private Deep Science 1x1 with Blitz Boom

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

14 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

A mercy kill... I-It hurts. It hurts killing them. Even if they beg me to do it. Even if there is no hope..."

"Ah," Arcade wasn't quite sure if he believed what Null said, but he had seen some pretty strange things in his life, so it wasn't wholly outside the realm of possibility.

Regardless of what he thought on the matter, Null believed it, so he would comfort her. "It never is easy, though perhaps I have a different view on it. If someone could end my suffering by killing me, I would want them to, and as such... well..."

He sighed, "Most of the ones we lost after leaving the facility, weren't killed by the monsters we found. They had to be killed before they became monsters. They didn't always understand what had happened, they were too young to, and I always told the others that the monsters had killed them. Did they deserve death? No, of course not. Did they deserve to suffer? Far less. I think I understand better than most that death is not a punishment, for some it is a release from a worse fate."

"Now, I don't know what you saw, but it sounds like she was suffering. She may not have deserved to die, but she didn't deserve to suffer either. Because of you she isn't suffering anymore. She can move on."

14 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Though the more time would pass, the more she'd get to collect herself, and put up the facade again.

Once it looked like Null were ready to move again, Arcade would let her go and stand up, "So, where should we go now?"

There were, at the moment, in the alley behind the casino.

(Grey)

The Grey would let the griffon go, but would keep an eye on her as well as be on the lookout for anyone like her. If there was one thing the Grey detested above all it was a rival gang, especially one that intruded on their terrain.

So long as the griffon were not spotted following Void again, the Grey would leave her alone.

(Troy)

14 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Void got a sudden panicked look in her eyes, and began to wobble, as her false leg fell off and crashed down on the board.

Everyone involved had a concerned look when Void's leg fell off, as the young ponies at least hadn't realized that she had a false leg given it was the same color as the rest of her.

Ardee and Pen both broke their stances to ensure that Void was okay, and all relaxed when they found that it was a false leg and not, "Ardee ripped Miss Void's leg off!" like Teal suspected.

The foals looked deeply concerned at the fact that Void's leg had fallen off, and they held their own limbs close to their bodies, apparently afraid that they might also fall off if extended too far.

Ardee and Pen would be quick to get the leg back to Void.

Once the situation was resolved both Ardee and Pen asked who had won, Vale responded, "Well, we could call it a tie, or we could have just the two of you go at it as a final round, we could cut the spaces down to keep it difficult." She laid a line down to cut the board in half, "So both of you stay on this side of the line."

They then quickly resumed their Twister game as Teal and Toupé came over to Void, both looking at her false leg, Toupé was the first to ask, "How did- no, what is it like? Having a false leg, I noticed your sister had a strange wing, is this similar to that?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

"Just because I know they want death, doesn't make me feel any less filthy from doing it."

What Arcade had said resonated with her, and in its own, strange way, make her feel a little better about herself. Though as she said, she were still feeling sub-optimal.

"It was the same when I thought you had died because of me. I thought someone else had to die because of me again, that didn't deserve it. That's the part those who dies doesn't have to deal with. Knowledge about what it does to those who does give them the last stab. To them, it's just death, and that's it. For me, it's a trauma. More innocent blood, covering my hooves, and I can't wash it off. It's always there."

She were rambling a little relatively incoherently right now. Much as she were getting herself in control, a bit by bit again, it did not mean that her mind wasn't cluttered up, and it were a little evident in what she said.

After getting a few more seconds to digest what Arcade had told her - which must have been rather tough to do, seeing as that sounded incredibly personal - Null would look up towards him directly, with a shaken, yet kinder look in her eyes. To think that she'd actually run into someone who understood what it were like, at least to some degree... She weren't sure what to think of it, but it weren't something negative at least. She needed more time to think over this at a later point, without all sorts of distractions coming in and messing with her head.

"It's always worse when it's kids. At least the adults understand it, but them? They just feel pain, and don't understand why it keeps hurting. What's happening to them. It's like you say: They don't deserve it, but they deserve to keep suffering even less. It have to be done. It just hurts to do the right thing.

And... It makes me fear the day it won't hurt to do anymore. I fear the kind of thing you become, when you can hurt them, and not feel sympathy anymore."

14 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Once it looked like Null were ready to move again, Arcade would let her go and stand up, "So, where should we go now?"

There were, at the moment, in the alley behind the casino.

She wouldn't address things further, but just try and sort her mind, until eventually, she were able to get up, and try to put on a tough face again. The puffy eyes and reddish cheeks weren't helping with that, but a good cry rarely left you looking like all gruff and powerful. Took quite the being to pull that off at least.

"I think we should go back and report to the ambassadors.

And... Arcade? Thank you. I know it couldn't have been easy to talk about what you went through, nor deal with me before. It helped to know there were someone else who understood, though I feel bad that you do know what it's like. I wouldn't wish this burden on anyone."

She'd actually give him a genuine - albeit small - smile, and look at him with  great appreciation, for helping her sort herself out, before she were beset upon by someone that might take advantage of the situation. Though thankfully for them, it didn't seem like a whole lot had been looking at them. Or at least they hadn't interfered. That were something at least, right?

"I promise, I won't tell others about what you told me. I doubt you'd like to be questioned about this, right? Tough if you feel like talking about it sometimes... Y'know. A-Anyway, let's get going, yeah?"

This got a little awkward, but she were trying here. It just seemed to go relatively poorly for her.

(Troy)

14 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"How did- no, what is it like? Having a false leg, I noticed your sister had a strange wing, is this similar to that?"

"Well, it's kind of wearing a really big shoe, that goes all the way up to your hip. It's pretty weird, but my sister made sure my leg would work the best it could, so I could still walk around. Most of the time, I don't really notice it anymore. I just got used to it over the years.

And it's okay to ask how it happened. I were in an accident, when I tried to help Null, when we were very young. She lost her wing, and I lost my leg then. It were pretty bad, but we survived. That's what mattered the most.

Null's wing isn't exactly the same as this though. My leg is carved out of some really sturdy wood, from this island we once sailed to. Her wing is made by this very nice lady, made out of crystal, called Selena. Because of her, she can fly again. Hopefully you'll get to meet her eventually too. I'm sure you would like her."

The foals didn't need to hear the grizzly details, but she were okay with telling them a little bit of things, long as it remained foal friendly. They'd just worry more if they were left in the dark, and seeing how they had reacted, as she stumbled away from the board, after it fell off, they didn't need to get more riled up over this. Best to give them a little clarity, so they could understand, and feel less concerned, right?

"Do you wanna look it over, before I put it back on? Don't worry, it's made of some really sturdy wood, so you won't break it. And if you're curious, it is fishing wire you can see in there, beyond the joints. Big sis keeps saying it's the best thing for the job, and so far, it's working, so it's hard to argue against it, hmhm."

Void would lean her leg towards the two, offering them a chance to give it a once over. Might be educational for them. Though it could also be they'd find it gross and weird, in which case she'd just put it back on. And this time, she'd make sure it were securely on.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I promise, I won't tell others about what you told me. I doubt you'd like to be questioned about this, right? Tough if you feel like talking about it sometimes... Y'know. A-Anyway, let's get going, yeah?"

Arcade had a good natured expression as he snorted, "That goes without saying I think? But yes, let's go tell the ambassadors what we've found."

It was getting late in the day as they returned to the motel that had been repurposed into the Trojan Embassy, the sun was just about to hit the horizon. Two of the guards they had arrived with were posted at corners of the building on either side of the entrance, allowing them 270 degrees of vision of anyone approaching the building.

Entering the office they were greeted by Assistant Ambassador Dove who had done quite a bit of work turning the rundown lobby into a fairly nice area to wait in. "Welcome back, did everything go well out there? You don't look hurt or anything, no trouble then?"

(Troy)

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Null's wing isn't exactly the same as this though. My leg is carved out of some really sturdy wood, from this island we once sailed to. Her wing is made by this very nice lady, made out of crystal, called Selena. Because of her, she can fly again. Hopefully you'll get to meet her eventually too. I'm sure you would like her."

(They have met both Null and Selena, they were greeted by her when they first arrived at the city.)

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Do you wanna look it over, before I put it back on? Don't worry, it's made of some really sturdy wood, so you won't break it. And if you're curious, it is fishing wire you can see in there, beyond the joints. Big sis keeps saying it's the best thing for the job, and so far, it's working, so it's hard to argue against it, hmhm."

They were a little down at hearing that she had lost it in an accident, but they were brought back by their curiosity to see exactly how it worked. Teal was more interested in how it looked and moved from the outside, while Toupé was more interested in how it worked on the inside, often looking over to the exposed portions of Vale's false legs and Pen's whole wooden body.

In terms of the Twister game, Ardee eventually slipped up, which was to be expected when Pen could theoretically hold any pose indefinitely given how her body worked.

Teal and Toupé would return the leg to Void as they got ready to play again, Pen switching out for Vale this time to be a more fair game for the rest. They would look back at Void, "You going to join us again? We could do the team version."

"Who's going to be on which team though?"

They all looked back at Void as though she had the answer. 

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade had a good natured expression as he snorted, "That goes without saying I think? But yes, let's go tell the ambassadors what we've found."

