Convergence

Whisper's grin faded to a knowing smile as Crowley remained calm despite her taunts. The fact that he gave in was just as large of a victory as him fighting back. However, she couldn't help but feel disappointed that she didn't shake Crowley's resolve. The look of contempt that Crowley was trying to hide would have to be enough, for now. As Crowley excused himself, Whisper took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. "Well I guess now is as good a time as any to meet the others." @@Driz Before Whisper had time to observe the ponies still standing in the garden, a purple maned mare approached her. Her converstation seemed forced, as if she felt obligated to introduce herself. Whisper looked down, as if she needed to remember what she was wearing. "Thanks," she said cheerfully. "Believe it or not, This is not my usual attire. Looks like we have been. I don't know what to be more shocked by, the fact I was called upon for help by the princesses or the fact that a powerful artifact was stolen without me knowing about it." Adjusting her dress, Whisper lifted two small bottles from a pocket. One contained a deep, dark brown coloured liquid. The other was full of a black powder. She unscrewed the lids and poured a few grains of the black powder into the liquid. Upon contact the liquid instantly started to boil and steam. Noticing the mare's blue flame cutie mark, Whisper said "you're a mage I presume? No wonder you would be interested in such a powerful artifact." She nodded to the armour clad pony as she put away the vial of black powder, "an adventurer fighting for a long lost brother. Quite noble. Then there is me and the golden stallion. What a strange group, eh?" Whisper blew the steam away from the bottle in front of her, and took a quick sip of it. She smiled at the taste of very strong espresso.

Whisper simply stood and watched as the ponies exchanged questions and presented their invitations to an old, authoritative pegasus. From the conversation, she gathered this was none other than Crowley Ocula. The whole scene had an air of formality to it. "Strange how the mere mention of a princess makes everyone act all regal." Sooner then she had anticipated, Crowley approached her and demanded to see her invitation. Whisper couldn't stop herself. Making an exaggerated tsk, tsk sound, a large grin dominated her face. "If I didn't know any better Crowley, I would say that you are growing senile in your old age. The letter you sent failed to mention the need to present it at the meeting. However, lucky for you, I decided against my better judgement and did not burn the letter after reading it." Carelessly, Whisper spread the material of her dress, making sure that Crowley had a good sight of the pocket filled with scrolls. The half-sun seal of Dawn Breaker was upon half of the scrolls. The other half were sealed with near perfect forgeries of the insignia of the royal sisters. While perhaps good enough to fool the average pony, one who saw the royal seal on a regular basis should be able to detect the forgery instantly. She hoped Crowley would be no exception. The only unsealed letter was suddenly illuminated by a dark silver hue as Whisper levitated the letter and handed it to the pegasus. "You mentioned that we should ask our questions now? Well, I was going to ask why the guild would so suddenly need our help, the help of civilians. I don't believe I need to ask that anymore." Whisper stifled a laugh as best she could, "you must really be desperate to call upon me." She tried to keep a straight face, but it was clear that Whisper was getting a great deal of satisfaction from teasing such a powerful pony.

The streets of Canterlot were exactly as Whisper remembered them. It had been a while since she was last here, but nothing seemed to change in this 'golden' city. However, for once her attention was not focused on the city or its inhabitants. The letter she received a few days ago kept replaying in her mind as if from a broken record. This whole scenario seemed like a cruel joke. "I'll play your little game, and I'll deliver the punch line." As Whisper approached the palace she checked her preparations one final time. The long, golden-brown dress that cascaded off her back felt strange and oddly constricting. She was not used to wearing such formal attire, but often it is better to hide in plain site than in the shadows. Whisper tapped the side of her stomach, where two pockets were hidden by the loose fabric of the dress. One crinkled softly, it was full of folded pieces of paper. The other was soundless, it was full of tiny bottles that were painstakingly separated by thick folds of cloth. Satisfied, Whisper began ascending the steps that lead to the Royal Gardens. A smile spread across her face. She did not know what waited for her within the Palace, but she would face it. Embrace it. Reaching the top of the steps, she slowed her trot slightly as she rounded the corner leading to the garden. Remaining silent, Whisper's smile receded only slightly. This would surely be a comical story for the History books.

