private A Cultural Exchange 1x1 with Randimaxis

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

The collective family gave a mental sigh of relief as Illiad turned to face the actually responsive Blackwater. "The race? Oh, in Troy the government is run by a council of elected officials from each city in the empire, and the council is led by a Consul elected by popular vote of all the cities. Midget Hooves, a good friend of mine, is running against the current Consul Iron Hoof to be the Consul of Troy. I am in the running as his adviser or Vice-Consul. If anything were to happen to Midget before the end of his term I would step in as Consul. Generally there is an election for Consul every two years, a fairly quick turnover rate, though most consuls will last two to four terms before another gets elected, Iron is running for his fourth term now, but I think we have a good chance of winning with our inclusion-ism policies while Iron is continuing with his strong border policies." 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Vylia listened politely, yet now there was a stirring of emotion - the Blackwater matron was thinking, though deep enough to keep from betraying any emotion on the matter.  Illiad had no idea what was on her somewhat devious mind, but chances were good that it had something to do with politics... which may or may not be a good sign.

 

All the same, her charming grin became a bit more devious (and less like an act) as the Trojan spoke.

 

"Fascinating; I do say you've just jumped up a number of places on my personal interest chart, Mr. Easle - it sounds as if you're certainly a great deal more complex than Daxter led me to believe.  Mayhaps I should ask more later, hmmmm?"

 

She shrugged dismissively; she'd address it later, Illiad could be fairly certain - but for now, it was Social Time.  She cast her gaze onto Illiad's parents.

 

"So, please - I've been simply DYING to ask what little Illiad was like as a colt; personally, I think that there are possibly a few things between he and my Daxter that must be similar; they certainly DO get along well enough!  Regale me, if it wouldn't be too much to ask, about the tender years you went through with your son - what was he like?  I'm curious..."

 

Illiad had been around long enough to notice she had compared Illiad to Dax - normally it would just be a statement, but from a mare like Vylia Blackwater, it was actually high praise; as high of an opinion as she had of her family, comparing ANYPONY to them would be saying volumes for her thoughts on the subject.  

 

Illiad's parents may have found Vylia to be a somewhat unnerving and unwelcome guest, but Illiad himself was beginning to gather evidence that the Blackwater matron might actually be doing her absolute best to be cordial and friendly... yet after years of intrigue and her family's general status as social pariahs, she simply may not have known HOW.

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

It was growing quite clear to Illiad that the Blackwaters seemed to only form relationships on utility, and were thus wholly unused to the possibility of friendship beyond what they could do for them. Illiad was not impressed that it was his political standing that made her feel more highly of him and not something about him that actually mattered.

 

Mrs. Blackwater was doing herself many favors in the eyes of his parents either, it was becoming quite clear to them that this Blackwater was not one to make social visits but rather was ever on the lookout for things that could benefit her. They becan to plot as to how they could end this visit as quickly as they could.

 

Illiad decided he would speak up on the matter, looking slightly disappointing. "I'm sorry you find my political standing to be one of the more interesting things about me, I must seem very dull to you if that is the case."

 

Lyre decided she would still be civil despite not wanting to continue much further, "When he was younger he was quite wrapped up in his studies, spending most of his time either at school or at the archives, honestly we're surprised his mark wasn't more closely related to those things, though we are glad he had a talent similar to our own. He never had a whole lot of friends, but the few friends he did have were close, it was when he started to branch out a bit that the attack happened, his true friends have stayed with him, but many of the friends outside his closest circle abandoned and vilified him. I'm glad to hear that he's branching out again and I hope it doesn't lead to another social crash, especially with the election so close."

Edited March 17, 2016 by Illiad Easle

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

"The attack... yes, I'd gotten word about that.  An absolute shame that ponies put so much rotten intent toward things they don't understand, isn't it?"

 

Did Vylia just make a reference to Illiad's attack... or herself?  With the flat emotional register, there was no way to tell.

