Ask a Crystal Noble

[Hazard Time 1,127]

 

"Hello, dears.  Please, have a seat and a cup of tea.  Only one biscuit per pony, however.  Anymore and you will be removed.  

 

"Anyway, on to the pleasantries.  I'm sure you have questions."

[powerpuff-tsubasa 448]

hi. i just wanna learn more about u, so tell me the shows off the list u heard or never heard before

 

1) code lyoko

2) madeline

3) liberty's kids

4) totally spies

5) powerpuff girls

6) ed edd n eddy

7) courage the cowardly dog

8) codename kids next door

9) magic school bus

10) strawberry shortcake (2003 series)

11) clifford the big red dog

12) super mario cartoon series

13) curious george

14) cardcaptor sakura/tsubasa chronicles

15) berenstain bears (2003 series)

16) avatar the last airbender and legend of korra

17) adventures from the book of virtues

18) teen titans

19) sagwa the chinese siamese cat

20) MLP (reason why im here)

21) TMNT (2003 series)

22) sabrina cartoon series

23) anne of green gables animated series

24) arthur

25) samurai jack

26) WITCH

 

my least favorite out of these is WITCH. Whats urs?

[Hazard Time 1,127]

@@LotusPeony

 

 

"Foals' animation?  Do you honestly believe that I, a grown mare, would watch anything from that list?

 

"Though I did try once.  I lasted a whole of one minute before I turned it off.  Mindless drivel.

 

"I fear for this latest generation of Equestrian foals, and any adult pony who still enjoys this filth should be committed."

Edited June 19, 2016 by hazardtime

[BabylonSister 218]

(Lol i think you scared them away XD)

 

So, Baroness Clout, When you fancy a special stallion or mare, whatever floats your boat; How do you go about courtship? Do you like to pursue or be pursued? Or perhaps you enjoy a coy dance around the topic...?

[Hazard Time 1,127]

(Lol i think you scared them away XD)

 

So, Baroness Clout, When you fancy a special stallion or mare, whatever floats your boat; How do you go about courtship? Do you like to pursue or be pursued? Or perhaps you enjoy a coy dance around the topic...?

 

 

"Oh my, this was getting quite dusty, wasn't it?"

 

"As for your question, the short answer is that I enjoy the thrill of being pursued.  It's the most exhilarating game imaginable, and I've played it enough times to be considered a master.  There is an art to seduction, and it's more subtle than simply approaching your object and stating your intentions.  No, that'll get you maybe one night, but that's never satisfying.  I don't want them to just want me, anypony can do that with little effort.  I want them to need me."

 

"For example, imagine a lone stallion at a soiree.  Either he came with no friends or his friends abandoned him to pursue their own pleasures and he now finds himself by the refreshments, casting wayward glances at all the mares that pass by, hoping that one of them would grant this poor soul their attention.

 

"But lo, what do his eyes behold?  The most beautiful mare in attendance, resplendent in a well-fitted silver dress that sparkles and glistens like her coat, approaches him and asks him for a drink.  His mind is in a panic, desperate to remain calm as he pours her a glass of champagne.  He holds it out to her, his hoof leaving enough room so that she doesn't have to touch him.  Once more, he is surprised as her hoof caresses over his on its way to the stem.  His eyes go to hers, questioning.  She returns the look with a piercing stare, a twinkle of interest in her eyes.  He begins to sweat, giggling nervously.

 

"The courtship continues for hours.  She rarely speaks a word, allowing the stallion to have the floor for as long as he wants.  With every new topic he broaches, she smiles and draws closer.  He never realized how interesting he was up until that point.  His confidence builds and builds, and before he knows it, this mare knows nearly everything about him.  Suddenly, it dawns on him that he knows nothing about her.  Just as he's about to ask about her, she remembers that she was expected somewhere, and hurriedly exits before he can even say goodbye.  

 

"That's when the fun truly begins, watching and waiting to see what lengths he goes to in order to see her again.  That mare at the party, the one mare who showed genuine interest in him, becomes his white stag, a prize that he cannot allow to slip away like the others.  The hunt begins, and he won't rest until he's found his quarry.

 

"Meanwhile, I've done the same thing to at least a half dozen other stallions, all of whom are tearing the land apart looking for me.  As I pop another bonbon in my mouth and wash it down with a glass of wine, I amuse myself with thoughts of them dueling each other to the death in my honor.  It wouldn't require too much on my end."

[Mickey Taker 347]

@@Hazard Time

 

*Mutters to himself* "Short Answer my foot."