@Torrent505 Radiance rolled hey eyes at Pine's comments, "your father poisoned me and all these soldiers you see dead here. When I was the only pony standing, he sent eight to capture me, while being completely nullified by his poison. I agreed to surrender on the condition that my recruits were unharmed, after all it is me they wanted. I tried to save their lives the only way I could. The poison took me, and when I woke, I found all the guards dead in a corner, save these two. Your father had the nerve to have one of the living ponies slaughtered in front of my face. Then to cap it off, he had this poor unicorn's horn shattered in front of me. Do you know what that is like? That is the most painful thing that could be inflicted on any living thing by over a hundred fold. Anger burst through my veins and power even I didn't know I had surged through me. I overpowered this petty magic inhibitor, and lashed out with all my might at the ponies that had betrayed me. Next thing I knew, they were all dead. And I am the monster? What would you have me do, curl up and accept the most painful death imaginable? To let the treachery dished out upon my recruits left unavenged?" Dancer listened to Radiance, and took note of what she said, but that wasn't important now, that could be dealt with later. He stepped forward assuredly, even though Pine was armed. "No I do not ask you to take up the Guard. The spirit fights it's own battle. There are many honourable battles. What does your spirit fight for, lad? I ask you to share my roof, my fire and my food so that your spirit may grow strong and fierce. Dancer's spirit battles for those unable to fight. You have something. A chance for a new start. A start to do anything you want. If your spirit stays true, Dancer will fight at your side, if you will have Dancer."

@Torrent505 Radiance heard the voice of the young bartender, the one that served her the wine if she remembered correctly. "Great, perfect way to end this evening, having to deal with a mourning young pony." She saw the bartender burst into the room and run directly to his father's side, "how easily he could have been killed by now, I doubt he even saw me here." Radiance heard hoofsteps, careful, weighed and fast. The hoofsteps of a pony poised for action. What was going to happen was going to happen, there was no use playing nice. She cleared her throat loudly, surely loud enough to draw the bartender's attention. "I warned you that you would need those bits for a nice tombstone if your father was to cross me. You ignored my promise." Dancer entered the room cautiously, spinning to instantly scan the room for any motion or ponies. All he saw were dead ponies, an injured unicorn with a broken horn and Radiance. He gasped in shock as Radiance scolded the mourning pony, and shot her dirty look. He then nodded towards the room as if asking a question. To which Radiance replied, relieved seeing a friendly face, "relax they are all dead. now free me." Sighing, Dancer, flicked his head, sending his sword spinning through the air, landing straight down on the cord holding Radiance's foreleg, the one furthest from Pine. (Radiance would then cut her self free, if the cord snaps and the blade stays in the bed.) Dancer walked towards Pine and attempted to gently but firmly place a hoof on his shoulder. "Lad, I weep for your loss. Know that your father was dealt the Great Honour and his spirit will live on in the Wild Lands. This place never will make bits again, the Guard will make it so. You have choice, follow in your father's hoofs and end like this or start new. I want to help you lad, but a Sword cannot offer much. If you go with me, I promise you hot meals three times a day and a roof. I would also teach you the way of the Sword, so that one day you may fight for your father's pride. And I would fight by you, if you remain true."

Dancer sheathed his sword when the pony finally complied with his wishes. He followed the pony down the trapdoor and into the tunnel, noticing that the wood was in fine condition. "Rot you say? And the pony wonders why he is mistrusted." He followed until the pony broke the silence. Dancer stopped, something wasn't right. He smelled the air and tasted a familiar scent, but it was extremely faint. He lowered his voice so that only the pony ahead of him could hear. "Spirits dance in the air. Danger is ahead. A sword never backs down, but there is no shame in you stopping, boy." Dancer drew his sword, pointedly turning the tip away from the pony ahead of him, but ready to strike if he were to betray Dancer. He approached the end of the tunnel faster, until he reached the door. "The great honour may wait for me. I welcome them to try."

