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>>153739He blinks, then shakes his head in a double take.
“But he was… red.”
>>153741He blinks
"Oh. Heheh. Get tired of being red and black?"
>>153755"Not exactly. its for work is all i can say."
He grins
>>153761"Oh. Oh. I see. Heheh" He smiles
"What did you do? Dye your coat?"
>>153762"I Did. If you see me out and about call me Solar Night."
>>153763"Ah. I see... Is it best I don't know you?"
>>153764"No,No. You can know me if you want. But others can't know the actual me."
>>153767"Ah" He nods
"Bet you wish you could just change coats like a changeling."
>>153768"That would be useful for what i'm trying to do"
He laughs
>>153769He nods
"So... what are you trying to do, exactly? Or is this one of those things it's best I not know?"
>>153770He Touches his hoof to his chin in thought
"Well, it Would probably be better left unsaid."
>>153773"Just thought I'd Drop by and say hello."
He Shakes his hoof
"I Better get going, Need to catch some Breakfast"
>>153776He extends a hoof. His shake is relatively firm, but somewhat fast and jerky.
"Nice of you to drop by. Take care." He says
>>153778"You Too"
Dark Star Heads to the same side door he Entered through
>>153781The door is at the end of a long hallway. It is guarded by a yellow pegasus, though he stands outside and does not stop or question Dark Star.
>>153790Dark Star finds an exit that leads past a laundry room, and to a cooling unit and a water tower.
>>153791He heads towards the water tower
>>153793It's a structure maybe 30 feet above ground, and 15 feet wide. There's a thick set of wooden support beams, and a small building at the bottom with a steel door
>>153795Whats the Area around the Water Tower Like?
>>153797It's a back area on the lot, not supposed to be the main view of hotel room windows. Concrete and brick. There is a brick wall around most of it
>>153799is there a way out thats not the way i came in?
>>153800To the side, to the street level, or to a parking lot
>>153801He takes the path towards the street
>>153802And so, Solar Night is on the street
>>153804A cart and it's driver trots past. At least one pony on the opposite sidewalk. Looks like another hotel across the street.
>>153805He Walks down the street to see if he can find any Food Stands
>>153806There must be some kind of city ordinance, because there are no food stands.
>>153807His Stomach Growls
He Continues walking down the street
>>153808He continues. There are shops, at least. Coffee shops and the like
>>153809"Hmmmmmm, I Don't Need any Coffee tight now."
He Continues walking
>>153810The thing about the city is that almost anything you want, you can find, if only you have the patience and money.
Dark Star eventually can find waffles, or pancakes, or something a bit different, if so desired
>>153811He Continues walking,Not in the mood for waffles or pancakes
>>153813He's Looking for something more exotic
>>153816Small. A kind of "shotgun shell" build like many bars have; long and thin. There is a counter on one side with a tall, thin stallion - likely a Saddle Arabian or one of that variety - and a few tables on the opposite wall. The light is a bit yellow
>>153817Is Nopony Else inside? its just Dark Star?
>>153818One pony. Looks to be a fairly young female unicorn, kind of a lavender or very light purple color, leaning back in her seat at a table further back. She is holding a book.
The stallion behind the counter is actually further back, evidently cooking something on a pan. He is a shade of brown, and his horn is long and curves slightly.
>>153819He Glances at the Book as he walks to the Counter
>>153820Roll spot
The stallion doesn't immediately come, evidently because he is busy
>>153822Yellow and black striped cover. Title: "The Lonely Hunter"
The stallion comes up to Solar Night
"What can I do for you this morning"
And yes, there is an accent
>>153823"I Would like to try some Falafel, I've Never had any before."
>>153824"Well, you are in luck my friend. Would you like our standard?"
>>153825"Is There a Spicy version?"
>>153826"Oh yes. There are medium and very spicy versions" He answers
>>153827"Hmmmmmm"
He thinks for a second
"Give me the extra Spicy Version"
>>153828"Are you sure though? You say you've never had one before."
>>153829"I Haven't, that's correct,But i think i can Handle My Spice."
>>153830He looks at Solar Night with grave concern
"Very well. One extra spicy falafel, coming up."
>>153831"Thank you,My Friend."
