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EcstaticWind

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  1. "I can understand that. I can only imagine what impression I've left on you two." Velvet said, standing aside for the large Diamond Dog to move past him. He wasn't sure what to make of them. He was almost ready to panic, though he was starting to think he just did that in any situation he met somepony for the first time and was in such proximity. The story made him aware they could be dangerous, though his rational mind told him that worrying about them attacking him was silly. He took a moment to breathe and calm himself before resuming the conversation. "So, do either of you drink coffee? I'm not too familiar with dietary habits and requirements of your kind, despite my attempts to look into them. And, uh, my apologies for the choice of words. I should get out more..." He said, muttering the last part mostly to himself. It seemed he wasn't immune to the tendencies of those around him, despite attempts to be open-minded. (Sorry for the wait. Uni started up again >.< )
  2. "Uh no, no. But I am surprised to see you both here so soon. I was given to understand adventuring was a long process. At least, that's what I got from many of the stories and biographies I read. Aside from it being dangerous but potentially rewarding. To be honest, I had figured it would take you another week or two to arrive, but I guess I underestimated transport and how long it actually takes, didn't I?" He was glad that they came, though he wondered if his house was big enough for the two of them. He only had one bed and one couch, after all. Would they be comfortable sharing? Or would he need to buy a sleeping bag? The conundrum only deepened, since he only had pony food and nothing for meat eaters or changelings, not that shops around the area would stock things for changelings anyway. "Would you like to come in? It's a bit small, but I hope it's cozy enough."
  3. Velvet opened the door with a confused expression. "Hello. Can I help you?" He didn't recognize either of these two, but they seemed to know him, though he couldn't begin to place where. Then it occurred to him that these two, being unusual sights in civilized society, could be the adventurers he'd been writing to for the past several weeks. One way to be sure, really. "Lulu and Flaxxy, I presume?" He asked, hoping he'd got it right. If he didn't, he would be out of ideas.
  4. It took Velvet some time to muster up the courage to write back to Lulu and Flaxxy, though he wished Briar and Brittle well and expressed how he was looking forward to seeing them again after the time away. To the other two, he would eventually write back and share his own experiences, even if he felt they were not so grand and exciting as their adventures, and ask many questions about adventuring and what it's like out there beyond the borders of pony civilization. He'd write back often once he crossed the threshold and communicated with them in earnest. He had done much thinking since Brittle and Briar left, and the more he considered it, the more his curiosity burned. He would pour over the information they provided until finally, he began to study books on medicine, outdoor survival, bestiaries and self-defense. He practiced his healing touch talent to get better at it and looked into hiring a storehand he could trust to look after the little nursery while he was gone. The road beckoned to him, promising knowledge, adventure and, most surprising to him, a way to better himself. Remorse and lingering guilt over his extreme and immature response compelled him to at least try it and see if he could be a better pony somehow. But even still, be it fear or wisdom, he was hesitant to face the trip alone.
  5. Velvet was about to step in on Brittle's behalf when Briar reacted. While it saddened him that such action took place, he could see why Briar resorted to it. Not that he felt any better for at least trying to understand. He gave Brittle a sad look, as if to silently apologize for the rude stallion's actions, even though he knew it was too late to salvage anything with her at this time. At least he could hope Briar would see he tried to reach out and remind her that not all ponies seek to hurt her, hoping that when she calmed, such a thought might help bring some positivity to her. "Yes, I think a swift exit is for the best. Take care, Briar. And you as well, Brittle. Best of luck to you both. And don't forget to write to me, if only to say you're safe. I don't want to forget my new friends." Of course, he was sad to see them go so soon, but it couldn't be helped. Letters, he hoped, would be an acceptable compromise. Assuming Brittle could write, if not her, then perhaps a friend Briar trusted.