 

"Still, a true show of character is the difference between one who folds into themselves after suffering like that, and one who continues on in spite of such things... and character is key, of course."

 

The souring mood in the room was not lost on Vylia Blackwater; a look of carefully constructed disinterest began to settle onto her features, and it seemed as if she were mentally 'unplugging' from the situation.

 

"But I suppose I've taken up a fair bit of your time today - and I also suppose your family wishes to spend their own time with you, of course.  Far be it for me to keep a family separate; Mr. Easle?  You are more than welcome to visit as long as you like with them... I believe I have a few things to see to myself, at any rate.  Either come outside when you're ready, or signal to the driver for me to leave; I can send him back for you later, if you desire more palatable company."

 

She headed for the door, stopping just as she crossed the threshold.

 

"For what it's worth, you DO seem to have quite a nice little family, here.  Ta, dearies..."

 

And out she went, headed for the taxicab and climbing into the front bench seat.

 

Strangely enough, within moments there was a general feeling of surprise, then sadness, then blatant anger from outside, one after the other... and they seemed to be coming from the cab driver, who was now staring back at the house with a rather cross look on his muzzle.  Vylia, from her position in the cab, couldn't be seen.

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad ran his tongue across his teeth as he was want to do when frustrated and confused. The family collectively sighed from how awkward her parting comments were. "I should go after her, see what that was all about." He looked back towards Lyre, "This is the first time she was so emotionally nulled, I can understand how uncomfortable that must have been for you and I'm sorry."

 

Lyre waved him off, "It's not your fault, she surprised you as much as she did me. But yes, go see if you can't figure out what was going on with her."

 

Illiad moved to the door, warping the toga off of himself and neatly rolling it with his diamond as a pole. "I'll see you guys in a few months, though expect a few letters before then, Bye!" He left the house and proceeded to the carriage. Ignoring for the moment the cross expression of the taxi driver. Rather than immediately address Mrs. Blackwater he chose to look at her with a confused yet intrigued expression. There were quite a few questions he had to ask her at some point, but he wanted to see if she would offer some sort of explanation first.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

She sat rather stiffly in the front bench seat, and made a point to turn her head away when Illiad got close.

 

"Well, are we already leaving so soon?  Well, I suppose I can't say I didn't expect it - part of being a Blackwater, after all.  Well, if you're done here, then so am I - I am MORE than ready to leave, if it's all the same to you."

 

She shifted in her seat a bit.

 

"... after all, I have appointments and a schedule to keep - it wouldn't do to waste any more of my time here, I see that now.  If you're coming, then get in the cab - I'll be fine sitting up here for a bit by myself, thank you very much.  If you're done with me, that's fine too - I can send a cab for you later, and give you and your parents plenty of time together, without me here to muddle things up, as it were."

 

NOW there was an emotion slowly surfacing from the Blackwater matron...

 

Sorrow.

 

"Well?  Will you bother yourself with my presence some more, or have you had enough?"

 

The irritation in her words didn't quite match the hurt in her voice.

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad sighed as he climbed up into the carriage, this was a very delicate situation though it was clear to him that Mrs. Blackwater recognized that something wasn't right about the situation. "I'm going to be honest with you okay? And if you don't like what I have to say then I'll leave you alone. What you did in there, the full emotional withdrawal? It is a very uncomfortable thing for me to experience. Very few give off no emotional energy, the vast majority of them psychopaths and that utter lack of emotion was how you presented yourself. My family is built on emotional connection, so to have someone try to wholly remove themselves from their emotions is jarring to us."

 

He sighed, setting the rolled cloth next to him. "You may never understand what it's like to be like me, and I'm sure you had your reasons to withdraw yourself, but doing so made you seem like an outsider, makes you seem like someone who doesn't care about others. I'm sure that wasn't your intention, its just that my parents are very caring people, for someone to seem the opposite just doesn't feel right to them."

