Hazard Time

Chemistry with a focus in biochemistry

lightly dusts off this thread It's been a while, hasn't it Well, not to worry. I have since graduated and am currently hunting for jobs. I should be home for the next month or two while I get my life sorted out, and will now be available to actually post in a timely manner. Cheers to everyone who's tolerated my impropriety

Ophelia was nowhere close to mad, but this stallion was becoming troublesome. Well, so long as he paid, there would be no issues. If he got rough with her sister, however, there would definitely be problems. "Of course, mister!" the empath chirped. "I guarantee that you will be satisfied with your reading, or you will get your bits back!" With that, she stepped up onto the cart and opened the door to peek inside. Her sister was right where her paramour had left her, gazing off into space with a wistful smile. "Dada!" Ophelia hissed, snapping the love-struck mare from her daydreams. "We have a customer! Rosethorn!" Dahlia immediately snapped to attention at that codeword. Her sister used it sparingly, but it always meant she would be giving a reading to a skeptic, and a vocal one at that. Her hooves were already beginning to tremble as she stumbled back behind the desk. Her nerves were still frayed from that romantic encounter barely a few minutes ago, she was not ready for this at all. "G-Good morning," she stammered, forcing herself to smile at the other pony. "Please h-have a seat. Would you l-like some tea? For this reading to be the most accurate, all p-parties should be r-relaxed and c-comfortable." ----------------------------------------- The colt put a hoof to his mouth in shock at the revelation. How could someone as sweet and kind as Dax become someone like that? He couldn't fathom it, he could only feel a deep well of pity and sorrow in his heart for the colt that had been lost, and the stallion that had replaced it. "If he were to return, though...I do not think he would be able to take the quarry back. Everypony knows who and what he is. There will be guards here the moment he is discovered!" Low grasped at straws as he tried to reassure both Beck and himself that this would never happen. How sheltered and charmed his life had been, to have a good relationship with both of his parents and never having had to risk losing everything because of politics.

Poking my head in again to say that school is wrapping up, and the heat is only increasing. I currently have two papers, a presentation, a quiz, a roleplay, and one final to worry about in the coming two weeks, and I'm going to have to focus on those for the time being. I apologize profusely that everyone in this thread constantly has to wait on me, but this is my last term before I graduate and I will be entirely free when spring break rolls around (until I get a job, that is).

This wasn't the first time Ophelia had dealt with hecklers, and it wouldn't be the last. Where her sister would have balked, she gave a courteous grin. If she needed to, she had a secret weapon up her sleeve, or should she say, under her bangs. "Welcome, mister! I'm afraid you have us very wrong. It's unfortunate that there are imitators out there who take advantage of the common pony's lack of knowledge on the subject of occult mysteries, but I have personally revealed no fewer than five. I guarantee to you that my sister and I are legitimate, and we do our best to insure that our customers receive quality readings with no corner-cutting at all! If you don't happen to be interested, then that is something I can understand, but do keep in mind that there are many ponies who are, and they are free to decide how they should spend their money. If we are not wanted, then we shall leave...as soon as our wagon is repaired, of course." The beaming smile on her face said it all. He wouldn't just toss two pretty mares right out into the dangerous wilderness, would he? ---------------------------------------------------- The noblestallion gulped as Beck went into great detail on each of the estranged Blackwater ancestors. His own family kept records of their geneology, mainly for political reasons, but he had never had a relative who was quite as bad as any of these. Then again, it did help his family was relatively young, having been made nobles only about 175 years ago. "Ex-management...does that mean...Erasmus was Luther's father?"

I'm going to have to ask you all to be patient with me this week. I have a rough draft of my term science paper that's due, so I'll be spending a bit of time on that.

@Randimaxis Better three weeks late than never, right? Sorry for the absence. Couple my lack of motivation with my schedule and it took me much longer than I would have liked to finally get a response out. This is my last term of college, and while I'm still an undergraduate, the lab I'm taking is being run like a graduate rotation, so I've been reading scientific papers, developing a hypothesis, and planning out an experiment with a group of people. I'm going to try and make sure my posts remain regular and keep you up to date if I'm unable to.

