of the ordinary happens.
Feeling the coast is clear, Iron decides to cross the road after Sands, making sure not to entangle himself with the shrubbery, and hope for the best. Cauldron should be able to make it after him as long as nothing out of the ordinary happens.
>>152651
With a small sigh of relief, Iron soon looks at the two mares. "Alright, let us keep moving," he requested. "Focus on concealment over speed for now."
With that established, he allowed Cauldron to take point since she is way sneakier than him, and took the middle spot somewhat behind her.
With a small sigh of relief, Iron soon looks at the two mares. "Alright, let us keep moving," he requested. "Focus on concealment over speed for now."
With that established, he allowed Cauldron to take point since she is way sneakier than him, and took the middle spot somewhat behind her.
>>152652
They go along. It's difficult to make progress, as there are trees and bushes, and open grass, but not much in between. Areas right by water are overgrown with plant life. Everywhere else is open grass. Most locations are either impassible, or open and exposed. They are, however, able to ride the line on the edge of the growth, and mostly hidden by it.
The group comes to an impediment, however, when they come up to a riverlet.
The actual stream itself is not very deep, nor does it have much volume of water. The riverlet, however, is five or so times the width of the actual stream of water, and vastly deeper, as it is made up of a black colored clay that has eroded away almost like a giant black trench that requires a decent downwards, across, and back up. Though most of the clay is dry, it looks very muddy.
They go along. It's difficult to make progress, as there are trees and bushes, and open grass, but not much in between. Areas right by water are overgrown with plant life. Everywhere else is open grass. Most locations are either impassible, or open and exposed. They are, however, able to ride the line on the edge of the growth, and mostly hidden by it.
The group comes to an impediment, however, when they come up to a riverlet.
The actual stream itself is not very deep, nor does it have much volume of water. The riverlet, however, is five or so times the width of the actual stream of water, and vastly deeper, as it is made up of a black colored clay that has eroded away almost like a giant black trench that requires a decent downwards, across, and back up. Though most of the clay is dry, it looks very muddy.
>>152653
"Does this means we have to cross the bridge either way?" Iron muttered, somewhat displeased at having this new obstacle in their path.
Despite his words, he figured they could just follow the riverlet until they found a solid spot to walk across... if they need to, that is.
"Does this means we have to cross the bridge either way?" Iron muttered, somewhat displeased at having this new obstacle in their path.
Despite his words, he figured they could just follow the riverlet until they found a solid spot to walk across... if they need to, that is.
>>152654
"This is a different river" Black Cauldron says
"We could probably just cross it." And she blinks
"But there might be some kind of bridge somewhere."
"This is a different river" Black Cauldron says
"We could probably just cross it." And she blinks
"But there might be some kind of bridge somewhere."
>>152655
"We should check for a bridge first," Iron concluded. "Riverlets are deceptively dangerous."
"We should check for a bridge first," Iron concluded. "Riverlets are deceptively dangerous."
>>152656
The water is not wide, and while it seems shallow, the opacity of the water makes it impossible to judge the actual depth. The mud, however, extends further than the water, and there is nowhere solid to cross. Iron can, however, look elsewhere
The water is not wide, and while it seems shallow, the opacity of the water makes it impossible to judge the actual depth. The mud, however, extends further than the water, and there is nowhere solid to cross. Iron can, however, look elsewhere
>>152657
Iron takes the chance to keep looking for a more stable way across. After all, he would have to go back, and if what Cauldron said was true, he'd rather have a safe passage back through here.
Iron takes the chance to keep looking for a more stable way across. After all, he would have to go back, and if what Cauldron said was true, he'd rather have a safe passage back through here.
>>152658
To do so, Iron has to move away from the tree line, and along the riverlet up to a bridge. The sides of the riverlet itself provide some cover, but the actual bridge itself is located in an open plain. The bridge is smaller than the last one, being perhaps 10 meters in length, and probably less than that. There is no center span, and the bridge is made of both iron, rusted to a red color, and wood, which looks a bit aged.
To do so, Iron has to move away from the tree line, and along the riverlet up to a bridge. The sides of the riverlet itself provide some cover, but the actual bridge itself is located in an open plain. The bridge is smaller than the last one, being perhaps 10 meters in length, and probably less than that. There is no center span, and the bridge is made of both iron, rusted to a red color, and wood, which looks a bit aged.
>>152659
Iron grimaces at the revelation. Perhaps it would be best to try out crossing the riverlet section closest to the treeline when going in and then go back out through the bridge.
He first needed to check if he could plausibly swim and free himself from the mud with the stuff he was currently carrying just in case things turned to the worst outcome possible.
Iron grimaces at the revelation. Perhaps it would be best to try out crossing the riverlet section closest to the treeline when going in and then go back out through the bridge.
He first needed to check if he could plausibly swim and free himself from the mud with the stuff he was currently carrying just in case things turned to the worst outcome possible.
>>152661
The stream is not that large, and Iron could probably simply stand upright in the water, at least if he doesn't sink in the mud. As for the mud, it's impossible to say, but his hooves will almost certainly sink at least a couple inches
The stream is not that large, and Iron could probably simply stand upright in the water, at least if he doesn't sink in the mud. As for the mud, it's impossible to say, but his hooves will almost certainly sink at least a couple inches
>>152662
With a heavy sigh, Iron opts to try to cross the riverlet first, making sure neither mare follow him too closely just in case everypony accidentally sinks into the mud at the same time.
With a heavy sigh, Iron opts to try to cross the riverlet first, making sure neither mare follow him too closely just in case everypony accidentally sinks into the mud at the same time.
>>152663
A step into mud, another step into mud - the mud begins to part - and a step into the water itself. It's perhaps surprisingly warm, and has a decent amount of strength. Iron goes in deeper, finding the water pushing against him, and stretching almost - but not quite - to the bottom of his barrel. His hooves sink a couple inches into the mud, and he finds there is a suction effect, which tugs on his hooves.
A step into mud, another step into mud - the mud begins to part - and a step into the water itself. It's perhaps surprisingly warm, and has a decent amount of strength. Iron goes in deeper, finding the water pushing against him, and stretching almost - but not quite - to the bottom of his barrel. His hooves sink a couple inches into the mud, and he finds there is a suction effect, which tugs on his hooves.
>>152664
Iron doesn't try struggling too hard, calmly trying to continue taking hoofsteps towards the other side while signalling the mares behind him to hold position for the time being.
Iron doesn't try struggling too hard, calmly trying to continue taking hoofsteps towards the other side while signalling the mares behind him to hold position for the time being.
>>152667
One of Iron's hooves steps on a rock under the water. That would not be an issue, except that the rock is at a higher level than his other hoof in the mud, and Iron, who could not see the rock, was not prepared for the difference in height. His leg slips off of the rock and into the mud, causing the front portion of his body to dip down low enough that his chest touches the water and makes a splash. He catches himself though, and rights himself without serious consequence.
One of Iron's hooves steps on a rock under the water. That would not be an issue, except that the rock is at a higher level than his other hoof in the mud, and Iron, who could not see the rock, was not prepared for the difference in height. His leg slips off of the rock and into the mud, causing the front portion of his body to dip down low enough that his chest touches the water and makes a splash. He catches himself though, and rights himself without serious consequence.
>>152668
Iron admittedly was mildly embarrassed by the affair, blushing lightly at his little slip up, but nonetheless makes sure to correct his posture and keeps moving forward with his plan. He is glad he will be going to be using the bridges on the way back thanks to this small mishap that right now has zero consequence to the mission at large.
Iron admittedly was mildly embarrassed by the affair, blushing lightly at his little slip up, but nonetheless makes sure to correct his posture and keeps moving forward with his plan. He is glad he will be going to be using the bridges on the way back thanks to this small mishap that right now has zero consequence to the mission at large.
>>152669
Iron makes it through the water, finding it to be about two feet deep at its deepest. However, the mud on the other side is sticky, and his hooves sink deep. There is intense suction.
Iron makes it through the water, finding it to be about two feet deep at its deepest. However, the mud on the other side is sticky, and his hooves sink deep. There is intense suction.
>>152670
The lewd part of him cannot help but giggle at this high emphasis on the mud's powerful suction power, specially considering the mud would almost reach the lower portion of her torso at this point. Regardless, his dutiful self continues to smartly fight against the suction, feeling mildly worried over the mares' wellbeing trying to cross here due to the high level of environmental danger in this section. Perhaps it might actually be best to cross the bridge for them?
The lewd part of him cannot help but giggle at this high emphasis on the mud's powerful suction power, specially considering the mud would almost reach the lower portion of her torso at this point. Regardless, his dutiful self continues to smartly fight against the suction, feeling mildly worried over the mares' wellbeing trying to cross here due to the high level of environmental danger in this section. Perhaps it might actually be best to cross the bridge for them?
>>152671
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RKOdyw3HkY
The mud does not extend up to his knee, but it does go as far as his fetlock at its worst, and removing the hoof from the mud requires pressing down on other mud, possibly causing those hooves to sink.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RKOdyw3HkY
The mud does not extend up to his knee, but it does go as far as his fetlock at its worst, and removing the hoof from the mud requires pressing down on other mud, possibly causing those hooves to sink.
>>152672
Feeling he's got nothing to lose, Iron continues along with the dangerous task of crossing this long riverlet while checking if he had any sort of rope to throw at some sort of solid object on the other side and pull him towards the safe area once again.
Feeling he's got nothing to lose, Iron continues along with the dangerous task of crossing this long riverlet while checking if he had any sort of rope to throw at some sort of solid object on the other side and pull him towards the safe area once again.
>>152673
Iron isn't able to rope himself out, but fortunately that is not necessary. Iron makes it to the other side, albeit with a lot of mud on his hooves, and a wet and muddy chest.
Iron isn't able to rope himself out, but fortunately that is not necessary. Iron makes it to the other side, albeit with a lot of mud on his hooves, and a wet and muddy chest.
>>152674
Breathing a small sigh of relief at his success, he soon goes to hide in the foliage once again before staring back at the two mares, wondering if they'll try their luck like he did or go for the bridge instead.
Breathing a small sigh of relief at his success, he soon goes to hide in the foliage once again before staring back at the two mares, wondering if they'll try their luck like he did or go for the bridge instead.
>>152676
Iron hums softly before once again checking if he had any rope on him or his mares at the moment. That way, they could guarantee their safety by pulling them out if they can't move.
Iron hums softly before once again checking if he had any rope on him or his mares at the moment. That way, they could guarantee their safety by pulling them out if they can't move.
>>152678
With that firmly established, Iron soon beckons Sands to start her own trek while he prepares the rope for a throw in case she needs a good tug. If nothing comes of it, the process will repeat with Cauldron as well.
With that firmly established, Iron soon beckons Sands to start her own trek while he prepares the rope for a throw in case she needs a good tug. If nothing comes of it, the process will repeat with Cauldron as well.
>>152679
Sand’s eyes go wide. She places her mouth on the rope, and moves into the water.
[1d20 = 13]
[1d20+3 = (4+3) = 7]
Sand’s eyes go wide. She places her mouth on the rope, and moves into the water.
[1d20 = 13]
[1d20+3 = (4+3) = 7]
>>152680
White Sands moves into the water, finding it goes up to her chest (she is much smaller than Iron). She slips at one point, and falls into the water, getting fairly covered in mud. She fairs well in crossing the deep mud on the other side, perhaps because of her lower mass. She comes to the other side, her white coat half covered in mud.
Her eyes are wide, and she looks disturbed and frustrated.
White Sands moves into the water, finding it goes up to her chest (she is much smaller than Iron). She slips at one point, and falls into the water, getting fairly covered in mud. She fairs well in crossing the deep mud on the other side, perhaps because of her lower mass. She comes to the other side, her white coat half covered in mud.
Her eyes are wide, and she looks disturbed and frustrated.
>>152681
Iron chuckles lightly at her frustration. "Do not worry," he reassures Sands with a gentle pat on her head "I will make it up to you with a luxorious bath later."
With that established, he soon turns her attention towards Cauldron and proceeded to help her out the same way.
Iron chuckles lightly at her frustration. "Do not worry," he reassures Sands with a gentle pat on her head "I will make it up to you with a luxorious bath later."
With that established, he soon turns her attention towards Cauldron and proceeded to help her out the same way.
>>152682
White Sands closes her eyes and lowers her ears, as the petting brings mud to the top of her previously-mud-free mane and head. She scrunches.
Black Cauldron glares at Iron for some reason
White Sands closes her eyes and lowers her ears, as the petting brings mud to the top of her previously-mud-free mane and head. She scrunches.
Black Cauldron glares at Iron for some reason
>>152684
>>152683
>>152682
Black Cauldron wades through the water, pretty successfully st first, though it comes up to her belly. However, right at the end of the water, a hoof gets caught in the mud. She attempts to free herself, and succeeds. But this pushes another hoof into the mud, which in terms gets stuck. She pulls on the leg using the rope, and gets it out, but loses balance and falls
[1d20 = 11]
[1d10 = 10]
>>152683
>>152682
Black Cauldron wades through the water, pretty successfully st first, though it comes up to her belly. However, right at the end of the water, a hoof gets caught in the mud. She attempts to free herself, and succeeds. But this pushes another hoof into the mud, which in terms gets stuck. She pulls on the leg using the rope, and gets it out, but loses balance and falls
[1d20 = 11]
[1d10 = 10]
>>152685
Her pack falls onto the mud, though it looks like nothing falls out. She does, however, get mud all over her belly, and on the bottom of her pack… which in turn is placed in her back and side, and spreads more mud. Iron now has both mares muddy, but across.
Her pack falls onto the mud, though it looks like nothing falls out. She does, however, get mud all over her belly, and on the bottom of her pack… which in turn is placed in her back and side, and spreads more mud. Iron now has both mares muddy, but across.
>>152686
>>152685
>>152684
>>152683
The stallion breathes out a sigh of relief, glad to see nothing was seemingly lost aside from muddy coats that can be thoroughly washed off in the future before giving Cauldron a small peck on the cheek as she finally reached her destination. "Let us move," he commanded before allowing the zebra mare to take lead once again. Hopefully they should be close by.
>>152685
>>152684
>>152683
The stallion breathes out a sigh of relief, glad to see nothing was seemingly lost aside from muddy coats that can be thoroughly washed off in the future before giving Cauldron a small peck on the cheek as she finally reached her destination. "Let us move," he commanded before allowing the zebra mare to take lead once again. Hopefully they should be close by.
>>152687
The ponies and zebra move once again, walking that thin line between the forest by the water, and the low grass that covers the mountainside. A path moves along a hillside above the waterside forest, with a few trees around it
The ponies and zebra move once again, walking that thin line between the forest by the water, and the low grass that covers the mountainside. A path moves along a hillside above the waterside forest, with a few trees around it
>>152688
If they are still travelling, Iron figures it would be a good time for a cursory cargo inspection.
"Cauldron," he whispers to the lead mare "check your pack to see if anything is missing. I will take point for the time being."
If they are still travelling, Iron figures it would be a good time for a cursory cargo inspection.
"Cauldron," he whispers to the lead mare "check your pack to see if anything is missing. I will take point for the time being."
>>152689
“Uh, alright.” Black Cauldron says, stopping and sitting down, setting the pack to the side. Even now, her hooves are fairly caked in mud, and she spends a moment to wipe them off on the grass. She takes her hooves through the pack, and starts taking things out one at a time.
“Okay, canteen, iodine, clamp, metal stake… did one of the flaps go missing? And 30-30, that’s in there. But where did the 7 millimeter go? Now that I think about it, I’m not sure I brought any to begin with… here’s the chloroquine. Scalpel. And I thought we had more rubbing alcohol? Did it leak? No. I must have just used that much of it earlier…” she moves more items out, including a roll of several squares brown squares linked together, next to a small rectangular green box. This wouldn’t be of note, except that White Sands raises an eyebrow at it. Black Cauldron picks up the box and says “There’s the seven millimeter!”
White Sands says “Why did you bring that?”
For s moment, Black Cauldron tilts her head, and points to the green box in her hoof. White Sands lowers head, and looks down to the roll of squares, and then back up to Black Cauldron. Black Cauldron’s mouth hangs open, and she’s silent for several seconds. Then she moves and leans forward
“You know what? I’ll show you. Give me that.”
She moves in, and physically picks the rifle off of Sand’s side. As the sling is still over her shoulder, it has to come over her head, and hits her ear and dishevels her mane in the process, prompting her to use magic to remove her mane from in front of her eyes.
Black Cauldron takes the rifle, which Iron can see has a small amount of mud on it, and sets it down in front of her. She picks up the roll, tears off one square, and with her mouth, tears into the square. The squares are revealed to be made of aluminum, with rubber circles within. She takes a circle, and carefully places it over the the end of the barrel of the gun, rolling it over the front site, barrel, and magazine tube, until the front portion of the gun is covered by the translucent rubber barrier.
“I really should have done this earlier. Before you went into the river. Could have gotten dirt inside of it. And…” she picks up the back end of the gun. “And why is the hammer cocked? This could have gone off if you fell.”
White Sands retorts.
“If it were cocked earlier, then Iron might not have been clawed by a, a big cat thing.”
And Black Cauldron
“Why didn’t you make sure it was cocked?!”
And White Sands,
“Because I was watching a giant cat.”
“Uh, alright.” Black Cauldron says, stopping and sitting down, setting the pack to the side. Even now, her hooves are fairly caked in mud, and she spends a moment to wipe them off on the grass. She takes her hooves through the pack, and starts taking things out one at a time.
“Okay, canteen, iodine, clamp, metal stake… did one of the flaps go missing? And 30-30, that’s in there. But where did the 7 millimeter go? Now that I think about it, I’m not sure I brought any to begin with… here’s the chloroquine. Scalpel. And I thought we had more rubbing alcohol? Did it leak? No. I must have just used that much of it earlier…” she moves more items out, including a roll of several squares brown squares linked together, next to a small rectangular green box. This wouldn’t be of note, except that White Sands raises an eyebrow at it. Black Cauldron picks up the box and says “There’s the seven millimeter!”