  6. "Perhaps I should. It would be nice to have another friend, at the very least. When I'm ready, I'll see about heading out on an adventure. For the meantime, a friend sounds pretty swell." Velvet smiled at the pair, brushing his mane aside a little. It seemed he'd have a fair bit of learning to do, and perhaps finding someone to help manage the shop for him while he was out on his trips once he was mentally and physically prepared for an adventure. He gave a little bow towards them, with a friendly wink toward Brittle to be polite. "You're welcome for the ice cream. Next time you come by, we hang out again. I'll try not to melt down next time, too." He'd heard her, barely, but it was enough to know she was appreciative. He'd press a little, but he didn't want to scare her. He figured even this was testing the limits of her courage and he dared not cause her to retreat with his misguided good will.
  7. "Payment isn't necessary. It was a treat for new friends. That and I feel kinda guilty about how I acted in regards to your offer of adventure. It was hardly mature of me to act the way I did and I was a bit too eager in trying to prove to Brittle that I don't mean her any harm." Velvet had been thinking about it little by little, and came to that conclusion. He should have been calmer and more patient, thinking the situation over more carefully and not becoming upset the way he had. Even if his decision remained the same, and it likely would. But there was always the chance he might have chosen differently. He thought about it a little longer, his gaze starting to drift like he was daydreaming, the issue raised in his mind once again as he mulled over how he should approach similar situations in the future, until snapping himself back to reality with a sheepish expression. "Sorry. Anyway, don't worry about the bits. It's my treat to you both. And, about that offer... I may reconsider in the future. For now, though, I don't believe I'm ready to embark on an adventure worth telling. As I am, I'd be a hindrance more than a help. But perhaps someday, maybe sooner rather than later, I may be of more use to someone looking for a helping hoof out in the wild."
  8. Velvet smiled at the pair. "Hazelnuts would be a separate topping or flavor and soy is an alternative for ponies with allergies to your usual dairy products. I won't be long." He said, pushing the door open and entering the shop. He addressed the pony at the counter warmly and politely as he usually did, placing the order for his new friends. It wouldn't take long to be served on a good day, he hoped, rejoining Briar and Brittle with the ice cream. Briar's was topped with maple syrup, a common topping in Vanhoover, owing to the maple trees that grew there in abundance.
  9. "Well, they have raspberries, blueberries, cherries, blackberries, and mulberries. Mulberries in particular aren't super common around these parts, but they are quite sweet when they're fully ripe and they're related to raspberries. but look closer to blackberries. The tree is actually deciduous, so it sheds its leaves around Winter Wrap Up time and...oh, sorry. It's probably not that interesting to hear about the tree itself right now. But anyway, they're perfectly safe, but if you have an allergy to raspberries, it might be best to avoid them. Cherries are probably safest, so long as you don't mind the cherry pit in the middle. The pit being the seed of the cherry." Velvet looked over the options, starting to think they'd be better off trying something else. "Hey, uh, do either of you have a chocolate allergy, perhaps? Cookie dough is always popular with the little fillies and colts."
  10. "Hmmm...What about berries aside from strawberries? It sounds like poor Brittle is allergic to strawberries. There's a few ponies like that around the place, so you aren't alone there." Velvet said, starting to wonder if he was pushing a bit too hard. But then, it was his nature to want to help others, and he was showing them around the place before they left. "Then what about other types of berries? Are there any you tried that you remember liking and didn't upset your tummy?" He didn't want to guess too randomly. It was a poor time to go too crazy with experimentation when the pair were due to leave that day. "I'm sorry i don't know too much about what changelings can or can't digest aside from love. It'd be easier not to overthink, like I tend to do..."
  11. Velvet chuckled at the joke, though he did wish such jokes weren't necessary, Perhaps in time, such barriers need not exist, but for the time being, better to try and ease the situation with humor. "Well, the price varies depending on whether how many scoops you want. This place doesn't do more than three, which is 2 bits per scoop. You can add in an extra bit for some toppings like nuts, strawberries or flavored syrups if you get it in a cup instead of a cone, which is an extra bit or two. The choice can be surprisingly daunting, but it's worth it when you find a flavor you like." The Earth pony offered a smile, trying to be helpful to Briar and Brittle. He wanted them to know that, even if he didn't have it in him to venture out into the wilds beyond, he would still accept them as friends. After all, that had been the lesson that Princess Twilight had tried to teach, were it not? Though, he wasn't sure if he could ever know for sure, having never met the Princess personally.