He sits down slighty near the mare
>>153832She continues reading the book as Solar Night can hear the sizzling of a pan on a stove.
>>153833"Interesting book?"
He says to her without looking directly at her
>>153834She lowers the book, and eyes Solar Night
"A bit" she answers, after a pause
>>153835He looks over as she answers
"I'm Not Familiar with that one. what's it about?"
>>153836She raises an eyebrow, and again waits a moment before replying. All the same, she replies:
"It's about two deaf and mute friends."
>>153837"They're Both Deaf and Mute?"
>>153838Another delay in replying, but it ends with her closing the book and saying,
"Yes. They live together in a small town, and communicate by sign language."
>>153857"Seems like a heartwarming tale."
>>153859"One of the two goes insane and is sent to an asylum." She says
>>153864She smiles, albeit a bit awkwardly
>>153865"My Name is Solar Night. Whats yours?"
He Says Casually
>>153868She places the book down, and sits up
"Yeah. Born and raised."
>>153869"Yeah me too, im from a little outside of town though."
>>153871"Yea you could say that, im here for college."
>>153872"Oh really? Baltimare State?"
>>153874Her eyes go wide as she nods in response
"Oh... You just start?"
>>153875"Yea, i'm headed there after this to finalize my enrollment"
>>153876"Nice." She says
"You staying around here, or on campus?"
>>153877He takes out his acceptance letter and looks to see if it says anything about lodging
>>153878It is silent on the question of housing
>>153880"How do you not know?" She asks
And at this time, the stallion walks over to the counter with his
extra spicy falafel
>>153882It's a few bits, of course
"Thank you. Do you need water?"
>>153883"No, I Think i'll be quite fine."
He Smiles
>>153885"Im Sure I'll be Fine. Can you Eat it with no water my friend?"
>>153886"I would not recommend it, especially to one who has never eaten it before."
>>153887"I Enjoy a Challenge,my friend."
He Smiles
>>153888How does a drill sergeant in time of war look on at his graduating class when he wishes them the best of luck, but knowing they are not prepared still, and they are being sent to the slaughter? Dark Star now knows, because he sees this expression on the stallion's face
>>153890It's not too bad. A bit of vegetables. A little spicy
>>153891"Very Delicious. Its Not That Spicy."
He Smiles and Takes another bite
>>153894Dark Star feels almost nauseous, and will have difficulty talking to say the least
>>153895He Nods
"Ish....bretty........Hod"
Takes another bite
>>153898>>153897He may bite his tongue, and weather this bite
>>153901A tear runs down Solar Night's face. He manages to hold it.
>>153522"Well, like the Devil Whale." He says "I suppose it's called different things by different cultures."
>>153907"Devil Whale? Now that sounds interesting."
>>153908"Yes, giant cetacean-like creatures as big as ships that prey on anything in the sea." He says, with a wide smile and a little excitement
>>153909"Where do Devil Whales roam in ocean?"
>>153910“Well, everywhere, I suppose. Out in the open ocean. They don’t really venture much into shallow seas. You wouldn’t see one in the harbor, for instance. They are migratory, moving from the southern oceans, to the tropics, to the north, depending on the time of year. But sometimes they stay around favored spots.”
>>153911"I imagine they have had many incidents as submarines are developed and become more advanced."
>>153912He tilts his head
“Um… I don’t know.” He answers
>>153913"What other sea creatures and monsters are there?"
>>153914“Well there’s plenty. Let’s see.” He’s moved around, looking for a book
>>153906"Amei...zing fewd!"
he continues eating until he is done
[1d20+3}
>>153915Silver also looks around for a book.
>>153917Mint Marine picks out a big book with many pictures. He opens it, and starts showing Silver the pictures.
“Here’s the Bumyip. Oh, and the Litoral Sea Dragon!”
He points with his hoof
>>153918Dark Star does not remain so composed in this bite, coughing, perhaps even spitting out the spicy falafel.
>>153919Dark Star coughs a few times,but does not spit out the food, that would be rude.
>>153920The stallion, looking concerned, slides over a paper cup with water in it.
>>153922“You sound a little hoarse” the larger horse says
>>153919Silver keeps any dirty jokes about litoral safely stored away in his mind.