His attitude actually managed to get a brief laugh out of Null. It were probably the snort. It just seemed like a perfectly strange, yet fitting way to respond to her fiddling with her words like an insecure dummy. Honestly this were a bigger help to her mood right now than it had any right to be, as they started to get on their way, and she locked up the episode with Cabin Maré, along with the others that rummaged around her mind. The latest, but unlikely last of its kind she'd have to perform in her life.

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Welcome back, did everything go well out there? You don't look hurt or anything, no trouble then?"

"Went pretty okay. We got some intel on the area, and figured out where to stay clear from. Also found the likely best route for you to go so far, though I'd still prefer to go have a look at it again in the depth of night.

There's also one eatery we have been able to clear so far. A bakery, with a pretty decent quality to it. We'll look into restaurants and other places to eat later, but it'll give access to bread, butter and buns. It's a start.

Also ran into one of those changelings again. Can't remember the name right now, but seems like they're in all parts of town, so it might be worth our time to ask them a few things about the place. Might be there's something they'd know, that aren't actively shown publicly. If not them, then maybe some of the other changelings. If they're as helpful to them as they claim, getting on their better side could open a network for us.

"Got a lecture in how the local law works too. Seems like it runs on debt, which you have to work you way out of, and if you go do crime, you end in a deficit that you have to work off, or something like that. More or less community service it sounded like, though I got the feeling it were very bad to try and run from that. I'd be careful in trying to meddle with that stuff, though Arcade might be able to say it better. I were more focused on the fact The Grey were running it, and that ain't filling me with confidence.

They also run with varied sorts of currency, but had a main one that used old casino chips. Lemme see, I think she said...

*Cash is pretty simple, they don't have a lot of any old currency, so they turned to using the casino chips as money, exchange rates fluctuate over time, but they hold a bit more stable than the other currencies as there's a set amount of cash, while the others come and go. Bits, Dollars, Talons, Gems, they're all valid currency in the city, but you'll have to shop around to get the best value for them.*

Pretty much that.

Beyond that, ran into an annoying, no good dolt of a high society member, that gave us this."

She'd fish out the chip they'd gotten earlier, and put it on the nearest table to the ambassadors.

"I don't trust him, but he invited us to a party of sort, so there's an option there to go mingle with the rich and get that angle sorted if you want. I will begrudgingly go along if I have to, in case you think I'm needed to verify this is real, and not for example stolen. Or if you wanna make sure there's someone ready to bash some teeth in, if they start getting uppity."

She'd also inform them of the time and place she had been given, though the decision on what to do with that, were up to them.

"We ended getting a tour of the casino, and had a look around. Seemed pretty normal, but Arcade might know more on that. Saw him talking with someone for a time, so might be he learned something important. Arcade? Anything?"

She weren't mentioning the matter with Cabin Maré, since it were frankly none of their business. It were fine with Arcade, since he had been there, and helped her out, but that didn't mean she were happy to share this part. Far as she were concerned, it were between them, and whoever might have looked at them in the alley, after hearing her yell out. Always some noisy folks in whatever town you went to.

(Troy)

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

(They have met both Null and Selena, they were greeted by her when they first arrived at the city.)

Void were a little frazzled today, and had forgotten they already met Selena. Though the point still stood that she had helped Null, and that she were a nice creature to talk with, and learn more about.

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

They were a little down at hearing that she had lost it in an accident, but they were brought back by their curiosity to see exactly how it worked. Teal was more interested in how it looked and moved from the outside, while Toupé was more interested in how it worked on the inside, often looking over to the exposed portions of Vale's false legs and Pen's whole wooden body.

Looking over the leg, one of them would undoubtedly find one of the hidden rooms that were in it too, which were of course empty. She considered putting maybe some bits or something in there one day, to make sure she always had a few coins on her, but she hadn't gotten to that point yet. Though considering what she used to tug around in at least one of the places, she could fill it with a slice from plague filled rat, and it would still be better than its former purpose.

"Just a little something big sis carved into it. Just in case I have to hide something for another time. The leg is also hollow, so I can have more stuff in there. Normally that would make the wood bad, but this is from special, really hard trees, that grows on an island far away from here. It's really sturdy stuff.

Say, if either of you are curious how to make stuff like this, and think carving in wood wounds like fun, big sis left some copies I could show you? Maybe you'd find it to be something fun and worth working with? Always a place for wood workers in the world. Be it builders, or the sort who carves out figurines, or something else entirely. Might be you'd find it's just clicking for you."

While talking to them, and keeping a happy, positive face on, it seemed Ardee would eventually lose the game behind them. It were likely bound to happen, considering how flexible her opponent were, but she still made a valiant effort, and Void would make sure to clap at her.

"That was a good game you two. You lasted a long time there at the end."

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"You going to join us again? We could do the team version."

"Who's going to be on which team though?"

They all looked back at Void as though she had the answer. 

"Sure, just let me get my leg back on, and make sure it stick there right this time.

And for teams... Well, I think Vale and I need to be on different ones, since we're adults, and it wouldn't be fair otherwise. And then... Well uhm... That's tough. I remember what it's like to be picked last, and it's not fun, so... How about we make use of the game to decide for us? Each of you pick a color, and we spin the bottle. Whoever's color it lands on, gets to be on Vale's team. Then the next on mine, and then we let chance decide.

Or we could ask the little scamps who played their own game, with us as their pieces? They looked like they were having fun with it too."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Went pretty okay. We got some intel on the area, and figured out where to stay clear from. Also found the likely best route for you to go so far, though I'd still prefer to go have a look at it again in the depth of night.

Dove nodded as she started to take notes on the things Null said as she relayed them.

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Also ran into one of those changelings again. Can't remember the name right now, but seems like they're in all parts of town, so it might be worth our time to ask them a few things about the place. Might be there's something they'd know, that aren't actively shown publicly. If not them, then maybe some of the other changelings. If they're as helpful to them as they claim, getting on their better side could open a network for us.

She nodded, "I was thinking the same, Branch is less enthused, she was an Equestrian during the wedding, and still doesn't have the best opinion of Changelings, but I think they could make good allies here, especially if we were to integrate some of out own changeling citizens in their network."

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Got a lecture in how the local law works too. Seems like it runs on debt, which you have to work you way out of, and if you go do crime, you end in a deficit that you have to work off, or something like that. More or less community service it sounded like, though I got the feeling it were very bad to try and run from that. I'd be careful in trying to meddle with that stuff, though Arcade might be able to say it better. I were more focused on the fact The Grey were running it, and that ain't filling me with confidence.

They also run with varied sorts of currency, but had a main one that used old casino chips. Lemme see, I think she said...

*Cash is pretty simple, they don't have a lot of any old currency, so they turned to using the casino chips as money, exchange rates fluctuate over time, but they hold a bit more stable than the other currencies as there's a set amount of cash, while the others come and go. Bits, Dollars, Talons, Gems, they're all valid currency in the city, but you'll have to shop around to get the best value for them.*

Pretty much that.

She nodded again, "One of the officials came by when you were out, gave us a good stack of literature on exactly that. Speaking of..." she reached back into her desk to pull out a pair of small items, about the size of a passport. "They delivered some visas for the embassy, You'll get a certain amount of diplomatic immunity, so long as you follow Troy's laws you won't have to worry about the laws here. On another note we get to set the exchange rate for Sand Dollars, at least the new ones we're starting to print. The next shipment will have a big pallet of them for us to distribute into the area, get the locals used to it, encourage tourism and all that."

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Beyond that, ran into an annoying, no good dolt of a high society member, that gave us this."

She'd fish out the chip they'd gotten earlier, and put it on the nearest table to the ambassadors.

"I don't trust him, but he invited us to a party of sort, so there's an option there to go mingle with the rich and get that angle sorted if you want. I will begrudgingly go along if I have to, in case you think I'm needed to verify this is real, and not for example stolen. Or if you wanna make sure there's someone ready to bash some teeth in, if they start getting uppity."

Dove was surprised, "That certainly sounds like the sort of opportunity we shouldn't pass up," she sighed, "And Branch will no doubt send me to not put herself at risk. And you're right, you're simply the safest bet when it comes to guarding at this mystery party, you've already got a lay of the land."

Arcade whispered over to Null, "It does get us in the building your 'friend' supposedly lives in. Going could get us in again later, or at least know what it looks like if we need to get in later." He spoke up to Dove, "If it isn't out of line I could accompany you two as well, I've gotten a pretty good lay of the land as well."

Dove nodded, "I appreciate the offer."

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"We ended getting a tour of the casino, and had a look around. Seemed pretty normal, but Arcade might know more on that. Saw him talking with someone for a time, so might be he learned something important. Arcade? Anything?"

Arcade nodded, "The city is more or less divided into four political districts headed by the four major casinos in the center of town. The embassy lies in the turf of the Top Suits, which is the casino we were given a tour of. While there I was able to meet  with a young mare named Epsilon who is the daughter of the owner of the same casino, She seems amicable enough. If we are unable to meet with the owner directly we should be able to get a word in through her."

Dove nodded as she looked over her notes, "Good work, both of you. It feels like we're already planting our hooves in this city. Maybe someday it will be part of Troy again, but maybe that's just wishful thinking."