 

*Clears his throat thoroughly, he approaches you and tips his top hat politely*

 

"So, you like to treat the lower classes or the down trotten as your own personal "playthings", if I may be so bold Madam, where there any occasions where your courtship backfired?"

 

*A small smirk appears in the corner of his beak* "No pony is truly perfect after all."

[Hazard Time 1,127]

@@Golbez

 

 

"Some ponies are!  I know when to pick my battles, how to sniff out the weak and desperate, just what gets their mind hooked.  I've been doing this for four-...a very long time, and I have become exceedingly efficient at it."

 

For a moment, her smug grin held.  Then, her eyelid began to twitch, her smile turned into a grit, and her brow furrowed.

 

 

"Oh fine!  I made one mistake.  One!  I got cocky, arrogant, I thought I could seduce any pony I pleased, and that I knew it all!  You know who it was?  Do you want to guess the name of the stallion who humbled me to my core?!

 

"Sombra."

 

"Surprised?  I hope not.  His fate was too good for that bastard.  I did everything right!  I had him!  I had him wrapped around my hoof!  If I hadn't waited until I was sure I had his complete trust, he would be dead and I would be queen!

 

"But he was deceiving me the whole time.  Just when I thought I had consummated our relationship and cemented myself at his side, he turned on me.  That whole time, he was playing me like a damn flugelhorn, and I was too blinded by my own ego to see it myself.  Not only did he defeat me, he defeated me at my own game, and he never let me forget that.

 

 

"He stripped me of my title and made my official styling 'Whore'.  My dignity, my nobility, even my respect, he took everything from me.  I still...hear their laughter, the entire court bursting with mirth whenever I was announced.

 

The baroness sniffed and dabbed at her eyes with a kerchief.  Taking a deep breath, her sadness left her, replaced by determination.

 

 

"But those days are over.  The king is dead, replaced by another foreigner who knows nothing of our customs.  Exactly what has she done to deserve that crown upon her head?  She knows just as much about politics as her husband knows about masculinity, and what of I?!  I have existed on this pitiful, wretched planet for fifty-five damn years, and what do I have to show for it?  

 

"Two barely productive gem mines, several dead bodies, and dozens of notches across my vanity desk.  No, I will NOT die like this.  I will NOT die a baroness!  I am Carnelian Clout apo Koroundio, and I will.  Have.  My throne!"

 

The noblemare cleared her throat, running a hoof through her mane as she closed her eyes, a slight blush forming on her cheeks.

 

 

"You have your answer.  Now get out."

[Mickey Taker 347]

@@Hazard Time

 

With her back turned to him, the griffon merely lowers his head down, saddened yet humbled on her response.

He removes his hat and holds it to his chest and nods slowly before making his way towards the door,

The griffon opens it, but stops....his claw taps on the door frame as he looks over his shoulder back at the Baroness,

Being a gentle-griffon, he was hesitant to just leave the mare all on her own like that, he frowns as he thinks for a moment before speaking again.

 

"If the Crystal Empire now holds very little for you, why stay? Is it not worth considering to just cut your losses and start anew someplace else?"

 

He closes the door without going through it, he doesn't dare approach her but simply turns himself towards her direction.

 

Canterlot would be a fair alternative, granted it wouldn't be as "divine" as the Crystal Empire but the city is quite literally overflowing with ponies who think they know better, and a lady of your..."talents" shouldn't find it at all difficult to ascend the social ladder, would it?"

 

He dares himself to only take a few steps forward, a slight smirk appearing again on his beak, "It would be as if you appeared out of thin air."

[Hazard Time 1,127]

@@Golbez

 

 

"The Crystal Empire now holds--What?!  When did I ever say that?!

 

"The Crystal Empire is my home, my base of power, and always has been.  Why would I ever want to move away?  I do have several vacation manors outside of the Crystal Empire, including one in northern Prance, but that is what they are and what they will stay.  What makes you think that I want to live the rest of my life off the grid?  When I die, it will be with glorious fanfare, a 21 cannon salute, and a crown upon my head.  Ponies will remember me, whether it be out of envy or hatred I could care less.

 

"And you act like I've never been to Canterlot.  I've been there multiple times, in fact.  I've shaken hooves with Celestia, dined with Luna, shared gossip with Fancypants! By Iridia, Blueblood and I know each other by pet names!  You haven't the slightest idea of whom you talk to, griffin."