@Torrent505 Dancer stared at Pine Barrel with a perplexed look on his face, but in his peripherals, and in the crooked reflections of glass bottles, he could see the whole building. It made no sense, this pony was so willing to let him explore the building, but when he asked for the basement, he exploded and now he is willing to show him to the basement? But the basement was somehow outside? It made no sense to Dancer. All of a sudden, it dawned on him as his face flashed with pride. The one place in the building he did not want him to see, the only place, was behind that counter. Dancer did not know what was on the other side, only that it is worth seeing. He waited for the pony to finish speaking, and saw the one that was introduced as a secretary whisper something into the mayor's ear. They mayor looked sad then, Dancer didn't understand but made a mental note of it. "See, was that so hard?" Dancer said to the pony he was previously talking to. "Now we are make progress. But you are dishonourable, I cannot trust you. Instead Dancer strike at the mistake you make." Within a split second, Dancer went from standing still, to leaping into the air. Slowly he lowered the front half of his body while in midair, until he landed on the counter on one hoof, the other three jutted out in different angles, for balance and also to strike at anypony that might get too near. His face was behind the counter now, looking down. In his peripherals, he could see most of the tavern above the bar as he scanned for motion. From this position, he could easily see the trap door hidden behind the counter. "This must be it." Just as suddenly as his first leap, he pushed off the counter with his one hoof, allowing his body to fall backwards. His face spun upwards near the counter, as he still scanned for any motion. He contorted his body into a misshaped V, and drew his sword from his sheath. He allowed himself to continually swing, until his torso was completely verticle, and stopped the motion. He landed on one back hoof behind the counter, next to the trap door. With his other back hoof, he tried to open the door with one swift motion. (Note: if there is a lock on the door, Dancer would have seen that in his first jump, and then would not have gone vertical in the next one. Instead he would do a flip, and strike at the thinnest portion of the lock with all the force he could gather. Then he would quickly stand back to see the bar around him.) ((please don't go, oh there is a magic lock on the door that can't be cut -.- lol))

Braum looked at Dart as he spoke. As soon as he finished Braum said in a voice no quieter than earlier, "good, my friend, good." He chuckled, "is always good time with Braum! What about you, and what are we waiting for?" Braum looked around, all the people around him. They all looked so differant than what he is used to. He hoped they would like him as much as people did at home.

A large smile cracked across Braum's face after hearing Dart's response. "Okay, you can be object if you want, Braum would rather be man!" Braum forced his way through the crowd to stand by Dart's side. It helped being one of the tallest persons there. Braum wanted to get to know Dart Nymph, especially seeing as they would be sharing a room together. He remained silent for the time being, waiting to hear any more potential announcements.

Braum listened as room assignments were being handed out. He waited until the speaker was finished, or at least he thought the attendant was finished. He couldn't hold it in any more. He burst out in his normally loud voice, "Dart Nymph, that is a strange name, no? But you probably think Braum strange to! A-hah" His laugh echoed through the room. "Now tell me, who are you Dart Nymph?"

Braum had already been awake for hours. He was used to getting up at the crack of dawn. He was in the courtyard doing his daily morning routine. The muscles strained in his arm as he supported the weight of his body while doing push-ups.He had lost count a few minutes ago, and still did not feel tired. With a sudden ding, the PA system interrupted his workout. "Ha-ha that would be Braum, would it not?" he said to no one in particular. Braum jumped up to his feet in one swift motion, and started walking towards the main office.

the very root you bear the weight of a world you cannot comprehend a society that chooses to forget you cradle all life in motionless arms you lay discarded Conceived in fire and passion; born of starvation all suckle at your teat as your coffin collapses you have been, will always be the path to guide our steps. trodden, crushed upon ponderous hooves. eyes tilting to the heavens The root of the world dismissed as a mere rock. My attempt at rock poetry. Really bad, I know but not horrible for a poem written in 10 minutes.