 

He was careful as he started to draw some of the sorrow away. "I'm sorry if I seem to be rambling, or if I or my family came off as judgmental towards you, it was not our intention. Can you forgive me?"

 

He hoped that the honesty in explaining their feelings on the matter as well as the apology for any misunderstandings would be enough, he didn't want her sorrow to turn to anger as she could make life very hard for his parents if she so desired.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Vylia's mood seemed to reveal itself little by little as she spoke, like someone unpacking a very thoroughly packed suitcase.  First, there was hurt...

 

"Oh, were they being judgmental?  I'd have never noticed, dearie - they seemed as if they were so VERY inviting to me; how could you say something like that?  After all, I invited YOU to t-... luncheon with Oglevy and I, didn't I?  But of course, after Daxter had told me about how your family actually lived there, it would be normally proper to return the favor... but I chose not to judge you in that manner, Mr. Easle."

 

... anger...

 

"I mean, after all - I'm a Blackwater!  That instantly gives credence to the idea that I am a sleazy, low-lifed individual who is always out for her own benefit, isn't that correct?  I am COMPLETELY aware of what is said about myself and my husband and children; after spending time in our company, I'm SURE you can see that all the rumours about us are completely and totally confirmed, aren't they?"

 

... shame...

 

"I mean, there's HARDLY a reason for me to actually make a pass at trying to be cordial when there's no point in it whatsoever - simply a waste of my time, that's all.  Nothing to cry over, I assure you... this is simply... a reaction to some of the flora around here, perhaps - I'll have to avoid this area in the future; good news for your family, no doubt."

 

... loneliness...

 

"I should stop fooling myself, anyhow - from what I had seen of the friendship between yourself and my Daxter, I had thought that perhaps... well, it may sound silly, but I thought I should try my hoof at it... and what better chance than the family of somepony who actually HAD become a friend of a Blackwater, hmmm?  Mayhaps I meant to... well... no.  Never mind; it was a passing fancy, nothing more.  Not a mistake I wish to make YET again."

 

... and more pain.

 

"Besides, who was I trying to kid?  Myself?"  The melodious laugh came again, but this time it had a sarcastic and almost mean sound to it.  "I simply should have known better, is all.  Well, lesson learned."

 

She gave a sharp sigh.

 

"I suppose I don't mind YOUR company so much, Mr. Easle; YOU are forgiven, though for what, I'm still not certain."

 

She sat there, forehooves crossed, looking out the window.  

 

The cabbie had been glaring at Illiad, but after the unicorn apologized, his mood lightened up.  Now he was dutifully staying out of the conversation; Illiad could feel the earth pony's unease at having heard what he had heard.

 

"Driver?  The next stop, please."

 

Without a word, the cabbie began moving, and they went along their way, Illiad's home behind them looking kind and inviting... yet perhaps not so for everypony, after all.

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad grimaced ever so slightly, this mare was a mess to be honest, but hopefully a mess he could help. He sighed as he thought of how to best phrase what he would say next. "I'm going to be honest again. Whether you intended to or not, by withholding your emotions you made it seem as though you couldn't care less about how they felt. If you are going to make friends, to shake off the Blackwater stigma, you're going to have to care about others, to show that you care. I know how hard it can be to put yourself in a situation where you are vulnerable, but that's how you make connections with others."

 

Illiad sighed as he looked about the carriage awkwardly. "It's funny actually, Daxter talked to me about pretty much the same thing, asking whether he'd ever be more than just another Blackwater. I told him he could change the opinion with effort, he could rise above and show the world that he wasn't like the rest. I think you can do it too, be more than just a Blackwater, show the world that you are better than the old ones, care about creatures and show them that they're wrong for thinking you just another Blackwater. It will certainly be difficult, but I believe in you. If you open yourself up a bit, then others will see the caring pony I have seen, and they will believe in you too."