[Ashen Pathfinder 16,161]

@@Hazard Time

 

 

A purple unicorn mare approaches and bows slightly out of respect. "I am honored to meet a pony of your caliber, Baroness Clout," she says with a smile as she raises her head. "I am Stargazer; a teacher of foals before Sombra's rise to power, and now live in a small town near Baltimare. I actually do remember your name from those days long ago, but sadly I never met you. While I understand it may not be to your preferences would you like to visit the more rural areas of Equestria? I would love to show you around the museum where I work if you would be interested."

 

She straightened her glasses as she finished; not wanting to look to frazzled while speaking to nobility.

[Hazard Time 1,127]

@

 

 

"Addressing me with the proper respect for my status?  I like you, Miss Stargazer.

 

"A teacher is a noble profession, and I congratulate you on your work attempting to bring education to the common masses.  However, I will have to decline your offer.  My schedule has recently filled up, and I have no time for non-essential excursions.  Your offer is most pleasant, however."

Edited August 5, 2016 by Hazard Time

[Dust and Memories 557]

@@Hazard Time

 

A pony passes into the room; a slightly-built, blue-coated stallion. Wilhelm brushes some of his mane out of his eyes and adjusts his glasses before sketching a bow in the air, one of minimum formality but not quite enough for Carnelian to take offense at.

 

His lips twitch in a small, sardonic smile as he asks a relatively simple question.

 

Relatively.

 

"So, Baroness... what, exactly, does it feel like to have no soul?"

Wilhelm forestalls objection with an upraised hoof, and takes a sip of tea. "Do not ask me how I know, Madame. It is my business to know things." Finally, he sits down with as insouciant an air as could be permitted in the presence of a nominal superior.

 

Perhaps Carnelian would know Wilhelm, or know what the understated symbols of rank glittering at his lapels mean. Perhaps, she might even believe him.

 

"Either way, Baroness..." He cocked one eyebrow. "I would find such information most useful in my... research." Wilhelm rolled the word around his mouth like a sip of fine Bitalian wine, savoring the taste, and his lips quirked upwards just slightly more.

Edited August 10, 2016 by Orion Caelum

[Hazard Time 1,127]

@@Orion Caelum

 

 

"Remind me to ask you later how you learned of this.  I may have need to hire a 'plumber' soon.

 

"But to answer your question, there is no sensation of being soulless.  There are simply effects, which I would divide into two categories: contractual effects and side effects.  The former are the actual powers which you traded your soul for.  In my family's case, it is charisma, beauty, and aimaturgy.

 

"The side effects, on the other hoof, are a general symptom of soullessness.  Besides being the immortal self, the soul also represents one's moral compass.  Without it, one comes to realize that morality is a construct of ponykind, a way for the simple-minded to bring a sense of order to their world.  The concepts of Good and Evil no longer hold the weight they once did, and you are left to pursue your own destiny, unburdened by guilt.  

 

"However, it is a hard and often vain life living on the edge, straddling the line between Good and Evil.  I've found out it's much easier to give into temptation; after all, why swim away from the current when you could be enjoying the ride?  Of course, being soulless, the temptation to fall into sin is much, much stronger, and it takes much too much willpower to resist becoming an avatar of a sin appropriate to your personality.   For example, my son, Soft Zoisite, is a shut-in, and so is Sloth Incarnate.  My daughter is incredibly passionate and driven, and while I'm sure she is still fighting it, she will inevitably become Wrath Incarnate.  As for me..."

 

 

"I have become Lust Incarnate."

Edited August 10, 2016 by Hazard Time

[Dust and Memories 557]

@@Hazard Time

 

Wilhelm twirls a pencil in one curled wing before placing it behind his ear. "Well, then. Lust Incarnate?" He examines Carnelian clinically, as if she was a particularly interesting equation. "Your data will be useful, and you can expect the basic decency of condition of anonymity." He takes another sip of tea, and peers at a watch on his left foreleg. "Well, I do have time for one more question before I must return to my less... ah, metaphysical work."

 

"Why would you have children, knowing that regardless of their choices, their souls would be taken upon birth in any case? Does your foal not have the right to choose their own fate... or do you believe that they would become grateful for your daemonic powers in time?" Wilhelm paused for a moment, then continued. "And, madame, I don't have any problems with my plumbing. Nor, I doubt, do you." His smile looked like a crescent moon; sharp, thin, and cold. 

[Hazard Time 1,127]

@@Orion Caelum

 

 

"Do you honestly believe that I wanted foals?  If I had the choice, I would never have chained myself into a loveless marriage.