She set down her notes and turned from the desk, "Well, I'm going to tell Branch about the party, you two should get ready as there's no doubt she's going to send me and I'm not going without you two there to back me up. Clean yourselves up, wear something nice if you have it, the closets actually have some clothes in them left over from the evacuation that's still serviceable if you don't."

With that she'd head down the hall, leaving them to do as they liked.

(Troy)

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Say, if either of you are curious how to make stuff like this, and think carving in wood wounds like fun, big sis left some copies I could show you? Maybe you'd find it to be something fun and worth working with? Always a place for wood workers in the world. Be it builders, or the sort who carves out figurines, or something else entirely. Might be you'd find it's just clicking for you."

They both nodded at that, though it was clear they were interested in different aspects of it. Toupé again loved the functionality of the wood, while Teal loved the form. Time would tell if that turned out to be their callings.

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

And for teams... Well, I think Vale and I need to be on different ones, since we're adults, and it wouldn't be fair otherwise. And then... Well uhm... That's tough. I remember what it's like to be picked last, and it's not fun, so... How about we make use of the game to decide for us? Each of you pick a color, and we spin the bottle. Whoever's color it lands on, gets to be on Vale's team. Then the next on mine, and then we let chance decide.

They all nodded at that, and each put their hoof on a color as Pen spun the bottle, Ardee was chosen for Vale's team, and Elef was chosen for Void's. Teal and Toupé shared a look before they took their hooves off the board, "What if we did three teams of two? A sort of partners game?"

So long as Void didn't disapprove, the others would agree to that arrangement and the game would begin.

(I'll describe the other two team's strategies, and let you decided how Void will play.)

Ardee and Elef immediately took to being rivals, seemingly taking every opportunity to move in such a way that it made it difficult for the other. Teal and Toupé did their best to keep away from the others and stay out of each other's way.

Vale was being very strategic, her long thin legs allowed her to reach between the others accurately, but she too tried to just stay out of the way of the rivalry.

Above all, they were clearly having fun.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 11/10/2020 at 6:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I was thinking the same, Branch is less enthused, she was an Equestrian during the wedding, and still doesn't have the best opinion of Changelings, but I think they could make good allies here, especially if we were to integrate some of out own changeling citizens in their network."

"I once got kidnapped, trapped in a hive, and tortured by changelings for weeks. If I can get over it, and see they're not all the same, so can she."

Sure she still didn't overly trust them on first sight, but considering her approach for the longest time after that incident, were to start trying to beat the light out of them on sight, she had gotten a long way. She didn't even growl at these Cheshire ones, the last few times. Just look at how she were growing.

On 11/10/2020 at 6:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"One of the officials came by when you were out, gave us a good stack of literature on exactly that. Speaking of..." she reached back into her desk to pull out a pair of small items, about the size of a passport. "They delivered some visas for the embassy, You'll get a certain amount of diplomatic immunity, so long as you follow Troy's laws you won't have to worry about the laws here. On another note we get to set the exchange rate for Sand Dollars, at least the new ones we're starting to print. The next shipment will have a big pallet of them for us to distribute into the area, get the locals used to it, encourage tourism and all that."

Null would take the papers meant for her, if they were reached out to her, and put it in her saddlebag. Might be important at a later time.

"I think it's gonna be hard changing things, with the Grey around here, including how the cash is going to flow. Never heard anything that made him strike me as one who liked to change things from how he wanted it. But what do I know? Maybe the stories are exaggerated."

They weren't, far as she were concerned, but there'd be changes eventually. Just had to cut a little from the top first.

On 11/10/2020 at 6:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"That certainly sounds like the sort of opportunity we shouldn't pass up," she sighed, "And Branch will no doubt send me to not put herself at risk. And you're right, you're simply the safest bet when it comes to guarding at this mystery party, you've already got a lay of the land."

Arcade whispered over to Null, "It does get us in the building your 'friend' supposedly lives in. Going could get us in again later, or at least know what it looks like if we need to get in later." He spoke up to Dove, "If it isn't out of line I could accompany you two as well, I've gotten a pretty good lay of the land as well."

Dove nodded, "I appreciate the offer."

"Fine, fine, we'll go to the party. But I'm not looking to mingle and make friends there. I'm there to keep you alive, not trying to enjoy talking with frivolous aristocrats. I don't trust high society and their underhoofed backstabs."

That, and she found most to be idiots, who hadn't done a hard day's work in their life, and lived off their name, and family's fortune. It were very annoying to deal with those, as they felt so much better than anyone else, while at the same time, being the sort who would start crying if their poor, manicured hooves actually had to do some manual labor themselves.

The rich who earned their spot, she could tolerate more, long as it were those who remembered where they came from, and had earned it through honest work. The ones who had gotten rich, feeding off the misery of others, and with things that really should be illegal? They could go right on the pyre, for all she cared.

She would admit though, that hearing Arcade volunteer too, made her feel better about it. Having a friendly face were going to mean a lot, even if it were really just business. She were there to act in her position as guard - and scout out for targets of interest - not pretend to be on a date or something. As if that would ever happen in the first place.

On 11/10/2020 at 6:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Well, I'm going to tell Branch about the party, you two should get ready as there's no doubt she's going to send me and I'm not going without you two there to back me up. Clean yourselves up, wear something nice if you have it, the closets actually have some clothes in them left over from the evacuation that's still serviceable if you don't."

"I'll clean up, but I'm not wearing a dress, ambassador. I'm there to guard you, not doll up and hinder my movement.

And for the record: The first one trying to put me in a dress, is going to have it fed to them."

That last one were said more around the room, and with a calm enough tone to where you might think she were joking. Which to a certain degree, she were. She'd just shove the dress into their muzzle. Not literally make them eat it. Unless they persisted, in which case they were asking for it.

After they were left alone, she'd let out a sigh, and shake her head a little, before looking over at Arcade. Been a long day, and it sounded like it were far from over. What a delight...

"Well, that was certainly something. Guess we should go see if there's something tasteful to wear in the closets, so the ambassadors doesn't leave us at the entrance? I guess I could accept a belt and a hat, or something."

Her current outfit could be described as *Mangy*. The hat she wore were bland in color, relatively threadbare, and had been out of fashion, long before she had even gotten hold of it in the first place. And beyond that, she wore only her saddleback, and the holder for her bat. Fashion wise, she were a disaster. Never mattered to her before, as fashion were just a waste of bits, far as she were concerned, but she supposed she could make a minimum amount of effort here. Plus, she never had anyone to dress up for, so what were the point? Currently, a job she were trying to pretend to care about.

"What about you, Arcade? Full on tux, high hat, monocle and tie for you? Or are you more looking to really show off, and try to carry a bow tie?"

She were teasing him a bit, and being rather obvious about it, by the look in her eyes. Though she did scrutiny him a bit, and imagined him in a more pale, tasty sort of suit, without all the fancy accessories. He might be able to carry that if she were to be honest, though no monocle. It'd turn into pure comedy by that point.

(Troy)

On 11/10/2020 at 6:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

They both nodded at that, though it was clear they were interested in different aspects of it. Toupé again loved the functionality of the wood, while Teal loved the form. Time would tell if that turned out to be their callings.

Seemed like there were an interest to try. That was good. Maybe when she could eventually take some of the foals to her workshop, she could bring Ardee for the glass work, and Teal and Toupé could be there for wood work? No guarantee it'd be for them, but as with many foals seeking their cutie marks, it were usually a matter of trying, until something stuck. She sorta hoped the wood working would fit at least one of them. She were sure Null would be proud to know that her work lived on through several ponies.

On 11/10/2020 at 6:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

They all nodded at that, and each put their hoof on a color as Pen spun the bottle, Ardee was chosen for Vale's team, and Elef was chosen for Void's. Teal and Toupé shared a look before they took their hooves off the board, "What if we did three teams of two? A sort of partners game?"

"I don't see why not. I mean, we made it work with six of us before, so three teams shouldn't be too hard. Could say we even have four teams, even if the last one isn't playing exactly by the rules."

Void would point towards the fillies, who had a belter meddling around with them before. They at least, did not seem to have an issue to get into the spirit of fun, which were a very good thing in Void's opinion. Though it did mess up their game before a little, yet it were hard to hold against them. They didn't know better, and it entertained them, without harming others. A bit of harmless goof like that didn't hurt anyone.

Before the game would start, Void would pat Elef on the shoulder, to get his attention, so they could discuss how best to deal with this.

"Hey, how do you think we should tackle this, Elef? Try and work across one another? You're smaller than me, like uhm... Well, most ponies, really. So I could in theory stand over you, if we get sort of required to hit a hard set of colors, long as you lean down a bit, and it'd block the others off from the point a bit more accurately. Or do you think we should play safe, and maybe try and keep a bit of distance? Maybe stay closer, so we can sort of block the others off from taking too much of the space we're in? What do you thin, Elef?"

She'd like his input on this, though personally, she were leaning towards covering as much of the map as possible, and not get into each other's way too much. Though there were merit in being closer. For example, that it would be harder for the foals to accidentally push Elef over, if he were able to lean against her.

On 11/10/2020 at 6:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee and Elef immediately took to being rivals, seemingly taking every opportunity to move in such a way that it made it difficult for the other. Teal and Toupé did their best to keep away from the others and stay out of each other's way.

Vale was being very strategic, her long thin legs allowed her to reach between the others accurately, but she too tried to just stay out of the way of the rivalry.