"Bumyip sounds like funny name. You seem excited about this kind of sea dragon."
He looks at what Mint is pointing out.
>>153923Dark Star Clears his throat
"Its Really Good, a little Spicy."
As his tongue tingles and burns
What is the mare doing all this time? >>153924The Litoral Sea Dragon appears to be a permutation of a sea serpent. The example in the image is of a very large blue snake-like creature with portions of its body above the water in “humps” with a coastline in the background.
“Uh, Bunyip.” The image is of a reptilian creature with a long neck and thick body, that in the image almost appears to fill the sand ecological role as an elephant, or manatee.
Mint Marine replies,
“Well yeah, it’s a pretty neat creature.”
>>153925Dark Star’s throat burns just as surely as his tongue.
The mare seems to be in her seat, probably watching the scene before her.
>>153926Dark Star Doesn't Drink any water.
"Have you ever seen anyone do that,my friend?'" he asks the saddle arabian
>>153927“Which one?” He looks up at Silver
>>153928“Only if they are used to spicy foods….” He says
>>153929He Smiles
"This is the First Spicy meal i've had in years."
>>153930The stallion nods
“It is sadly under used in this land.” He answers
“Many ponies live their whole lives eating bland food.”
>>153929Silver points at the sea dragon.
"That one."
>>153932“It’s in the name. In coastal areas, estuaries and bays.”
>>153933"I know, but do they live in specific part of world?"
>>153934“Well, it’s different species in different areas. They usually prefer tropical and temperate waters, but there is one variety that lives in the far south. They are around every continent.”
>>153935"Would you like to see one someday?"
>>153936“Uh” he looks away, and then back to Silver
“I don’t know. Seems a little scary.”
>>153931"Yes they do. It is very sad."
>>153938He shakes his head
“Glad to see somepony young like yourself take a different path.”
>>153939"Thank you for noticing,My Friend."
>>153940He again nods, and pulls away from the counter.
>>153941"So Whats your name,my friend? I'll probably be stopping by here again later today."
>>153937"Hmm, maybe. What would you like to see out on sea?"
>>153942"Sumac Seed" he answers
"And I hope to see you here again"
>>153943"Well, most of the creatures. But maybe not the bigger ones."
>>153945Dark Star Tips him 5 bits
>>153946"Well, like sunfishes" he says
"Or Swordfish"
>>153947He smiles, and accepts it
>>153948He Looks back over at the mare
>>153949She has her book open again, though it seems her soft blue eyes are looking towards him.
>>153951She looks down to the book, and then back up
"On occasion."
>>153952"I Can see why. This Place is fantastic."
He Glances at the clock
>>153953He’s spent at least an additional 25 minutes. It’s around about 8:30.
>>153954"OH NO! Im Gonna be Late. It was Nice Meeting you!"
He rushes out the door and hails a taxi
>>153955She gives a wave of her hoof as he leaves.
In this area, it isn’t hard to hail a taxi. The campus is perhaps a mile away, driving straight through the city blocks, though there are many intersections.
>>153956He Gets inside the Taxi.
"Im Gonna be Late for my first Day of College! Please hit the gas."
The driver takes him to the campus directly, and Solar Night arrives at the edge of the campus.
>>153958He Runs to the main Building.
>>153959The campus has many large buildings, but one is identifiable as the administration building.
Sitting on the sidewalk outside of the entrance of the building is a certain familiar bat creature thing. Her head hangs low and towards the ground in a posture that looks like she is falling asleep sitting up, and her tail is wrapped around her. Her long, black mane obscures her face.
>>153948"I would like to see dolphin sometimes."
>>153961Nadir's head rises, she turns it to Solar Night, and then quickly jumps up and lopes towards him, her hind hoof scraping against the concrete, and her wings coming lose and flopping down.
"Solar Night!" she says, and quickly approaches him.
"Uh, can you do it?"
>>153962He contemplates this for a moment.
"Dolphins are neat. I think it would be nice to see them."
>>153963"I have heard they are extremely intelligent, almost as much as ponies, griffons, etc. It is also weird thinking of marine animal that is not fish or reptile."
