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EcstaticWind

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Posts posted by EcstaticWind

  1. On 3/1/2020 at 11:55 PM, Blitz Boom said:

    "It changes depending on a few factors. I this situation, I had a solid infiltration going towards a rather annoying group of cultists. Ones who had something in their possesion which I found were best kept away from them. Yet in the middle of a planned weeks excursion, Flaxxy suddenly arrives and begins her own scheme, which were quite a bit more direct than my approach."

    "Bad ponies had a real nasty shiny, so I dig in and start to make with the punches."

    Flaxxy looked really proud of herself as she said this, whilst Lulu were a bit harder to read, but did get a fleeting, amused smile on her face.

    "As said, quite a bit more direct.

    So I got her attention, and she resumed distracting them whilst I went in to steal the artifact. Something which I did successfully mind you, just as originally planned. The addition of a superior fighter outside throwing ponies left and right though, certainly did help to speed up the process."

    "Hehe. Silly ponies use rope, I grab rope, and start swinging them around real easy. Scrawny little ponies thrown everywhere."

    Lulu elegantly waltzed past Velvet as Flaxxy spoke, into his house as he offered them to come inside.

    "After dealing with the worst of what it were capable of, It were a quick matter of delivering the thing to a responsible police unit with an affinity for handling magical artifacts after that, and then as we were already gathered and in the area, we assumed we may as well see if you had some free time for a visit. Letters are fine, but they do not give an impression of another as well as a personal visit in my opinion. Also, Flaxxy were rather insistent to show off her prized possession in person."

    The diamond dog stood proud and exposed her neck, pointing to the valuable collar she had on.

    "See? Is veeery shiny, yes?"

    "Might I remind you that it also caused all your hair to fall out, among other things?"

    "Bah, you fix issue real quickly, is fine now."

    Flaxxy could come inside, though she'd have to wander on all fours, close to the ground. Pro of being limber, yet con of still being rather large. She had to wait for Velvet to step aside though, or transport him like a mother cat did with her kittens. The first option would be preferable, but it depended on whatever or not he might move soon.

     

    "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. On 2/25/2020 at 3:02 AM, Blitz Boom said:

    "Haha! We found you, funny pony."

    Flaxxy reached an arm out and picked Velvet up like he were little more than a rag doll, and pulled him into a hug. This close, he'd be able to tell that though she looked rather gruff, her fur were still surprisingly soft. Even if she gave off the odor of dirt.

    "Don't bother attempting to wriggle away. I can personally attest to the fact that you will not escape her grasp. Just let her get it out of her system."

    Lulu fluttered elegantly down from her former sitting position and brushed some dust off her shoulder, whilst Flaxxy finally let go of Velvet.

    "We were in the neighborhood and thought a visit were in place."

    The changeling had an ever so slightly annoyed sneer on her face as she saw the mess Flaxxy had made of Velvet's mane, and used her horn to correct it to what it had been when they had first seen him.

    "As is customary, we also brought a gift. I procured some Satin Blaze Caramel Biscuits, which I told Flaxxy would serve well with some delicate slices of mountain goat cheese."

    "Bah. That stuff just smelly, no bite. I found chili cheese. Smells real good, like fire."

    Flaxxy padded the left of her leather bags and gave a huge grin towards Velvet, whilst Lulu let out a small sigh.

    "It will suffice. We have not arrived at an inconvenient moment, have we?"

     

    "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. On 2/9/2020 at 6:27 AM, Blitz Boom said:

    "Hello?! Is funny pony home?"

    The booming, somewhat feminine voice would be heard down the street as a rather large, limber looking diamond dog with quite the amount of close-packed muscles rippling under her short brown grey fur, would knock on a door a few times, seemingly looking for someone.

    She appeared to have a few golden teeth in her upper and lower maw, a short blue hair and tail style, and around her neck, a rather expensive looking collar of gold with precious stones in the metal. She also seemed to be wearing a vest and pants made of leather, along with a large satchel bag of the same material slung around her back.

    As for the door she were knocking on, it eventually opened up to reveal a very confused elderly mare, who hadn't the faintest clue who this were, or why she were knocking on her door in the first place. The diamond dog also seemed rather confused, as this were not whom she thought she'd see when the door opened.

    "Hey, this all wrong. You're no stallion."

    "Hmm, perhaps we have misread the house number."