When the game would start, Void would move around in her own way, working with Elef as best she could, depending on how he preferred to. Due to her size, Void's tactic were much the same as before, were she could tower over the foals, and this time, would try not to get her legs too close, to avoid what happened before. Her legs were not as thin as Vale's were, but they were still long, and could get a good reach to them.

Quite honestly, if she could tower above others, and work kind of like a roof, stretching over them, she would. It were a rather fun for her, though she couldn't do that with Vale, as she were too tall. For her, she'd have to be careful, and overall try not to get too close to her. It'd just mess with her positioning.

It'd generally also leave her in an easy position to be scaled, in case the little ones wanted to go for the highest point on the board, but she could remain steadfast. Not even this much cute would bring her down.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I once got kidnapped, trapped in a hive, and tortured by changelings for weeks. If I can get over it, and see they're not all the same, so can she."

Dove looked quite taken aback, "Indeed?! I had heard rumors... but Queen Permu told me they were just that..." She sighed, "She could hardly have been expected to know everything though, nonetheless you have my deepest sympathy. And Branch could certainly learn something from your example."

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"What about you, Arcade? Full on tux, high hat, monocle and tie for you? Or are you more looking to really show off, and try to carry a bow tie?"

Arcade shrugged, "Can't say I have much experience, between the jumpsuits in the lab and the standard attire of the researchers I don't think I've even seen 'formal' attire. I guess I'll see what's in the closet, and you can tell me if it's appropriate."

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Guess we should go see if there's something tasteful to wear in the closets

Arcade would head off towards his room to see what options he had. If Null went to look as well she would find a decent assortment of clothes, mostly fancy formalwear. Perhaps luckily the dress she found was far too large for her to wear, so no one would be able to try and make her wear it.

There were a few accessories she could make use of, some bracelets, sashes, even a few neckties.

Regardless of what she chose, when she came out Arcade would be waiting in the hallway, he had done a half decent job of brushing out his fur and hair. He was wearing a simple shirt collar with a tie, if she asked how he managed to tie it he would show it was part of the collar. He had also found a holster for his knife, having it strapped somewhat inconspicuously on his chest between his forehooves. "How do I look?"

Dove would come back down the hall a few minutes later, garbed in a short, single sleeved, variation of the standard Trojan robe lined with a thin strip of amber and tied off at the midsection with an amber sash clasped with a dove holding a branch. "Are we all ready then?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

12 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Can't say I have much experience, between the jumpsuits in the lab and the standard attire of the researchers I don't think I've even seen 'formal' attire. I guess I'll see what's in the closet, and you can tell me if it's appropriate."

"I don't think anyone wearing a hat like mine, can judge on fashion. But fine, we'll judge each other once we found something. Don't hold back your opinion though, cause I ain't. I figure you deserve honesty."

Not enough to know her real name, reason to be here, or how she were a serving Vengeance. Though technically, he hadn't asked either. Except for the name, and a bit towards her goal, but he didn't scrutinize it too much. That surely counted in her favor in some sort of way.

13 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade would head off towards his room to see what options he had. If Null went to look as well she would find a decent assortment of clothes, mostly fancy formalwear. Perhaps luckily the dress she found was far too large for her to wear, so no one would be able to try and make her wear it.

There were a few accessories she could make use of, some bracelets, sashes, even a few neckties.

When she had found the dress, Null had tentatively taken it out, and folded it out to look at it. Much, much too big for her, as this were a standard mare size, as could be expected. If she tried to wear it, she'd look like a foal trying to sneak into somewhere, by wearing their mothers clothes, and she did not much care for that sort of comment to come up. Besides, even if she could wear it, long skirts... Urgh. Sure it gave some cover from the wind, if done right, but it were cumbersome, and looked stupid to her. Plus these formal ones were even worse, as they were focused entirely on making whoever wore them look good, rather than be focused on mobility. Say she had to suddenly make a roll, and then jump up to kick someones teeth out. With this one, she'd end up falling in said dress, or be unable to properly curl down. Y'know, if it had been her size. Very unpractical.

Setting that aside, she went over what else were in here. Whatever shoes were there were pushed aside quickly, as they too were too large for her, and looked rather uncomfortable.

There were something that did catch her eyes though. A collection of sashes, and when she looked a bit further, a few brochettes that were meant to pin into these, and keep them tied up, while looking pretty. This were more manageable to her size, if she twirled it a bit here and there, and maybe took a cut ot two... Few bracers that seemed like fancy wear too, but had a solid, metal surface, that meant they'd be useful for hitting things... Alright, she might be able to work with some of this, without dolling up too much.

After taking a shower, she'd pick out a few things, put down her hat, and brushed her mane some. Usually she didn't care, but it were a party and bla. bla. bla. so she'd put in a bit of effort.

When she walked out, her short, silver mane were flowing more loosely, going down to about the bottom of her ears, in a tomboy fashion. Her tail too, had if not changed form, at least become the sort that looked like she cared, rather than the dusty length from before, and it fit well with her clean, deep onyx coat, that still glistened slightly from the dampness of the shower.

Around her waist, were a deep red sash with a silver, dual rose brochette pinning it to her side. Due to it's length, it had to be curled around her a few times, so it were halfway up her chest too. Though on bright side, there were still room for a knife there, which she proved by having her large cutting knife stuck firmly in it's scabbard, and rolled into the sash. Almost made it look tasteful, and if someone were not too sober, a little hidden. Though that would likely not fool anyone. Wasn't the plan either. She just wanted a weapon with her, and since there were no belts, this were the best she could do. Plus, she had an actual, smaller knife hidden further in there. Some sucker had left a letter opener, and she wasn't one to say no to a free opportunity. Might not be the sharpest thing in the world, but it did well in stabbing all the same.

On each of her front legs, were two silver bangles, which she'd defend with being good for hitting things. The fact that they matched her mane and tail, were entirely inconsequential. and no, she had most definitely not stuck around to see if there were a silver sash among the stack in there. That's just be a waste of time...

So overall, she were not dolled up. She weren't using makeup either, as it'd be a cold day in Tartarus before someone got that stuff on her voluntarily, though overall, she appeared at least a little more feminine, and had dropped her weapons and hat for the time being. Besides the dagger, of course.

13 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Regardless of what she chose, when she came out Arcade would be waiting in the hallway, he had done a half decent job of brushing out his fur and hair. He was wearing a simple shirt collar with a tie, if she asked how he managed to tie it he would show it was part of the collar. He had also found a holster for his knife, having it strapped somewhat inconspicuously on his chest between his forehooves. "How do I look?"

She glanced from side to side as she exited the door, expecting someone to start laughing at her out of nowhere. And then, her eyes fell on Arcade. And stayed there.

Like her, he had done the best he could with his coat, mane and tail, on the short notice they had. He also didn't go overboard with the clothes, as he were wearing a shirt collar and tie, that seemed to be fitting him rather well. Surprising, since one would assume this were originally for a regular pony. Or perhaps this were for their foal? She'd like to think on it, but her brain were sort of stuck in the mode of looking Arcade over, so it had to wait.

The addition of a chest holster for a knife also hit right home with her. Had to respect someone who understood the importance of having an outfit that could support that sort of thing.

She'd just look at him somewhat dazed, up until he asked her how she looked. At that point, she'd blink a few times, and come back to reality, where she'd clear her throat a little to try and play this off. All while glancing a little to the side, to avoid direct eye contact right now.

"You look nice. Simple, elegant, and the knife's a good touch. I think the brushing did you a lot of good too. It suits you to be cleaned up.

...H-How do I look?"

She'd feel a little awkward as she complimented Arcade, and stood waiting for his answer, which would likely be more or less *Well, at least you showered*.

13 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Dove would come back down the hall a few minutes later, garbed in a short, single sleeved, variation of the standard Trojan robe lined with a thin strip of amber and tied off at the midsection with an amber sash clasped with a dove holding a branch. "Are we all ready then?"

Whatever were going on, when Dove showed up, Null would turn to look up at the mare. This were more the sort she had expected when dresses were brought up. Though more tasteful, like a sort of... How would she put it... The sort her mom would wear during holidays. Fancy without being too glamourous. Though looking somehow official, all at the same time. Null still weren't a fan of dresses, but she'd admit that this were okay.

"Ready as I'll ever be, I think."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"You look nice. Simple, elegant, and the knife's a good touch. I think the brushing did you a lot of good too. It suits you to be cleaned up.

...H-How do I look?"

There was a bit of a genuine smile on his face at Null's compliments, he seemed unused to being spoken to that way.

He looked her over and nodded, "I think you look good, it's a good way to hide weapons. Again, all I know is that it looks nothing like what the ponies in the labs wore."

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Ready as I'll ever be, I think."

Dove nodded, "Let's get this over with then, first sign of trouble we're out of there."

Dove led the way out of the embassy, then would let Null or Arcade lead the way, given she didn't know where the party was or the best way to get there.

(Assuming they do go to the party)

It would be a pretty straight shot to the central plaza, though even from the embassy they could see the lights at the top of the Stacked Deck where the party was supposed to be happening.

Getting to the plaza there was quite the crowd waiting by the doors, a number of golems keeping them away, in addition to more normal guards who would let groups through who showed off their chips.