  12. Velvet nodded and led the pair down the street, pointing out shops in the area that might be useful to the pair for various adventuring gear or supplies, whether it be food, rope or camping equipment for the road. Though, since he wasn't an adventurer, he didn't quite know what they needed, so he was pointing out anything that seemed adventure-y. Along the way, he paused and pointed out a small ice cream parlour. "This place is one of my favorites. They have this very nice chocolate fudge sauce that they drizzle over the scoops of ice cream served in a cup. Would you and Brittle like some? I can personally say it's really good." He said, wanting to ensure they left on their journey with a positive impression and perhaps a desire to return one day.
  13. Velvet recoiled as Briar's vine made the aggressive action. He hadn't necessarily doubted Briar's ability, since he was an adventurer and all, but it still spooked him when it happened. "Uh, yeah...Please don't do that. I appreciate showing me that you can protect her, the demonstration...I don't actually think it was that necessary." He was staying a little further away for the moment, the signs of him being spooked returning as he politely waited for Briar to head out first, as he was now closest to the door.
  14. "If harm were to come to her, then I'll do what I can to help tend to her injuries. But I doubt it will come to that. The worst the cities have is ponies being snooty, and that's usually just the celebrities. At least, from my experience." Velvet smiled at Brittle. "Are there any particular treats you like? Even if you get most of your sustenance from love, a treat now and then might help make you happy." He said, offering to hold her hoof before they headed out. He knew he was still a stranger to her, but he was determined to display kindness and compassion towards her.
  15. "As it happens, I do know a nice place in the city to gather what you need, and I'm sure I can make something for you, though I would have to visit a place for Gryphons to get the necessary meat. Though perhaps you'll be able to buy some supplies for the road." Velvet seemed to cheer up considerably, now that he was being asked what he knew but also had the capability to help, knowing enough about the city to address Briar's specific need for honey and meat, and had enough knowledge to try and find what they needed if he didn't have a ready answer. A contrast to his fears and uncertainty. "I hope Brittle is fine with my company a little longer." He said, just wanting to help out where he thought there was a need for it.
  16. Velvet smiled at the pair. "Please, don't think of yourselves as burdens. I am more than happy to accommodate, even if it's a challenge to keep up at first. Have you eaten yet?" He asked, standing up. He intended to offer breakfast, but he understood if they declined. After all, they held no fear of the open road and the many wonders and dangers he wasn't yet ready to face. But if nothing else, he wanted them to leave with the knowledge that they now had a friend who was willing to help should the need arise.
  17. "Yes, please. And please let them know they're welcome to stay with me if they need a place to stay in Vanhoover until the road calls them again. You and Brittle are welcome to stay as well. I haven't got much to offer in terms of space, but it's comfortable and out of the elements, and I can provide a good meal if it appeals to you." Velvet extended a hoof towards Briar, hoping his offer was acceptable to the plant pony. "Maybe one day, I'll reconsider my future, but I don't think I'm ready to leave this life just yet."
  18. "Perhaps. I'm sorry I can't commit to adventuring and I hope I haven't been a burden on you with my...fragile nature. Honestly, the future in general scares me, and I doubt it's knowledge that will alleviate that. I'm scared that when I do make a choice, I'll regret it and it will be too late to change it. No one lives forever, and we're never sure how much time we have. I want to make sure I've used my time wisely." Velvet forced himself to say it, to dig deep and finally put words to his fears of the future, which played a role in adventuring being so daunting a task where others would be more willing to try it. He felt like a fool and a coward now that he said it, but at least he said it.
  19. "That is assuming I go through with being an adventurer. I still have my doubts, since I don't have anything as impressive as many others I have heard become adventurers. I'm not a swordspony or an acrobatic brawler, or even that skilled in my healing art. An adventurer usually needs to have a firm basis in their own skills if they want to make it, and I'm not prepared to go into cooking school, let alone to Germaine or any kind of wilderness or foreign city." Velvet looked down in shame that he was so close to refusing just to pre-empt the homesickness he knew would come. "What I'm afraid of most is, if I take to the adventuring life...that I might not come back. I'd leave business unfinished, family and friends I might never see again. It's the same in all adventuring stories. Once they've tasted the adventuring life, they can't stop. The road calls to them, or they get bored of the calm and quiet and off they go again. I can't abandon my responsibilities like that, Mr. Briar, but I'm afraid that that there won't be a middle ground."