Dahlia's vocabulary wasn't enough to describe this moment. She knew what it felt like, she knew what the two of them were doing, but there was no exact way to put it. Her mind ran wild as the stallion who had so successfully wooed her gave her exactly what she wanted. Was this really what love felt like? Were they really in love? It was all happening so quickly, surely she was only giving in because she needed this as much as he said he did? The knocking on the door awoke her from her stupor. "Hey, do you two lovebirds want me to take the sign down?" "Y-...Yes! Do that!" the mare shrieked out to her sister. How long had they been sitting like this? She remembered Slapper speaking to her, but his words seemed like a distant memory. She felt mesmerized by his voice, entranced by his very presence. How could she let him go? "O-or...maybe I should get back to this...if you have places to be, that is." She pulled back to meet his gaze. A part of her wished that he did, lest the tension in her chest reach a snapping point, but the other half... "We could meet up later somewhere, if you know a place?" Low visibly recoiled at the passion in Beck's voice as he recounted the crimes of the estranged Blackwater. Multiple times, the young noblestallion gasped, shocked at the depravity of Horace. How could a pony ever do those things and not feel remorse? How could a pony be that short sighted? More so, how could others follow in his footsteps? "I am sorry if I dredged up painful memories," he muttered, his eyes shifting. "Though I am curious, I will not ask about the others you have mentioned. I wish not to sour our moods."

@Randimaxis Awesome! I'm going to try and get out a reply in the next few days. I'm starting my last term of college tomorrow, but I'm sure I could fit response in at some point.

She had expected high praise, but not of this level! Dahlia's face was beet red by the time Knee Slapper was done, her jaw hanging open. Her heart felt like it was beating out of her chest, and she felt so warm that it was a miracle she didn't burst into flames. By the time she had finally composed herself, she found herself suppressing the urge to do something very, very rash. The mare hadn't realized until now just how touch starved she was, and even the simple act of covering his hooves with her own was enough to elicit an intense, electric reaction. "Y-You have a-a way with w-w-words, Knee Slapper." Dahlia's body quaked, and she swallowed the lump in her throat. "And that a-accent, I-I-I am slain. Why m-must you hide it?" She could stand it no longer, and nearly tripped over herself as she shifted her chair over to the other side of the table. All pretenses were off as she leaned against the stallion who had so effortlessly wooed her. Was she being brash? Oh most definitely, Ophelia was bound to tease her for this to no end for all the times she had berated her sister for staying out late because of a stallion. Still, she could not begin to describe how much she wanted this, the love and affection he literally poured on her. There was no way she'd ever be able to function properly again. Meanwhile, Ophelia had her ear pressed to the side of the wagon, suppressing a giggle and only barely holding herself together. ------------------ Low hadn't expected a history lesson, but not only did he welcome it, he embraced it. His ears stood at attention as he drank up every word that Beck spoke to him. His fascination included the paintings as well, his eyes obsessing over every feature and small detail. This was what interested him: stories, how things came to be, tales of paramours brought into the light, artists making a name for themselves, mad science experiments, he ate it up like a box of chocolates. However, that painting which Beck ignored tripped the young noblestallion up. Was he not going to explain this story? How was he meant to find it out for himself? At most, the brush strokes told him the story of a foul stallion, but if he had been left up, then surely he was mistaken? "Beck?" Low inquired softly. "What of this one?"

Update here! So I got an appointment the day after my last post, and it appears to have been nothing serious. After a few days and a change in my diet, things have improved and I'm feeling well enough to write again. I'm getting out a reply as we speak.

An update to what I said before... So I'm looking to get an appointment with my doctor, because recent intestinal distress has made my life pain and drained all my passion for anything and everything creative. I'm going to be a while, sorry for the wait.

Sorry for the wait. My motivation was sapped by a double whammy of a cold and a sudden diet change that my body disagreed with, but I'll try and get a response out soonish!