    On the bag on the diamond dogs back, sat a changeling with her back legs slung towards the ground and her back leaning on the diamond dogs own, in a rather elegant manner. And elegance seemed to be the word to go with when it came to this one, as everything from her adventurers outfit with several pockets, a tool belt, and the leather saddle bag currently slung on the large diamond dog's shoulders, appeared to be if not perfectly clean, then at least as much as it could be for one on the road, and sewn together here and there if you looked really close.

    This lean changeling were as dark as her normal counterparts, with a slick back horn, small fangs, and the only color in her likely on her stomach like with many other changelings of the olden kinds, though some color were possible to see in the dozen of so dark pink, glowing crystals hanging in a steel chain around her neck.

    Her horn glowed to pull up a letter from the saddle bag, which she read over before looking over at the house, and then finally shake her head, somewhat demoralized.

    "Appears I were right, we needed to go down around five more houses. Apologies for the intrusion miss, we'll be on our way again."

    She'd give a dignified smile to the mare before they'd be on their way again, with the diamond dog more or less functioning as a mount to the changeling, who whistled a little as she looked around at the citizens. Many of whose eyes were following them. Urgh, how droll... But it were what to be expected she supposed, as per usual.

    "You sure this time?"

    The diamond dog scratched her head whilst the changeling waved the notion off dismissively, still back to back with the diamond dog.

    "Positively. Before were just a minor fluke, nothing to be concerned abo-"

    "Hey funny pony! Are you here?"

    The changeling didn't get to finish her sentence before her companion started again. And this time, they should be at the right address, right outside where a certain pony had sent them both letters from over the past few wees, and they had sent some back towards.

    Lulu Leila and Flaxxy had arrived for an unannounced visit.

     

    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. On 2/7/2020 at 3:36 AM, Blitz Boom said:

    A few weeks would have passed since Briar and Brittle had left town, and things were rather calm in the city. Or well, as calm as the large town could be anyway, as the day to day life were filled with busy ponies everywhere, doing whatever it were that they had set out to do over the coming days.

    For Velvet, one thing that he would likely have done a few times by now, were reading some letters sent to him by three different beings within four days of them leaving town.

    The first being Briar himself, who in a rather bad hoofwriting, would apologize for being absent as long as he were, but explained that Brittle were not feeling well, and that they would come along another day once she had calmed down enough, as well as gotten over her illness. He would also explain that he had taken the liberty of telling a few of his contacts to reach out to Velvet, to give him the push towards learning about what adventurers actually went through, as well as getting him some friendly connections outside of town.

    The second were in a pretty elegant, flowing writing style, explaining that the name of the sender were called Lulu Leila, and that she had heard from Briar that he wanted to write with someone familiar in the adventuring scene. With it, were a tale of one of her adventures, that revolved around sneaking into a well guarded gravesite, and take some pictures of the various tablets and wall inscriptions before getting caught, and ending up escaping by stealing a set of guards clothes, and shapechange into the one she had nicked them from to escape safely. It were a rather tame one, and ended up with her saying that she hoped to hear back from him, as well as a return address, and a signature written with a little heart over the i in Leila.

    The third one to send a note were a little less elegant, and written not in a simple envelope, but on a thick roll of parchment, with big letters and a surprisingly fluent writing style, that did seem a little jagged at times, as well as deep. It seemed to indicate that whoever wrote this, did so not with a pen or feather, but the tip of a claw, dipped in ink. The one writing also seemed to have a few issues with proper grammar here and there, but it were all perfectly readable, so it shouldn't be much of a problem.

    It started much the same as the one from Lulu, but quickly went into an enthusiastic and bombastic tale in solid details about how she had pulled a wagon full of supplies through a thunderstorm, whilst fighting off dune smugglers to the east of Equestria. When she had reached the end station, the ones there had been thankful enough to show her a hidden entrance in the temple they had been huddled in, where she fought off a large snake for a shiny, golden collar with rare stones in. A crude depiction of that were included, with a note beneath going *It very shiny*. The finishing last words would enthusiastically encourage Velvet to write back, with the signature identifying the sender as Flaxxy.

    The second and third letter would both have an open invitation to write back, and if he chose to do so to one or both, he'd get some responses back with more tales, or answers in case he had questions, as well as curious words about what he did on a day to day basis.

    This would be the day when things would change up some, yet in what way? It depended on Velvet himself, and the actions he took regarding these two.

     

    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. On 1/31/2020 at 8:18 PM, Blitz Boom said:

    "Sounds like a splendid plan, though I must warn you that I know not how long it may be before we return here again. It have been a trying experience for Brittle, and I think she needs some time in a more calm environment for a while after this. Fear not though, I give you my word that we will eventually return."