Once they got close enough, one of the guards would approach, "You lot got an invite?" He had a tired voice to him, as if he'd much rather be doing anything else.

If Null showed the chip they'd be able to move passed the golems and into the tower.

Despite the immaculate exterior, the interior had clearly seen better days. In fact, the interior looked like it hadn't been used in a long while. Everything off the path between them and the elevator was covered with a layer of dust.

In the elevator there was a circle on the door panel that seemed to be for their chip, pushing the chip against the circle caused the doors to close and the elevator to ascend. The elevator itself wasn't anything special, but it was clean and ran smoothly. If Null looked more closely at the door panel she would find that besides the circle for their chip there weren't any controls beyond a button for the ground floor. Apparently the elevator could only take them to a floor they had a chip for.

After a bit they could start to hear the sounds of the party, even as the elevator started to slow the music and sounds were loud, almost overwhelming.

Soon the elevator stopped and the doors opened, revealing quite the scene of opulence, it would be fair to say that No one in their party had ever seen anything quite as absurdly expensive in their lives.

The creatures themselves seemed out of place even being there, when it came to the guests they were arrayed much like they were, a bit ragged, nothing too extravagant, but their surroundings were simply an immaculate display.

Arcade and Dove seemed almost enthralled by the display, clearly impressed.

Nine however, had something to say. "Heads up, I thought something was off about the stallion that invited you. While I thought he was up to something, and he may well be, I think the taint to his aura was caused more by who he keeps company with. Somepony here has a nigh unpayable debt. Someone truly evil is present, not one to be trifled with either." 

(Troy)

On 11/11/2020 at 1:34 PM, Blitz Boom said:

What do you thin, Elef?"

Elef nodded, "I'll try and get under the others, trip them up. I'll try and get Ardee first because she did so good last time."

On 11/11/2020 at 1:34 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Quite honestly, if she could tower above others, and work kind of like a roof, stretching over them, she would. It were a rather fun for her, though she couldn't do that with Vale, as she were too tall. For her, she'd have to be careful, and overall try not to get too close to her. It'd just mess with her positioning.

As they played it was clear that Vale wasn't trying very hard, there were a number of moves she could have pulled to trip the others up, but she was holding back. As the game continued it was more clear that she was playing in a way that added a bit of challenge for the others, but not too much. Just enough to make them really try, occasionally just blocking them from really getting at each other. Essentially serving as a constant, yet easily surmountable, obstacle for them.

It wouldn't take long for the foals to get engaged in the game, this time instead of running between them as the young ponies were playing much closer together this time, they were set on trying to climb them, Peal having a much easier go of it than Piecey. Soon they'd be hopping about on their backs, which caused Teal to be the first one eliminated, followed by Ardee, who fell to a well timed move by Elef combined by both foals jumping on her at once.

Edited November 13, 2020 by Illiad Easle
Almost forgot Troy again.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

13 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"I think you look good, it's a good way to hide weapons. Again, all I know is that it looks nothing like what the ponies in the labs wore."

Seems like she weren't the only one that weren't used to doling out compliments regarding this sort of thing. Or many other things, for that matter. Probably didn't make her look any less awkward, but it at least made her feel like less of the weird one here.

Though sadly, there wouldn't be much time for this little moment, as they soon had to be on their way, and Null had to put on her tough face again. There were a job to do, that involved getting their payload back here again, alive and well. That should be her main focus.

Null would take charge, and lead them on, while telling Arcade to keep the back secure. She kept looking around as they went on their way, which made the trip slower then when it had just been Arcade and her, but she didn't spot anything too out of the ordinary. Well, not anything that would impact them. Seemed to be something shady going on, between a griffon and a pony, that stopped talking once they saw the flock, and scurried off to the lower part of town again. Probably some illegal goods, or intel, but it did not seem to currently include them, so she'd simply move along. Though she made a note of the pale figures, in case she saw them near the motel again. No reason to trust those creatures weren't still after them, but were only there to gather information, and not approach.

Beyond that, only thing else she saw at the plaza, were the two changelings who had welcomed them to town. They had seemingly gathered a crowd near a makeshift puppet theater, with them transforming their hooves into the puppets and doing some sort of performance. Seemed to bring the foals in the crowd some joy, and worked well in thinning the herd in the area a bit, to give a better overview of the more shady folks that could be here, considering both it, and the building they were headed towards, had most creatures lurking around here, drawn to them. No one seemed to stand out to her, but she'd keep looking around regardless, until they reached the entrance to the dreaded party. She tried to do her best to ignore the golems, rather than address the lumbering lawn ornaments with the suspicion she felt like she should have.

13 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Once they got close enough, one of the guards would approach, "You lot got an invite?" He had a tired voice to him, as if he'd much rather be doing anything else.

Would would drag out the chip from her sash, and present it, but said nothing. Seemed like this one had already had enough of a day, without them adding more to it, and he just wanted to see the chip. So unless she had to say the others were with her, she'd just show this off, then be on her way. Didn't seem like more input than that were needed.

13 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Despite the immaculate exterior, the interior had clearly seen better days. In fact, the interior looked like it hadn't been used in a long while. Everything off the path between them and the elevator was covered with a layer of dust.

In the elevator there was a circle on the door panel that seemed to be for their chip, pushing the chip against the circle caused the doors to close and the elevator to ascend. The elevator itself wasn't anything special, but it was clean and ran smoothly. If Null looked more closely at the door panel she would find that besides the circle for their chip there weren't any controls beyond a button for the ground floor. Apparently the elevator could only take them to a floor they had a chip for.

After a bit they could start to hear the sounds of the party, even as the elevator started to slow the music and sounds were loud, almost overwhelming.

Weird way to get anywhere, to have to have this chip. Worked as a security measure she supposed, but still seemed like a weird key to give out to folks. Also weird that it seemed like there were no possible input to give, and that the elevator indicated that they had to go far up. Made her wonder why there were this single route only, to some sort of... Suite, she supposed they were called? She didn't exactly mingle with high society in general, so she had to judge by what she thought were going on. Better than what she'd usually call it, which were *Idiot Dens*.

"Before we get up there, ground rules: Anything fishy, report it to me. If someone gets grabby, either waft them off yourself, to tell me about it, so I can go and growl at them to fuss off.

Do not accept food or drinks from anyone handing them to you specifically. If you want anything, pick it from a random selection, like a plate. Targeted things could be poisoned, or have roofies slipped into them. If someone gets too insistent on trying, tell me, and I will hammer them into the floor.

If you find whoever runs this party, bite note in every bit of information you can. It is probably someone we want to ask around about later. Remember: Others know Arcade and I are in town with the ambassadors. This may be a way to get intel, or strike at them, so do not take chances.

And lastly, if we get separated for any reason, Dove, tell where you're supposed to be, and either Arcade or I, will make sure to keep you as much in check as possible. Quite frankly, if anyone asks you to follow them, try and ignore it. We don't know who, if any, we can trust up here."

She barely managed to finish, with ten seconds or so to spare, before the doors opened, and they'd be met with this den of oppulence.

14 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

The creatures themselves seemed out of place even being there, when it came to the guests they were arrayed much like they were, a bit ragged, nothing too extravagant, but their surroundings were simply an immaculate display.

Arcade and Dove seemed almost enthralled by the display, clearly impressed.

Null were taken by the view as well, but her focus were not so much on the surroundings, as much as the ones there. Like they had been, it seemed like they were taken off the streets, and not from high society. And the opulent dingus from earlier, were nowhere to be seen so far. This reeked, and not just from the varied smells wafting through the place.

"Correction: Do not eat or drink Anything from this place, and stay close. It reeks of some sort of trap."

Complete lack of the high end folks, and a lot from the streets, in a luxury suite of sorts? Yeah, something were most definitely at odds here.

Now, were she a more positive person, she might think that this were from some sort of benefactor, wanting to show the commonwealth a good time.

However, that would include her also being mind-numbingly stupid, to a point where she would've been dead for at least 12 years, after putting this degree of moronic trust in someone.

14 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Nine however, had something to say. "Heads up, I thought something was off about the stallion that invited you. While I thought he was up to something, and he may well be, I think the taint to his aura was caused more by who he keeps company with. Somepony here has a nigh unpayable debt. Someone truly evil is present, not one to be trifled with either." 

"This whole thing is off. First thing that comes to mind, are some sort of organ harvest, or mass poisoning, not a party.

Try starting up the sight while we wander around. I think we'll need it, along with the cold. We need to be ready to act fast, soon as we find whoever is tainting this place."

Null would not veer from Dove's side, and both stand i the way off, and openly act hostile towards anyone who got too close, and seemed like they were trying to get a feel. She'd also growl at potential mares who'd approach Arcade. Couldn't have someone try and lure him away, or hurt Dove. She'd not start physically damaging anyone though. Not yet. Some words or a sneer were the warning before that. Unless she saw someone with a weapon approach. She'd be perfectly happy to start stabbing any would be assassin.

(Troy)

Seemed like it were just a manner of time before the little rascals were at it again. First taking out Teal, then Ardee. Though Elef helped on that last one too, in all fairness. It was adorable, but rather disruptive.

Not to Vale of course, as it seemed like she were more or less just toying with them. Might be best to have her and Pen against one another at some point, and they could fight it out here on the board. They were bot rather supernaturally limber, so they'd probably do well.