Low blushed at the compliment before clearing his throat. "I was not aware of the circumstances, but I have most certainly enjoyed his friendship thus far, even if it has cost me something." "If only I did not get the feeling that I have made a powerful enemy." Low shivered, dreading the vengeance that was about to come. He could only hope that it was as private as the bucket of tomato juice above his door. If it was something more public...was it possible to die of embarrassment on the spot? He hoped that was a thing. "I-I-I would greatly appreciate that, please. Let us take the scenic route." With any luck, that would make it harder for any angry young colts to trail him. ------------------------------ "You assume that this reading applied entirely to us?" Though her voice contained the remnants of her nervousness, that was beginning to fade away as she allowed a small smile to part her lips. He might still be coming on strong, but he wasn't pressing her. If anything, she was almost starting to feel...warm? Was that the adjective to use? Perhaps it was her blood pressure, but there was no denying that she was starting to enjoy this. Did he have anything more for her? Could she get a few more of those complements? Perhaps a touch? Dahlia leaned forward, her hooves reaching towards the middle of the table. "Knee Slapper, you've barely known me for a few minutes. Just what makes you think I am beautiful and intelligent?" Please take the bait, please take the bait...

FYI, I have finals this week, not to mention I've been feeling a little under the weather, so my response may not be until Friday evening or the weekend.

You'll have to excuse me, since I usually only read the posts addressed to me and ignore the rest in order to prevent metagaming on my end. After reading it, though...it is certainly a curious occurrence.

I don't have an idea which character to have visit, but I certainly don't mind!

Slowly, the tan crystal mare began to recouperate. Her breathing resumed its calm pace, and she even closed her eyes. Dahlia wiped away the tears and gave it another few seconds before speaking in the calm, slow, monotone whisper she had before the flirtation had begun. "Please join me, Mister Slapper. Close your eyes and contemplate your question. Expand on it. Are you ready for a new partner? What characteristics do you look for in a partner? Where do you expect to meet your new partner? What do you expect of each other? What is your end goal in seeking a relationship?" She allowed those questions to gather and absorb into her client for a minute, relishing in the quiet that came over the inside of the wagon. After another minute, she allowed her eyes to slowly open, a gentle smile on her face. "You may open your eyes, Mister Slapper. Let us begin." Dahlia placed her hoof over the deck and gracefully flicked five cards out onto the table. With just a little bit of fiddling, the cards were ordered into a neat cross. Her hoof hovered over the center card, looking back up to Knee Slapper. "This card will answer the first question, evaluating your readiness for a relationship," she explained, flipping it over. On the other side was the upside down drawing of a stallion, one of a few still standing upon the remains of a battlefield, several swords cradled under a foreleg or in his mouth. "The Five of Swords, and it is upside down. This card is a reminder that we're just ponies, and we make mistakes. There are two possible interpretations to this card. What is your experience in love, if I may ask? This card could be suggesting an inability to evaluate your past mistakes, or it could suggest the opposite, that what few mistakes you've made in your past have not escaped your introspection." She gave him a minute to think and comment before hovering her hoof over the next card. "This card describes what you are looking for in a special somepony." Dahlia flipped it over, revealing a terrifying sight. A knight in black armor, striding amongst a crowd of ponies who cowered or fell at his hooves. Most terrifying of all, beneath his open-faced helmet, was nothing but a skull. "Death, upside down," she stated without any trepidation. "Death is a terrifying figure to many, but few stop to consider the necessity of it. Things come and go, some good, but also some bad. The old is pruned, and the new takes its place. However, from its position, it would indicate that you take comfort in the familiar. You may not necessarily fear those different from you, but you find attraction in those like yourself. Another interpretation could be that you do seek change, but only that which would provoke change from within. You accept the world as it is, you just have to find the right mare or stallion to help you adapt." Her hoof flipped over the third card, revealing one that was right side up this time. The drawing depicted that of an alicorn with iridescent mane, tail, and wings soaring high above the clouds, surrounded by a wreath. In each of the four corners, an intelligent race was represented: ponies, griffons, cows, and hippogriffs. "The World. In Crystal Pony myth, we are all the children of Iridia. Until Sombra usurped the throne, the royal family claimed direct lineage back to her. Though she is mainly a crystalline deity, she invites all intelligent beings to awaken the love hidden in our souls, to come together as one in friendship and harmony. Of her teachings, none is more dear than that of being honest to yourself. When you meet your love, it will be spontaneous, spur of the moment, but it will be your true self which interests them the most." Then the fourth card was flipped, revealing the upside down image of a mourning pony in black, staring out across a landscape as five chalices lay on their sides. "The Five of Chalices, upside down. There will exist emotional upheaval on one or both sides that will complicate the relationship. It is possible it will easily be conquered, but it is possible that the loss will purely be one-sided, affecting only yourself, and it will be your prerogative to overcome it." The final card was flipped, revealing a regal-looking mare upon a throne. She was surrounded by nature, no castle walls about her, a large pentacle cradled in her hooves. "The Queen of Pentacles, upside down. Traditionally, this card takes the form of a wise oracle or patron, a mare who eagerly offers her time, energy, skills, and money to better those around her. However, the position suggests a more internal approach. The focus will be more on offering everything to each other, allowing the outside world to solve its own problems." --------------------------- Low's cheeks still burned from his failure, and he was only just now starting to feel as if things were returning back to normal. Except they weren't, were they? Oglevy was mad at him. Very mad. Just how bad would the next prank be? If it was anything like the one that got him into this mess, then he might be able to survive it. The anticipation was the worst part, though. Not only did he not know what he had planned, he had no idea when it would be. The unicorn finished his breakfast soon after, turning towards Beck. His horn lit up and ran through his mane, smoothing it out as he tried to put on the air of dignity Carnelian had taught him so many times. "I am ready to leave," he announced.