    Briar would bow at his companion once more, though his stance would change and return more to normal as he heard heavy hooves approaching, in a manner that sounded somewhat aggressive in nature.

    "Oy, what's one of those Things doing here? The standards of this place have sunk low enough to let that filth infest it?"

    The burly stallion that were headed their way looked like a construction worker, and a rather angry one at that, as his glance fell on Brittle with a look going over it that indicated he wanted to stomp her out like a regular bug. Something which of course, made Brittle near mortified and caused her to cover behind Briar whilst shaking like a leaf in the wind.

    "I ask that you please be on your way sir. Your opinion on my friend is not welcome."

    "Friend? With something like that? It's just gonna abduct and kill ya, like their kind constantly does. Just get outta my way and I'll deal with this li-Urgh!"

    The stallion suddenly find a rather sturdy vine had emerged from under the cape of Briar, which had wrapped around his torso and dragged him in like he were little more than a stick on the ground. All the way up to his face so that the stallion had no way of looking away from the close-eyed evergrown.

    "Let me rephrase that then, as you clear do not understand a kind suggestion: Begone little pony -"

    Briar went into a big, jack'o lantern smile of sharp teeth, which seemed to suddenly make the stallion a whole lot more nervous and downright scared all of a sudden.

    "- If you please."

    With that, he let go, and just stood there with his vine sliding back in place, whilst the rude one took of in quite the hurry.

    "I believe that is our cue to be on our way Even if I can easily make a solid case towards any guard he might draw into this, it is a tedious process to go through, and Brittle have need for peace as soon as I can provide it now. My sincerest apologies for simply leaving you so suddenly , Mr. Velvet, though until next we meet, I wish you the best."

    They'd be on their way after that, with brittle unable to say or do much of anything else than standing very close to Briar and go between shaking and looking around horrified, as if she expected to be attacked at any moment from just about anypony now. Which sadly, were indeed what she were thinking.

    *sigh* Sometimes all it took were one fool to ruin everything...

     

    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. On 1/24/2020 at 3:46 AM, Blitz Boom said:

    "The offer will always stand, were you ever to change your mind. You merely need to send words to one of those whom I informed you of, and I'm certain that things will work out.

    And thank you for the treat. It is most kind of you, Velvet."

    Briar rose his hoof to his chest, and gave a galant bow to the stallion. His vine held the ice cream whilst he were doing this, which certainly made some nearby creatures gawk and move ahead, ready to tell a tale to others, but there appeared to not be anything other than gossip in mind currently. Never hurt to take notice of those around you in cases like this though, just in case something went bad, even if you wished to believe the best in others, and thought it unlikely that something bad were to happen.

    "Yes, uhm... T-Thank you..."

    Brittle didn't have it in her to bow, or being as generally galant as Briar were, but she still tried to be as polite as possible. Which due to her nervous state, and the feeling of eyes starting to follow her every movement - something she more or less constantly felt in any town - didn't get much farther than a direct look at Velvet, along with a small, fleeting smile along the few words.

    Someday, she hoped she'd be able to be as brave as Briar were, instead of shaking like a leaf in the wind by the smallest sign of resentment towards her presence from others. Perhaps then she could say a proper thanks for what were a well tasting treat.

    "If I may though? You could potentially still write with them, and hear some exploits of their travels via letters to get an idea of what might happen, were you to ever wander with them. I know that Lulu Leila, and Flaxy especially, would enjoy having a pen pal of sorts that they could share some interesting tales with."

     

    "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. On 1/12/2020 at 9:18 AM, Blitz Boom said:

    Brittle tentatively accepted the ice cream, and looked on it for a while, trying to debate whatever or not to try. They might have done something to it, or she'd throw up and not just feel sick, but also have others look at her. Then they'd point and laugh again, and- *meep!*

    She got a bit jumpy when Briar had put his hoof on her shoulder, just as she were about to go further down the rabbit hole, though she managed to keep hold of the ice cream. She wasn't sure how, since she sometimes started to flail when it were, but... Yeah, there it were. Luck or something, r-right?

    Looking up at his smiling face, she felt a bit more at ease, knowing that he were there to stop it if others started to laugh or throw things. Nopony had done anything like that before him, but Briar so far hadn't let her get hurt by anypony. Or accepted them being mean to her, even if he sometimes had to scare the offenders off, which she knew he weren't happy to do. She could feel it, and sometimes see it, even if he tried to keep a positive face on for her sake.