"Okay you two. Come on, up you go. There's lots of space on me, and you can really get a good look at everything."

She'd lower her neck down towards the two rascals, and hoped Peal and Piecey would take the invitation. Void wouldn't buckle with any ease, and there were indeed a good deal os space to traverse on her, compared to the others. Plus, if they liked height, her head would be prime real estate. No pony in here that'd give them a better vantage point, and she could keep her game going well even with them scurrying around up there. Unless one of them were about to fall down. Darned be the game then, she'd focus on catching the one falling down if it were. While trying to avoid hitting Elef, who were somewhat close to her right now.

As for her own performance, Void were doing well. She wouldn't last longer than Vale, but she'd last for a time, unless something odd happened. She were doing well so far at least, with slow, method movements, and trying not to get her legs too close to one another. Her weakness in this game, were being isolated to a small area, rather than being able to spread out, so the others could beat her if they cut her off from certain colors, that would force her to pick one closer to her, if she were told to reach for that.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

11 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Complete lack of the high end folks, and a lot from the streets, in a luxury suite of sorts? Yeah, something were most definitely at odds here.

Dove and Arcade nodded in agreement and kept close to Null as she led the way. The further they got from the elevator the more the guests looked like Null had expected to find, finer clothes and snootier attitudes, but the higher end clothed ponies also more conspicuously carried weapons. No one here wore anything as fancy as she might have seen in Equestria before the whole crisis, but given the state of the things she had found in the closet it was possible that such fine clothing was simply unavailable in the city.

Null wouldn't be able to know this at first, but the wealthy were the first to leave the city when it was attacked, doing their best to get on the Æther project when they heard of it, they didn't leave much of their wealth behind for those who remained. Those wealthy who remained were the corrupt lords that Discord used to rule the rest who remained, until Grey took them out from within. Ever since there has been a stigma against signs of wealth and opulence in the city, and as such very few dress to any sort of extreme.

As they explored, their surroundings only seemed to get more opulent, bordering on ridiculous. A fridge made of diamonds for instance, and... was that a full size boat? What it was doing at the top of the tower was beyond most explanation. Mare than likely Discord had done something to this place when he had come through.

The MC Escher style stairs were no doubt his doing.

All throughout there were a number of decently dressed waiters, only a bit higher standard that the average guest, were carrying around trays of horderves as one might expect, they didn't make any special effort to offer them to anyone, simply making them available to those who wanted them.

11 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

This whole thing is off. First thing that comes to mind, are some sort of organ harvest, or mass poisoning, not a party.

Try starting up the sight while we wander around. I think we'll need it, along with the cold. We need to be ready to act fast, soon as we find whoever is tainting this place."

Nine started the cold, but not the sight, "Too crowded here, the evil one here has been all over, and with all the other trails you'd be no better off with the sight than without. I'll point them out if we find them, but I don't think this is a trap. The colors would be darker if that were the case."

Eventually they would encounter the stallion who had invited them, or rather they would be encountered by the stallion who was somehow dressed even more extravagantly than his surroundings, he had a swagger to him as he walked up beside them, "Hey fil, welcome to my house party. There'd be some models here, even supermodels, if there were any left in town, but your group's a close second if I do say so myself." He winked at Dove, who blushed at the attention. "There's going to be a panda fight later, don't smoke too much champagne before hoof or you'll miss it."

With that he set off to the next group of guests. But before Null could watch him too closely Nine directed her attention to a stallion standing in a dark corner. The stallion was covered in all black, what little showed beneath his black garb was also black outside of his hard yellow eyes. He was looking right back at them for all but a moment, but Null could be sure that he was the one Nine had meant. Even without the sight there was an evil aura to him.

(Troy)

12 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Okay you two. Come on, up you go. There's lots of space on me, and you can really get a good look at everything."

The foals were quick to climb up when Void offered herself, but they were quick to jump off when she passed close enough to Vale, who had previously proven impossible for them to climb, and as such she was the next to fall victim to the foals machinations.

Now it was just her, Elef, and Toupé.

Then Toupé simply motioned towards Elef with her head, and the foals turned their attention on him, bringing him down shortly.

Now it was just Toupé and Vale, the question was: would she let Toupé win? Or try and hold out against her and the foals?

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

So there were a few more fancy ones hidden here and there. Fine. Didn't change the fact that this all seemed a bit shady. Doubly so as the higher up someone were, the more they seemed armed. You'd think they had creatures for that, instead of arming themselves. Made her thing they were less your regular party goer, and more the sort who were well off, by being willing to do more scrupulous things. Such as assassins. A lucrative job she'd heard.

Her eyes fell on a few things as they wandered around, beyond the creatures here. Primarily the weird stairs, and the boat, which seemed really out of place.

Though Null didn't think of Discord as she saw this. Instead, she were assuming they were some sort of art thing. Like those who put boats in bottles, just in a larger format, and without the bottle. And the stairs reminded her of some sort of picture she had once seen in a history book. So at least to her, it seemed like this were just art by some weirdo. Likely the one who owned this place.

There also seemed to be waiters around, and while she could not stop Dove from trying something, she'd still greatly discourage it, as she still didn't trust this place one bit. Something were massively off, and she didn't like when she wandered into that sort of thing. Made her think it were a trap.

*sigh* Were gonna help soon as the stare got activated likely, so she could spot who were rotten to the core in here.

13 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Too crowded here, the evil one here has been all over, and with all the other trails you'd be no better off with the sight than without. I'll point them out if we find them, but I don't think this is a trap. The colors would be darker if that were the case."

"Always assume something is a trap. It might well be it's just a trap for a lot of beings, done by one creature. Like a mass poisoner. I don't trust this place enough to think less so far. Especially not when Dove's life might depend on us being paranoid."

13 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Hey fil, welcome to my house party. There'd be some models here, even supermodels, if there were any left in town, but your group's a close second if I do say so myself." He winked at Dove, who blushed at the attention. "There's going to be a panda fight later, don't smoke too much champagne before hoof or you'll miss it."

"I'm not fighting a panda. It's beneath me."

Null were not, in any sort of way, enthralled or amused by this idiot. Quite frankly, she narrowed her eyes, and felt like kicking him right in his dumb face. But that would look bad on them, so instead she just let the annoying creature do his yapping, and replied the first thing that came to mind. Weren't like he had specified if two bears would fight, or they were supposed to fight the bear. Which for the record, she could do. Wouldn't be the first time, and she knew were to stab so it mattered.

That being said, she wouldn't do that to a panda, unless it gave her no option. From what she heard, they were rather rare, and as such, there were no reason to make them even rarer. And they didn't seem to be all that aggressive, the one time she had seen them. Rather dull creatures. Now if it were a grizzly bear, it'd be something else.

Also, how did you smoke champagne? What exactly were he on, when he mistook a liquid for something you smoked? Or were that a weird, local thing? She'd ask, but her attention were brought elsewhere, towards someone who just oozed trouble.

13 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

With that he set off to the next group of guests. But before Null could watch him too closely Nine directed her attention to a stallion standing in a dark corner. The stallion was covered in all black, what little showed beneath his black garb was also black outside of his hard yellow eyes. He was looking right back at them for all but a moment, but Null could be sure that he was the one Nine had meant. Even without the sight there was an evil aura to him.

"Wait. Think I found a troublemaker."

She'd signal to Arcade and Dove, as she gave them a brief glance. At which point she'd see the fading redness on Dove's face, which she could only attribute to one thing. Or rather, one stallion, and much as she wanted to deal with the creep, there were another creep that needed to bear mention here.

"Do Not fall for the smarminess of that other one, Dove. He's trouble. As is that one over there. I can almost smell it."

She sounded a bit aggravated right now, but frankly, she were a bit miffed. This place gave her a bad feeling, the creep over there made her think it best to stab first, and don't ask questions later, and the cold feeling shivering through her, were seriously not helping on her mood either. Reminded her of wandering in the arctic again, and she had plenty enough of that when she were actually there.

"So how does this work? I go over there, and I can feel out his debt or something? What's stopping him from outright stabbing me? This here's the first real part of the Vengeance gig. I need a brief refresher, and sort out if I can deal with him now, and if you bite note in anything else. I can't risk Dove or Arcade getting kidnapped or killed."

(The following only happens if Nine tells her how she goes about this matter, and give her some degree of reassurances. Otherwise, she would remain back with the other two, and keep a close eye on this one, until there were another plan)

"I remember when evil used to be more subtle than this. He might be a distraction... Arcade? Are you able to keep an eye on Dove for a few? If anyone tries anything, tell them I gave you permission to stab them."

If Arcade agreed, Null would wander over, directly towards this fool, and stop right in front of him. If not, she'd stay, until a better situation arose.

"I'm not in a mood to play coy here. Who are you, and what's your problem?"

Her tone were harsh, and her muscles tensed, as she prepared to get out of the way for one reason or another. Potentially to stab him. Potentially to turn and run back to the others. They were not too far away, so she should be able to get there quickly, worst case scenario. And gods have mercy upon whoever decided to try and block her path, because they would not get any from her.

(Troy)

13 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

The foals were quick to climb up when Void offered herself, but they were quick to jump off when she passed close enough to Vale, who had previously proven impossible for them to climb, and as such she was the next to fall victim to the foals machinations.