White Sands says “Why did you bring that?”
For s moment, Black Cauldron tilts her head, and points to the green box in her hoof. White Sands lowers head, and looks down to the roll of squares, and then back up to Black Cauldron. Black Cauldron’s mouth hangs open, and she’s silent for several seconds. Then she moves and leans forward
“You know what? I’ll show you. Give me that.”
She moves in, and physically picks the rifle off of Sand’s side. As the sling is still over her shoulder, it has to come over her head, and hits her ear and dishevels her mane in the process, prompting her to use magic to remove her mane from in front of her eyes.
Black Cauldron takes the rifle, which Iron can see has a small amount of mud on it, and sets it down in front of her. She picks up the roll, tears off one square, and with her mouth, tears into the square. The squares are revealed to be made of aluminum, with rubber circles within. She takes a circle, and carefully places it over the the end of the barrel of the gun, rolling it over the front site, barrel, and magazine tube, until the front portion of the gun is covered by the translucent rubber barrier.
“I really should have done this earlier. Before you went into the river. Could have gotten dirt inside of it. And…” she picks up the back end of the gun. “And why is the hammer cocked? This could have gone off if you fell.”
White Sands retorts.
“If it were cocked earlier, then Iron might not have been clawed by a, a big cat thing.”
And Black Cauldron
“Why didn’t you make sure it was cocked?!”
And White Sands,
“Because I was watching a giant cat.”
>>152690
Iron, who had mostly stayed on guard duty up until now, steps in with a smile. "I am pretty sure I was going to get clawed either way," he optimistically guesses with an understanding nod before patting Sands on the shoulder. "You can trust Cauldron's advice. She knows what she is talking about. Simply keep it in mind for next time, alright?"
Iron, who had mostly stayed on guard duty up until now, steps in with a smile. "I am pretty sure I was going to get clawed either way," he optimistically guesses with an understanding nod before patting Sands on the shoulder. "You can trust Cauldron's advice. She knows what she is talking about. Simply keep it in mind for next time, alright?"
>>152691
White Sands lights up her horn, and green magic forms around Iron's hoof, pushing it off of her shoulder. It's a strange feeling, most like magnetism moving his hoof away. White Sands lowers her head and her ears, with a look of obvious displeasure, and then closes both eyes.
Iron's intervention, it seems, stops the argument, and Black Cauldron does not retort. She lowers the hammer on the rifle, and starts to place the pill container, the bottles, the sheathed scalpel, the boxes, and other items back within her pack.
White Sands lights up her horn, and green magic forms around Iron's hoof, pushing it off of her shoulder. It's a strange feeling, most like magnetism moving his hoof away. White Sands lowers her head and her ears, with a look of obvious displeasure, and then closes both eyes.
Iron's intervention, it seems, stops the argument, and Black Cauldron does not retort. She lowers the hammer on the rifle, and starts to place the pill container, the bottles, the sheathed scalpel, the boxes, and other items back within her pack.
>>152693
Iron really needed to make it up to Sands later when they get back. Hopefully she doesn't throw all of her money at her maternal figure when she gets back, because the unicorn required some mayor pampering and reassurance to bolster her spirits back up again.
Despite this, he waited for Cauldron to take the lead again while he hung back to stick next to White in case she needed to vent a little more.
Iron really needed to make it up to Sands later when they get back. Hopefully she doesn't throw all of her money at her maternal figure when she gets back, because the unicorn required some mayor pampering and reassurance to bolster her spirits back up again.
Despite this, he waited for Cauldron to take the lead again while he hung back to stick next to White in case she needed to vent a little more.
>>152694
White Sands remains physically lower, while Black Cauldron picks up the pack, and then the rifle, and is ready to move.
White Sands remains physically lower, while Black Cauldron picks up the pack, and then the rifle, and is ready to move.
>>152695
"Alright," Iron calls out to both mares "return to previous formation and let us continue moving."
After this, he hung back with Sands next to him rather than the usual line they were going, wondering what sort of instant action he could make to cheer her up.
"Alright," Iron calls out to both mares "return to previous formation and let us continue moving."
After this, he hung back with Sands next to him rather than the usual line they were going, wondering what sort of instant action he could make to cheer her up.
>>152696
White Sands remains siting there, head lowered and eyes closed, for some moments. When it is obvious that the group is moving, and she can sit no longer, she stands, opening her eyes, and hanging in the back as best she can. White Sands has the whole time carried the least baggage of the three. This is true now more than ever as she does not have the cloth cover or the rifle, leaving her almost naked save for a simple tote bag. Her mane is wet and tangled, and her tail is much more so. She looks ahead, briefly looking to the side to confirm Iron's presence, and then looking down at the road some feet in front of her. Black Cauldron has firmly taken the lead.
As the ponies go further along the path, they come to what seems to be a collection of ruined buildings. Stone and mortar walls with no roofs, windows, or doors stand to the side of the path, sometimes collapsed in or out.
White Sands remains siting there, head lowered and eyes closed, for some moments. When it is obvious that the group is moving, and she can sit no longer, she stands, opening her eyes, and hanging in the back as best she can. White Sands has the whole time carried the least baggage of the three. This is true now more than ever as she does not have the cloth cover or the rifle, leaving her almost naked save for a simple tote bag. Her mane is wet and tangled, and her tail is much more so. She looks ahead, briefly looking to the side to confirm Iron's presence, and then looking down at the road some feet in front of her. Black Cauldron has firmly taken the lead.
As the ponies go further along the path, they come to what seems to be a collection of ruined buildings. Stone and mortar walls with no roofs, windows, or doors stand to the side of the path, sometimes collapsed in or out.
>>152697
Iron couldn't help but feel a sense of dread at the collection of ruins, reminded of that awful dream he had once, yet he still remains firmly on Sands' side with an understanding look that she's indeed having possibly one of the worst moments of her life at the moment. He hopes that the payout is enought to offset this, but he knows at this precise moment that future pampering was not a suggestion: It was a requirement to cheer her up when they get back home.
Iron tentatively looks over at the gloomy unicorn with a small pout on his face, avoiding any more physical contact since he was mostly muddy, before deciding to instead act out the part of a loyal bodyguard keeping her safe with a hawk-like eye to at least give her some comfort in that way.
Iron couldn't help but feel a sense of dread at the collection of ruins, reminded of that awful dream he had once, yet he still remains firmly on Sands' side with an understanding look that she's indeed having possibly one of the worst moments of her life at the moment. He hopes that the payout is enought to offset this, but he knows at this precise moment that future pampering was not a suggestion: It was a requirement to cheer her up when they get back home.
Iron tentatively looks over at the gloomy unicorn with a small pout on his face, avoiding any more physical contact since he was mostly muddy, before deciding to instead act out the part of a loyal bodyguard keeping her safe with a hawk-like eye to at least give her some comfort in that way.
>>152698
Sometimes the walls form a rectangle. Sometimes its a square. Most of the time, at least one wall is collapsed down to waste height, with grey bricks scattered along the ground. Often, even the bricks are gone, with a single stone and mortar wall standing three meters tall alone. There are no wooden doors, no roof tops, no glass windows, no iron and no tar - even if rarely stone floors, broken glass, clay roof tiles, and the termite eaten remains of wood can be seen littering the ground. There is, really, only lonely walls, holes in the ground that were once basements, and piles of bricks.
The ground is not even, as there are occasional dips in the ground, sometimes even sharply, with some dips forming holes. These changes in the elevation, would be nothing abnormal, as Iron and company are travelling along the side of a tall mountain, and the terrain slopes with their right tending to be higher than the left. These changes in elevation would be nothing of note, except that the brick walls sometimes collapse into them, with the sudden dips corresponding to collapsed walls, and the dirt pathway itself dipping sharply at one point, and then rising at another.
Two goats are seen grazing along the ruins near the pathway. Sometimes, empty glass bottles, or empty tin cans, or even a fish skeleton can be seen along this gallery of lonely walls.
Black Cauldron continues forward, looking backwards only once. White Sands seems to make an active effort to fall behind, with the distance between Cauldron and herself steadily growing.
Sometimes the walls form a rectangle. Sometimes its a square. Most of the time, at least one wall is collapsed down to waste height, with grey bricks scattered along the ground. Often, even the bricks are gone, with a single stone and mortar wall standing three meters tall alone. There are no wooden doors, no roof tops, no glass windows, no iron and no tar - even if rarely stone floors, broken glass, clay roof tiles, and the termite eaten remains of wood can be seen littering the ground. There is, really, only lonely walls, holes in the ground that were once basements, and piles of bricks.
The ground is not even, as there are occasional dips in the ground, sometimes even sharply, with some dips forming holes. These changes in the elevation, would be nothing abnormal, as Iron and company are travelling along the side of a tall mountain, and the terrain slopes with their right tending to be higher than the left. These changes in elevation would be nothing of note, except that the brick walls sometimes collapse into them, with the sudden dips corresponding to collapsed walls, and the dirt pathway itself dipping sharply at one point, and then rising at another.
Two goats are seen grazing along the ruins near the pathway. Sometimes, empty glass bottles, or empty tin cans, or even a fish skeleton can be seen along this gallery of lonely walls.
Black Cauldron continues forward, looking backwards only once. White Sands seems to make an active effort to fall behind, with the distance between Cauldron and herself steadily growing.
>>152699
While a part of Iron is starting to get actively worried at Sands' continuous attempts to lag behind further and further, another was dead set on getting that money now. If she really wanted to dip out and go back to her comfortable zone, she would most likely lose the chance to claim the money for herself as well, so he was not too worried about her abandoning the operation.
Thus, with a heavy heart, Iron slowly but surely starts picking up the pace a little to pressure her into keeping up instead. If she ditches him, too, then it might actually be for the best.
Granted, he was still being careful not to accidentally slip and fall these confusing elevation changes thanks to concrete jungle inhabitants' interventions to this place, but he had to urge Sands to take the chance to impress her mother a lot more seriously.
While a part of Iron is starting to get actively worried at Sands' continuous attempts to lag behind further and further, another was dead set on getting that money now. If she really wanted to dip out and go back to her comfortable zone, she would most likely lose the chance to claim the money for herself as well, so he was not too worried about her abandoning the operation.
Thus, with a heavy heart, Iron slowly but surely starts picking up the pace a little to pressure her into keeping up instead. If she ditches him, too, then it might actually be for the best.
Granted, he was still being careful not to accidentally slip and fall these confusing elevation changes thanks to concrete jungle inhabitants' interventions to this place, but he had to urge Sands to take the chance to impress her mother a lot more seriously.
>>152700
Can White Sands sense when her absence is desired by those around her as much or more than is her presence? Hard to say, but with Iron's increase in pace, he moves ahead of her, and loses line of sight.
The pathway takes a turn right, and up the mountain. Moving directly forward is open grass with many trees, mostly dead, and the ruins of what looks to be a former Equestrian church and a graveyard.
Black Cauldron looks back to speak
"We should cut through here. Keep as close as possible to the river."
Can White Sands sense when her absence is desired by those around her as much or more than is her presence? Hard to say, but with Iron's increase in pace, he moves ahead of her, and loses line of sight.
The pathway takes a turn right, and up the mountain. Moving directly forward is open grass with many trees, mostly dead, and the ruins of what looks to be a former Equestrian church and a graveyard.
Black Cauldron looks back to speak
"We should cut through here. Keep as close as possible to the river."
>>152701
Perhaps this is what Sands needs right now: A moment to prove herself to at least him and Cauldron, where she can proudly say she accomplished something without either of their help. Granted, it was possible she would just simply not try to do so, but at this point in time, it's not like he can cheer her up without showing the goods.
"Got it," Iron agreed with Cauldron and ready to keep moving.
Perhaps this is what Sands needs right now: A moment to prove herself to at least him and Cauldron, where she can proudly say she accomplished something without either of their help. Granted, it was possible she would just simply not try to do so, but at this point in time, it's not like he can cheer her up without showing the goods.
"Got it," Iron agreed with Cauldron and ready to keep moving.
>>152702
In front of the church are a number of ruined sun-shaped stone grave markers, interspersed with stone markers, and traditional headstones. Many, probably about half, are knocked down, broken, or severely chipped. All are weathered, but some have markings on them still legible. The grave markers are ancient, numerous, and lumped fairly close together. There are no statues of alicorns, no grand mausoleums, and no ostentatious markers. All interred here must have been poor. Yet still, a surprising amount is left after the centuries, though it can hardly be known how many graves with decayed and lost markers exist, or those that never had markers.
In front of the church are a number of ruined sun-shaped stone grave markers, interspersed with stone markers, and traditional headstones. Many, probably about half, are knocked down, broken, or severely chipped. All are weathered, but some have markings on them still legible. The grave markers are ancient, numerous, and lumped fairly close together. There are no statues of alicorns, no grand mausoleums, and no ostentatious markers. All interred here must have been poor. Yet still, a surprising amount is left after the centuries, though it can hardly be known how many graves with decayed and lost markers exist, or those that never had markers.
>>152703
Iron briefly looked about in mild curiosity at this particular building, wondering who made this, but the fear of Sands getting lost and killed is somewhat on his mind to really appreciate all the interesting architecture. Deep down, however, he knew the unicorn mare really needed an achievement to be proud of so she could feel better about herself, and just being there to console her isn't going to cut it.
The native needed that money, and he needed it as soon as possible.
Iron briefly looked about in mild curiosity at this particular building, wondering who made this, but the fear of Sands getting lost and killed is somewhat on his mind to really appreciate all the interesting architecture. Deep down, however, he knew the unicorn mare really needed an achievement to be proud of so she could feel better about herself, and just being there to console her isn't going to cut it.
The native needed that money, and he needed it as soon as possible.
>>152704
The church and churchyard exist on a hill over the riverside and its forest. Though the group now travels outside, more exposed to the air, they have not moved far from travelling by water. Black Cauldron seems to ponder for a moment whether to go to the left of, or inside the church, but for some reason seems to decide to travel inside of the ruined structure.
This is the largest structure they have seen since they left Estruendo, quite longer than any rectangle Iron has seen thus far, and by a massive margin. Its walls are made of actual stone, and the exterior includes the ribs of loadbearing arches for the former vaulted roof. The church clearly had a gothic, or neogothic design. The arched door front still remains. Going through the front door, Iron - and Black Cauldron, who slows down to look at her surroundings - can see that while the center of the roof has collapsed in, portions of the vaulted ceiling remain, still held by stone. The ground is not quite even, entirely littered with roof tiles, loose stones, and other debris. To each side are large gaps where stained glass panels once stood, and in a very few places, fragments of glass still remain in the window frames, tinted a strange, dark purple color either by design or by decay. Also littered along the floor are a few more modern glass bottles, and a cat of tuna with a weathered label.
The church and churchyard exist on a hill over the riverside and its forest. Though the group now travels outside, more exposed to the air, they have not moved far from travelling by water. Black Cauldron seems to ponder for a moment whether to go to the left of, or inside the church, but for some reason seems to decide to travel inside of the ruined structure.
This is the largest structure they have seen since they left Estruendo, quite longer than any rectangle Iron has seen thus far, and by a massive margin. Its walls are made of actual stone, and the exterior includes the ribs of loadbearing arches for the former vaulted roof. The church clearly had a gothic, or neogothic design. The arched door front still remains. Going through the front door, Iron - and Black Cauldron, who slows down to look at her surroundings - can see that while the center of the roof has collapsed in, portions of the vaulted ceiling remain, still held by stone. The ground is not quite even, entirely littered with roof tiles, loose stones, and other debris. To each side are large gaps where stained glass panels once stood, and in a very few places, fragments of glass still remain in the window frames, tinted a strange, dark purple color either by design or by decay. Also littered along the floor are a few more modern glass bottles, and a cat of tuna with a weathered label.
>>152705
Iron hums in pensive wonder, trying to continue thinking about what sort of history this place had in order to distract himself from his worry. However, he soon starts to ponder if Cauldron had gone in here just to sate her own curiosity of what this place held, yet he keeps quiet for the time being. She might as well do a little sightseeing while they were there.
Iron hums in pensive wonder, trying to continue thinking about what sort of history this place had in order to distract himself from his worry. However, he soon starts to ponder if Cauldron had gone in here just to sate her own curiosity of what this place held, yet he keeps quiet for the time being. She might as well do a little sightseeing while they were there.
>>152706
The creatures go along, past piles of debris where pews once stood, and towards the former place of the altar. Even now, the rising stone floor remains, and the two go up it, and to the back. The back of the church is more complex in its construction, with multiple stone walls still standing. Black Cauldron slows down, and even stops, taking a peak into the backrooms that remain, if only for a moment. Then she continues onward, out a door in the back, and past a collapsed spire, with one spire still standing.
Behind the church is a much larger churchyard. There are again stone suns with weathered names, and numerous small stone memorials closely spaced together, with but a name and a single year marked on them. There is again another dip in the ground, and multiple stone sun markers fallen into it.
The creatures go along, past piles of debris where pews once stood, and towards the former place of the altar. Even now, the rising stone floor remains, and the two go up it, and to the back. The back of the church is more complex in its construction, with multiple stone walls still standing. Black Cauldron slows down, and even stops, taking a peak into the backrooms that remain, if only for a moment. Then she continues onward, out a door in the back, and past a collapsed spire, with one spire still standing.
Behind the church is a much larger churchyard. There are again stone suns with weathered names, and numerous small stone memorials closely spaced together, with but a name and a single year marked on them. There is again another dip in the ground, and multiple stone sun markers fallen into it.
>>152707
Iron cautiously looks about, unsure of what to say or do at the moment, simply wanting to get to the goods at this point in order to potentially lure Sands back with the promise of riches.
Iron cautiously looks about, unsure of what to say or do at the moment, simply wanting to get to the goods at this point in order to potentially lure Sands back with the promise of riches.