 

Illiad looked back towards his house as it shrank into the distance, "If you don't mind me asking, why did you withdraw yourself emotionally?"

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

It was quiet for a moment or two, only the general sounds of the city around them and the clippety-clop of the cabbie's hooves.  After unpacking her 'emotional baggage', she was emoting again... and it felt a lot like Dax's 'Pink-Slip' mood.

 

"Two reasons."

 

She spoke out of the blue, answering his question.

 

"First and foremost, I had gained information on Empathics and what was known about their abilities; I had assumed that showing any... eagerness on my part would make things worse.  So, I merely went into my 'socialite' state of mind - I had thought to open up as conversation progressed.  Your speaking of the political race caught my interest, so I made a remark upon it - merely making conversation, mind you - and I could almost feel the distaste coming from them.  I feel it from everypony, Mr. Easle; and this experience has shown me that even those who have nothing to do with society instantly think the worst of me."

 

"Don't think I didn't catch your mother's back-hoofed turn-of-phrase, either.  I hope it doesn't lead to another SOCIAL CRASH... no, nothing to worry about there; after today, I won't sully you with my presence again.  I'll simply step aside and allow you and Daxter to have a friendship... he does need it.  I, however, apparently should have no need to socialize - after all, I have my husband and my darling children."

 

She sniffled softly, once.

 

"Same as it ever was."

 

Then, her mood took an odd, sympathetic turn for a moment.

 

"The second reason was to see who would react to my lack of an emotional state the most - and your Mother won, hooves down.  SHE'S the one you got it from, hmm?  Well, no worries - I've no want to cause any more trouble for you OR her in that sense; her secret is safe with me, I assure you... of course, that WOULD mean having to trust me, wouldn't it?"

 

She finally turned to look at Illiad, and it was obvious she had been crying; her eyes were puffy, and the kerchief in her other hoof was noticeably moist.  She looked somewhere between frustrated and depressed, and her mood confirmed both.

 

"So you don't like me, I can deal with that... but you WILL have to trust me, won't you?"

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

"I must say I am quite impressed by your deductions, you are the first to have ever found out her secret. On the other hoof, for as perceptive as you are you saw the whole thing from a filtered point of view. My mom is not subtle with her words, if she didn't like you she'd tell you, you just made her very uncomfortable with the lack of emotion. You assumed they wouldn't like you so that's how you interpreted what you saw, we were actually really hoping you would enter the conversation, but when you did we were disappointed that you engaged us with only your words and not your emotions, making your words empty and making it seem like you didn't really care about what you were talking about. Even now I can tell you for certain that they simply find you odd and the situation awkward, but they don't think ill of you, if you opened up to them they'd probably come to respect you in the same way I do, they may even be happy to call you their friend one day if you're willing to feel around them." 

 

He felt inclined to give a physical gesture of comfort but decided against it as it would not be appropriate. "I respect you Mrs. Blackwater, you are a good pony and you care deeply about your family. I trust you wholeheartedly at this point. Think about what I've said, you don't have to be just another Blackwater."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

She was quiet for a long time.

 

The carriage rolled on, making its way through the streets of Canterlot as simply as a taxicab can.  The day was getting truly started, and there were a number of ponies out and about, talking or travelling, arguing or smiling, even a jogger.  The sunshine was warm and bright, and the pure beauty of the place came through.  It was a day to be outdoors, and to love being alive and happy.

 

And Vylia Blackwater was miserable.

 

She sat back against the seat, gazing out the window and lost in thought.  Illiad could feel her literally peeling back each layer of her mood and settling with it, though how couldn't be said, until she simply seemed sad.  However, as their trip progressed, she seemed to naturally begin adjusting her poise and posture to more befit somepony of a higher station.  Eventually, she was sitting as she was when he had first entered the carriage.

 

Her mood, however, had gone from black to simply dim, so it was a sort of improvement.  

 

The carriage stopped at a curbside cab stand, and the driver looked back.