    "At the same time?"

    Brittle slowly nodded up towards him, and the two rose the treats to their muzzles. He'd then count down to three, and on three, would take a small bite out of the ice cream, at the same time as Brittle did. Difference were that she'd also hold her breath, and pinch her eyes together, worried that she'd have another allergic reaction to this.

    Seconds ticked by, and... Nothing happened. The ice melted in her muzzle, which left a nice, sweet taste around her gums, but that were it. Even when she tentatively swallowed a little, nothing happened. It looked like she could actually eat this?

    A tear ran down her face that she wiped away, before very slowly eating through the rest of this, with her gaze turned downwards and to the side, as to avoid looking directly at anypony.

    Briar in the meantime, went slowly through his as well, as he recalled the dreaded thing that happened if you ate frozen treats too fast, and seemed to enjoy himself quite a bit.

    "I must commend them on this sirup. It is not of the purest quality that I have ever attempted, but considering it is not tapped directly from the tree, this is rather exquisite.

    Do tell, how much did this cost? I do not wish to be a burden upon your wallet."

    He had honestly been ready to pay, and still had his necklace/wallet open and ready to take out what bits were needed. He could just pay their new friend here directly instead now though, if it were. It wouldn't be an issue.

     

    "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. On 12/17/2019 at 3:48 AM, Blitz Boom said:

    "I think I am rather set in my choice. Brittle? What do you think? Chocolate is primarily made of sugar, milk, and cocoa beans, which you have had safe interactions with previously, yes?"

    "I-I've eaten c-cookies with h-hops and h-honey..."

    "That should contain the same ingredients then. It might be the safer option right now, and then we can go through some of the berry options one of the other days, when it seems calmer and there's less an issue if they have a negative effect."

    Brittle nodded slowly, which even though Briar couldn't see it, he felt, considering she stood more or less leaned up against him completely, and he had gotten used to these sorts of ques from her at this point. It wouldn't work well if he didn't try at least, seeing as her verbal communication still needed quite a lot of work, and he were still getting used to seeing. Small steps with that meant that it'd likely be weeks, or even months before he could safely have them open all the time. And colt did he look forward to that day.

    "Excellent. So I will have a random sirup option, and Brittle will try the cookie dough then. Unless there's additional ingredients in it, such as hazelnuts or soy? If not, then it seems the safest choice we could go by."

     

    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. On 11/29/2019 at 8:23 AM, Blitz Boom said:

    "...I h-haven't tried o-other berries."

    The changeling pressed herself a little more against her warden, and cast her gaze towards the ground. She wished that she were able to answer these sorts of question, but her approach to figuring out what she could and couldn't eat were trial and error, and after the experience with the strawberries, she had just avoided berries of any kind. It felt safer that way.

    Perhaps she had once been able to eat that, but she just couldn't remember it. Anything that happened before she became... This, were just gone. No matter how hard she tried, there were just an empty void, where memories of her young filly years were supposed to be.

    Feeling how Brittle were nearly tugging at him, and how her words had halted before saying much else, Briar understood that she had mentally stepped back again, and required him to fill in for her. Poor thing wanted to answer these questions, and he knew she were trying, yet some answers were either out of her grasp, or just impossible for her to put in words right now.

    Thankfully, he knew enough to answer in her place. Hopefully, Velvet would understand some of her predicament after he did so.

    "What a changeling can eat, actually varies greatly. From what I understand, most drones can only sustain themselves on love, with a few fringe cases able to deal with it better, or just storing it before regurgitating it, in case they are pretending to eat whilst infiltrating, and doesn't want to feel the consequences of trying to keep the food down. Royal changelings apparently have the stomach for more than that, yet these sorts of things are generally found out by the hives themselves, either doing their upbringing as nymphs, or whilst doling out what roles the varied changelings should fill.

    Brittle is a... Concerning case, however. She weren't born into this life, but were a convert. And one whose conversion weren't completed, before she were broken out of her pupa and taken by some unscrupulous ponies. It leaves her with certain issues, such as a current inability to control her transformations, and certain parts of her system being a mixed bag between pony and changeling. Her stomach is one of those, and when you combine it with her having no time being in a hive, it makes it impossible for her to know what she can and cannot digest in advance.

    Perhaps it would be easier if you said what options there were, and we could hear if one of those are some she have tried? I feel this is not a place to experiment too much, as it would draw unneeded attention, or worse yet, harm Brittle."