Void couldn't help herself, and actually laughed a little as she saw what the two of them did to whom she had assumed would be the grand master here. She really tried keeping it back, and even attempted to bite her lips close, but it still got out of her muzzle. It were simply too funny.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It's just... I did not expect them to do that, and it looked really funny and adorable."

She didn't laugh at the next takedown, though it were still rather adorable. It also showed a more sinister, tactical side to Toupé, which she hadn't expected. Not in a bad way really. More like a mischievous imp, who made use of the tools she had avilable. Something which left the two of them, as last ponies standing. If you discounted the foals, who were less participants, and more randomized weaponry and hazards.

"Looks like someone found a way to weaponize their friends. Think they can bring me down too?"

She'd smile at Toupé, and say the words in jest, with a bit of a giggle following.

Thing were though, the two of them could actually get her down, if they did things right. Like running around her legs when she were about to move, as she were afraid of hitting either one of them, so she might stumble then. Doing something adorable to take her attention away whilst she were moving, could also work. Though if they wanted a more direct route, they could try to tickle her. It would actually work fairly well, and she'd stand and squirm a bit of first, trying to keep up, but it wouldn't last, and they'd be able to get her down on her back, ready for a solid belly tickle if they wanted to. Little terrors might cut down the giant too, if they were smart or lucky here.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I'm not fighting a panda. It's beneath me."

The stallion chuckled, "Fiery little fil aintcha? Nah, we've got two of them. You've really got to agitate the pandas to get them engaged in combat, they're very docile by nature." He looked almost conspiratorial as he leaned closer, "I laced their bamboo."

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Do Not fall for the smarminess of that other one, Dove. He's trouble. As is that one over there. I can almost smell it."

Dove looked embarrassed at having been caught, she half muttered in response, "Not many stallions ever showed an interest in me before... it's new you know?"

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"So how does this work? I go over there, and I can feel out his debt or something? What's stopping him from outright stabbing me? This here's the first real part of the Vengeance gig. I need a brief refresher, and sort out if I can deal with him now, and if you bite note in anything else. I can't risk Dove or Arcade getting kidnapped or killed."

Nine was quite hesitant, "First, until you've settled your own debts you aren't expected to settle the debts of anyone else, so you don't need to do anything to him yet. Second, his debt is quite substantial, and given what the list shows for him, which sums up to a very substantial count of gruesome murders, I would strongly recommend not approaching. Try to keep an eye on him though, try to keep away from him."

If Null had looked away from him for a moment, when she looked back to the corner where he had been, he was gone, and the previously dark corner was now illuminated like the rest of the penthouse.

If they continued to wander about the party, they would eventually enter an area where a pair of sleek looking young dragons were being fawned over by a number of the guests, one was red and yellow, the other was blue and black, they were longer and more snakelike than most dragons that Null might have come across in her travels. The red one gave a sort of confident wave to them as they entered the area.

What was perhaps surprising was, if Null got close enough to the ones enthralled by the duo that her field would pass over them, they would seemingly come to their senses and wander on.

(Troy)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It's just... I did not expect them to do that, and it looked really funny and adorable."

Vale wasn't disappointed at losing, "It's fine, I wanted some more time with them anyway."

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Looks like someone found a way to weaponize their friends. Think they can bring me down too?"

Toupé only smiled in response, and motioned the foals over to her. This time they decided to hug tight to her legs to make them more difficult to move. While the false leg was a bit harder to keep a grip on, there was a chance she wouldn't be able to lift it with a foal attached without it coming off again (If that exceeds the weight capability)

Toupé would use the fact that she wasn't encumbered by the foals to keep away from Void and not get entangled, until Pen started to shrink the board so they couldn't stay apart.

If Void could manage the foals hindering her movement, she would soon win as the foals tired of riding her hooves and turned on Toupé. Otherwise Toupé would win.

In either case, once they had all calmed down from the excitement of whoever won, they would once again ask, "what's next?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Fiery little fil aintcha? Nah, we've got two of them. You've really got to agitate the pandas to get them engaged in combat, they're very docile by nature." He looked almost conspiratorial as he leaned closer, "I laced their bamboo."

Must... Not... Curbstomp... Owner...

The more he talked, the more she just wanted to slam him into the ground, and stomp on him until the stupid oozed out of his pores, or he had cried sufficiently enough to satisfy her. Right now, she were holding back, but she were frankly not ruling out pushing him into the pit, when he forced the pandas to fight. See how he'd like a taste of his own medicine, the pompous annoyance.

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Not many stallions ever showed an interest in me before... it's new you know?"

"...I get you, but that guy would be about as trustworthy as a dam made of paper. You deserve someone better than that, Dove."

Funny really. Not too long ago, she too could say that she weren't used to having anyone show an interest in her, and use that as a sort of argument. Beyond the creeps that were, who thoughts she were a filly, and there were at least one of them who she had personally seen to, stopped breathing. Permanently. Another she weren't sure if died, or she just crippled, though it weren't so much for them trying to get at her. No, it were more the things she found out, when she were tracking them, to see if they did stuff like this towards actual fillies.

Urgh, she'd rather not think about this. Creepy stalker types like that, were no good to even remember, for anything else than a lesson in what to look for.

Besides, she had a positive sort of interest to fall back on now. That being from Arcade. He probably weren't showing That sort of interest in her, but their interactions had been nice, and well... She liked to think that he meant it, when he had said she looked good earlier, as she were when she gave him a compliment. It were pretty much the best interaction she had, yet it were a good one, that showed a positive sort of interest, even if just a polite kind.

And yeah, she had blushed too. She could feel her treacherous cheeks blush up when it were, though it were somewhat hard to see, due to her coat. So it weren't like she were any better in reacting than Dove. Though that didn't mean she didn't want to make sure that the mare weren't falling for this nonsense, from the host of the party. He just oozed of the sort who had several mares with him, and treated them more like fawning prices to have near him, than anything else. She might be overreacting though, but he just seemed slimy.

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"First, until you've settled your own debts you aren't expected to settle the debts of anyone else, so you don't need to do anything to him yet. Second, his debt is quite substantial, and given what the list shows for him, which sums up to a very substantial count of gruesome murders, I would strongly recommend not approaching. Try to keep an eye on him though, try to keep away from him."

If Null had looked away from him for a moment, when she looked back to the corner where he had been, he was gone, and the previously dark corner was now illuminated like the rest of the penthouse.

"Fine, I'll stay clear of him for now, but I'd be more than happy to track him down and sort him out later. Thinking there's something useful one might be able to beat out of him, if I hit hard and long enough."

She'd go near her group and stay there, but she'd keep an eye on him, as she didn't trust he wouldn't just slink away into the shadows if she looked away. Potentially literally. She had run into assassins before, that used magic to blend in with the shadows and travel through them. Sadly for them, it were magic, and when they tried to jump her while still connected to said shadow... It got rather gross honestly, and very graphic. Smart ones who kept distance though, or those who had half a brain and slithered fully out of the shadows before jumping her, were some really problematic sorts.

She'd eventually turn her head to react to a noise, that sounded like a blade hitting the ground, but it seemed to just be a workfork. And when she looked back, he were gone, and the corner were illuminated. Great, another bloody Shadowstalker, as she called them anyway. She weren't sure what the technical term were.

As that were a bust, she had to really start to look further around, and try to stay alert. He were likely still somewhere, just waiting for the right time to strike.

"Corner guy is gone. Thinking he lurks in a shadow somewhere, and I'm being literal. So try and stay on your guard."

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

If they continued to wander about the party, they would eventually enter an area where a pair of sleek looking young dragons were being fawned over by a number of the guests, one was red and yellow, the other was blue and black, they were longer and more snakelike than most dragons that Null might have come across in her travels. The red one gave a sort of confident wave to them as they entered the area.

What was perhaps surprising was, if Null got close enough to the ones enthralled by the duo that her field would pass over them, they would seemingly come to their senses and wander on.

Wandering further around, and so far not getting stabbed, Null would tense down a little, but not by much. She still didn't trust this whole place, though at least it seemed like no one were so far dying from the food or drinks, so she would tolerate any of the other two trying to take in something. Just again, long as it were randomly selected, and not given to them directly by someone. Call her paranoid, but rather be that, than return to the buildings later, with what remained of Dove's corpse. She wanted the mare to get through this alive, and hopefully unharmed as well.

She'd also not stop anyone from talking to the mare, as it were likely wise to have her do so, to establish connections and all that garbage. She'd be near though, just in case, and interrupt if they tried to lure her elsewhere for some more private time, rather than hanging around with what for some, might seem like her weird foals. Quite honestly, a surprise no one had made that comment yet. Good thing though. She didn't want to start collecting teeth just yet.

Her eyes would fall on something that gave her pause though. A pair of rather sleep dragons, which made her think wind aligned dragons from Equestria, yet they were normally not these colors. Sure if they were cross element, there were a chance, but she had seen wind dragon mixes before. Deep, darker colors weren't really something that tended to happen there.

She did know some who were somewhat like this though. Been so long that she weren't entirely sure about all the details anymore. It were rather brief, and they generally didn't seem like they could care less about her. Eastern Dragons, from around Neighpon, which were a pretty steep travel from here. But with how the world had gone, creatures could be all over, so if they were from there, this could be a thing. Might also explain why others were fawning over them. Folks liked unusual sights, and compared to regular, Equestrian dragons, they were looking fairly high brow and elegant.