>>152708
There is a sound of talking. Sounds like it's coming from the right, and maybe slightly behind them. Iron is out in the open right now, as is Cauldron
There is a sound of talking. Sounds like it's coming from the right, and maybe slightly behind them. Iron is out in the open right now, as is Cauldron
>>152709
First and foremost, they would not hear chatter coming from behind them if they wanted to ambush them, so it was unlikely that was going to happen unless these were the worst banditos ever. Thus, he tries to focus on finding some cover on the other side of wherever Cauldron is currently going rather than retreat back to the church.
First and foremost, they would not hear chatter coming from behind them if they wanted to ambush them, so it was unlikely that was going to happen unless these were the worst banditos ever. Thus, he tries to focus on finding some cover on the other side of wherever Cauldron is currently going rather than retreat back to the church.
>>152710
Iron and Cauldron are out in the open, and in a very large open area. The dip and the headstones provide potential limited cover if strictly necessary. Black Cauldron seems to be heading towards a line of trees, which in turn go down a slope and evidently to some structure by the river.
Iron and Cauldron are out in the open, and in a very large open area. The dip and the headstones provide potential limited cover if strictly necessary. Black Cauldron seems to be heading towards a line of trees, which in turn go down a slope and evidently to some structure by the river.
>>152711
Iron wholeheartedly agrees with Cauldron's direction, going right alongside her in order to get to this suppose quiksilver that would give him some good money.
Iron wholeheartedly agrees with Cauldron's direction, going right alongside her in order to get to this suppose quiksilver that would give him some good money.
>>152712
The two dive into the tree line quickly, past stumpy and dead trees, and live trees with obnoxious branches. In front of them is another large building by the river front, made of brick. This building differs from those that came before in that portions of its roof, tar coated and sloped, still exist. It appears to be several stories tall, and is immediately adjacent to the river, with a few square holes that were once windows.
The two dive into the tree line quickly, past stumpy and dead trees, and live trees with obnoxious branches. In front of them is another large building by the river front, made of brick. This building differs from those that came before in that portions of its roof, tar coated and sloped, still exist. It appears to be several stories tall, and is immediately adjacent to the river, with a few square holes that were once windows.
>>152713
"How long until we get there?" Iron whispered Cauldron as they continue to travel along the path.
"How long until we get there?" Iron whispered Cauldron as they continue to travel along the path.
>>152716
Moving between the walls of the building and the hillside, Iron sees two diamond dogs moving together, coming out of a hole in the hillside ahead of them
Moving between the walls of the building and the hillside, Iron sees two diamond dogs moving together, coming out of a hole in the hillside ahead of them
>>152717
"Are these dogs supposed to be here?" Iron whispers to Cauldron in soft tone, having this feeling they might have to fight a little.
"Are these dogs supposed to be here?" Iron whispers to Cauldron in soft tone, having this feeling they might have to fight a little.
>>152718
"I don't know." She answers, moving back, and whispering to Iron.
"But I am less sure that we are supposed to be here"
"I don't know." She answers, moving back, and whispering to Iron.
"But I am less sure that we are supposed to be here"
>>152719
"Understandable," Iron answers in a whisper with a small nod "so how long until we get there from here?"
"Understandable," Iron answers in a whisper with a small nod "so how long until we get there from here?"
>>152721
The stallion nods, quickly checking if he is in a fighting condition in case he needs to bust some heads together before following Cauldron as well as he can.
The stallion nods, quickly checking if he is in a fighting condition in case he needs to bust some heads together before following Cauldron as well as he can.
>>152722
Iron is not in as good of a condition as he was when he arrived in the city. But he is as good now as he can be now. Black Cauldroj does not move forward, but stops, and considers her options.
Iron is not in as good of a condition as he was when he arrived in the city. But he is as good now as he can be now. Black Cauldroj does not move forward, but stops, and considers her options.
>>152724
“Maybe” Black Cauldron says “We can walk past them, either by the river or above them, without them noticing.”
“Maybe” Black Cauldron says “We can walk past them, either by the river or above them, without them noticing.”
>>152728
"If you succeed, then most likely I will as well. And if you fail.. well, you can probably handle that better."
"If you succeed, then most likely I will as well. And if you fail.. well, you can probably handle that better."
>>152729
"Sounds good to me," Iron agreed with a confident smile.
With that established, he soon started to make his across towards the path above the diamond dogs to sneak past undetected.
"Sounds good to me," Iron agreed with a confident smile.
With that established, he soon started to make his across towards the path above the diamond dogs to sneak past undetected.
>>152730
First, Iron must climb the hillside. Then, Iron must walk past them unnoticed.
Roll die, with dexterity bonus
First, Iron must climb the hillside. Then, Iron must walk past them unnoticed.
Roll die, with dexterity bonus
>>152733
Iron just keeps climbing for the sake of it, wondering if the diamond dog will actually stop him or not.
Iron just keeps climbing for the sake of it, wondering if the diamond dog will actually stop him or not.
>>152734
The diamond dog moves to look around at the hillside. Iron himself doesn't seem to have been seen, but the diamond dog's presence forces Black Cauldron to go into hiding as he comes nearer. Iron makes it to the top.
The diamond dog moves to look around at the hillside. Iron himself doesn't seem to have been seen, but the diamond dog's presence forces Black Cauldron to go into hiding as he comes nearer. Iron makes it to the top.
>>152735
Seeing himself seemingly successful, Iron slowly goes for some cover to hide behind just in case the diamond dog really wants to watch the clouds or something.
Seeing himself seemingly successful, Iron slowly goes for some cover to hide behind just in case the diamond dog really wants to watch the clouds or something.
>>152736
The diamond dog looks around. Iron can see that Black Cauldron is within the doorway, hiding just out of sight.
[1d20+2 = (13+2) = 15]
{1d20+2]
The diamond dog looks around. Iron can see that Black Cauldron is within the doorway, hiding just out of sight.
[1d20+2 = (13+2) = 15]
{1d20+2]
>>152740
If the Diamond Dog can call for help, he may get noticed by the other one. And he may miss, or get stabbed, or run into a wall, or any of the other dangers attendant to jumping on someone from a height of 15 or so feet.
If the Diamond Dog can call for help, he may get noticed by the other one. And he may miss, or get stabbed, or run into a wall, or any of the other dangers attendant to jumping on someone from a height of 15 or so feet.
>>152742
If that's the case, then Iron simply readies himself to jump the moment the diamond dog was surely going to try to do something bad to Cauldron first so he is at least more justified in his reckless decision.
If that's the case, then Iron simply readies himself to jump the moment the diamond dog was surely going to try to do something bad to Cauldron first so he is at least more justified in his reckless decision.
>>152743
The Diamond Dog calls out:
"Hey, we have a striped one over here!" Black Cauldron ducks away, into the building
The Diamond Dog calls out:
"Hey, we have a striped one over here!" Black Cauldron ducks away, into the building
>>152744
...not quite pounceworthy, but perhaps he could get the opportunity to take down the one furthest from Cauldron if he comes over to aid his diamond pal.
...not quite pounceworthy, but perhaps he could get the opportunity to take down the one furthest from Cauldron if he comes over to aid his diamond pal.
>>152745
The other diamond dog comes over
"What is he doing over here?"
"Looks like a 'she.' I don't know."
"I bet she's a run away. Do you think that if we turn her in, there will be a reward?"
"She's carrying big bags" the one near the door answers. "She's inside the mill."
The other diamond dog is not heading for that position, but to the other side of the ruined building. This one stands in the doorway
The other diamond dog comes over
"What is he doing over here?"
"Looks like a 'she.' I don't know."
"I bet she's a run away. Do you think that if we turn her in, there will be a reward?"
"She's carrying big bags" the one near the door answers. "She's inside the mill."
The other diamond dog is not heading for that position, but to the other side of the ruined building. This one stands in the doorway
>>152746
After a little waiting to ensure the other dog is far enough away, Iron finally commits to his pouncing idea, jumping out of his high ground to valiantly crush his body against the diamond canine's!
After a little waiting to ensure the other dog is far enough away, Iron finally commits to his pouncing idea, jumping out of his high ground to valiantly crush his body against the diamond canine's!
>>152747
>>152751
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_ulNljs1RU
Iron makes a running jump, jumps down, and slams into the diamond dog's back. The diamond dog is big and tough, but Iron is a bit tougher under the circumstances. He may make a regular attack
>>152751
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_ulNljs1RU
Iron makes a running jump, jumps down, and slams into the diamond dog's back. The diamond dog is big and tough, but Iron is a bit tougher under the circumstances. He may make a regular attack
>>152752
Iron promptly makes a fully powered bonk to the diamond dog's head with his forelegs.
[1d20+5 = (20+5) = 25]<Fully powered up non-lethal unarmed attack
Iron promptly makes a fully powered bonk to the diamond dog's head with his forelegs.
[1d20+5 = (20+5) = 25]<Fully powered up non-lethal unarmed attack
>>152753
It's almost like smashing the mountain lion's head, as the large, grey, pitbull-like head is pushed into the door, his eyes roll up, and then close. His limbs spread out limply.
It's almost like smashing the mountain lion's head, as the large, grey, pitbull-like head is pushed into the door, his eyes roll up, and then close. His limbs spread out limply.
>>152754
No kill doggo pl0x
Iron breathes out softly before going for the unconscious dog's body, dragging it into a safe place where no puppy would find it any time soon before even thinking about going to attack the other dog in the area.
No kill doggo pl0x
Iron breathes out softly before going for the unconscious dog's body, dragging it into a safe place where no puppy would find it any time soon before even thinking about going to attack the other dog in the area.
>>152755
"Iron?" Black Cauldron is inside the building with him.
The building has collapsed upper floors in some areas, but is has clear stone floors in others. Most of the interior is one large room, which has some decaying round machine in the center. There are a few walls remaining for smaller rooms on the sides that may still be closed.
"Iron?" Black Cauldron is inside the building with him.
The building has collapsed upper floors in some areas, but is has clear stone floors in others. Most of the interior is one large room, which has some decaying round machine in the center. There are a few walls remaining for smaller rooms on the sides that may still be closed.
>>152756
"Other one is circling around," the native whispers softly after putting the body in a secluded area. "Get ready."
With that established, he soon tries to find the best hiding spot amongst the ruined interior, preferrably one of those smaller rooms he has spotted just now.
"Other one is circling around," the native whispers softly after putting the body in a secluded area. "Get ready."
With that established, he soon tries to find the best hiding spot amongst the ruined interior, preferrably one of those smaller rooms he has spotted just now.
>>152757
"Striped one? Don't worry, we won't take you back to the police. For a fee.." He peaks his head in through a door, into a hallway that sends in the large room with the circular machine.
"Striped one? Don't worry, we won't take you back to the police. For a fee.." He peaks his head in through a door, into a hallway that sends in the large room with the circular machine.
>>152758
Iron makes sure to keep quiet and hidden until he was just close enough for a surprise attack. He had no time for honorable battles in this hefty ordeal.
Iron makes sure to keep quiet and hidden until he was just close enough for a surprise attack. He had no time for honorable battles in this hefty ordeal.
>>152759
But it isn't so simple. The Diamond Dog pulls outside of the doorway, turns away, and starts to yell
"Frida? Didn't I just see you walk by? Frida? Frida where are you going?"
But it isn't so simple. The Diamond Dog pulls outside of the doorway, turns away, and starts to yell
"Frida? Didn't I just see you walk by? Frida? Frida where are you going?"
>>152760
There's a third dog?
This does not sound good, Iron thinks to himself, deciding to take this opportunity to stealthily approach the door the diamond dog had just peeked out of in order to catch it by surprise when he/she decides to check in again.
There's a third dog?
This does not sound good, Iron thinks to himself, deciding to take this opportunity to stealthily approach the door the diamond dog had just peeked out of in order to catch it by surprise when he/she decides to check in again.
>>152761
"Uh, come by when you can, Frida, Diego found something and it might be good." The diamond dog turns around, and moves closer to the door.
Roll initiative
"Uh, come by when you can, Frida, Diego found something and it might be good." The diamond dog turns around, and moves closer to the door.
Roll initiative
>>152764
The Diamond Dog has an expression of pure surprise, evidently not expecting Iron there.
Iron's turn
The Diamond Dog has an expression of pure surprise, evidently not expecting Iron there.
Iron's turn
>>152765
"I am sorry in advance," the native sincerely whispers for the single pup before once again putting a fully powered buck against the canine's face.
[1d20+5 = (15+5) = 20]<Fully Powered Non-Lethat Unarmed Strike
"I am sorry in advance," the native sincerely whispers for the single pup before once again putting a fully powered buck against the canine's face.
[1d20+5 = (15+5) = 20]<Fully Powered Non-Lethat Unarmed Strike
>>152768
"Yelp!" The diamond dog cries out in pain, and attempts to swing back, but is disoriented, and turns to run away.
"Diego? Diego?"
"Yelp!" The diamond dog cries out in pain, and attempts to swing back, but is disoriented, and turns to run away.
"Diego? Diego?"
>>152769
Iron, feeling it may be better to risk being attacked by the third canine rather than alert the whole compound of their presence, soon runs after it to knock this supposed Diego out for good before word spreads too far.
Iron, feeling it may be better to risk being attacked by the third canine rather than alert the whole compound of their presence, soon runs after it to knock this supposed Diego out for good before word spreads too far.
>>152770
The Diamond Dog is limping and clearly fairly stunned. But he isn't out yet. Iron can outrun him, at least if he charges.
The Diamond Dog is limping and clearly fairly stunned. But he isn't out yet. Iron can outrun him, at least if he charges.
>>152771
Thus, the native charges the diamond dog to deliver a finishing blow!
[1d20+10 = (3+10) = 13]<Slightly powered (2 points) non-lethal unarmed strike
Thus, the native charges the diamond dog to deliver a finishing blow!
[1d20+10 = (3+10) = 13]<Slightly powered (2 points) non-lethal unarmed strike
>>152775
With that done, Iron quickly drags the unconscious one back inside and hides it with the other dog.
With that done, Iron quickly drags the unconscious one back inside and hides it with the other dog.
>>152776
Iron drags it in. There are many places to hide them.
Black Cauldron speaks to Iron:
"Wow..." She says, looking down at the unconscious Diamond Dog.
She looks back up to Iron
"Not the nicest locals."
Iron drags it in. There are many places to hide them.
Black Cauldron speaks to Iron:
"Wow..." She says, looking down at the unconscious Diamond Dog.
She looks back up to Iron
"Not the nicest locals."
>>152777
Iron opts to hide them in one of the smaller rooms, preferably one that has a door still. "Nicer than what I was expecting," he softly admitted with a small exhale.
Iron opts to hide them in one of the smaller rooms, preferably one that has a door still. "Nicer than what I was expecting," he softly admitted with a small exhale.
>>152778
There are no doors, and there are even holes in the riverside wall where a chute and a shaft once were. There is, however, a nice small area out of the way to place the two Diamond Dogs.
"What were you expecting?" Black Cauldron asks
There are no doors, and there are even holes in the riverside wall where a chute and a shaft once were. There is, however, a nice small area out of the way to place the two Diamond Dogs.
"What were you expecting?" Black Cauldron asks
>>152779
"Kill on sight," Iron muses softly with the mineral to extract in mind as he softly plants the two Diamond Dogs in the secluded area.
He'd take this opportunity to look at them a little closer and see if they have anything to offer to the two hooved creatures standing.
"Kill on sight," Iron muses softly with the mineral to extract in mind as he softly plants the two Diamond Dogs in the secluded area.
He'd take this opportunity to look at them a little closer and see if they have anything to offer to the two hooved creatures standing.
>>152780
"No. They can't ransom the dead." She answers.
In their pockets are a couple knives, lint, a few coins, a can of beans, a ticket for entry to the Temple of the Sun, and a folded crayon colored paper of a family of diamond dogs holding paws.
"No. They can't ransom the dead." She answers.
In their pockets are a couple knives, lint, a few coins, a can of beans, a ticket for entry to the Temple of the Sun, and a folded crayon colored paper of a family of diamond dogs holding paws.
>>152781
"That is true," Iron agreed with a stern nod.
His interest was piqued at both ticket and crayon drawing, inspecting them more closely to see if he could wring out some context.
"That is true," Iron agreed with a stern nod.
His interest was piqued at both ticket and crayon drawing, inspecting them more closely to see if he could wring out some context.
>>152782
The ticket seems to be an admissions ticket to some sort of attraction. The ticket is for one adult, for daytime admission, is in the city of Tenochtitlan, and is dated October 13th of last year.
The drawing is of four diamond dog puppies(?), a female, and a male. The diamond dog from whom the image originated seems to be be the adult male "father" depicted in the image, judging by him sharing the same rust-red coat, although the family in the image being that of a brother who shares the same coat color can't be discounted, nor can wilder possibilities like the depicted family being fake.
The ticket seems to be an admissions ticket to some sort of attraction. The ticket is for one adult, for daytime admission, is in the city of Tenochtitlan, and is dated October 13th of last year.
The drawing is of four diamond dog puppies(?), a female, and a male. The diamond dog from whom the image originated seems to be be the adult male "father" depicted in the image, judging by him sharing the same rust-red coat, although the family in the image being that of a brother who shares the same coat color can't be discounted, nor can wilder possibilities like the depicted family being fake.
>>152784
She shrugs
“It looks used or expired to me. And either way, he can’t exactly complain right now.”
She shrugs
“It looks used or expired to me. And either way, he can’t exactly complain right now.”
>>152785
Iron shakes his head, deciding to leave things be: They will wake up eventually and he does not want it to happen when they travel back with the goods.
That was, until he remembered he needed to obtain all of the moneys for Sands later, to which inspired looking into the bag of coins just to see if they were legitimate. If so, he'll just take it.
Iron shakes his head, deciding to leave things be: They will wake up eventually and he does not want it to happen when they travel back with the goods.
That was, until he remembered he needed to obtain all of the moneys for Sands later, to which inspired looking into the bag of coins just to see if they were legitimate. If so, he'll just take it.
>>152786
These are indeed real currency. Most of the coins are the older, pre-war Equestrian mintage, while a few are post-war Occupation Bits. It's only a few bits worth in total, though.
These are indeed real currency. Most of the coins are the older, pre-war Equestrian mintage, while a few are post-war Occupation Bits. It's only a few bits worth in total, though.