    Brittle's story were not a kind one, but it were the facts, and in this case, giving a brief overview on the situation would require those. Further details - like how he had been told she were extremely lucky to have survived being *hatched* prematurely - didn't seem poignant to this discussion, so he kept that to himself. There would be a time and a place for that, just not currently, nor presently.

     

    "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. On 11/21/2019 at 11:06 PM, Blitz Boom said:

    "Flavored syrup? Intriguing concept. As one whom have tasted the nectar of the trees many a time, I do wonder if I will know the tree sort they harvested this from, as well as the region? Yes, I do believe I know what would interest me. What of you, Brittle? Hear or see something that you like?"

    The changeling were tugged in closely to him, not feeling too good about all the ponies and varied creatures out here, several of which she could feel just... Starring at her. It reminded her of ill times in her life, though at least there weren't any laughter, or others throwing things yet. She had to think of the positive things, r-right? That's what Briar tried to tell her at least.

    "I-I don't know... I've o-only tried h-honey, oaths and c-chocolate that d-didn't go up again, or h-hurt. I d-don't know about t-these other things. Uhm... E-Except strawberries. Not g-good for my t-tummy."

    "Ah yes, we certainly would not want to cause such an effect, and this seems an ill opportune time to try and see what you might be able to feast upon.

    I know that most chocolate have milk within them, as does ice, and you can drink water. So the ice itself should be okay. As for the additions... Velvet, would you be so kind as to inform us if there are an option for honey? If so, I believe a couple of vanilla one scoop servings will suffice, with one having a random sirup addition, and the other with honey. Both in cups. I may have some usage for them, later on."

    As he spoke, the flower on Briar's head would begin to slightly glow, and the petals rustled, as if the wind blew through it. A clear green aura of magic came from this, and embraced his necklace, where it would open it to reveal it to be mostly full of bits. Around twenty regular bits, with a few five bit coins here and there. From his calculations, a single five bit coin, as well as three singles, would cover what he had heard, which is what he floated out before closing his combined necklace and wallet again.

    A fortunate thing of the grim reality in Ponyville recently, had been the need of some extra muscle here and there whilst rebuilding efforts had been underway. As such, his services had been most welcome here and there, and had allowed Briar to earn some bits here and there for his time. Quite honestly, he took far less for his work than what he could, but the area had been in shambles, and he wished not to put a large burden on the residents. Just a few bits here and there to cover potential expenses, such as this trip with Brittle.

     

    "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. On 11/16/2019 at 7:55 AM, Blitz Boom said:

    "I have not tried this in quite a while, and my first impression were less than perfect. I were unaware at the time that it were unwise to consume a large bowl of it in quick succession."

    Brain freeze were a horrendous experience, which his own kind were unfortunately not immune towards. in fact, as his nervous system were a little more spread out, rather than being completely focused there, it presented a rather... Troubling time for him, which he had not wished to test again.

    "I c-can't remember if I e-ever tried it..."

    The issue were the opposite for Brittle, who had no memories before the circus, and were never treated well enough to get stuff like ice cream. Combined with the fact that she couldn't eat all kinds of food, she couldn't say for sure whatever or not it were even a good idea to try.

    "Perhaps then, this is a sign that it is time for us both to take a chance. Would you be so kind as to inform us the price of them, Velvet? I'm afraid the sign is not speaking loud enough for me to hear it."

    Sometimes it made others uncomfortable when he joked about his eyesight around others, but in his mind, it were less awkward than having to deal with others stepping on eggshells around him. He could understand it, yet he wished to cause less discomfort in his presence. Why else would he try and keep his teeth hidden, and wear this cape to shield others from watching the buds growing from his body, if not to try and seem less of a threat? Or at the very least, an outsider?

     

    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. On 10/31/2019 at 8:00 AM, Blitz Boom said:

    "My apologies, Velvet. I am used to having to make my point to some degree, and forgot myself in the moment. I do hope you can forgive me for this transgression."

    An unfortunate situation, but alas, nothing he could do against that now, except trying not to do so again towards Velvet. Even if it were merely a demonstration.

    The first step to move past this, were likely to get out of here and be on their way. As such. Briar would lead the team out, briefly stopping to tell the clerk that they had vacated the room before time - and getting barely any recognition for the comment - before moving outside.

    "Ah, lovely fresh air. Would you be so kind as to lead the way, Velvet?"

    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. @Blitz Boom

    Sorry to make you wait on a reponse. I just finished my university exams for the year, and last week was some pretty hectic studying. On the bright side, I'm free now and will be working on a post right away :) 

    Also, as a general question to everyone, are there any ways to get notifications outside of the site? Google Browser notifications don't seem to work as well as I hoped they would.