 

"Ma'am?  This is where ya said ta go to."

 

Vylia blinked, then turned to Illiad.  "I shall only be a moment, then we have something to discuss, you and I.  Until then, feel free to order what you wish from the cart - my fare, my treat.  Please stay put until I return."

 

She didn't even look as though she'd been crying anymore; it was beginning to show that where others might have seen a cold and mean-spirited mare, Illiad could now see she was a lonely social outcast - ironically, much like her son Dax.

 

She stepped daintily from the cab, and made her way safely across the street and into a small cafe.

 

The driver made small-talk with the mare running the straw dog stand; he was flirting, she was teasingly shutting him down - the two of them were rather taken with each other, emotionally.  Illiad could feel the warmth of budding love there, even if they seemed like they were just messing with each other.

 

After about twenty minutes, Vylia left the cafe, came back to the cab, and sat down once more.  She had a large tan envelope in a fine leather satchel that she had not had earlier when she left.

 

"Driver?"

 

The cabbie looked back, nodded, said his goodbyes to his sweetheart, which she rebuked (while her heart secretly fluttered).  He then turned and made his way back onto the road, heading east.  Vylia, in the meantime, looked at the envelope with something between curiosity and a sense of... dread?... that wasn't easily discernible.

 

"Now, Mr. Easle... a question for you: what are your feelings on the subject matter of those who scarred you?"

 

Though her sad mood was still present, something in her seemed to slide into a much... darker... shade.

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

While it wasn't quite the improvement he was hoping for, it was a start. Hopefully a step in the right direction for her. He kept his hooves off the budding love, it was a complicated thing and he was no Cadence, there was a reason love was her talent.

 

He was surprised at the new line of questioning when Mrs. Blackwater returned. "I suppose I've made my peace with the incident, I wish them nothing but the justice they deserve. I don't really like to think about it and would really rather forget if I could, in a way the scars hinder me in making friends in a way you might understand, it's a constant reminder that there are few I can really trust with a secret, and that bigotry can often overcome even the bonds of friendship." 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Vylia nodded, as if she had expected this answer.

 

"Of course, it's quite understandable that you've made peace with the incident; you'd have to, wouldn't you?  I mean, there's not much in the way of justice over things such as that, is there?"

 

She turned her full gaze on him.

 

"But, you've settled with it because there is no way of getting justice available to you, is there?  Well, there is for ME, Illiad Easle."

 

She gestured at the envelope.

 

"On a sheet of paper inside that envelope are the names, occupations and home addresses of three of those involved in that incident that scarred you.  I had this information collected the very day I heard of the incident, and here are the fruits of that labor.  I have not seen them, nor do I wish to..."

 

She looked seriously at Illiad.

 

"But, if you feel the need for justice, I can have these names searched for and every last little secret about them discovered - and then, released to whomever you wish; the proper authorities, rivals, newspapers... whatever you wish.  However, I also offer to take this envelope and destroy it completely, forever shutting the doors on this incident and any form of justice that might be had from it."

 

She looked back out of the window.

 

"I leave the decision in your hooves, Mr. Easle; I offer you this as my stunted, skewed version of a present to you - because I do NOT suffer those who harm my children... and I won't abide by those who harm my Daxter's friends, either.  But it's your call."

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

"I..." Illiad wasn't too surprised, in a way he had seen something of the sort coming, he was just glad that she hadn't done anything to them yet. "I'm honored that you would do this for me. Turn it over to the authorities, maybe something will come of it and maybe it won't. I don't really mind either way but it would be good to see them get the justice that;s been coming for them for so long." 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Vylia looked a bit surprised at Illiad's decision, but she nodded.

 

"Very well - it shall go directly to the Canterlot Police Station, as you have asked."

 

Without another word about it, she put the letter and satchel away under the seat.

 

"Now, I did have a few more stops in mind, but... well, with the incident involving your parents, I'm certain you'd rather be back with Daxter, wouldn't you?  I would understand, of course... but, well..."