>>152789
Iron takes the bits, but leaves everything else. Black Cauldron says, "I agree." The two (presumably) leave the building.
Iron takes the bits, but leaves everything else. Black Cauldron says, "I agree." The two (presumably) leave the building.
>>152790
Indeed they do, towards the now clear path to continue towards the stash they are looking for.
Indeed they do, towards the now clear path to continue towards the stash they are looking for.
>>152791
As they exit, right above the mine entrance on the upper part of the hill, is a familiar looking creature.
White Sands lays down, with her forelegs hanging over the edge. She stares at the two:
"Are you two done fooling around?"
As they exit, right above the mine entrance on the upper part of the hill, is a familiar looking creature.
White Sands lays down, with her forelegs hanging over the edge. She stares at the two:
"Are you two done fooling around?"
>>152792
Iron chuckles softly, happy to see Sands in a non-depressing mood. "We are," he gladly confirms with a nod.
With that said, however, it was time to get back to the mission at hoof, meaning Cauldron is back on the steering wheel.
Iron chuckles softly, happy to see Sands in a non-depressing mood. "We are," he gladly confirms with a nod.
With that said, however, it was time to get back to the mission at hoof, meaning Cauldron is back on the steering wheel.
>>152793
Black Cauldron turns to him,
"I thought she was with you?"
She turns her head away,
"Well, we can proceed by the river or above it."
Black Cauldron turns to him,
"I thought she was with you?"
She turns her head away,
"Well, we can proceed by the river or above it."
>>152794
"In a sense, she was," Iron jokingly answered before quickly turning serious when talking about the job. "We should go from above."
"In a sense, she was," Iron jokingly answered before quickly turning serious when talking about the job. "We should go from above."
>>152795
Black Cauldron nods.
They have to walk past the mine entrance to find a part of the hillside that lets them climb up it. White Sands lays down and watches this:
"No no. Take your time. If we don't get out of here before the last train leaves, then we can just stay the night, and it's been a such a lovely experience so far, why not just make it last a little longer?"
Black Cauldron nods.
They have to walk past the mine entrance to find a part of the hillside that lets them climb up it. White Sands lays down and watches this:
"No no. Take your time. If we don't get out of here before the last train leaves, then we can just stay the night, and it's been a such a lovely experience so far, why not just make it last a little longer?"
>>152796
Alright, that's enough out of me. Time for slep.
Just for me to find it easily later: Iron Iron Iron Iron.
Alright, that's enough out of me. Time for slep.
Just for me to find it easily later: Iron Iron Iron Iron.
>>152800
Both blink, and the greyish mare answers:
"I don't really know. I think there was a requirement to show a marriage certificate, and a recommendation from a church, and proof of income, and no criminal convictions, and proof of residency... But that was years ago, and we've had several new princesses and mayors and presidents since then. It's hard to keep up with. Ask Marery. She is the one who handles these."
Both blink, and the greyish mare answers:
"I don't really know. I think there was a requirement to show a marriage certificate, and a recommendation from a church, and proof of income, and no criminal convictions, and proof of residency... But that was years ago, and we've had several new princesses and mayors and presidents since then. It's hard to keep up with. Ask Marery. She is the one who handles these."
>>152802
The grey mare answers,
“Well, I’m more of a tailor. I help with clothing.”
Then the green mare answers,
“And I’m a literature teacher here. I think you may want to ask Sister Marery, as she’s in charge of administration.”
The grey mare answers,
“Well, I’m more of a tailor. I help with clothing.”
Then the green mare answers,
“And I’m a literature teacher here. I think you may want to ask Sister Marery, as she’s in charge of administration.”
>>152806
The green earth pony and the brown earth pony try to speak some lines.
The grey nun answers:
"I helped with some props"
Then the green nun,
"I helped with the script."
The grey nun continues,
"There was this really nice pony, Dark Star, who suggested it earlier in the week. We thought it would be a nice way to cheer up the foals, and, well, celebrate the return of many of them. So we looked for some volunteers, made some props, and well, this is what we have so far."
The green earth pony and the brown earth pony try to speak some lines.
The grey nun answers:
"I helped with some props"
Then the green nun,
"I helped with the script."
The grey nun continues,
"There was this really nice pony, Dark Star, who suggested it earlier in the week. We thought it would be a nice way to cheer up the foals, and, well, celebrate the return of many of them. So we looked for some volunteers, made some props, and well, this is what we have so far."
>>152808
The grey mare opens her mouth in something like a smile.
“Heh. Yeah. I had to stitch together a number of pieces of fabric, and quite a lot of stuffing. It took many hours. It’s all built on top of a black nylon shirt, with red and yellow fabric stitched onto it. We had several foals make fins, tendrils, and the head out of paper machete, and then paint it.”
The grey mare opens her mouth in something like a smile.
“Heh. Yeah. I had to stitch together a number of pieces of fabric, and quite a lot of stuffing. It took many hours. It’s all built on top of a black nylon shirt, with red and yellow fabric stitched onto it. We had several foals make fins, tendrils, and the head out of paper machete, and then paint it.”
>>152809
Silver smiles.
"It is good you got other foals to help. Are there many helping to set up play and work behind curtain?"
Silver smiles.
"It is good you got other foals to help. Are there many helping to set up play and work behind curtain?"
>>152810
“Well, no. At least not yet. Not in the current set up. We only have a few actors, and a few props. But it means we may be able to get the foals to perform quickly.”
“Well, no. At least not yet. Not in the current set up. We only have a few actors, and a few props. But it means we may be able to get the foals to perform quickly.”
>>152811
"I think it would be good idea to get more involved once things are figured out. It would be good for them to focus their energy towards something like this, considering their life situations."
"I think it would be good idea to get more involved once things are figured out. It would be good for them to focus their energy towards something like this, considering their life situations."
>>152812
“Yes, I think it’s a pretty good idea, at least for many of them. It’s something to do, and something to be proud of. It’s something to distract them from their past situations, and to teach them of the values of our traditions.”
“Yes, I think it’s a pretty good idea, at least for many of them. It’s something to do, and something to be proud of. It’s something to distract them from their past situations, and to teach them of the values of our traditions.”
>>152814
The green nun turns a little more towards Silver, and it is she who speaks.
“Well, I can answer that. It’s well known that foals are impressionable, and can learn truths about the world through story. This is true of adults too, but it is especially true of the young. That is why we wanted a story with an important moral lesson to teach our foals. More than that, we want to tell a story that teaches them where we came from. We, as a people, as a society, and as an institution, and how these moral truths relate to our purpose as both individuals and as a group. So of course we want to tell them a story from our history.
My first choice was the story of how the Elements came together and held back Nightmare Moon. That… was rejected. It’s too controversial, It’s also a little ambitious, with so many central characters, and so many scenes. So I decided to tell another story from our history. One that’s less controversial, and has fewer characters and fewer scenes.”
And then the grey nun states,
“I actually suggested this one from a list. We had already started working on the sea serpent costume for the story of the Elements. Of course I didn’t want it to go unused, especially since we already had foals make the head and fins, so we decided on a story that also featured a mare befriending a serpent in the river.”
The green mare:
“Yes, that too”
The green nun turns a little more towards Silver, and it is she who speaks.
“Well, I can answer that. It’s well known that foals are impressionable, and can learn truths about the world through story. This is true of adults too, but it is especially true of the young. That is why we wanted a story with an important moral lesson to teach our foals. More than that, we want to tell a story that teaches them where we came from. We, as a people, as a society, and as an institution, and how these moral truths relate to our purpose as both individuals and as a group. So of course we want to tell them a story from our history.
My first choice was the story of how the Elements came together and held back Nightmare Moon. That… was rejected. It’s too controversial, It’s also a little ambitious, with so many central characters, and so many scenes. So I decided to tell another story from our history. One that’s less controversial, and has fewer characters and fewer scenes.”
And then the grey nun states,
“I actually suggested this one from a list. We had already started working on the sea serpent costume for the story of the Elements. Of course I didn’t want it to go unused, especially since we already had foals make the head and fins, so we decided on a story that also featured a mare befriending a serpent in the river.”
The green mare:
“Yes, that too”
>>152815
Silver looks confused.
"What is so controversial about the story of Twilight and her friends finding Elements of Harmony?"
Silver looks confused.
"What is so controversial about the story of Twilight and her friends finding Elements of Harmony?"
>>152816
The two mares look at each other, and then after a period of silence, it’s the green mare who speaks:
“Because Twilight is the former princess.”
The two mares look at each other, and then after a period of silence, it’s the green mare who speaks:
“Because Twilight is the former princess.”
>>152818
“And there is an active resistance to restore her to the throne. So anything that portrays her and her friends - who were also parts of the former regime - in a positive light might not be looked upon so kindly by either the uh, well, either the Baltimare or the new foreign regime. Best to tell a story not involving her. And Colopa is considered a kind of local hero, so I think that will be more palatable to… to both of our new overlords.”
“And there is an active resistance to restore her to the throne. So anything that portrays her and her friends - who were also parts of the former regime - in a positive light might not be looked upon so kindly by either the uh, well, either the Baltimare or the new foreign regime. Best to tell a story not involving her. And Colopa is considered a kind of local hero, so I think that will be more palatable to… to both of our new overlords.”
>>152819
Silver looks a little sick at that last line.
"Blehg. Still do not like that. Did you consider story of how Equestria was founded?"
Silver looks a little sick at that last line.
"Blehg. Still do not like that. Did you consider story of how Equestria was founded?"
>>152820
The green mare looks up and taps her muzzle in contemplation. The grey mare, however, looks seriously offended:
Grey mare:
“We’re not putting away my serpent costume.”
The green mare:
“It’s… not a bad idea, but it’s about, well, it’s about eleven months early for Hearthswarming, and that story, like the Elements, has quite a few characters. Not a bad idea for the future, though.”
The green mare looks up and taps her muzzle in contemplation. The grey mare, however, looks seriously offended:
Grey mare:
“We’re not putting away my serpent costume.”
The green mare:
“It’s… not a bad idea, but it’s about, well, it’s about eleven months early for Hearthswarming, and that story, like the Elements, has quite a few characters. Not a bad idea for the future, though.”
>>152821
Silver chuckles at the grey mare's response.
"Well, it will be only short couple of months or so before it will be traditional time for start of Winter Wrap-Up. We have somewhat given it up since Great War, but maybe you can have play about very first Winter Wrap-Up."
Silver chuckles at the grey mare's response.
"Well, it will be only short couple of months or so before it will be traditional time for start of Winter Wrap-Up. We have somewhat given it up since Great War, but maybe you can have play about very first Winter Wrap-Up."
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>>152822
The grey mare looks over to the green mare
“I’m not even sure I’ve heard of the first winter wrap up.”
She sits up,
“Well it’s partly done by machine and mass spell now, and it was done in some form long before Hearthswarming, but surely there is a story in there somewhere. Maybe the first winter clean up after Hearthswarming. It’s only really a big show in places where there are no unicorns, though. In most places they just use magic. Unless it were to take place before the Hearthswarming in the Earthpony republic….”
The green mare seems to contemplate this idea
The grey mare looks over to the green mare
“I’m not even sure I’ve heard of the first winter wrap up.”
She sits up,
“Well it’s partly done by machine and mass spell now, and it was done in some form long before Hearthswarming, but surely there is a story in there somewhere. Maybe the first winter clean up after Hearthswarming. It’s only really a big show in places where there are no unicorns, though. In most places they just use magic. Unless it were to take place before the Hearthswarming in the Earthpony republic….”
The green mare seems to contemplate this idea
>>152823
"Hmm...I will admit I do not know where it started, either. In my native Severyana, we did not have so much 'Winter Wrap-Up' like southern ponies did. We just let snow melt in Spring and add its water to our moisture-rich soil."
"Hmm...I will admit I do not know where it started, either. In my native Severyana, we did not have so much 'Winter Wrap-Up' like southern ponies did. We just let snow melt in Spring and add its water to our moisture-rich soil."
>>152824
Both mares move ever so slightly back, and their mouths hang open
Grey:
"But then how does the snow, well, how does it melt?"
Green:
"And how does it melt on time?"
Grey:
"What if it melts at the wrong time, and it causes the rivers to flood?"
Green:
"And what if, well, what if you need to plant, and the snow is still there? Then what do you do?"
Both mares move ever so slightly back, and their mouths hang open
Grey:
"But then how does the snow, well, how does it melt?"
Green:
"And how does it melt on time?"
Grey:
"What if it melts at the wrong time, and it causes the rivers to flood?"
Green:
"And what if, well, what if you need to plant, and the snow is still there? Then what do you do?"
>>152825
"Well, Celestia's calm, warming Light is what helps it to melt, at least in Severyana. When Celestia's Sun starts to warm up in Spring, it melts snow and helps our farms to grow. We help it along at times when we sense there will be problem, but Severyana has picky, moist soil. It produces plenty of high-quality food, but if we mess with natural moisture too much...we end up with famines, like what happened few years ago leading up to Steel Stallion's revolution."
"Well, Celestia's calm, warming Light is what helps it to melt, at least in Severyana. When Celestia's Sun starts to warm up in Spring, it melts snow and helps our farms to grow. We help it along at times when we sense there will be problem, but Severyana has picky, moist soil. It produces plenty of high-quality food, but if we mess with natural moisture too much...we end up with famines, like what happened few years ago leading up to Steel Stallion's revolution."
>>152826
There is silence for an extended period of time. The grey mare breaks it:
"But like... you still have to melt the snow."
There is silence for an extended period of time. The grey mare breaks it:
"But like... you still have to melt the snow."
>>152827
He shrugs.
"It is just how things have been done in Severyana for time immemorial, maybe since time of Equestria's Unification."
He shrugs.
"It is just how things have been done in Severyana for time immemorial, maybe since time of Equestria's Unification."
>>152828
They blink
“But how do the animals know when it’s time to wake up from hibernation? And what about migration?”
They blink
“But how do the animals know when it’s time to wake up from hibernation? And what about migration?”
>>152829
Silver looks like he's about to answer, but then he freezes with a confused look on his face.
"...I never really thought of it before, and never had thought to question it as colt."
Silver looks like he's about to answer, but then he freezes with a confused look on his face.
"...I never really thought of it before, and never had thought to question it as colt."
>>152831
"I honestly cannot argue against it."
He scratches his chin.
"Anyways, what other ideas did you have for play?"
"I honestly cannot argue against it."
He scratches his chin.
"Anyways, what other ideas did you have for play?"
>>152832
The green mare answers
"Right now, we are simply letting them try it. It's a select few eager volunteers, with a few props, who can put on a short play for the other foals. And maybe, if it works well, they can put on the play for a church or two."
The green mare answers
"Right now, we are simply letting them try it. It's a select few eager volunteers, with a few props, who can put on a short play for the other foals. And maybe, if it works well, they can put on the play for a church or two."
>>152840
"Yes, I've worked with him many times, since we both work with Equestrian records and literature."
"Yes, I've worked with him many times, since we both work with Equestrian records and literature."
>>152842
She blinks, and then smiles awkwardly
“To kill a leech? Sorry, your accent, I’m not sure I understood you.”
She blinks, and then smiles awkwardly
“To kill a leech? Sorry, your accent, I’m not sure I understood you.”
>>152843
"Li-ich. Undead immortal necromancers who seal their souls in objects and can raise and control zombies, skeletons, and all kinds of undead."
"Li-ich. Undead immortal necromancers who seal their souls in objects and can raise and control zombies, skeletons, and all kinds of undead."
>>152846
“Just trying to figure out your meaning” she says
“Surely you don’t mean a real lich… is this some sort of game you two do? Or a metaphor?”
“Just trying to figure out your meaning” she says
“Surely you don’t mean a real lich… is this some sort of game you two do? Or a metaphor?”
>>152847
"Well, whether he was real lich is unknown. He did experiment with raising dead long ago, was extraordinarily long lived, and group of militia who raided his lair left warnings about his lichdom. But leader of militia was also originally betrothed to mare that necromancer pony married, he was sealed in stone casket so nopony could verify if he really was lich, and when Father Maren and I broke object supposed to contain his soul it was rather...underwhelming."
"Well, whether he was real lich is unknown. He did experiment with raising dead long ago, was extraordinarily long lived, and group of militia who raided his lair left warnings about his lichdom. But leader of militia was also originally betrothed to mare that necromancer pony married, he was sealed in stone casket so nopony could verify if he really was lich, and when Father Maren and I broke object supposed to contain his soul it was rather...underwhelming."
>>152848
Both mares look in astonishment
“I… I didn’t know he did that. You two travelled a lot back in the day?”
Both mares look in astonishment
“I… I didn’t know he did that. You two travelled a lot back in the day?”
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>>152851
Silver is quick to correct.
"Was, there was one lich in Baltimare, but now he and his undead minions are no more. There is nothing to worry about in that regard."
Silver is quick to correct.
"Was, there was one lich in Baltimare, but now he and his undead minions are no more. There is nothing to worry about in that regard."
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wonders how the nun will react
>>152854
Silver’s hoof simply hits the top of the coif, though the ears underneath seem to go down in reaction to the touch.
Silver’s hoof simply hits the top of the coif, though the ears underneath seem to go down in reaction to the touch.
>>152873
mare is pet pet pet
As the coif is pressed down closer to her head, she closes her eyes, lowers her ears, and lowers her head somewhat, scrunching.
mare is pet pet pet
As the coif is pressed down closer to her head, she closes her eyes, lowers her ears, and lowers her head somewhat, scrunching.
>>152905
Until he feels she grows tired of the pets, he continues. As a matter of fact, he starts to pet the other nun.
"You are quite nice to pet, you know?"
Until he feels she grows tired of the pets, he continues. As a matter of fact, he starts to pet the other nun.
"You are quite nice to pet, you know?"
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>>152917
Mostly, she looks away towards the stage at the foals practicing. Until Silver starts touching her, in which even she is likewise offended.
Mostly, she looks away towards the stage at the foals practicing. Until Silver starts touching her, in which even she is likewise offended.