She goes card by card, explaining the significance of each card, leaving the interpretation up to her client.

@Randimaxis A question I had for the next time I reply: how do you want the tarot reading to be done, all at once, or should I give you time to react to each card?

That was the straw that broke Dahlia. Her face was now quite flush and her hooves slipped, sending several tarot cards skittering across the table or onto the floor. Words failed to form in her mind or come out her mouth, so she simply let her jaw hang there. Her heart was set to beat out of her chest, and her body locked up. Suddenly, a loud banging came from outside the wagon, where Ophelia's mirthful voice resounded. "You want melted chocolate, mister? Because that's how you get melted chocolate!" That seemed to snap Dahlia out of her daze. "Sh-shut up, Oaf!" she shrieked, her voice cracking. Tears formed at the edges of her eyes as she gathered up her cards and shuffled them once more. "N-now...I can d-do that. However, we should both have clear minds coming into this, or our perceptions will be biased." ---------------- Carnelian meanwhile offered Vylia a warm smile as she finished her coffee. "I will prepare a complete list after I have had time to recuperate, my dear." With that, she wiped her muzzle with a napkin and stood up. "To do so, I must excuse myself. Mister Key may excuse himself with dignity once he finishes his breakfast." As she made her way out, she stopped next to Oglevy, glancing down at him with a smile. "It only remains mortifying so long as you consider it so," she whispered, leaving him to consider that as she left.

@Randimaxis Yup! Sorry, had an exam and a project to get out this week. I'm hoping to get my energy back for my response tonight.

That certainly got a reaction out of the mare. Dahlia's face blushed hotly as her eyes shifted nervously. She tripped over her next few words before stopping to gulp and collect herself. "O-O-Of course, Mr. Slapper. Y-Your company is appreciated." That didn't make her sound needy at all, did it? Confound it, she could never take any sort of flirting. That was her sister's forte. "That is not entirely correct," she answered. "I do not speak to them, per se. Neither do I have any control over the spirits I summon." She chuckled nervously as she shifted her eyes back to her cards. "It can be a mixed bag at times. Though they always answer every question presented to them, some answer in more mischievous or malicious ways than others. "In any case, what sort of question would you like to ask of the spirits? Something about your career? Your l-love life? Your spirituality? Perhaps the outcome of today?" Carnelian brought a hoof to her chin. "There are a number of ponies I could invite. I have multiple vassals in the Crystal Empire, on top of other obligations. My contacts in Equestria, though relatively smaller, are still nothing to scoff at. Several dukes, multiple counts, and plenty of barons, with some CEOs, fashion industry pundits, and other socialites sprinkled in for good taste. If I were to put together an estimate, I could easily put out invites for over six-hundred ponies, though I'm sure that I can prune a few of the more minor members from that list." With Oglevy entering the room and reluctantly showing off his attire, Carnelian cut her answer short to coo at the adorable sight before her. "Vylia, dear, you make me envious! If only I had more than one daughter...and cameras existed back in my day. He looks absolutely adorable!" For his part, Low was keeping his dead down and his eyes on his food. Whether or not Oglevy was doing it, he could feel the death glare burning into his flesh.

@Randimaxis Is there possibly a place I can read up more on Knee Slapper? I ask so that, assuming he's still interested, I could give some accurate answers rather than using RNG to pick a random card