 

She sort of looked over her shoulder at him; it was a saucy look, but there was no flirtatious intention whatsoever - though there was a longing there.

 

"... I... admittedly... don't truly get the chance to simply... talk... very often.  Especially not in company I actually think well of... and I DO think well of you, Mr. Easle - I decided to entrust you with my child when you made him return to the table instead of merely ditching Oglevy and I at luncheon."

 

She grinned a bit at that.  "A Mother's ears are sharper than a griffon's claws, you know."

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

"Which is why one should always act as if their mother could hear them, if you would like me to remain with you then I shall, I would love to help you in any way I can whether it be with actual errands or with situations similar to the one with my parents. It's a small thing on my part but I feel I must repay you for your generous hospitality thus far." Illiad was glad to see an improvement in Mrs' Blackwater's disposition, it would be slightly awkward to be a friend of Dax and his mom, but he supposed it wouldn't be too bad.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

"Well... that's... that's quite gentlecoltly of you; I believe I shall take you up on your kind offer."

 

Physically, she straightened up in her seat a bit more and adjusted her gold-silk bow with a hoof - not much of a sign of anything.  Beneath the cool and careful demeanor, though, was a wave of relief, a hooful of gratitude... and a touch of happiness.  

 

"Now, there are a few shops on my list today; since you'll be assisting me, you shall have a new outfit for doing such and NO, I shall NOT take 'no' for an answer!  After which, we can stop at a small cafe I know of with outdoor tables - such a beautiful day, it makes me think of going on a picnic!" 

 

Didn't Dax say something about a picnic?

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

The thought of a picnic was familiar to him, perhaps Dax had suggested it but he couldn't clearly remember the circumstances. He was glad that her mood was continually improving, it was always good when he could brighten someone's day. "Alright then, I can accept a new outfit only if I have a say in how it looks when it's done. That said, where do you have on your list of places to be?" 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Vylia smirked.

 

"Very well - you aren't a child, so you are QUITE welcome to define our own tastes.  Besides - I am simply DYING to see what kind of fashion sense you have!"

 

Her mood was certainly on an uphill bend; there was another touch of Dax in her, as her excitement grew... yet she kept herself well-composed and calm, unlike her son.

 

"As far as where we shall be headed, I have a few things to accomplish.  We are currently headed to the Chanteuse Curio Shoppe, where I have an order waiting for me to pick up... then, on to Gilded Gables where I have a few outfits that need to also be picked up... after such, there's a bit of... business... that I have to attend to... after such, it shall be a quick stop at the Post Office and the Police Station.  From there, we shall have lunch, then return home.  I do hope that isn't TOO much for you to accompany me on?"

 

Though her body language said she didn't seem to care one way or the other, Illiad could feel her gathering up hope for him to agree.  It was beginning to seem like maybe NONE of the Blackwater family had any friends to speak of; if that was the case, then the Empathic may have to consider the possibility that he might end up befriending the entire lot of them if he wasn't careful!

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad found it somewhat saddening that he might be the only friend these ponies had, but if there was a bright side to this maybe then they'd take his advice and make more friends, though he found the thought of Mr. Blackwater taking the vice grip off his emotions unlikely, when he did the backflow would likely not be a pretty sight. He nodded at Mrs Blackwater's comments, "That sounds like a reasonable amount of things to do before lunch. this shouldn't take too long at all actually and it is a wonderful day outside." 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

An actual sweet smile crossed Vylia's face AND heart... and in that moment, Illiad could see how really pretty she could be; not in a sensually attractive manner, but in  a more innocent vein - not showgirl beauty, but laughing child beauty.  Though she certainly did have both, in her own way... but now, she had a streak of joy running through her emotional signature, which was refreshing in its' vigor... but not wild and free, like her son's.

 

"Thank you, Mr. E-... Illiad.  I appreciate that FAR more than you know."