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>>152922
"Ah. My apologies."
He bows slightly to the nuns.
"Anyways, do either of you know where Sister Marery typically resides?"
"Ah. My apologies."
He bows slightly to the nuns.
"Anyways, do either of you know where Sister Marery typically resides?"
>>152926
They are reciting lines, first repeating them by rote to memorize them, then trying to intone them correctly. The two mares sometimes speak to give directions.
They are reciting lines, first repeating them by rote to memorize them, then trying to intone them correctly. The two mares sometimes speak to give directions.
>>152928
White Orchid looks over, and waves a hoof to Silver. He starts to walk towards Silver, and opens his mouth, but stops himself.
White Orchid looks over, and waves a hoof to Silver. He starts to walk towards Silver, and opens his mouth, but stops himself.
>>152796
Ooh colt, Iron thinks to himself with a slight tinge of nervousness, she might need more than just a luxury day at this rate.
He soon turns to Cauldron with a neutral look. "Which way is fastest to get to our destination?" he soon inquires, just to know for sure before committing to the hill climb again.
Ooh colt, Iron thinks to himself with a slight tinge of nervousness, she might need more than just a luxury day at this rate.
He soon turns to Cauldron with a neutral look. "Which way is fastest to get to our destination?" he soon inquires, just to know for sure before committing to the hill climb again.
>>152930
White Orchid speaks out, interrupting a recitation by the filly:
"When will you be back?"
>>152931
>Which way is fastest to get to our destination?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh09uIN6tl0
White Sands stands up, walks over to her right, and hops down a series of hoofholds in the side of partly rocky, partly muddy, and partly grass covered 15 foot drop on the hillside. She descends rapidly, at one point jumping early because the dirt slips out from under her. She arrives at the bottom, walks towards Iron, and then passes him, whipping her now frazzled and muddy long, desire-red tail at Iron. She walks behind him towards the entrance of the ruins, asking,
"Where'd you put them?" Without looking back
Black Cauldron seems a bit taken off guard by Sand's actions, but after a delay answers Iron's question
"Fastest? Uh, probably cutting across the mountainside. This river will lead right to it though."
White Orchid speaks out, interrupting a recitation by the filly:
"When will you be back?"
>>152931
>Which way is fastest to get to our destination?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh09uIN6tl0
White Sands stands up, walks over to her right, and hops down a series of hoofholds in the side of partly rocky, partly muddy, and partly grass covered 15 foot drop on the hillside. She descends rapidly, at one point jumping early because the dirt slips out from under her. She arrives at the bottom, walks towards Iron, and then passes him, whipping her now frazzled and muddy long, desire-red tail at Iron. She walks behind him towards the entrance of the ruins, asking,
"Where'd you put them?" Without looking back
Black Cauldron seems a bit taken off guard by Sand's actions, but after a delay answers Iron's question
"Fastest? Uh, probably cutting across the mountainside. This river will lead right to it though."
>>152932
Iron was similarly surprised at being hit by tail hairs on his face, scrunching his snout ever so slightly. "In the building, inside one of the smaller rooms," he quickly replies.
Having said that, he soon faces Cauldron with a somewhat pensive look. Sands really seems to be gunning for going down river rather than the mountain side. Has she seen a big roadblock ahead or something?
"...it may be better to go along the river," he muses neutrally once again before tentatively following the unicorn along.
Iron was similarly surprised at being hit by tail hairs on his face, scrunching his snout ever so slightly. "In the building, inside one of the smaller rooms," he quickly replies.
Having said that, he soon faces Cauldron with a somewhat pensive look. Sands really seems to be gunning for going down river rather than the mountain side. Has she seen a big roadblock ahead or something?
"...it may be better to go along the river," he muses neutrally once again before tentatively following the unicorn along.
>>152933
White Sands, however, isn’t going to the river. She’s going the opposite direction of the final prize. She goes right through the open door frame of the brick wall, and into the skeleton of the ruined grinding mill.
White Sands, however, isn’t going to the river. She’s going the opposite direction of the final prize. She goes right through the open door frame of the brick wall, and into the skeleton of the ruined grinding mill.
>>152934
Iron figures Sands is most likely going to finish them off or pickpocket them, he soon decides not to follow her and promptly turns towards the river instead, hoping the unicorn's assessment of that route is more worthwhile than his idea of the mountain pass. "No time to waste," he said out loud as he cautiously trotted towards what he hopes is their objective.
Iron figures Sands is most likely going to finish them off or pickpocket them, he soon decides not to follow her and promptly turns towards the river instead, hoping the unicorn's assessment of that route is more worthwhile than his idea of the mountain pass. "No time to waste," he said out loud as he cautiously trotted towards what he hopes is their objective.
>>152932
Silver smiles before he gives his answer
"I am not leaving yet, I just need to ask Sister Marery question and check on Mala. I will give you proper goodbye before I leave."
Silver smiles before he gives his answer
"I am not leaving yet, I just need to ask Sister Marery question and check on Mala. I will give you proper goodbye before I leave."
>>152937
Seeing Cauldron sit down and unfold the map to re-check it makes Iron's trot stop to look back at the zebra mare with a raised eyebrow. "Something wrong?" he asks.
Seeing Cauldron sit down and unfold the map to re-check it makes Iron's trot stop to look back at the zebra mare with a raised eyebrow. "Something wrong?" he asks.
>>152939
She moves the map around
"Just... making sure of where we are going."
White Sands is still gone. The path by the river has dead plants, dead trees, mud, dirt, and logs, but is clearer than the river path further up stream.
She moves the map around
"Just... making sure of where we are going."
White Sands is still gone. The path by the river has dead plants, dead trees, mud, dirt, and logs, but is clearer than the river path further up stream.
>>152940
Iron walks back towards Cauldron with a small raise of his eyebrow, unsure how long she needs to properly reroute herself. "Can I help in any way?" he offers in an attempt to speed things along.
Iron walks back towards Cauldron with a small raise of his eyebrow, unsure how long she needs to properly reroute herself. "Can I help in any way?" he offers in an attempt to speed things along.
>>152938
Silver leaves through the walkway, then out of the back of the room, and likely has a difficult time - at first - finding the garden. Going outside he sees a big vegetable garden, but this is not the garden. He likely also sees more than one mare, but upon asking, they are not Sister Marery. Eventually, he is directed to a rose garden, where he sees a nun he can be relatively certain is Sister Marery.
>>152941
"Be patient. And stop trying to split us up. We came here in a group for a reason. It's dangerous to be alone, and small distracted mares are very easy prey. Now, I think we are here, and I think we are supposed to be here. That's by a big bridge and a larger roadway, and an abandoned mill... Now, we can get there going over land by this way, or we can follow the river... this way. But once we get it, it's not going to be easy to get out."
She points at various places on the map, and does not look up.
Silver leaves through the walkway, then out of the back of the room, and likely has a difficult time - at first - finding the garden. Going outside he sees a big vegetable garden, but this is not the garden. He likely also sees more than one mare, but upon asking, they are not Sister Marery. Eventually, he is directed to a rose garden, where he sees a nun he can be relatively certain is Sister Marery.
>>152941
"Be patient. And stop trying to split us up. We came here in a group for a reason. It's dangerous to be alone, and small distracted mares are very easy prey. Now, I think we are here, and I think we are supposed to be here. That's by a big bridge and a larger roadway, and an abandoned mill... Now, we can get there going over land by this way, or we can follow the river... this way. But once we get it, it's not going to be easy to get out."
She points at various places on the map, and does not look up.
>>152942
"So there is no routes that would allow us to leave with the stuff?" Iron asks with a small tilt of his head.
"So there is no routes that would allow us to leave with the stuff?" Iron asks with a small tilt of his head.
>>152943
She looks up at him to answer
"Oh there are routes. If it could be brought in, it can be brought out again. The question is how."
She looks up at him to answer
"Oh there are routes. If it could be brought in, it can be brought out again. The question is how."
>>152944
Iron pouts slightly, already feeling it's going to be more of a spur of the moment route taking, before exhaling lightly. "Do you think you will be alright out here?" he asks soon after. "I want to see if Sands has finished her business in there."
Iron pouts slightly, already feeling it's going to be more of a spur of the moment route taking, before exhaling lightly. "Do you think you will be alright out here?" he asks soon after. "I want to see if Sands has finished her business in there."
>>152945
She looks up at him.
“Yeah, I’ll be alright I think. Just… don’t take too long, okay? And don’t go too far.” She answers
She looks up at him.
“Yeah, I’ll be alright I think. Just… don’t take too long, okay? And don’t go too far.” She answers
>>152946
Iron simply nods at Cauldron's request before finally entering the presumed abandoned mill where he hid the bodies from the two canines in order to see if Sands was still with them.
Iron simply nods at Cauldron's request before finally entering the presumed abandoned mill where he hid the bodies from the two canines in order to see if Sands was still with them.
>>152947
Entering in, Iron sees nothing besides the decrepit circle of rust that was once, presumably, a machine, and debris on the floor. Iron turns the corner to see White Sands standing up, turned towards him, by the two Diamond Dogs. She looks startled, though she must have heard him enter the room.
Entering in, Iron sees nothing besides the decrepit circle of rust that was once, presumably, a machine, and debris on the floor. Iron turns the corner to see White Sands standing up, turned towards him, by the two Diamond Dogs. She looks startled, though she must have heard him enter the room.
>>152948
Iron simply stands there, eyebrow raised at her sudden startled behavior before peering over at the state of the two big dogs just in case they have somehow woken up from their forced slumber.
Iron simply stands there, eyebrow raised at her sudden startled behavior before peering over at the state of the two big dogs just in case they have somehow woken up from their forced slumber.
>>152949
One of them looks dazed, but is still disabled on the ground. The other one is definitely not conscious. White Sands simply wordlessly moves around Iron, probably rubbing against him in the process.
One of them looks dazed, but is still disabled on the ground. The other one is definitely not conscious. White Sands simply wordlessly moves around Iron, probably rubbing against him in the process.
>>152950
Glancing in mild puzzlement at Sands' retreating, Iron opts to instead walk over to the dazed diamond dog in question while idly scratching the side of his head with a spare hoof, curious to see what's up.
Glancing in mild puzzlement at Sands' retreating, Iron opts to instead walk over to the dazed diamond dog in question while idly scratching the side of his head with a spare hoof, curious to see what's up.
>>152951
The Diamond Dog is breathing, laying on his back, and his eyes are partly open. It isn’t clear if he is at all conscious or aware, but he’s certainly not awake.
The Diamond Dog is breathing, laying on his back, and his eyes are partly open. It isn’t clear if he is at all conscious or aware, but he’s certainly not awake.
>>152952
With his curiosity growing, Iron promptly pokes the dazed dog in his snout to see just how cognizant he is of his current situation.
With his curiosity growing, Iron promptly pokes the dazed dog in his snout to see just how cognizant he is of his current situation.
>>152953
“Ehhh…” The Diamond Dog makes a soft, vocalized sound, but he does not move. Not even his eyes move.
“Ehhh…” The Diamond Dog makes a soft, vocalized sound, but he does not move. Not even his eyes move.
>>152954
The stallion pokes him again, getting just a mite worried over his current status and what this could mean. What happened in here with Sands?
The stallion pokes him again, getting just a mite worried over his current status and what this could mean. What happened in here with Sands?
>>152955
“You really did a number on him” Sands breaks the silence. “It must have been you, surely. I don’t believe the zebra could do that.” She looks down at the Diamond dogs with a smile. “Not one, but two. And with bare hooves.”
“You really did a number on him” Sands breaks the silence. “It must have been you, surely. I don’t believe the zebra could do that.” She looks down at the Diamond dogs with a smile. “Not one, but two. And with bare hooves.”
>>152956
Iron's ears perk up at Sands' voice, causing him to promptly look back up to face her proper with a puzzled look on his face coupled with a small, proud smile. "It is what I am supposed to do best," he replies with a nod.
Iron's ears perk up at Sands' voice, causing him to promptly look back up to face her proper with a puzzled look on his face coupled with a small, proud smile. "It is what I am supposed to do best," he replies with a nod.
>>152957
“And indeed you do.” She answers. “I saw how you were with that cat-thing. You kicked it right in the face.”
“And indeed you do.” She answers. “I saw how you were with that cat-thing. You kicked it right in the face.”
>>152958
Iron nods again, smile losing some of its luster. "I am sure you two could have used some warning," he tentatively admits, not too proud over that.
Iron nods again, smile losing some of its luster. "I am sure you two could have used some warning," he tentatively admits, not too proud over that.
>>152959
“No.” She says, looking past him, and her smile likewise fading.
“I could see it.” She starts to move around the corner wall, back into the main room, to the hallway and out the door frame to the outside.
“No.” She says, looking past him, and her smile likewise fading.
“I could see it.” She starts to move around the corner wall, back into the main room, to the hallway and out the door frame to the outside.
>>152960
The native exhaled softly through his nostrils in turn, taking one last glance at the dazed dog before slowly starting to walk back out where Cauldron was with that pressing question on his mind: What happened in there?
The native exhaled softly through his nostrils in turn, taking one last glance at the dazed dog before slowly starting to walk back out where Cauldron was with that pressing question on his mind: What happened in there?
>>152961
Black Cauldron is sitting down in the same spot as before. She watches the two come out.
“What were you doing in there?” She asks, seemingly in curiosity.
“Just admiring your stallion’s hoof work. You’re so lucky, really, that he’s here to rescue you from these sticky situations.”
Black Cauldron doesn’t seem to know what to think about these words, as White Sands walks forward. Cauldron begins folding the map.
Black Cauldron is sitting down in the same spot as before. She watches the two come out.
“What were you doing in there?” She asks, seemingly in curiosity.
“Just admiring your stallion’s hoof work. You’re so lucky, really, that he’s here to rescue you from these sticky situations.”
Black Cauldron doesn’t seem to know what to think about these words, as White Sands walks forward. Cauldron begins folding the map.
>>152962
Iron's ear swivels at Sands' words, somehow feeling a little guilty over them as if it was solely his fault alone that she sounds so humble and supportive after barking at them to hurry this along a minute ago.
Regardless, they all came here for a reason, and seeing everypony is seemingly ready to continue, Iron quickly sets course for the river, as Sands had indirectly suggested.
Iron's ear swivels at Sands' words, somehow feeling a little guilty over them as if it was solely his fault alone that she sounds so humble and supportive after barking at them to hurry this along a minute ago.
Regardless, they all came here for a reason, and seeing everypony is seemingly ready to continue, Iron quickly sets course for the river, as Sands had indirectly suggested.
>>152963
White Sands moves ahead quickly, assuming the lead. Black Cauldron is the slowest, coming in behind Iron. She remarks, almost as if to herself.
“You didn’t have to kill the cat.”
White Sands moves ahead quickly, assuming the lead. Black Cauldron is the slowest, coming in behind Iron. She remarks, almost as if to herself.
“You didn’t have to kill the cat.”
>>152964
Iron swivels his ear once again at Cauldron's comment, but he'd rather not argue about it until they were at least back on a safe place. Poor creature was suffering insurmountable amounts of diseases and wounds and he couldn't just let it bleed out. If only he had the magical stuff the shamans had back at the tribe...
Iron swivels his ear once again at Cauldron's comment, but he'd rather not argue about it until they were at least back on a safe place. Poor creature was suffering insurmountable amounts of diseases and wounds and he couldn't just let it bleed out. If only he had the magical stuff the shamans had back at the tribe...
>>152965
“Could have kept it, and sold it.” Black Cauldron remarks further.
Iron may have no interest in arguing, but White Sands is in a rather argumentative mood. She replies,
>”Who would want to buy it?”
“People buy animals like those.”
>”Why would you want one? It’s a dangerous wild animal. Unless you’re buying one to kill your neighbor’s pet rats, I don’t see the point.”
“Rich creatures who like to show off, and animal lovers.”
>”Those poor rich creatures, I’m sorry they lost a pet that could terrorize the groundskeeper.”
“These aren’t that dangerous. That one probably only attacked because it was very hungry.”
>”It tried to eat your coltfriend.”
“Only under very bad circumstances. It’s just doing what it can to survive.”
>”And so am I by shooting it. I’m rather happy it failed to survive.”
“We could have kept it and sold it.”
>”How? Would you want to carry it? Share a rail car with it? Where would you put it? In your apartment?”
“I just would rather not have seen it’s skull crack.”
>”Nor would I have wanted to have seen or done so many of the things I’ve seen and done, yet here I am.”
“Well, …” Black Cauldron does not complete the sentence, nor does she respond.
“Could have kept it, and sold it.” Black Cauldron remarks further.
Iron may have no interest in arguing, but White Sands is in a rather argumentative mood. She replies,
>”Who would want to buy it?”
“People buy animals like those.”
>”Why would you want one? It’s a dangerous wild animal. Unless you’re buying one to kill your neighbor’s pet rats, I don’t see the point.”
“Rich creatures who like to show off, and animal lovers.”
>”Those poor rich creatures, I’m sorry they lost a pet that could terrorize the groundskeeper.”
“These aren’t that dangerous. That one probably only attacked because it was very hungry.”
>”It tried to eat your coltfriend.”
“Only under very bad circumstances. It’s just doing what it can to survive.”
>”And so am I by shooting it. I’m rather happy it failed to survive.”
“We could have kept it and sold it.”
>”How? Would you want to carry it? Share a rail car with it? Where would you put it? In your apartment?”
“I just would rather not have seen it’s skull crack.”
>”Nor would I have wanted to have seen or done so many of the things I’ve seen and done, yet here I am.”
“Well, …” Black Cauldron does not complete the sentence, nor does she respond.
>>152966
"It was going to die either way," Iron finally interjected, wanting to snuff out the argument once and for all in order for them to focus. "Unless you had the things to actually save it, there was no chance for it to survive."
"It was going to die either way," Iron finally interjected, wanting to snuff out the argument once and for all in order for them to focus. "Unless you had the things to actually save it, there was no chance for it to survive."