 

"But I didn't have that choice.  It was either wear a ring about my neck and let some stallion fill me with his heirs, or my parents would disown me.  Bastards.  I'm so glad they're all gone.

 

 

"As for Zoisite and Ametrine, why should I care what they think?  My parents put me through Tartarus, and it made me stronger.  Why should I give them a choice I never had when they would NEVER know the pain I felt, the torment I endured, when I was provided with the illusion of free will only for it to be taken away the moment I resisted their commands?!  They want to be their own masters?  Then let them come and show me that they're stronger, that they have the guts to take what they want, do what they want, and be what they want!  I will be waiting here, ready to beat both of them within an inch of their life!  Maybe then they'll understand the lessons I tried to teach them: that free will is a privilege and that it is the prerogative of the strong to rule and lord over the weak!  

 

"I will make them see true power, and they will learn!"

Edited August 11, 2016 by Hazard Time

[Mickey Taker 347]

@@Hazard Time

 

Why shouldn't you? Well for one thing we don't live in the bloody Dark ages anymore!

 

I honestly do feel for you, Madam Clout, nopony should have had to go through what you've had to endure.

However,I believe I might have sussed you.

 

I believe what you are and what you represent are the remnants of a long forgotten dark past that should remain lost and forgotten, for the sake of Equestria, you are tainted from him after all.

 

Times have changed of course, and nopony is not worth redemption so long as they are willing, anypony would be willing to help you open that door for you Madam Clout, but you have to be the one to walk through it.

 

So what say you?

[Hazard Time 1,127]

@@Golbez

 

 

"Did you...just...How dare you?!

 

"You seek to toss me away like some pase fashion trend?!  L-like a decrepit sheepdog?!  I will not be forgotten!  I'm still relevant!

 

"...I'M NOT SOME OLD HAG!  SHUT UP!  SHUT UP!"

 

SHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUP

 

 

(( In an OOC note, after a conversation with @@BabylonSister, I've decided to retcon Carnelian being the avatar of Lust in favor of Pride.  It makes much more sense as while she is a very sexual character, her motives all point to supporting her lofty ego instead of just an overactive sexual appetite. ))

Edited August 15, 2016 by Hazard Time

[Dust and Memories 557]

@@Hazard Time

 

There was a long moment of silence as Wilhelm looked at Carnelian over the rims of his glasses, like a professor disappointed in your work. "You say your daughter will one day be Wrath Incarnate, but you show no reservations about being that ideal yourself." Abruptly, he stood, taking his greatcoat from the back of the chair where he had left it. "There are two facts which you have forgotten, Carnelian. One, that what you call 'useless' -- morality -- is in fact not only an evolutional imperative to stop us from killing off our own species, but also -- in the form of friendship, something which is impossible to exist without morality -- what powers one of Equestria's most powerful magical artifacts, the Elements of Harmony."

 

He paused, both to think and increase the tension. "Secondly, if you were so traumatized -- though you call it 'being strengthened' -- by the ordeals you went under with your parents, why would you deliberately inflict it on your own foals? You call it putting them through the same trials you did, but a real mother would never put her children through something she hated so vehemently. Furthermore, have you not considered that such sadism and immorality was the same modus operandi of Sombra? He who you also hate so much?"

 

By this point, Wilhelm had already reached the door, and took an officer's cap and a satchel from the nearby coat-rack. "'He who fights with monsters should be careful lest he thereby become a monster. And if thou gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will also gaze into thee.' The words of a great philosopher... and ones you perhaps should do well to heed. Good day, Carnelian." Doffing his cap, he opened the heavy chamber door and prepared to leave.

[Hazard Time 1,127]

@@Orion Caelum

 

 

"If I ever see you again, I will leave your desiccated corpse for a yeti.  NEVER come back.

 

 

"...Imbeciles, comparing me to HIM.  I may have sadist tendencies, but my madness is methodical.  I will not tolerate a weak seed to inherit my empire.  I could care less what they think of me, especially Ametrine.  She seeks to toss away the boons which It-That-Should-Not-Be has bestowed upon our house, and for what?  The moral high-ground?  She's a crime lord!  Her business sells drugs to foals, harasses businessponies, and leaves debtors dying in the gutters. She can continue to delude herself that her ends will eventually justify the means, but she will not delude me.