>>153963"Sorry im a little late,Nadir. Yea i Can" He Hoofs her Some Bits
>>153964"Many creatures are very intelligent. And there are many marine mammals in the water, like cetaceans or pinnipeds."
>>153965She looks at the bits, confused, and then looks back up to Dark Star.
"But, you had a contact, right? Like, someone on the admissions council?" She looks up at him, clearly worried.
>>153967"Yes! Like those. They are also very intelligent" He looks away
"Which isn't a good thing..."
>>153968"Hmm, no, but it is good thing they are stuck in deep ocean, and our ships are becoming stronger and better able to survive against creatures like that."
He pats the colt's back.
>>153969He closes his eyes as Silver pats him.
>>153970Silver quickly retracts his hoof.
"Sorry...anyways, what else is undersea?"
>>153961>>153971“Lots of things. Like kelp, and sea ponies.”
>>153972"What do books say about sea ponies?"
>>153973“Well, they say several things. You know about the hippogriffs, right? Some say it was always only the hippogriffs, while some say the hippogriffs got their pearl from somewhere else, while some claim the hippogriffs are not the only ones.”
>>153975“Uh, I don’t know…. I kind of like to think there is more out there.”
>>153966"Yea you can say that."
He Nods
"You look a little worried. You'll Get in.trust me."
>>153976"Like hidden tribe of seaponies in depths we have not yet explored?"
>>153977She moves her tail from side to side
“I told my mother about you after she came home from shift work. She got upset at me. She said you were lying to me and I shouldn’t believe you.”
>>153978“Well… yeah. Like, a pony in Fillydelphia some years back produced jewelry he said was from a hidden tribe of sea ponies. I’ve heard of similar jewelry being found in the nets of trawlers, or in the stomachs of devil whales and sea serpents.”
>>153979"I wonder when we will discover them. Maybe it will be you someday as adult, make you famous world over."
>>153980He smiles widely, and wags his tail.
>>153979His Eyes look a little sad but he smiles
"Well,what did you think about her saying that?"
>>153981"What else is in your marine books?"
>>153982“She says things like that all the time. I didn’t tell her about the party or the alcohol you gave me because I knew she wouldn’t like that. But I had to tell her about the university and about you. I don’t know. She says a lot of things. She tells me not to trust stallions. I knew you would come for me. I was afraid you wouldn’t, but I knew you would. I sat outside waiting on you. I thought that at worst it was a cruel prank. I had to try, because I wasn’t going to go here unless you helped me.”
She speaks quickly and excitedly
>>153983“Uh… well… there’s lots of fishes out there.”
>>153984Silver looks down at the colt like a son looking up at his father for stories.
>>153984He Hugs her
"You can trust me. I Promised i would help you, and here i am. Sorry i was a little late though, i was grabbing a little Breakfast Falafel."
>>153985“There’s sharks. Lots of sharks actually.” He points a hoof at the page, then flips it. “Deep sea angler fish…” he flips the page “and cod.”
>>153987Silver's eyes widen a bit at the sight of the angler fish.
"That is one scary fish."
>>153986She eagerly hugs him back, wrapping her forelegs around him and pulling him close. Her wings partly unfurl.
“Thank you! Thank you, thank you”
>>153988“Yes, these things prey on fish in the deep ocean, luring them in and swallowing them whole.”
>>153989"I suppose they look that scary because other fish cannot see them that deep in water."
>>153990“Well… if they could, they’d swim away.”
>>153989>>153991"It's No Problem."
He Smiles
"Did your mom say anything else about me?"
>>153992“Um… yes….” She looks down
>>153994She lowers her ears
“Well, that you were just lying to me to get me to sleep with you and that you’d leave me shortly after. And that I should remember what the earth ponies did to us in Del Manantial. But she’s said things like that to me before and I knew she’d say that. What she said that was really bad was… um…” she sits down, and taps her forehooves together while still looking down, ears down. Then she makes a very high pitched squeaking noise that may be words, but is rather annoying.
>>153995He points at a few more fish, and spouts a few more pieces of trivia.
>>153996He Seems a little Sad that her mom said that.
"What was that last part?"
>>153996Silver listens closely and attentively, seemingly genuinely interested in learning about Mint's passion.