>>152968
Iron exhales softly before finally turning his head towards Cauldron with a softer look. "If you want to capture and sell sickly animals," he continues "then you got to be sure about your capacity to heal them enough to at least stave off death. Now let us focus back on what we came here for."
Iron exhales softly before finally turning his head towards Cauldron with a softer look. "If you want to capture and sell sickly animals," he continues "then you got to be sure about your capacity to heal them enough to at least stave off death. Now let us focus back on what we came here for."
>>152969
Black Cauldron scrunches and bares teeth, but otherwise shuts up. The trio continue across mud and rocky ground, past old dead trees, and occasionally newer logs that line the riverside, and require carefully moving over them.
Black Cauldron scrunches and bares teeth, but otherwise shuts up. The trio continue across mud and rocky ground, past old dead trees, and occasionally newer logs that line the riverside, and require carefully moving over them.
>>152970
Iron didn't mind taking things slow and careful, making sure to keep up with Sands leading the way currently.
Iron didn't mind taking things slow and careful, making sure to keep up with Sands leading the way currently.
>>152971
The trio continue their way across logs, past unhealthy trees, and past medium sized animals - goats? Alpacas? Hard to say without taking the time to look at each one - that graze just a little further up the hillside on each side of the river, but do not come down to drink from it. On the opposite side of the bank, the river splits off southward, and Iron and company must turn around the bend onto a tributary that mergers at the fork. This new river is a big wider, with more flow than the last, and the banks are taller and wider apart with steep slopes up hill sides. They walk through another black rivulet that joins with the river, though this one is mercifully shallower and more full of stones than the last, although it is much wider. The group comes to a particularly wide section with exposed mud and a shallower slope, in view of a large, iron truss bridge.
Black Cauldron speaks after her long silence.
"I think it might be here. Or very near here."
The trio continue their way across logs, past unhealthy trees, and past medium sized animals - goats? Alpacas? Hard to say without taking the time to look at each one - that graze just a little further up the hillside on each side of the river, but do not come down to drink from it. On the opposite side of the bank, the river splits off southward, and Iron and company must turn around the bend onto a tributary that mergers at the fork. This new river is a big wider, with more flow than the last, and the banks are taller and wider apart with steep slopes up hill sides. They walk through another black rivulet that joins with the river, though this one is mercifully shallower and more full of stones than the last, although it is much wider. The group comes to a particularly wide section with exposed mud and a shallower slope, in view of a large, iron truss bridge.
Black Cauldron speaks after her long silence.
"I think it might be here. Or very near here."
>>152975
Silver nods.
"Yes, Silver Sword. I was hoping you could tell me what it takes to adopt, or become foster parent."
Silver nods.
"Yes, Silver Sword. I was hoping you could tell me what it takes to adopt, or become foster parent."
>>152973
Iron looks left to right, wondering where she might be pointing at exactly on where to go. He was expecting it to be inside a cave, and this place didn't really look like one.
Iron looks left to right, wondering where she might be pointing at exactly on where to go. He was expecting it to be inside a cave, and this place didn't really look like one.
>>152976
“Adoption? Well, that’s under the law of the autonomous zone now. I don’t quite have the requirements memorized. Generally there must be a married couple with no prior felonies. The orphanage tries to prioritize practicing members of the church, though I don’t think the autonomous zone allows us to make that a condition. As for being a foster parent, that may be easier, because it isn’t subject to the same laws.”
>>152977
This is very nearly the opposite of a cave, out in the open, in the middle of a river and its wide, sandy bank.
“Adoption? Well, that’s under the law of the autonomous zone now. I don’t quite have the requirements memorized. Generally there must be a married couple with no prior felonies. The orphanage tries to prioritize practicing members of the church, though I don’t think the autonomous zone allows us to make that a condition. As for being a foster parent, that may be easier, because it isn’t subject to the same laws.”
>>152977
This is very nearly the opposite of a cave, out in the open, in the middle of a river and its wide, sandy bank.
>>152978
"So where exactly is the thing?" Iron whispers out loud to Cauldron, unsure where to start looking.
"So where exactly is the thing?" Iron whispers out loud to Cauldron, unsure where to start looking.
>>152981
Iron nods, now understanding why they were here. Without further doubts, he soon starts scanning the places Cauldron highlighted as possible spots for the package to be in.
Iron nods, now understanding why they were here. Without further doubts, he soon starts scanning the places Cauldron highlighted as possible spots for the package to be in.
>>152985
>>152984
Iron doesn't have much luck in his little section of the river, but Black Cauldron moves to a section just a little further down, closer to the bridge. There, an angular piece of rotted wood sticks out of rows of mud, exposed in the low water levels of the river. And below this, sticks up an exposed portion of rusted iron. White Sands sees this too, and she rushes out closer to inspect it.
>>152984
Iron doesn't have much luck in his little section of the river, but Black Cauldron moves to a section just a little further down, closer to the bridge. There, an angular piece of rotted wood sticks out of rows of mud, exposed in the low water levels of the river. And below this, sticks up an exposed portion of rusted iron. White Sands sees this too, and she rushes out closer to inspect it.
>>152986
Iron, noticing the other two grouping up, promptly trots towards where the two mares were looking.
Iron, noticing the other two grouping up, promptly trots towards where the two mares were looking.
>>152987
The mud is not completely exposed. Rather, portions of it are an inch or two submerged beneath the river water, while portions stick out. White Sands more so that Black Cauldron tries to get near it.
White Sands:
"So... What is it?"
Black Cauldron:
"Large iron containers, each filled with about 76 pounds of metallic mercury. They were on a cart on the edge of the cliff, up there. But they fell, or rather I think the ground beneath the cart fell into the river, and they were lost for almost a century. A year or so ago, heavy rains washed away much of the soil, and you can see them now while the river is low. And that is what we are here for; these flasks."
The mud is not completely exposed. Rather, portions of it are an inch or two submerged beneath the river water, while portions stick out. White Sands more so that Black Cauldron tries to get near it.
White Sands:
"So... What is it?"
Black Cauldron:
"Large iron containers, each filled with about 76 pounds of metallic mercury. They were on a cart on the edge of the cliff, up there. But they fell, or rather I think the ground beneath the cart fell into the river, and they were lost for almost a century. A year or so ago, heavy rains washed away much of the soil, and you can see them now while the river is low. And that is what we are here for; these flasks."
>>152988
Iron does not try to eagerly get his hooves on it, remembering the harness that had been placed on it precisely because it was going to come into use but doesn't quite understand how it would work, so he simply allows Cauldron to explain how they should take out the packages out.
Iron does not try to eagerly get his hooves on it, remembering the harness that had been placed on it precisely because it was going to come into use but doesn't quite understand how it would work, so he simply allows Cauldron to explain how they should take out the packages out.
>>152989
Black Cauldron stares at it for a minute longer:
"It looks like they are still buried in mud."
Black Cauldron stares at it for a minute longer:
"It looks like they are still buried in mud."
>>152990
With that observation, Iron soon leans into the mud, grabs the containers with his mouth and carefully tries to pull him out.
With that observation, Iron soon leans into the mud, grabs the containers with his mouth and carefully tries to pull him out.
>>152991
Either Iron's teeth will break off like so many corn kernels off of a cob, or the rusted outer layers of the flask will peel off into Iron's mouth in a similar way, but with certainty, the ~37 kilogram flask will not so easily be pulled out of the suction of the mud.
Either Iron's teeth will break off like so many corn kernels off of a cob, or the rusted outer layers of the flask will peel off into Iron's mouth in a similar way, but with certainty, the ~37 kilogram flask will not so easily be pulled out of the suction of the mud.
>>152992
Iron exhaled softly, mouth still holding the thing but not attempting to pull it. "Sthuck," he mumbles, somewhat frustrated.
Iron exhaled softly, mouth still holding the thing but not attempting to pull it. "Sthuck," he mumbles, somewhat frustrated.
>>152993
Black Cauldron opens Iron's own bag, and pulls out a relatively small shovel.
"Dig around it, then use both hooves to pull it out. Or place a rope or something under the bottom and pull it out. There are more under the mud."
Black Cauldron opens Iron's own bag, and pulls out a relatively small shovel.
"Dig around it, then use both hooves to pull it out. Or place a rope or something under the bottom and pull it out. There are more under the mud."
>>152994
Letting go of the container, Iron soon takes the shovel, looks at it for a few seconds before ultimately sinking the pointy end near the most visible container to start his digging progress.
Letting go of the container, Iron soon takes the shovel, looks at it for a few seconds before ultimately sinking the pointy end near the most visible container to start his digging progress.
>>152997
Iron successfully excavates around the one Iron flask. But what is more, he's found another two, and what looks like a third in a grouping. He's also found ruined wood, rocks, and discoloration in the mud.
Iron successfully excavates around the one Iron flask. But what is more, he's found another two, and what looks like a third in a grouping. He's also found ruined wood, rocks, and discoloration in the mud.
>>152998
Iron takes one look at the time of day before looking at Cauldron. "How long should we stay here?"
Hopefully Sands or Cauldron are already starting to place the container he dug out on him or in a safe, unsinkable place.
Iron takes one look at the time of day before looking at Cauldron. "How long should we stay here?"
Hopefully Sands or Cauldron are already starting to place the container he dug out on him or in a safe, unsinkable place.
>>152978
"Hmm, marriage. Alright. Say you started fostering foal, and then got married at later date. Could you then adopt foal you were fostering?"
"Hmm, marriage. Alright. Say you started fostering foal, and then got married at later date. Could you then adopt foal you were fostering?"
>>153000
*screams internally*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5BSyFjKGkg
It's mid afternoon.
Black Cauldron:
"We need to leave quickly."
White Sands:
"As long as it takes."
The flasks, which weigh a little bit more than eighty pounds, are located in thick mud where there isn't really a firm location to stand. The mares are unable or unwilling to pick the flasks up themselves.
>>153001
"Well.... perhaps?"
*screams internally*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5BSyFjKGkg
It's mid afternoon.
Black Cauldron:
"We need to leave quickly."
White Sands:
"As long as it takes."
The flasks, which weigh a little bit more than eighty pounds, are located in thick mud where there isn't really a firm location to stand. The mares are unable or unwilling to pick the flasks up themselves.
>>153001
"Well.... perhaps?"
>>153002
With a shrug, Iron places one of the flasks himself with his mouth while glancing at Sands to use her telekinesis to safely secure it on him before continuing to dig out the rest.
With a shrug, Iron places one of the flasks himself with his mouth while glancing at Sands to use her telekinesis to safely secure it on him before continuing to dig out the rest.
>>153003
And again, the item resists being removed so easily. It's not the heaviest of all possible items, but it does weigh the same as a bag of cement, or two thirds of White Sands' body weight, or eleven rifles. Neither Iron's mouth nor White Sand's magic will free it from its century-long tomb of silt and clay.
And again, the item resists being removed so easily. It's not the heaviest of all possible items, but it does weigh the same as a bag of cement, or two thirds of White Sands' body weight, or eleven rifles. Neither Iron's mouth nor White Sand's magic will free it from its century-long tomb of silt and clay.
>>153002
He smiles.
"I am interested, but I need bit of time before I can do so. Need to set up room for foal and all of that."
He smiles.
"I am interested, but I need bit of time before I can do so. Need to set up room for foal and all of that."
>>153004
Scrunching lightly, Iron opts to instead pick it up with his hooves and with the aid of Sands' telekinesis guide it to its proper place.
Scrunching lightly, Iron opts to instead pick it up with his hooves and with the aid of Sands' telekinesis guide it to its proper place.
>>153006
Silver continues to smile for a bit, before a more somber expression takes hold.
"I am not sure it is my place to ask, but...what happened to cause White Orchid and Mint Marine to be where they were, in that horrible 'business'?"
Silver continues to smile for a bit, before a more somber expression takes hold.
"I am not sure it is my place to ask, but...what happened to cause White Orchid and Mint Marine to be where they were, in that horrible 'business'?"
>>153007
Sands is only able to do so much. Iron can pull it up with both forehooves, but doing so causes him to not be able to walk normally. And any effort at lifting places more weight on his hooves, which sink into the mud. It isn't quite quicksand, but it's certainly not solid ground, and every bit of force and weight causes each hoof to sink deeper.
>>153008
She blinks
"What... do you mean?"
Sands is only able to do so much. Iron can pull it up with both forehooves, but doing so causes him to not be able to walk normally. And any effort at lifting places more weight on his hooves, which sink into the mud. It isn't quite quicksand, but it's certainly not solid ground, and every bit of force and weight causes each hoof to sink deeper.
>>153008
She blinks
"What... do you mean?"
>>153009
Iron's snout scrunches further before glancing at Cauldron. "How fragile is this thing?" he questions, all too eager to chuck it off the mud.
Iron's snout scrunches further before glancing at Cauldron. "How fragile is this thing?" he questions, all too eager to chuck it off the mud.
>>153010
"I don't know. It's made of iron and it's already survived a landslide. But's it's been rusting and corroding away for a century, so it's much weaker than before. The quicksilver itself is liquid. It's extremely poisonous, it will dissolve many metals, and it is very expensive. We don't really have an alternative way of carrying it."
>>153011
"Well..." she looks away. "The crime syndicate. They came and took them."
"I don't know. It's made of iron and it's already survived a landslide. But's it's been rusting and corroding away for a century, so it's much weaker than before. The quicksilver itself is liquid. It's extremely poisonous, it will dissolve many metals, and it is very expensive. We don't really have an alternative way of carrying it."
>>153011
"Well..." she looks away. "The crime syndicate. They came and took them."
>>153012
Iron frowns softly before an idea pops in his head, pulling out the trusty rope and showing it to the telekinetic pony in the group. "Take this end of the rope and tie it into a really sturdy tree," he requests "and then I will use it to climb out with one of the flasks and can probably go back in to dig a little more."
Iron frowns softly before an idea pops in his head, pulling out the trusty rope and showing it to the telekinetic pony in the group. "Take this end of the rope and tie it into a really sturdy tree," he requests "and then I will use it to climb out with one of the flasks and can probably go back in to dig a little more."
>>153015
White Sands has gotten herself dirtier than Iron may have imagined, standing there knee deep in mud. She takes the rope, and tries to walk back to the shoreline, eventually coming to Cauldron, who looks around for something to tie it to. Fortunately, she seems to have expected something like this to occur, so she has a stake which, when combined with the uprooted trunk of a dead tree, eventually provides a stable base for the rope.
>>153016
“The government doesn’t run the orphanage. The church does. And there’s been all sorts of new expenses, with the new war orphans, the blockade, and getting cut off from Canterlot.”
White Sands has gotten herself dirtier than Iron may have imagined, standing there knee deep in mud. She takes the rope, and tries to walk back to the shoreline, eventually coming to Cauldron, who looks around for something to tie it to. Fortunately, she seems to have expected something like this to occur, so she has a stake which, when combined with the uprooted trunk of a dead tree, eventually provides a stable base for the rope.
>>153016
“The government doesn’t run the orphanage. The church does. And there’s been all sorts of new expenses, with the new war orphans, the blockade, and getting cut off from Canterlot.”
>>153018
"They really should provide funds. I am sorry to hear that. I can not believe any gang would be so absolutely despicable as to do anything like that. You would have to have no morals in slightest."
"They really should provide funds. I am sorry to hear that. I can not believe any gang would be so absolutely despicable as to do anything like that. You would have to have no morals in slightest."
>>153019
Sister Marery replies to Silver’s first remark first.
“No. The government should stay out of it.”
Then she says,
“Yes, it’s truly terrible what some ponies will do to others who are down on their luck. But that’s what happens when ponies prioritize money over harmony.”
Sister Marery replies to Silver’s first remark first.
“No. The government should stay out of it.”
Then she says,
“Yes, it’s truly terrible what some ponies will do to others who are down on their luck. But that’s what happens when ponies prioritize money over harmony.”
>>153023
"I figured, they are biggest gang in Baltimare, but which boss from Waterfront Gang did you borrow from?"
"I figured, they are biggest gang in Baltimare, but which boss from Waterfront Gang did you borrow from?"
>>153024
“Well…” she looks away
Then she looks back to Silver
“I think… well… the lower level was a pony named Street Wise, but I don’t think it was him in charge. I think it was a pony named Bargain Strength.”
“Well…” she looks away
Then she looks back to Silver
“I think… well… the lower level was a pony named Street Wise, but I don’t think it was him in charge. I think it was a pony named Bargain Strength.”
>>153025
"Hmm..."
Silver files that information away for later.
"I wonder if other crews within Waterfront Gang know about what they did. They are rather well compartmentalized, to avoid one double-agent from compromising entire gang."
"Hmm..."
Silver files that information away for later.
"I wonder if other crews within Waterfront Gang know about what they did. They are rather well compartmentalized, to avoid one double-agent from compromising entire gang."
>>153026
She shakes her head
“I don’t… I don’t know. I would rather it remain a secret, and they don’t know that I told you that.”
She shakes her head
“I don’t… I don’t know. I would rather it remain a secret, and they don’t know that I told you that.”
>>153027
"Hmm. Alright then."
Silver looks around him at the garden.
"On different subject, can you tell me about garden?"
"Hmm. Alright then."
Silver looks around him at the garden.
"On different subject, can you tell me about garden?"
>>153028
She looks down at the flower bushes. Bare of flowers and largely naked in the winter, they appear as messes of thorns.
"In my spare time, I like to tend to flowers. Keep them trimmed, and keep the weeds out."
She looks down at the flower bushes. Bare of flowers and largely naked in the winter, they appear as messes of thorns.
"In my spare time, I like to tend to flowers. Keep them trimmed, and keep the weeds out."
>>153031
"There is kirin mare I am living with who is trying to start her own garden at our house. Any tips I could pass on to her?"
"There is kirin mare I am living with who is trying to start her own garden at our house. Any tips I could pass on to her?"
Spark has been gone a while, but hopefully I can catch up on everything I have to do soon and get back to playing.
>>153046
"Well, I suppose first is how we can get started. I also have question about Earth Pony Magic, if it is possible for pony with Earth Pony as parent to have it."