  14. On 10/17/2019 at 8:12 AM, Blitz Boom said:

    Brittle would stare at his hoof, but wouldn't accept it. Rather, she'd go over to where she usually stood when they were headed out: Left side of Briar, slightly behind the middle, where she'd be safe.

    "I... I h-haven't tried m-much. But h-honey and o-oath works. A nice p-pony offered me a c-cookie with that o-once. It... It w-were nice..."

    She weren't sure how to respond to this kind sort of way he acted towards her. To many times in her early memories things had been very different, and it left scars that understandably colored her impression of others, even if they looked as harmless as Velvet did. She were trying, but it wasn't easy to get past that, and at this point in time, she didn't feel confident enough about anyone, to go over to them and hold their hooves whilst going into a town. Except for Briar, but he had long since (and several times) proven that he wished her only the best, and he had gotten her away from the circus to begin with. She knew she could trust him.

    "We are sure to find you something exquisite, and potentially some oddities for you to test at a later time? As for your former point, Velvet, I appreciate the concern, but in case anyone as much as attempts to harm Brittle, they will find that while I look like a docile equine -"

    Like lightning from a clear sky, Briar's vine suddenly shot out as great speed out in front of Brittle, with the leathery, three petal pud at the tip turning towards Velvet and opening and shutting, showing that these did have some crunch power behind them. At the same time, Briar would go into a large smile, properly showing off the rows of razor-sharp teeth, and though his facial expression remained calm, it would look rather unnerving to put it mildly. Like a lion toying with its meal.

    "- I am still an apex predator, and I will not take kindly to attempts at that kind of aggression."

    Withdrawing his vine and reducing the size of his smile, Briar chuckled a little to himself and took a step towards the door.

    "Now then, shall we?"

     

    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.

  15. On 10/12/2019 at 6:55 PM, Blitz Boom said:

    "On the road, I actually tend to do my own supply gathering, such as fishing or chasing insects. My vines - or rather, Vine these days, as I am still waiting for the other one to regrow - can strike with quite a bit of force, and so have acces paths to my stomach for smaller creatures, so it helps with insects. Also, I might add, it sometimes allow me to do a little day labor as a pest controller, whilst getting a meal at the same time. A rather fortunate experience when it happens.

    Regardless, if you know of a place where I can find things before we leave, it would be most appreciated, and worry not, we will accompany you to see the gryphons."

    "G-Gryphons?"

    Brittle seemed to be increasingly scared as this race were mentioned as being ones they might soon run into.

    "Like with many other races, it is important that you get to see that they are not all bad, Brittle. Vendor gryphons in mixed city populations are generally speaking quite a bit kinder than the ones in their own nesting areas or towns, as they have to be more open-minded to live among so many varied creatures and cultures. Yet if any of them tries anything, you know me. Would I ever let you be hurt?"

    Brittle would blush slightly and shake her head as she looked towards the ground, feeling sort of embarrassed about things now. Briar couldn't see it, but her silence did tell him what he needed to understand from this.

    "Worst case scenario, I will simply use Velvet here as an impromptu equine shield.

    Hehe, I jest. Neither of you have anything to worry about. Things will work well, and it will be a learning experience regardless of how it goes. If you wish for us to leave and head there now, Velvet, we are ready for you."

    "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.

  16. 54 minutes ago, Blitz Boom said:

    "As a changeling of the more... Unfortunate variety, Brittle do not have an easy time eating many other things than love, and I ensured she got fed on that life-essential nutrient earlier. Though it does remind me that I need to procure some honey at some point... You wouldn't happen to know a good vendor in town, would you?"

    His love were more earthy and not as wholesome as the variant from ponies, but it were giving willingly, and Brittle felt safer feeding off him than others, exactly because he didn't mind. She didn't need to be afraid of backlash, or being called a monster or something. She could just let him know when she needed to feed, and he'd stand still and wait for her to be done. It honestly didn't drain him all that much, and Brittle didn't need to feed constantly, so it were no bark off his nose.

    "As for myself, I have not yet, no. This establishment does not include a dining room, and even if it did, I am not sure if it would include the meat that I need. Not that I can only feed on that, heaven's no, but I do need the proteins. Mostly from fish, though other small critters can do in a pinch. Nothing too smart though. I have my principles, and one of the core ones is that no matter if the body is already deceased, I refuse to feast on higher sentience life forms. I'd rather starve, than become what have been expected of me since I blossomed."