I am guilty of the should distorted thinking. I try to put myself in their shoes and be more tolerant to combat this. When I get tired or frustrated this falls apart, and I really get trapped in this kind of thinking. I tend to come off as cold hearted when this happens, but that is really the opposite of who I really am.

Well, I am just going to play the devils advocate here. No one gets so pissed off for something so little as starting the car. There is obviously something more going on here than meets the eye. I would think that something quite a bit more significant must have happened before he started taping to make her reaction so large, and the he just played innocent. The saying is true, it takes two to tango. That being said, her reaction is appalling. There is never any justification for throwing out hate speech. I understand that often times people say things in the heat of the moment that they regret, but that speech far surpasses any, sorry I got carried away type of thing. Especially in front of her children makes it much more despicable. I feel sorry that her children are being raised with such an ignorant stereotype hammered into their minds. I hope that the kids will be able to break free of that stereotype as they grow up.

@Torrent505 Dancer looked around in shock as the pony roused the attention of all the ponies in the tavern. He rose his voice to match. "If you want to play this game, we shall play this game. 'Adiance's bird, came to warn me that 'Adiance is in this building and that she is in danger. How quickly will the ponies in this room side with me when I find her in your basement. I bet my life that she is there, from how angry you became when I ask to look there. These soldiers, I recognize many of the faces. I have trained some, others have watched me train. They know who I am, they would know that I would not demand to search, if I was not sure she was here. I ask somepony in this room, perhaps one that I have trained, to speak for me. to support me and my claim. Please allow me to search, I would rather to see you free, than arrested for accessory to the crime. I fear for 'Adiance's life, there is no time for warrant. I will use force if you make me, but I do not wish to see bloodshed tonight. Guards, will you stand by me? I promise you that she is here and that she is in need of our help."

@Torrent505 Dancer peered into the pony's eyes as he was talking. Words are mere words, the eyes never lied. "I do not think you lie to Dancer, this is smart. I think you lead Dancer, to where you want him to go. This, this is not smart. Now Dancer makes new demands. You will show me to the underground floor, I think it is called the basement, and then I will search up. Once I am there, you may go back to tend the bar, as you say. Now, do not disrespect Dancer again." ((oh cool 100th post.))

@Torrent505 Radiance just returned the look that The Raven gave her. "Because I say so, little birdie, because I say so. We will be meeting again." Radiance watched as Ice Breaker and The Raven left the room. Her mind instantly reflecting on the events of the evening, trying to piece together any patterns she might have missed. Any signs any clues. Dancer Anivia lead Dancer to a tavern of sorts, called the Angel's Share. Dancer grimaced as he approached the building, "it smells of vomit and fire juice, bird. Good spirits come here to die, bird, I feel it. Is this where 'Adiance is?" Anivia screeched and swooped towards the building. "Thank you, bird. Stay here, stay hidden. I do not want to spill blood in front of one as beautiful as you." Anivia hissed and dove towards Dancer's face, before pulling up at the last second. She clearly wanted to help rescue Radiance. Anivia disappeared through some nearby trees, but Dancer could still feel her eyes on him. Dancer approached the door and swung it open gently. He instantly felt out of place, the crowds, the laughter, dim lights and claustrophobia. He scanned the room for Radiance's conspicuous, jewel-studded armour. He did not see it in the room. "Nothing that needs doing is ever easy. Is tonight finally the night? I grow too old." Dancer walked towards a raised platform with chairs infront of it, and a pony behind it, with many bottles behind him. "He must hold the power here." He addressed the pony behind the counter, "I know that 'Adiance, commanding strategist of the Royal Guard, is somewhere in this building, and she is in danger. Lead me through this building, or I will lead myself. It is your choice, but I will search this building. If you have nothing to hide, and allow me to search, you have no reason to fear me. How do you respond?"