"Well, I suppose first is how we can get started. I also have question about Earth Pony Magic, if it is possible for pony with Earth Pony as parent to have it."
>>153047
“If they are an earth pony, then yes, they should have it. As for how to get started on gardening, well, there’s almost too much to say. I would say you need to start with figuring out what it is you want to garden, and why you are gardening. After that, figure out where you are going to build your garden.”
“If they are an earth pony, then yes, they should have it. As for how to get started on gardening, well, there’s almost too much to say. I would say you need to start with figuring out what it is you want to garden, and why you are gardening. After that, figure out where you are going to build your garden.”
>>153050
Silver smiles, evidently happy with that answer, and returns to the topic at hoof.
"I believe she wants spice and vegetable garden. She wants to plant some spices especially that come from her homeland. We live in coastal area so we built raised garden walls and are planning on filling it with more fertile soil than what is there in yard."
Silver smiles, evidently happy with that answer, and returns to the topic at hoof.
"I believe she wants spice and vegetable garden. She wants to plant some spices especially that come from her homeland. We live in coastal area so we built raised garden walls and are planning on filling it with more fertile soil than what is there in yard."
>>153053
“Using a raised bed with transferred soil means you can make it just right, but be careful if what you use. Not too much manure, not too much clay or sand. Make sure the soil is neither too acidic nor too basic. And know what the plants you are planting need. Do they really grow in the climate of Baltimare? Do they need more water than what the rain provides? And what is the drainage like in your raider beds? What does it need to be? The answers can be different for different plants, so be careful of raising them in the same beds.”
“Using a raised bed with transferred soil means you can make it just right, but be careful if what you use. Not too much manure, not too much clay or sand. Make sure the soil is neither too acidic nor too basic. And know what the plants you are planting need. Do they really grow in the climate of Baltimare? Do they need more water than what the rain provides? And what is the drainage like in your raider beds? What does it need to be? The answers can be different for different plants, so be careful of raising them in the same beds.”
>>153054
"Hmm...there is lot to consider. When you learned how to garden, did you have any books to guide you?"
"Hmm...there is lot to consider. When you learned how to garden, did you have any books to guide you?"
I am going to be tied up most of this week and the next, but maybe I can figure out how to get something done this weekend.
Everyone in this thread is a cute pony
>>153059
“Well… there’s the ‘Encycolpedia of Gardening,’ by Tea Sander. Or ‘A History of Gardening in Equestria’ by Alice Amber. I like ‘A Book About Roses’,that’s it’s name, by Reynard Hole. I suppose if will depend on what sort of gardening you want to do, exactly. I like flowers, Roses in particular.”
>>153085
Yay! A spectator!
“Well… there’s the ‘Encycolpedia of Gardening,’ by Tea Sander. Or ‘A History of Gardening in Equestria’ by Alice Amber. I like ‘A Book About Roses’,that’s it’s name, by Reynard Hole. I suppose if will depend on what sort of gardening you want to do, exactly. I like flowers, Roses in particular.”
>>153085
Yay! A spectator!
>>153091
“Well, yes. It’s a hobby of mine, really. Sister Leather Sickle knows more about Horticulture generally.”
“Well, yes. It’s a hobby of mine, really. Sister Leather Sickle knows more about Horticulture generally.”
>>153093
“We don’t have a lot of free time, really.” She cuts a bush with pruning shears. “But what time we do have, we focus productively.”
“We don’t have a lot of free time, really.” She cuts a bush with pruning shears. “But what time we do have, we focus productively.”
>>153094
Silver looks inquisitively at what she's doing as he asks his next question.
"I imagine...how did you and other Sisters here get into this line of...work, I suppose? Was it calling?"
Silver looks inquisitively at what she's doing as he asks his next question.
"I imagine...how did you and other Sisters here get into this line of...work, I suppose? Was it calling?"
>>153095
“I don’t know if I’d go so far as to say it is the meaning of my cutie mark, but, we’ll, yes. You could say it is a calling. I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else.”
“I don’t know if I’d go so far as to say it is the meaning of my cutie mark, but, we’ll, yes. You could say it is a calling. I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else.”
>>153100
"Well, alright."
He smiles at Sister Marery.
"Thank you for all of your help. I need to check on my friend and make sure he is doing okay."
"Well, alright."
He smiles at Sister Marery.
"Thank you for all of your help. I need to check on my friend and make sure he is doing okay."
>>153102
"As it was wonderful seeing you."
He bows to the nun, and returns to the orphanage building. Not knowing where Mala and Mint Marine are, he looks where Mint came from originally.
"As it was wonderful seeing you."
He bows to the nun, and returns to the orphanage building. Not knowing where Mala and Mint Marine are, he looks where Mint came from originally.
>>153112
A rust brown colt sits outside of the room. Looking into the room - a larger room with multiple beds and a pile of objects on the floor by a bed - is Mint Marine standing with a book opened and propped up on the bed by magic, and Mala sitting in a somewhat awkward looking way, hunched over and looking at the book.
A rust brown colt sits outside of the room. Looking into the room - a larger room with multiple beds and a pile of objects on the floor by a bed - is Mint Marine standing with a book opened and propped up on the bed by magic, and Mala sitting in a somewhat awkward looking way, hunched over and looking at the book.
>>153114
The colt sits down, just out of line of sight from the bed at the end of the dorm hall, though he leans over to look in. His hindquarters are on the floor, and his hooves in front of him. His ears are down.
He raises his hoof, and points inside.
“That”
The colt sits down, just out of line of sight from the bed at the end of the dorm hall, though he leans over to look in. His hindquarters are on the floor, and his hooves in front of him. His ears are down.
He raises his hoof, and points inside.
“That”
>>153115
Silver looks over at Mint and Mala enjoying each other's company, and smiles warmly. He looks over at the colt again.
"What is so wrong with that?"
Silver looks over at Mint and Mala enjoying each other's company, and smiles warmly. He looks over at the colt again.
"What is so wrong with that?"
>>153118
“The big one growled at me” he says, repositioning himself back, then placing his foreleg up again and waving it.
“The big one growled at me” he says, repositioning himself back, then placing his foreleg up again and waving it.
>>153121
"Hmm...let me ask him why."
Silver steps into the room, knocking a hoof against the door to announce his presense.
"Hmm...let me ask him why."
Silver steps into the room, knocking a hoof against the door to announce his presense.
>>153122
Mala turns his head to the door, raising it, and pointing his triangular ears and brown eyes to the door. Mint Marine follows in a slower movement, his muzzle following the turning of his eyes with a slight delay.
Mala turns his head to the door, raising it, and pointing his triangular ears and brown eyes to the door. Mint Marine follows in a slower movement, his muzzle following the turning of his eyes with a slight delay.
>>153131
I was a little colt. Rather small. I think I was around nine or so. Neighbors had just moved in next door. Well, down the road. This was in the woods, so the house was a little further away, but anyways, it was the closest house. And it was brand new. They just built it. And, well, they were still building it. My dad was helping them to finish it. And a part of that was cutting the millwork. Wainscot and moldings. And I was conscripted into helping. You see the size of the panels and the moldings wouldn't be exactly what they needed to be, so you'd have to cut them to make them smaller. So I was there to help holding them. And measure them. And then I was allowed to help cut it. Not that they really wanted me to use a saw, but they couldn't really stop me. And so I cut a piece. And another. And I helped glue them in. And when the final piece of molding was placed in their new living room, I got my cutie mark."
I was a little colt. Rather small. I think I was around nine or so. Neighbors had just moved in next door. Well, down the road. This was in the woods, so the house was a little further away, but anyways, it was the closest house. And it was brand new. They just built it. And, well, they were still building it. My dad was helping them to finish it. And a part of that was cutting the millwork. Wainscot and moldings. And I was conscripted into helping. You see the size of the panels and the moldings wouldn't be exactly what they needed to be, so you'd have to cut them to make them smaller. So I was there to help holding them. And measure them. And then I was allowed to help cut it. Not that they really wanted me to use a saw, but they couldn't really stop me. And so I cut a piece. And another. And I helped glue them in. And when the final piece of molding was placed in their new living room, I got my cutie mark."
>>153132
Amber grins at her friend. "It feels good to make something with your own hooves, doesn't it? I bet it's much better than being a waiter. Your folks must've been proud of you that day."
Amber grins at her friend. "It feels good to make something with your own hooves, doesn't it? I bet it's much better than being a waiter. Your folks must've been proud of you that day."
>>153136
"They were. My dad was proud. My older brother, I think he was jealous. My mom was kind of upset I was using the saw."
>>153136
"I..." His ears go down. "That colt has been trying to use and take my toys and stuff and he complains that I have it and he doesn't. So I told the gnoll, and he scared the colt off."
"They were. My dad was proud. My older brother, I think he was jealous. My mom was kind of upset I was using the saw."
>>153136
"I..." His ears go down. "That colt has been trying to use and take my toys and stuff and he complains that I have it and he doesn't. So I told the gnoll, and he scared the colt off."
>>153139
Her smirk only grows more pronounced. "You know, Ms. Lick. When will you two be going on a date? She's a bit older, but that shouldn't stop her, 'specially considering you've got talent and personality on your side."
Her smirk only grows more pronounced. "You know, Ms. Lick. When will you two be going on a date? She's a bit older, but that shouldn't stop her, 'specially considering you've got talent and personality on your side."
>>153140
“Oh” he makes a motion tilting his head, and a smile. “Saltlick. I think she’s looking for stallions who are out of school. And I’m not really looking to date her.”
“Oh” he makes a motion tilting his head, and a smile. “Saltlick. I think she’s looking for stallions who are out of school. And I’m not really looking to date her.”
>>153142
"Awww," she says, with a clearly fake frown. "You'd be such a good match. Well, you never know, she might take a liking to you."
"Awww," she says, with a clearly fake frown. "You'd be such a good match. Well, you never know, she might take a liking to you."
>>153144
"Are you suuuure? She has a rear-end that puts most to shame. Plus, she mixes neat drinks and is fiscally responsible."
"Are you suuuure? She has a rear-end that puts most to shame. Plus, she mixes neat drinks and is fiscally responsible."
>>153149
He blushes, turns away, and raises his left hoof and brings it down in a batting action. “Heh heh. She’s cute and all. But, well… there’s cuter out there.”
He blushes, turns away, and raises his left hoof and brings it down in a batting action. “Heh heh. She’s cute and all. But, well… there’s cuter out there.”
>>153150
She shrugs, "Maybe...but it doesn't hurt to have a little practice before meeting somepony that's cuter." To herself, I wonder what my folks would think of me saying that...well, I ain't wrong.
She shrugs, "Maybe...but it doesn't hurt to have a little practice before meeting somepony that's cuter." To herself, I wonder what my folks would think of me saying that...well, I ain't wrong.
>>153152
She rubs her neck a bit awkwardly, "I mean, you don't want to mess up or say the wrong thing, so why not try first with Saltlick? That way, you know if you're sayin' the right thing or need to change anything up if you meet another mare you like."
She rubs her neck a bit awkwardly, "I mean, you don't want to mess up or say the wrong thing, so why not try first with Saltlick? That way, you know if you're sayin' the right thing or need to change anything up if you meet another mare you like."
>>153155
Amber continues, "If you'd like my help in getting her to say yes or even serenading you, I'm always here."
Amber continues, "If you'd like my help in getting her to say yes or even serenading you, I'm always here."
>>153156
“Why do you ask?”
Using a hoof, he scoots himself closer to Amber, and moves his head closer to hers
“Did she say something?”
“Why do you ask?”
Using a hoof, he scoots himself closer to Amber, and moves his head closer to hers
“Did she say something?”
>>153157
She blinks. "Er, not really...but I have noticed her looking at you while you're working so hard. I ain't sure what she thinks 'bout fraternizing with coworkers, but I'd imagine that between your dedication and your looks you'd be at the top of the list."
She blinks. "Er, not really...but I have noticed her looking at you while you're working so hard. I ain't sure what she thinks 'bout fraternizing with coworkers, but I'd imagine that between your dedication and your looks you'd be at the top of the list."
>>153158
He takes a moment, and turns his head to look directly into Amber's eyes. He scoots a little further back and places himself once again in the middle of his chair. He places each hoof down to his sides, as if to brace himself.
"What I want to know is if..." he looks away, and then back to her. "You'd be interested." He stops and briefly sticks his tongue out, as if to wet dry lips.
"In me. For, for real, I mean." He looks into her eyes, breaks eye contact, and then looks back.
He takes a moment, and turns his head to look directly into Amber's eyes. He scoots a little further back and places himself once again in the middle of his chair. He places each hoof down to his sides, as if to brace himself.
"What I want to know is if..." he looks away, and then back to her. "You'd be interested." He stops and briefly sticks his tongue out, as if to wet dry lips.
"In me. For, for real, I mean." He looks into her eyes, breaks eye contact, and then looks back.
Her heart had an inkling of it ever since last night, but it still catches her by surprise. Her mouth ajar, a reddish tinge spreads over her cheeks under her widened indigo eyes.
"I, I uh, I mean–" she babbles, before breathing in and out. "Yes, I would be…actually, I already was." Her mouth forms into a shy smile. "You're a really cute colt and when you showed up at the nightclub for me, I was touched you'd check on me when you barely knew who I was. Oh, uh, I was just teasin' ya about Saltlick. Though she's a nice mare, I wouldn't be surprised if you really did like like her."
"I, I uh, I mean–" she babbles, before breathing in and out. "Yes, I would be…actually, I already was." Her mouth forms into a shy smile. "You're a really cute colt and when you showed up at the nightclub for me, I was touched you'd check on me when you barely knew who I was. Oh, uh, I was just teasin' ya about Saltlick. Though she's a nice mare, I wouldn't be surprised if you really did like like her."
>>153161
He smiles very widely, and he uses his hooves to push himself up in his seat to sitting upright. His tail moves underneath him.
"I like you."
He says, sharply and quickly.
"You're really sweet. And cute. And adorable>"
He smiles very widely, and he uses his hooves to push himself up in his seat to sitting upright. His tail moves underneath him.
"I like you."
He says, sharply and quickly.
"You're really sweet. And cute. And adorable>"
>>153162
Amber reciprocates his position, letting her towel fall to cover only her lower body. Her coat is still damp but has mostly dried off, with tufts sticking together.
She looks forward bashfully. "T-thanks, y-you too…." She stays silent for just a moment. "Shucks, colts don't like being called adorable. You're uh…brave instead, is that alright?" She turns back to grin at him.
Amber reciprocates his position, letting her towel fall to cover only her lower body. Her coat is still damp but has mostly dried off, with tufts sticking together.
She looks forward bashfully. "T-thanks, y-you too…." She stays silent for just a moment. "Shucks, colts don't like being called adorable. You're uh…brave instead, is that alright?" She turns back to grin at him.
>>153163
Mustard Trim remains entirely uncovered, still looking pretty damp. He now sits upright in his seat.
“Heh heh, thanks… I don’t think I’ve really been called that much before….”
He looks away, and then back to her
“So um… do you… want a formal date?”
He moves his right hoof up towards the back of his head, and begins to show teeth in his smile
Mustard Trim remains entirely uncovered, still looking pretty damp. He now sits upright in his seat.
“Heh heh, thanks… I don’t think I’ve really been called that much before….”
He looks away, and then back to her
“So um… do you… want a formal date?”
He moves his right hoof up towards the back of his head, and begins to show teeth in his smile
>>153164
"Sure. To tell you the truth, I ain't ever been on a date before. I wouldn't mind going on one with a feller like yourself." She continues to smile softly at him.
"Sure. To tell you the truth, I ain't ever been on a date before. I wouldn't mind going on one with a feller like yourself." She continues to smile softly at him.
>>153165
He gets up, and stands next to the chair
“I…. Haven’t really either. Where would you like to go?”
He gets up, and stands next to the chair
“I…. Haven’t really either. Where would you like to go?”
>>153166
She also stands and starts folding her towel to put it away. "I'm still new to town, so the only places I know of are where we work and Club Maurice."
She also stands and starts folding her towel to put it away. "I'm still new to town, so the only places I know of are where we work and Club Maurice."
>>153169
He looks up, and about.
“Uh… I’ll think of something.” He says
“You, um, like exploring?”
His tail is visibly moving back and forth, and his lips, sometimes closed, and sometimes exposing teeth, remain firmly pulled back.
He looks up, and about.
“Uh… I’ll think of something.” He says
“You, um, like exploring?”
His tail is visibly moving back and forth, and his lips, sometimes closed, and sometimes exposing teeth, remain firmly pulled back.
>>153170
His anticipation seems to rub off on her, as she likewise shakes her auburn tail and looks intently at him. "You bet your rump I do."
His anticipation seems to rub off on her, as she likewise shakes her auburn tail and looks intently at him. "You bet your rump I do."
>>153171
“Heh heh heh. I can, I can take you to a fancy restaraunt if you want but um, um, I think my mother might get mad if I spend all of my money on that and not buying the groceries. We can go to the movies, or to the theater if you like that. Or we can go somewhere else. Maybe to the cliffs, or someplace if you want to explore more literally.”
“Heh heh heh. I can, I can take you to a fancy restaraunt if you want but um, um, I think my mother might get mad if I spend all of my money on that and not buying the groceries. We can go to the movies, or to the theater if you like that. Or we can go somewhere else. Maybe to the cliffs, or someplace if you want to explore more literally.”
>>153172
"Best not to spend all our parents' money. We can do that after one of us becomes rich. Something cheap and exciting sounds fine to me, and if you're looking for adventure then count me in," she says with a grin.
"Best not to spend all our parents' money. We can do that after one of us becomes rich. Something cheap and exciting sounds fine to me, and if you're looking for adventure then count me in," she says with a grin.
>>153173
He audibly sighs looking relieved. Then he moves his head closer, examining her reaction skeptically. Then he seems surprised.
“Well…. There’s the cliffs. The old fort out by the water. The shot tower. Uh…”
He audibly sighs looking relieved. Then he moves his head closer, examining her reaction skeptically. Then he seems surprised.