    "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.

  17. On 10/3/2019 at 6:02 AM, Blitz Boom said:

    "I will extend your offer, and your plea for assistance, though I cannot say when you might hear back from them.

    As for us, we will sadly not stay in town much longer. A few hours from now, our reservations will end, and we will return to Ponyville. Brittle have done exceptionally well in my opinion when it comes to socializing this trip, but I cannot force everything down upon her at once. One must steel themselves with patience and compassion, in matters such as this."

    Looking over at Brittle, it might be hard to see where the good, social interaction were, as she were just silently standing in the corner and looking at them from the shadows, yet Briar knew her better. He knew that not long ago, even being near this town would have made her break down crying for hours on end, as there were too much for her to fear. Yet she hadn't, and he were very proud of her for the way she had handled things, even if she were still afraid of others and hid behind him. Foal steps.

    "Still, if you wish for us to spend our last time before leaving with you, we could surely oblige. Would you have anything in mind?

    Ah, and forgive my manners: Brittle and I humbly thank you for the offer being extended to us as well. Perhaps one day, we may make use of it, long as we are not burdens."

     

    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.

  18. On 10/3/2019 at 3:46 PM, Blitz Boom said:

    If you want, we can jump some days again at any point from now on, and go towards any of the random NPC's I mentioned to come around with an update on things. or just to hang out, and see who Velvet is. Depends on what pops into my head at the time. :P

    Anyway, your call on it, just putting it there in case you feel somewhat stuck with how things are currently at any point. :) 

    Sure. I'm cool with that. Sorry for the slow responses. Uni studies are killing me :(

  19. On 9/26/2019 at 9:06 PM, Blitz Boom said:

    "In my opinion, I believe that life lived in shelter, away from all the world have to offer, is barely a life worth living. Though, I suppose my upbringing into slavery and subsequent exile is a wildly different one than yours, and that does affect what one considers a good life. To each their own, as they say."

    Briar would smile and chuckle a little to himself. Adventuring didn't seem to live in this pony's heart, but if he were contend and happy here, there were not a point in upsetting that either, no? Let him be at peace in this sheltered life, away from the dangers of the world, whilst others went into it. Or as a saying went from the town he grew up in: Everything have its place.

    Granted, that were twisted and used as arguments towards why his particular sub-branch of their kind were okay to enslave, but if you ignored that, it were a good saying. Might have once been meant as something kinder, and perhaps, it could one day be again.

    "Still, would you like for me to ask if any of them are headed that way, and might be willing to bring back a tome if possible, when they do? It would hardly be a bother."

     

    "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."

  20. On 9/21/2019 at 6:42 AM, Blitz Boom said:

    "Adventurer or not, perhaps you should still make contact to either of them some day. They are delightful creatures, and have a wealth of fascinating stories to tell. But I am not to tell you what to do after all. I merely set the pieces. What you then decide to do with them are up to you."

    Briar let out a short laughter and shook his head.

    "Dear me, that did not come off in a pleasant way. I do not mean to imply that I see them as pieces to be manipulated with. Hopefully my actual intent shone somewhat through, and I do apologize if that came off as slightly... Menacing, I suppose is the right word."

    Behind them, Brittle were long since done making the bed, but she kept at her distance and just observed them quietly from a corner, trying to blend into the shadows as best she could so she wouldn't get the attention. She found it better to just watch, and try to be more comfortable knowing that there are others near her, instead of worried they'd suddenly turn and assault her. Actual walking up to and talking were still some ways off at this point though, without her emotional support next to her.

    "*sigh* In any case, you make a fair point. If the adventuring life first gets to you, it is unlikely that you will be able to simply retire from it and feel yourself. The wanderers heart yearns for the road after all, and the path can be as treacherous as it is magnificent.

    Perhaps you would indeed do best in staying here, and then see if help cannot reach you instead. It would allow you to focus on your life as it is, without risking losing yourself or your life to the wilderness, yet potentially still reap some benefits that could greatly help you. Please, I am certain that I could ask any of them to travel and find this without it being a bother to you, or being something you need to worry about. Several of them do owe me favors, and I know at least three of them adores Germane, so they would not have to be convinced for long."

     

    "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.

  21. 20 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

    Briar smirked a little and had a seat before speaking again. It were tragic in a sense that Velvet were this nervous about things, but it were undeniably a little amusing to him too, to hear the poor thing step over himself mentally like he did.