  20. "If that were to happen and the druid could be persuaded, sure. But experts often find their way here, or to Canterlot and Manehatten, as well." Velvet sighed, letting out a shuddering breath. He was almost on the verge of tears from the pressure and his own feelings. He was so afraid that he'd let someone down eventually. His plants never felt let down, but considering them true friends was delusional, childish and, frankly, pathetic if he were to consider that angle. "I appreciate your kindness, but my worry is that my dilemna has been made worse with the addition. Now, instead of two paths, there are three and the well-being of a travelling partner who may not have the patience for a pony like me. Adventurers can be rough types and I'm not. If we came to blows, I wouldn't even be able to put up a fight. Regardless of my positive qualities, that alone raises doubts that I would be fit for a life on the road, even if only briefly."
  21. Velvet waved to Brittle as he made his way to the chairs that Briar indicated. It was fairly obvious he was nervous and stressed over ultimately having to face Briar. First, it was better that he let Briar know how he felt about this choice. "It's good to see you, too. For my visit...I'm afraid I still haven't quite made up my mind on your offer. It's still daunting, and I feel my heart is here in Equestria, rather than yearning for distant lands and excitement. I'm no adventurer and I never truly planned to become one, but part of me feels that turning down the offer would disappoint you and nothing feels worse than someone being disappointed in you." He took a breath and continued, wanting to get a fair bit off his chest while Briar was willing to listen. "The biggest decision I'd have to make was what I wanted to do with my future. And now I'm being asked if I want to leave my home, my shop, everything, to go on an adventure into potential danger with a stranger. I've thought about it and still no answer, but I couldn't bear to let anyone down. So...I wanted to try and ask a few more questions about it, though...I'm starting to think it might not be for me, if this is how I react to the offer of adventure."
  22. @Blitz Boom Two days after Briar and Brittle visited Velvet's shop, the Earth Pony had decided he was getting nowhere on his own. He had managed to find many reasons to go and just as many to stay. Ultimately, he was leaning towards not going, though what stopped him from saying so was that he was afraid his new friend would look down on him for choosing not to adventure, even though he didn't think it was for him. He took a deep breath as he knocked on the door to Briar's room, his only clear goal being to talk about this with the experienced adventurer and get information to make his ultimate choice, even if he ends up staying.
  23. "Thank you. I'm sorry for the...well, I'd call it panicked rudeness, personally. I'll see you there before you leave, and I might close up early to think things over before they overwhelm me again. If not, then I hope we see each other again, regardless." Velvet said, waving them off as they left. Not long after, he would begin closing up the shop, mulling over the decision in his head about whether or not to seek out these ponies, and go on some kind of adventure. He'd never been especially brave nor was he the kind anypony thought of when they imagined a brave adventurer in the wilds beyond pony civilization. Heck, even some areas in pony civilization were wild, untamed and ripe for adventure. Many such things happened in the Everfree Forest, when he last heard. By the time he got to his home, he was exhausted, taking care of his balcony garden and preparing something simple to eat before he flopped onto his bed. It took a while, but a stray thought occurred to him. What did he really have to lose by going on an adventure? The mundane concerns like paying rent and looking after plants paled in comparison to what he could potentially gain by adventuring. Perhaps he could even bring back some of those exotic plants as he was sure Briar suggested. However, tired as he was, he set the thought aside for now and decided to approach the issue with a clear and rested mind in the morning.
  24. Velvet wrote down the names as Briar listed them, spelling out what he'd written to check for whether or not he'd spelled it correctly, hoping it had been spelled out for Briar at some point as well. He gazed at the list with his heart pounding in his chest, trying to keep calm as the feeling of being overwhelmed returned. Perhaps he should close up early today and spend the time debating and resting his overactive mind. Hopefully nopony would mind him going home early.
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