“Well…. There’s the cliffs. The old fort out by the water. The shot tower. Uh…”
>>153175
“Oh really? The one at Locust Promintory, or the one at the harbor mouth? The shot tower is this old, really tall building. It was used to make lead for guns, or something. Anyways, that’s by the river.”
“Oh really? The one at Locust Promintory, or the one at the harbor mouth? The shot tower is this old, really tall building. It was used to make lead for guns, or something. Anyways, that’s by the river.”
>>153176
"I've been to the one at Locust Promontory, where I heard about how Flash Prance saved the other fort. The shot tower sounds neat, but so do the cliffs."
"I've been to the one at Locust Promontory, where I heard about how Flash Prance saved the other fort. The shot tower sounds neat, but so do the cliffs."
>>153177
“Hmmm… Where did you hear about that ‘Club Maurice,’ anyways? I didn’t really take you got the type to go places like that.”
“Hmmm… Where did you hear about that ‘Club Maurice,’ anyways? I didn’t really take you got the type to go places like that.”
>>153178
"Well, uh…" she mutters with a sudden nervousness. "I was actually invited. I had to go there to help with something. It wasn't really important."
"Well, uh…" she mutters with a sudden nervousness. "I was actually invited. I had to go there to help with something. It wasn't really important."
>>153179
“Oh, okay. Yeah, I didn’t think you were a regular. So… you want to stay here for now, or….”
“Oh, okay. Yeah, I didn’t think you were a regular. So… you want to stay here for now, or….”
>>153180
She shakes her head, her mane flying about. "Not unless you do. I had a good swim and I'm happy about that."
She shakes her head, her mane flying about. "Not unless you do. I had a good swim and I'm happy about that."
>>153185
“Heh, yeah. Although I’ll get wet again. And have to dry off again.”
He starts to walk towards the showers on the other side.
“Heh, yeah. Although I’ll get wet again. And have to dry off again.”
He starts to walk towards the showers on the other side.
>>153187
He turns the the lever-valve on the shower and lets the water flow over him. The process undoes many minutes of drying off, much to his evident dismay. He finishes, and attempts to dry himself with a towel.
He turns the the lever-valve on the shower and lets the water flow over him. The process undoes many minutes of drying off, much to his evident dismay. He finishes, and attempts to dry himself with a towel.
>>153188
Amber does the same, trying to run water through her mane and tail to get the chlorine out. When she's satisfied, she turns off the shower and shakes her body before grabbing a towel.
Amber does the same, trying to run water through her mane and tail to get the chlorine out. When she's satisfied, she turns off the shower and shakes her body before grabbing a towel.
>>153189
He looks over to her, still giddy and smiling, evidently entertained by her slightly fluffier appearance as she attempts to dry off.
He looks over to her, still giddy and smiling, evidently entertained by her slightly fluffier appearance as she attempts to dry off.
>>153190
Her winter coat adds a bit of fluff, though not as much as with certain ponies. She grins and also looks Mustard over before turning to grab her clothes.
Her winter coat adds a bit of fluff, though not as much as with certain ponies. She grins and also looks Mustard over before turning to grab her clothes.
>>153192
Amber nods. "My dress is wool so I'll be warm enough. Are you going to be alright?" she asks as she dons the apparel.
Amber nods. "My dress is wool so I'll be warm enough. Are you going to be alright?" she asks as she dons the apparel.
>>153194
She frowns, but she had left behind her cloak and doesn't have anything to give. "If you say so," she replies. "Are you ready to go?" she asks, when she's put on her dress and saddlebags.
She frowns, but she had left behind her cloak and doesn't have anything to give. "If you say so," she replies. "Are you ready to go?" she asks, when she's put on her dress and saddlebags.
>>153196
Blinking with a blank look on her face, she replies, "I'm not sure. If I can't decide, will you?"
Blinking with a blank look on her face, she replies, "I'm not sure. If I can't decide, will you?"
>>153155
"Hmm. Well, they are your toys to play with, but I think it would be good idea to place trust in other foals. Maybe you can find common interest."
"Hmm. Well, they are your toys to play with, but I think it would be good idea to place trust in other foals. Maybe you can find common interest."
>>153199
"Well, you like sea and marine biology. You could find pony who is also interested those things."
"Well, you like sea and marine biology. You could find pony who is also interested those things."
Busier than I thought. I will try again next weekend.
>>153219
“But that’s like, the only thing that interests anyone. Except fish you can catch, I guess.”
“But that’s like, the only thing that interests anyone. Except fish you can catch, I guess.”
>>153220
"You can use it as way to pull others into learning about ocean. Teach what they find interesting at first, and slowly expand over time."
"You can use it as way to pull others into learning about ocean. Teach what they find interesting at first, and slowly expand over time."
>>153221
He looks up at Silver, and blinks
“But what if it ends there, and they instead want to talk about war, or sports, or whatever else?”
He looks up at Silver, and blinks
“But what if it ends there, and they instead want to talk about war, or sports, or whatever else?”
>>153222
"Friendship is two-way street, too. Maybe you could find something you like that they also like."
"Friendship is two-way street, too. Maybe you could find something you like that they also like."
Things have not been easy to balance here at the end of the year. It is taking a while to get things in order.
>>153256
But u 2
Silver looks back towards where the brown colt is hiding.
"What interests you, little one?"
But u 2
Silver looks back towards where the brown colt is hiding.
"What interests you, little one?"
>>153257
"I would play with the toys. If I had them. I like tag and playing soldier and things with the other colts."
"I would play with the toys. If I had them. I like tag and playing soldier and things with the other colts."
>>153258
Silver chuckles.
"Well, yes, those are things you like, but what interests you? In same way that marine biology interests Mint Marine, what interests you?"
Silver chuckles.
"Well, yes, those are things you like, but what interests you? In same way that marine biology interests Mint Marine, what interests you?"
>>153260
Silver turns to Mint Marine, now.
"What about you? Think you could be interested in painting as well?"
Silver turns to Mint Marine, now.
"What about you? Think you could be interested in painting as well?"
>>153261
Mint:
"Well..."
Brown colt:
"No. Not painting. The paints. The solvent and the mixes and things like that."
Mint:
"Well..."
Brown colt:
"No. Not painting. The paints. The solvent and the mixes and things like that."
>>153262
"Oh! Well, I still imagine those interests intersect. There are lots of dyes and paint materials that can be gotten from sea and sea creatures, yes?"
"Oh! Well, I still imagine those interests intersect. There are lots of dyes and paint materials that can be gotten from sea and sea creatures, yes?"
>>153264
"There is that, and with as wonderous as sea is I imagine there is much else that could be used."
"There is that, and with as wonderous as sea is I imagine there is much else that could be used."
>>153265
The brown colt:
“Squid ink?”
Ming marine:
“Uh… I’m not sure that’s useful for real ink.”
Brown colt:
“But what is it?”
Mint marine:
“Well it’s something the squid makes to get away from predators.”
Brown colt:
“But what is it?”
Mint Marine:
“Uh… I’m not really sure.”
The brown colt:
“Squid ink?”
Ming marine:
“Uh… I’m not sure that’s useful for real ink.”
Brown colt:
“But what is it?”
Mint marine:
“Well it’s something the squid makes to get away from predators.”
Brown colt:
“But what is it?”
Mint Marine:
“Uh… I’m not really sure.”
>>153273
Hello!
Dark Star's last act was to discuss with Blue Skies what horrors lie beyond the veil of the infinite darkness.
Hello!
Dark Star's last act was to discuss with Blue Skies what horrors lie beyond the veil of the infinite darkness.
>>153279
She slowly rubs her head against him, leaning a bit more into him, and pressing against his fur.
She slowly rubs her head against him, leaning a bit more into him, and pressing against his fur.
>>153278
"Anyways, you both understand what I am getting at, yes? In friendship you can find ways your interest may intersect, and have opportunities to share some of yours while also learning about theirs."
"Anyways, you both understand what I am getting at, yes? In friendship you can find ways your interest may intersect, and have opportunities to share some of yours while also learning about theirs."
>>153281
"Yes..." Mint Marine says. Both colts are silent, and look at Silver
The brown colt blinks
"But I want to play with his toys"
Mint Marine
"Get your own toys!
The brown colt:
"I can't!"
"Yes..." Mint Marine says. Both colts are silent, and look at Silver
The brown colt blinks
"But I want to play with his toys"
Mint Marine
"Get your own toys!
The brown colt:
"I can't!"
>>153287
She turns her head and watches him walk to the loveseat. Only when he signals for her to come over does she stand up, leave her seat at the table, and walk over towards the fur-dyed Dark Star. She curls her tail, and sits next to him
She turns her head and watches him walk to the loveseat. Only when he signals for her to come over does she stand up, leave her seat at the table, and walk over towards the fur-dyed Dark Star. She curls her tail, and sits next to him
>>153292
Turning on the radio, the first station is off for the night, but a turn of the dial turns the radio to jazz... then another turn takes it to a slow song with a female single.
She leans her head against him, and rubs her muzzle against his fur.
Turning on the radio, the first station is off for the night, but a turn of the dial turns the radio to jazz... then another turn takes it to a slow song with a female single.
She leans her head against him, and rubs her muzzle against his fur.
>>153293
He Rubs his muzzle against her face,nuzzling her
Sorry i was gone so long,the microwave broke
He Rubs his muzzle against her face,nuzzling her
Sorry i was gone so long,the microwave broke
>>153296
Awww
She pulls her muzzle up, to rub it against his.
She purrs, and opens her eyes to meet his
Awww
She pulls her muzzle up, to rub it against his.
She purrs, and opens her eyes to meet his
>>153298
As they nuzzle, her chest and shoulders lean onto him, letting his body support her weight. Her eyes remain closed, and she says nothing, simply preferring to press against him.
As they nuzzle, her chest and shoulders lean onto him, letting his body support her weight. Her eyes remain closed, and she says nothing, simply preferring to press against him.
>>153300
She pulls her lips back in a big, almost malign smile, opening her eyes half way to meet his at an angle. Dark Star is able to pull her body against his; soft, short fur with a slim body underneath.
She pulls her lips back in a big, almost malign smile, opening her eyes half way to meet his at an angle. Dark Star is able to pull her body against his; soft, short fur with a slim body underneath.
>>153295
"Alright Caramel Glaze. In future, you should ask Mint Marine if you can play with his toys since they were bought specifically for him and he owns them, promise that you will take care of them, and act on your promise."
He turns around to address Mint.
"And while they are your toys and you may do as you please with them, it may be good idea to let trustworthy other foals play with them and trust them to take care of them. You could play with them as well."
"Alright Caramel Glaze. In future, you should ask Mint Marine if you can play with his toys since they were bought specifically for him and he owns them, promise that you will take care of them, and act on your promise."
He turns around to address Mint.
"And while they are your toys and you may do as you please with them, it may be good idea to let trustworthy other foals play with them and trust them to take care of them. You could play with them as well."
>>153304
"Now, can you come in and you both can apologize in each other, Caramel Glaze? I promise Mala will not growl at you."
"Now, can you come in and you both can apologize in each other, Caramel Glaze? I promise Mala will not growl at you."
>>153305
Her body inches a little lower every few seconds, as she starts to lay across his lap. She says to him somewhat playfully
"Don't say that! You'll curse the moment."
>>153306
Caramel Glaze slowly enters the room at Silver's command. He stares at Mala as he does so, and Mala reciprocates. The colt seems to be genuinely afraid of the gnoll, and it isn't hard to see why. Mala is the size of an adult stallion.
Caramel
"o-okay... I'm sorry..."
He averts his gaze
Her body inches a little lower every few seconds, as she starts to lay across his lap. She says to him somewhat playfully
"Don't say that! You'll curse the moment."
>>153306
Caramel Glaze slowly enters the room at Silver's command. He stares at Mala as he does so, and Mala reciprocates. The colt seems to be genuinely afraid of the gnoll, and it isn't hard to see why. Mala is the size of an adult stallion.
Caramel
"o-okay... I'm sorry..."
He averts his gaze
>>153307
He Laughs Softly at Her Words and says back Equally as Playfully As he Continues Stroking her mane
"Yea You're right,I'd miss you too much if i bit it."
He Laughs Softly at Her Words and says back Equally as Playfully As he Continues Stroking her mane
"Yea You're right,I'd miss you too much if i bit it."
>>153307
Silver trots over to Caramel, and pats his back.
"It is okay, little one. Mala is not so scary, especially when you get to know him. He is true friend to me, and I am not so scary, yes?"
Silver trots over to Caramel, and pats his back.
"It is okay, little one. Mala is not so scary, especially when you get to know him. He is true friend to me, and I am not so scary, yes?"
>>153310
He smiles at him as he contemplates. Overall, Silver is a big, fluffy, friendly stallion.
"You can say hello to him if you wish."
He smiles at him as he contemplates. Overall, Silver is a big, fluffy, friendly stallion.
"You can say hello to him if you wish."
>>153311
He is indeed very big, bigger than Mala, and bigger than any mare in the convent. Above all, he is an adult who has taken the initiative to order him around.
Caramel Glaze looks over to Mala. Evidently, he does not wish to say hello.
He is indeed very big, bigger than Mala, and bigger than any mare in the convent. Above all, he is an adult who has taken the initiative to order him around.
Caramel Glaze looks over to Mala. Evidently, he does not wish to say hello.
>>153310
"Well,Id Miss you. Everything About you,My Baby Blue."
He Scratches her Ears as her Looks Down and Smiles at Her
"Well,Id Miss you. Everything About you,My Baby Blue."
He Scratches her Ears as her Looks Down and Smiles at Her
>>153313
And he is pat. His fur is rather course, and his mane is trimmed short. His eyes are wide open.
>>153314
She moves further down, arriving at what seems to be her final destination on his lap. She turns her head so that she looks up at him. She takes in his complements with a smug, satisfied smile, and her ear twitches and eye closes at his scratches.
Smiling playfully, she asks
"But how will you miss me if you're dead?"
And he is pat. His fur is rather course, and his mane is trimmed short. His eyes are wide open.
>>153314
She moves further down, arriving at what seems to be her final destination on his lap. She turns her head so that she looks up at him. She takes in his complements with a smug, satisfied smile, and her ear twitches and eye closes at his scratches.
Smiling playfully, she asks
"But how will you miss me if you're dead?"
>>153315
He Smiles again Continuing scratching her ears in between stroking her mane
"You Know i'd Find a way.Even if i would have to fight celestia herself"
He Smiles again Continuing scratching her ears in between stroking her mane
"You Know i'd Find a way.Even if i would have to fight celestia herself"
>>153316
She smiles, looks straight ahead - which at her angle is onto her bed - and stretches out her left hoof in an action like bating the air.
"I know what you mean. Trapped there forever in the well of souls, unable to experience anything, with nothing but your memories of times gone by. That is one more reason why we must take every moment that comes to us." Without turning her head, she turns her eyes up
"So let's let savor the moment"
>>153317
"Um...." He doesn't say much
She smiles, looks straight ahead - which at her angle is onto her bed - and stretches out her left hoof in an action like bating the air.
"I know what you mean. Trapped there forever in the well of souls, unable to experience anything, with nothing but your memories of times gone by. That is one more reason why we must take every moment that comes to us." Without turning her head, she turns her eyes up
"So let's let savor the moment"
>>153317
"Um...." He doesn't say much
>>153320
"Okay. So, what do you want to do, Caramel? They are holding play here at orphanage if you did not know. Maybe you could get onto backstage crew to work with paints and such."
"Okay. So, what do you want to do, Caramel? They are holding play here at orphanage if you did not know. Maybe you could get onto backstage crew to work with paints and such."
>>153200
Mustard Trim hesitates for a moment, as he fits on the jacket and heads down the hall. He stops again at the door, then opens it and walks through. It isn't especially cold outside, nor is it especially windy. All the same, the wind and cold make contact with their wet fur. Mustard Trim makes an uncertain expression, as he looks back to hold the door open for her.
>>153321
She turns herself over so that she is on her back, looking up at Dark Star. She grins
"Something... savory. It's your moment, after all."
>>153322
"I made part" he says "A part of the costumes and the paint."
Mustard Trim hesitates for a moment, as he fits on the jacket and heads down the hall. He stops again at the door, then opens it and walks through. It isn't especially cold outside, nor is it especially windy. All the same, the wind and cold make contact with their wet fur. Mustard Trim makes an uncertain expression, as he looks back to hold the door open for her.
>>153321
She turns herself over so that she is on her back, looking up at Dark Star. She grins
"Something... savory. It's your moment, after all."
>>153322
"I made part" he says "A part of the costumes and the paint."
>>153325
"There's a-" he makes a rather strange sound as he evidently shivers while trying to speak
"There's a pretty decent restaurant around here. If you're hungry."
"There's a-" he makes a rather strange sound as he evidently shivers while trying to speak
"There's a pretty decent restaurant around here. If you're hungry."
>>153326
"I ain't especially hungry, even after a swim like that…" She seems better adjusted to the cold. "But it's gettin' on to dinner time and I wouldn't mind heading there."
"I ain't especially hungry, even after a swim like that…" She seems better adjusted to the cold. "But it's gettin' on to dinner time and I wouldn't mind heading there."
[1d4 = 2]
>>153330
"Well, uh... How long have you been in this city? Have you been to the cliffs? Or... you like music, don't you? We could go to the theater. Whether it's for performance or a motion picture."
"Well, uh... How long have you been in this city? Have you been to the cliffs? Or... you like music, don't you? We could go to the theater. Whether it's for performance or a motion picture."
>>153331
She considers this closely. The theater is awfully tempting, but I don't want him to spend money when it's not a special occasion.…
"Let's go to the cliffs. I have an itch to explore."
She considers this closely. The theater is awfully tempting, but I don't want him to spend money when it's not a special occasion.…
"Let's go to the cliffs. I have an itch to explore."
>>153332
"Sure" he says.
The wind blows, and he shivers.
"It's - it's a long way from here. Let's take a taxi."
"Sure" he says.
The wind blows, and he shivers.
"It's - it's a long way from here. Let's take a taxi."