    "Mr. Velvet, I would never advise anyone to travel with you that were easy to anger upon their fellow companions. Though if you insist on the least amount of trouble among your potential companions or couriers, depending on the situation, I would narrow your list towards two that I have seen are as patient as can be wished for. Whereas the others have certain.. Breaking points in stressful situations, these two tends to be the most pleasurable to be around, even in those situations.

    Flaxy is a diamond dog with a yearning for adventure and seeing new things, who takes everything with a big grin and hearty attitude. The worst one can expect for her is a bellowing laughter and a paw pat on the shoulder, if she finds you amusing. A little strange at times perhaps, but I find that her attitude grows on you fairly quickly.

    Lulu Leila is a... Peculiar one too. Less boasting and loud than Flaxy, and more towards being highly friendly and personal. I recall hearing she recently reformed, so she won't require being fed love either on your travels, which I believe most ponies prefer.

    They're both absolute delights, and while the others are too, and are as protective as Flaxy and Lulu, they have certain breaking points under stressful situations, which can happen on the road, much as it can in towns. It is merely a matter of what one is stressed out about."

     

    "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."

  22. On 9/17/2019 at 5:37 AM, Blitz Boom said:

    "Mr. Velvet, you should not take into concern whatever your choice will disappoint me or not. I have extended a helping hoof, along with my personal advice, yet it is your own feelings on the matter that means the most in the end. Much as I would consider it good for you to interact beyond these shores, that is simply my narrow perspective, based on what little I know of you, and should not be taken as more than a semi-educated guess. You most certainly know yourself better than I do, yes?"

    It were a little... Sad, that Velvet had taken into consideration that he just didn't want to disappoint anyone else here. It mattered little what some random stranger had to think on a matter that he surely knew best of course, yes? It had merely sounded like the stallion were conflicted, and could use some suggestions, which were what Briar had provided. It were not meant as something that should be chosen, whilst Velvet's own mind on the matter were a secondary concern at best.

    "I would also like to state that I am not disappointed if you chose to stay. Whilst I believe that outside interaction would be of some benefit to you, and that there are things to learn in Germane for one with your talents, my intention were mainly to help you with your dilemma on choosing a path forward. From what I can hear, it sounds as if this proprosition have helped you to think further on things at least, even if this were not in your original thoughts.

    As for the ones whom I mentioned, yo do not have to worry about them either, and I hope that you will hang on to the contact information, were you ever to change your mind, or perhaps merely hear from a skilled adventurer how the life are. Although..."

    Briar tapped his chin with his right vine for a moment, then shook his head.

    "I will not give false hope in case it becomes troubling to gain, but perhaps the druids could still help you with some literature? I am certain that at least one of them will find themselves in that area again one day, and they may be able to convince the druids to part with some of their knowledge. It would not be as efficient as meeting with them of course, but it would likely help you to at least some degree.

    *sigh* I do apologize for not mentioning this option before. For reasons unknown, I did not think of this potential middle road before now. Please forgive me for this oversight."

    "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."

  23. On 9/10/2019 at 8:35 PM, Blitz Boom said:

    After a few knocks, the door would slowly creak open, and Briar would step into view, and greet Velvet with a large, toothy smile. Considering there were a fish scale stuck in the upper row of sharp teeth, it appeared as if Briar had already taken care of breakfast, or lunch. Depending on the time of day. Didn't mean that his sense of smell were impaired however, as were evident in him knowing that this were Velvet, even without opening his eyes. The pony had a rather unique blend of flowery scents to him that made him stand out in this place rather substantially.

    "Ah, Mr. Velvet, how lovely to see you here. We were starting to wonder if we were to find you, rather than the other way around. Please, come in."

    The entrance were small and sort of beaten up, but it were what one could expect from these places, and they didn't care much about it. Their usual residence were a cave, so this were still a step up. Not a big one mind you.

    Going to the actual main room itself, there were some furniture, a bed, and a couple of saddlebags against the wall in the corner. Beyond that, it were rather barren, with no artwork or personal touch of any kind. Just a dingy room in a shoddy area, like all the rest of them in this place. Beyond the luxury room though that were. That one got cleaned more often, and actually had a window with a nice'ish view. Important guests only though.

    Briar waved Velvet towards the chairs, to indicate where he could sit. Were he to look for Brittle, he'd find her over at the bed, sending a nervous glance towards him, but otherwise keep to her work of making the bed. It might be sort of pointless in this place, but Briar insisted that they showed some degree of civility.

    "Now then, what troubles your mind?"

    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."

  24. @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.

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