 

She then cleared her throat, and said, "Driver!  Onward to the Curio Shoppe, and I'll DOUBLE your pay if we arrive there tout-suite!"  The driver glance back over his flank at her with a confused look on his face.  "Toot-what?"  Vylia giggled pleasantly.  "Pick up the pace, good sir!"  The driver did a VERY quick calculation in his head about how much 'double' would mean... and then, they were off.

 

The Chanteuse Curio Shoppe was actually a fancy word for an antique store, but a rich-blooded one.  Though, glancing through the items for sale, there were a number of them that were impressively old and quite lovely.  The prices were high, but not unreasonably so, considering the value of some of the things sold there.  

 

That was where Vylia picked up a lovely carved rosewood Cuckoo Clock... with a HEFTY pricetag that Illiad saw in passing; if Vylia was buying things like this, how much wealth did she truly have access to?  She had it giftwrapped in silver paper, with a purple bow.  She slid it into the storage rack on top of the taxicab, and off they went yet again.

 

The next stop was at the fine clothing shop, Gilded Gables.  Inside, three very nervous-looking tailors tended to Vylia Blackwater's every request with gusto; they took measurements of Illiad, and after a bit of choosing, they wrapped his new outfit up for him.  

 

(You can mention later what he got.)

 

All the while, the Blackwater matron spoke about a number of things... yet inside, she was simply happy to have company who didn't judge her.  Her talking seemed to be her way of giving herself an air of comfort and even a sort of regality; yet even she gave Illiad time to speak, listening and asking fair and intelligent questions.

 

The next place the cab stopped was outside of a small park, where Vylia promised "I'll just be two shakes, dearie," before walking off to a bench where she sat, seeming to be simply biding her time.  Almost instantly, another mare strolled up and took a seat, adjusting her headphones a bit and taking a rest from jogging, or so her outfit would lead one to assume... but Illiad, being from a place where heat meant sweat, saw not a drop on the jogger.

 

The two seemed to casually exchange words, then laughed together as the jogger stood up, waved, and went about her merry way... however, the envelope she'd left behind on the bench vanished into Vylia's hooves and under her wing in a flash.  She then stood herself, and came back to the cab.  The whole thing had taken about seven minutes.

 

After getting the driver moving again, she slid the envelope out from her wing and under her seat, with the rest of her things.  She smiled at Illiad; it didn't seem as if the envelope had a single thing to do with him.

 

The post office is where they went next, and Vylia ended up having an envelope to send herself.  When she returned to the cab, she explained, "I DO understand that Taps is a very capable Pony Express mare... but she often seems to know more than she lets on - so my more delicate communications, I send directly; I want to know for sure if she's reading the mail before I even begin to accuse her of such."

 

The police station was next, and Vylia presented what she had to a somewhat bewildered detective stallion who stood there looking at it and scratching his head as Vylia and Illiad left.  Back in the cab once more, she turned to face Illiad.

 

"So, what sort of cuisine would you care to sample, hmmmm?  Name it, and we shall be there!"

 

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

The joy was refreshing, but the sudden use of his name informally was a surprise, it looked like he was going to have to remember her first name now too, though he thought it fairly awkward to do so now.

 

He wondered who the clock could be for for her to have had it wrapped, given the price and the fact that she seemed to otherwise have no friends there were very few it could be meant for. Did it happen to be Mr. Blackwater's birthday soon? That would certainly explain the situation.

 

The tailor was, in short, an uncomfortable experience for Illiad. He had forgotten since he was last measured in this way how invasive it was, the Trojan Toga needed only three measurements and none of them were particularly awkward to measure. (Illiad was secretly very ticklish, especially on his chest between his forelegs but he wasn't about to tell anyone that.) But in the end he had a very nice suit, one he could wear to formal occasions outside of the Trojan sands if the occasion ever occurred.