@Torrent505 Radiance just returned the look that The Raven gave her. "Because I say so, little birdie, because I say so. We will be meeting again." Radiance watched as Ice Breaker and The Raven left the room. Her mind instantly reflecting on the events of the evening, trying to piece together any patterns she might have missed. Any signs any clues. Dancer Anivia lead Dancer to a tavern of sorts, called the Angel's Share. Dancer grimaced as he approached the building, "it smells of vomit and fire juice, bird. Good spirits come here to die, bird, I feel it. Is this where 'Adiance is?" Anivia screeched and swooped towards the building. "Thank you, bird. Stay here, stay hidden. I do not want to spill blood in front of one as beautiful as you." Anivia hissed and dove towards Dancer's face, before pulling up at the last second. She clearly wanted to help rescue Radiance. Anivia disappeared through some nearby trees, but Dancer could still feel her eyes on him. Dancer approached the door and swung it open gently. He instantly felt out of place, the crowds, the laughter, dim lights and claustrophobia. He scanned the room for Radiance's conspicuous, jewel-studded armour. He did not see it in the room. "Nothing that needs doing is ever easy. Is tonight finally the night? I grow too old." Dancer walked towards a raised platform with chairs infront of it, and a pony behind it, with many bottles behind him. "He must hold the power here." He addressed the pony behind the counter, "I know that 'Adiance, commanding strategist of the Royal Guard, is somewhere in this building, and she is in danger. Lead me through this building, or I will lead myself. It is your choice, but I will search this building. If you have nothing to hide, and allow me to search, you have no reason to fear me. How do you respond?"

@Torrent505 Radiance listened to the Raven, full of interest. Turns out, the Raven did have a plan after all and it was an interesting one. She couldn't stop herself from raising an eyebrow when he was able to summon her dagger to kill Double Barrel. "That, that is impossible. Out of the infinite possibilities of where I could be hiding my weapons, how could he find them? It makes no sense." Radiance allowed the Raven to finish. "That certainly is an interesting plan. Until we meet again?" Radiance glanced at Ice Breaker, trying to read her thoughts, "The only living pony other than me. Her death may not have simply supported his story, or perhaps much worse. I need to watch my step around her." ---- Earlier: Anivia the falcon watched as a yellow light erupted from Radiance's light, and then she willingly disappeared with the pony thugs. She bit back the urge to screech, yellow meant danger. Remaining hidden, Anivia scanned the field before her, an internal clock clicking away within her mind. She watched as some city guard ponies approached the pub, obviously looking for something suspicious. They were rejected and turned to walk away from the building. They had no warrant, they had no search. Anivia waited in the clearing for just as long as Radiance had taught her, she wasn't sure exactly how long that was, and then began to fly towards the castle. She flew at top speed towards the castle training grounds, to the one pony Radiance knew could be trusted, the pony who needed no piece of a paper to search a building. A lone zebra sat in front of a fire pit with a dark steel blade, a cloth, a bottle of thick black liquid and a whetstone. A falcon flew through the night to land beside the zebra with a screech. The zebra, known as Dancer, slowly turned to face the bird. In a strong, foreign accent Dancer said "you are 'Adiance's bird are you not? No message. Is she in trouble, bird?" Anivia screeched. "I gather an army then?" Anivia screeched while shaking her head. "You are right. Such a thing takes too long. I go unofficially." Dancer stood up, but before he had finished the motion, his blade was dipped into a bucked of water, dried on his flank and then sheathed at his side. He dumped the water bucket on the fire, extinguishing it. He took off his emblem of office and placed it on the ground with his other items. "Show me the way, bird." Anivia took off, and began flying towards the pub, this time slower so that a pony could keep up. Dancer followed at a fast gallop. ((Dancer has been accepted by Torrent. Sorry I have been really busy, and just really wanted to get this post in. I will post a character sheet for Dancer in the OOC section as soon as possible.)