 

 

"You cannot run away from destiny, Ametrine.  I'm sure you know this, and I'm sure that you are impatiently waiting for the day you and I finally reunite.  I can't wait, either.  I'm curious to see how your powers have developed, how your emotions have shaped them differently to mine.  I await your arrival, and unlike my parents, I will be ready."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Hazard Time

 

 

 

Ah, nobility - such an important part of a modern-day society, don't you think?  After all, there will ALWAYS be some whom are simply... eh, 'better off' than others, shall we say?  Shouldn't the common equine have somepony to look up to?

 

Case in point, yourself, Baroness; such regality!  Such poise!  I dare say you would seem at once to be so thoroughly important that there would be NO denying your status, dearie!

 

OH!  My public manners must seem ATROCIOUS to you!  I am Vylia Blackwater, wife of Luther and partial owner of the Blackwater Quarry - of which, I am certain you've heard of, no doubt?  The FINEST emeralds in Equestria - and that is NOT a statement made lightly, I assure you.

 

Which DOES bring me to my... well, shall we simply call it a predicament that perhaps you, in your elevated position, would have a possible answer to?

 

You see, dearie, my family... well, we... don't exactly have a reputation in good standing in Canterlot.  Now, now - I assure you, it was no fault of MINE... however, it has made gaining acceptance within the upper-crust a bit of a challenge for me since my marriage.

 

I was wondering if you had seen such instances among those in the finer settings, and if perhaps you might be able to dispense a bit of advice as to the BEST way to allow myself an opportunity to grace Canterlot society with my rather astute presence?

 

Mind you, I ask this from the position of one who is MORE than capable of being among the elite - it's simply a matter of showing them I am as worthy as they are... and since you already have a wealth of experience with those in places of power, I was wondering if you had perhaps seen such an instance to advise from?

[Hazard Time 1,127]

@@Randimaxis

 

 

"Blackwater Quarry?  Oh yes, I'm familiar with your operation.  While I still find your claim a bit subjective, I won't deny your emeralds are among the best I've seen.  Your wealth is well earned, indeed, and I would quite enjoy doing business with you and your husband in the future.

 

"As for your main question, well, that's just juicy!  In my experience, Equestrian politics are absolutely fantastic in the way that one cannot discuss them without also debating the current systemic racial prejudice non-unicorns experience when dealing with the Canterlot elite.  

 

"As somepony who has broken bread with the Prince, my best advice to you (and by best, I mean ideal) is to grow a horn.  As you may have already considered, such a process is expensive, time-consuming, and probably rather painful.  As such, the most practical advice I can give is to make a name for yourself.  Feel free to do what I did: invite yourself to a private masquerade wearing the gaudiest, most expensive dress money could buy, immediately finish off a bottle of sherry, flip a few dresses, talk bawdy with the gentlestallions, and go to bed with Blu--Oh, my apologies, I forgot you're married.  Feel free to do everything else and/or more, if you so please."

[Hazard Time 1,127]

 

"It's quiet.  I don't like it when it's quiet.  Your baroness demands more questions!"

[Mickey Taker 347]

"As you wish."

 

*With a wide devilish grin on his beak, the griffon saunters past the baroness as he takes his seat.*

 

"Seeing as you like to boast, why not tell us about when you first met the infamous Blueblood?"

[Hazard Time 1,127]

@@Golbez

 

 

"The first time I met Blueblood?  It was rather short.

 

"It also happened to be my first time in Canterlot, as the city was not constructed until long after the Empire had been banished from the material realm.  I made an appointment with his secretary, appeared on time, and waited in his sitting room for twenty minutes.

 

"This irked me some, and so I left the room to search about the castle for him.  It didn't take me too long, but I found him strolling along and chatting with a mistress.  I approached and attempted to confront him, but before I could get a single word out...

 

 

"That bastard shoved his wine glass in my face!  What made it even more humiliating was that after having lived for so many years under a tyrant who loved torturing disobedient courtiers, I accepted the wine glass out of reflex.  He then continued strolling on his merry way as if I didn't exist!

 

"How I would have loved to rip him limb from limb right then and there!  However, after a few deep breaths and relinquishing the wine glass to the nearest servant, I was calm enough to analyze this.  As much of a party animal as Blueblood was, I had underestimated his intelligence.  Unfortunately for him, I knew better, and that intelligence couldn't save him when his weaknesses were so easy to exploit."

[Hazard Time 1,127]

Carnelian lounged on her divan, sipping from a fluted glass as she idly inspected her hoof.  It appeared as if she was waiting for something, but didn't quite feel like asking for it.