 

Illiad was glad that she had started to care about what he had to say in an informal sort rather than in an investigatory route, though he didn't doubt that there was a bit ulterior to her questions, some hidden secret she hoped he would spill. But he couldn't see anything yet.

 

The encounter at the park was quite odd to him, first of all because very few Canterlot nobles would dare to exercise in public, they would all have the public believe they were born with perfect forms and never had to worry about their figure while they exercised in exclusive secret gyms. In addition, this seemed quite staged, a clear passing of secrets to anyone looking closely but a casual meeting to anyone else. He wondered what was in the envelope that was so important it could not be mailed.

 

Illiad thought it silly that Mrs. Blackwater trusted the Equestrian Mail service over a Pony Express employee, it seemed paranoid but somewhat justified.

 

Illiad thought for a moment what he could be hungry for, he didn't want to seem low class by requesting commoner fare but he also was not entirely fond of the high class cuisine so prevalent in Canterlot. "I would request typical Trojan dining but I know from experience that that can't be found her at any decent quality. A certain dish does come to mind though if you know a place that serves griffons, I've found the vegetation version of their Chicken Divine to be quite delicious. Though I understand if griffon cuisine would be an impossibility here."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

She looked thoughtful, but after a moment, she smiled broadly.

 

"There... may... be hope yet.  I know a few griffons, and I'm certain I could have something arranged - it would mean a bit of work, but I do believe the results would be worth the trouble.  Very well, I shall do exactly that!  Driver?"

 

He cast a glance over his flank.  "Yes ma'am?"

 

"Driver, would you be so kind as to make a stop over at the Buck & Wing, please?"

 

"Sure thing, ma'am."

 

Vylia sat back and gave a sigh, while emotionally he could feel her dulling, dimming, then completely blanking her feelings again; apparently, this simply WAS how she dealt in public, though it was still somewhat creepy.

 

As they passed the Post Office again, Illiad caught sight of two guardstallions, escorting a very angry-looking pony to a paddy-wagon in chains.  Vylia looked out of the window at this, and laughed merrily.

 

"And so the rat falls into the trap!  I must admit, I didn't think I would actually SEE the fruits of my labour - but this is WONDERFUL!  Let this be a lesson to them; Vylia Blackwater isn't as foolish as they think, mmm?"

 

She laughed until the paddy-wagon was out of eyesight.

 

The Buck & Wing was actually a rather high-class restaurant, and had a reputation for being THE place to go for some of the finest dishes Canterlot had to offer to the non-elite masses.  Vylia had the driver pull up to the curb, then excused herself for a moment as she stepped out to speak to the doorpony.  After a bit of a conversation, she went inside.

 

For a few minutes, Illiad and the driver simply sat there.  The cabbie felt a bit uneasy, simply standing there, but he didn't complain.

 

After a moment, Vylia came back out of the restaurant... and the moment she got into the cab, the Trojan could feel her trying to hide what felt like shame; she simply smiled at Illiad and said, "Well, we will have to wait a bit, but it shall be inbound momentarily!  Driver, if you would be so kid as to bring us to the rear alleyway, please?"

 

He gave her a strange look, but he complied.

 

As they settled in behind the building, Vylia was feeling a bit of discomfort and still more shame, but she showed no outward sign of such.  She smiled at her guest.

 

"They're rather busy today, but I know a few ponies who owe me a favor or two - it'll only be a moment.  So, what shall we chat about?"

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad wondered what was going on with the angry pony, he wasn't sure if it was one of the ones from the attack or the result of some personal vendetta that Mrs. Blackwater had. But he wasn't about to ask about it even if he was curious. 

 

Illiad looked around the building before responding, "Nice place this, I don't think I've been here before." He wasn't about to address her shame in a way that eavesdroppers would discover he was empathic. "If I might ask, why the rear alleyway? If you're trying to keep me out of the public eye I appreciate it but am unsure as to whether it is really necessary." Perhaps if he could discover the source of her shame he could help clear it up.