Granted, not the longest dragons she had ever seen. Maybe. She honestly weren't sure if the snakelike, floating serpentines that she had once seen, were dragons. They looked a lot like them, with their scaled bodies, hunger for gems, and fire breathing. But she hadn't seen other dragons that were so marble white, nor had a secondary, magical fire of glittering flames, or claws that seemed golden. The thing about them seemingly slithering through the air, without having wings, also confused her, and it weren't like she had many to ask. Only ones who had ever said they knew what she talked about, just called them Refractions, and shrugged when she asked if they were dragons. Apparently, not a whole lot had studied them, so she supposed they were a rare, elusive sort. Or she just never asked around the right beings. Who knew? Weren't like these two were of that sort either.

"...Let's head for those two. They seem to draw folks in, so maybe they're important, and they seem tolerable enough from a distance. You're looking to meet with that sort, right Dove?"

Even if Dove said no, she'd still move over towards them, and see what she might learn from it. And first thing that seemed to be taught here, were that apparently, these two were magically enhanced, or active, in some fashion. She didn't openly touch them, but as she passed another, a down fell off from her wing, and due to the movement of nearby creatures, would float over and poke at the red dragon's ankle. Her feathers still had her effect for a few days after leaving her, so this were enough to count as entering her field. Annoying frankly, as she should have thought about preening herself earlier, to avoid these sorts of things, but maybe they wouldn't notice. Despite the feeling of magic being gone tending to be noticeable, and her being the only one nearby with pure black feathers. Who were also close, and moving closer. It wouldn't exactly take a genius.

(Troy)

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Toupé only smiled in response, and motioned the foals over to her. This time they decided to hug tight to her legs to make them more difficult to move. While the false leg was a bit harder to keep a grip on, there was a chance she wouldn't be able to lift it with a foal attached without it coming off again (If that exceeds the weight capability)

"Void would give off a cheery, hearty little laugh as the two adorable rascals clung themselves to her legs, and would effortlessly lift them one by one, to show that it weren't weighing her down in any meaningful way.

"Hehe, I like your idea, but I've been carrying a lot of heavy stuff around for many years, Toupé. I've gotten used to lifting that sort, all while walking and running around. Your weapons of adorableness won't work on me."

She were kind of right in this. They wouldn't weight her down in a way that would stop her from moving as she wanted to.

However, they did distract her, as she just couldn't get over how adorable this were, and when she heard she were supposed to set her hoof on a red dot, she moved it, and set it on a blue instead. Right as she had looked down on the clinging little monkey that were Piecey, her mind had just sort of gone wandering, and she didn't notice she had messed up before it were too late. Which just made her give off another laugh.

"Guess I were wrong. Well played Toupé. And you two little bundles of joy too."

If the two were still clinging on, Void would lean down and pull them in close for a gentle hug, before letting them go again. Unless they started to cling with her, in which case she'd sorta stay stuck in this position. She didn't have the heart to push these two away.

When eventually everything were sorted , and she were moving around freely again, she'd look around on the others, nearly beaming with joy.

"So, are everyone having fun? Seems to me like there's been a lot of smiles around at least, just like it should be. All of you deserve to be happy. Even during math."

That last one were poking a bit at their teacher, but hopefully she'd get that it were just in pure fun, and references how most saw math. Kinda boring, and made the head go owie. 

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"...Let's head for those two. They seem to draw folks in, so maybe they're important, and they seem tolerable enough from a distance. You're looking to meet with that sort, right Dove?"

The closer they got to the pair, the more ponies passed through her field and decided to move on, drawing a greater share of attention from the pair of dragons.

When Null's feather fell by the dragon's ankle he proved especially dexterous, catching it with his foot before it hit him, the group had almost all dispersed by that point, due to the feather releasing a number of others as it passed.

The pair looked at the trio, but their expressions were more of confusion than disappointment or anger that their entourage had left. The blue one spoke, "You three... approach us differently than the rest,"

"They don't seem to recognize us as the others do."

"They don't worship us as the others do."

The red one tipped his head towards them, "Forti"

The blue one did likewise, "Potens"

"The others call us mighty and powerful."

"The others see us as Gods."

"You do not see us as the others do?"

If Null wasn't quick to respond, Dove would step forward, "I am ambassador Dove, of Troy. We've recently established an embassy in the city, and would like to introduce ourselves."

Forti, assuming that was the red ones name, looked curios, "A powerful nation it must be to resist our curse."

(Troy)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"So, are everyone having fun? Seems to me like there's been a lot of smiles around at least, just like it should be. All of you deserve to be happy. Even during math."

The young ponies shared a look, a bit more serious mood fell on them, but not enough to fully dampen their spirits. Ardee spoke up, "It's... different. Nothing like our time hiding for the past while, less like when we were in the lab. Is... is this what a normal life is like? Is this what no- other ponies do?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 11/16/2020 at 7:11 AM, Illiad Easle said:

If Null wasn't quick to respond, Dove would step forward, "I am ambassador Dove, of Troy. We've recently established an embassy in the city, and would like to introduce ourselves."

Forti, assuming that was the red ones name, looked curios, "A powerful nation it must be to resist our curse."

"It's not the nation blocking you. It's me."

Null hadn't answered at first, as she were inspecting this odd pair. Not just physically odd, but the way they acted too, after having their magic negated. Frankly primarily that, as it seemed like they were more curious than angry. You'd think having their enthralled fan club wandering off would irritate them in some fashion, and yet they acted as if this were an interesting twist. Something which seemed odd to Null, up until they mentioned a curse. This she could understand, even if her curse were more a repelling effect, than one which drew others in. Hers frankly seemed worse, but there were probably some disadvantages to theirs that she wasn't seeing just yet.

Of course they also did the creepy sibling act of finishing each others sentences, but that weren't so bad. Didn't even make her tingle, as this always seemed a little weird, yet ultimately harmless. Like zebra rhyming.

Void and her had tried that before, but they could never get a hang on it. Guess it required some sort of same wavelength to work? It were pretty hard to know, as she never cared to ask. Maybe something to bring up to these two? They seemed friendly enough. So far at least. She weren't sure if it would stay that way.

"And from what I saw, you were fawned over, but not treated as gods. I've seen my fair share of cultists, and actual believers in varied gods. Sometimes followers of demi gods. Their sort of reverence is on another level."

I'm Event Horizon, and this is Arcade. We're with her.

Mind me asking more about the curse you were talking about? Looked more like a blessing from my point of view, so wondering what the deal is with it."

Could be it were a blessing. A blessing from a god, could be a curse for some mortals. Those things did not think on the same level as mortals, so it weren't exactly unheard of, that a blessing with a great downside came from a god. Y*know, among the stories of gods giving blessing. Which were rare. Tended to require a lot to get their attention that much.

(Troy)

On 11/16/2020 at 7:11 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The young ponies shared a look, a bit more serious mood fell on them, but not enough to fully dampen their spirits. Ardee spoke up, "It's... different. Nothing like our time hiding for the past while, less like when we were in the lab. Is... is this what a normal life is like? Is this what no- other ponies do?"

"Among other things, yes. There's still responsibility, and some boring things to do, but it's normal to stop up and have some fun now and again. It's important to just put your worries aside, and focus on that. Especially for foals."

Void looked around on them, with a warm,. motherly smile on her face. Poor things were so unused to these sort of things, even though they were at an age where their worst worries should be related to classes, potential bullies, and whatever or not their crushed liked them back. Not if one of them were going to get eaten on a given day, and having to eschew fun for survival. She had been in that position herself, and it were not a life for a foal. Either it took your foalhood away too soon, and made you into an early adult, or it would crush you. Neither thing were something these young ponies should have to go through. And gods be willing, it would never happen again.

"This is the sort of normal life you should have had from the beginning, but are going to have from now at least. And gods be willing, we will be able to catch up to everything you've missed out on."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Mind me asking more about the curse you were talking about? Looked more like a blessing from my point of view, so wondering what the deal is with it."

The pair of dragons shared a look, shrugged, then looked back at the trio, "You're more direct than the others are."

The blue one turned his attention more directly to Dove, "As you may have noticed, we've... something of an influence in the city. We do our best to not use it unwisely"

"Anymore"

The blue one rolled his eyes, "Anymore. Perhaps another time we could negotiate. If your nation suits us, we would be willing to lend our support. But here isn't they time nor the place."

"We likely wouldn't remember what we agreed to, given all the champaign we've smoked."

The blue one passed a card to Dove, it looked like it was from the Tartarus Pits casino, so they either worked there or lived there.

The red one then turned his attention to Null and her question, "Believe me, when they aren't high off their hooves on champaign, the adoration is nigh unbearable."

"We come to the weekly party for that reason, it's the only place we can be in public without getting mobbed."

"But it wouldn't be fair for us to tell for free now would it?"

"Why don't you explain by what power you block our curse?"

"Then we will explain by what power it was obtained."

(Troy)

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"This is the sort of normal life you should have had from the beginning, but are going to have from now at least. And gods be willing, we will be able to catch up to everything you've missed out on."

The young ponies seemed to accept that answer, but it also seemed to bring up a whole other list of questions. Teal asked, "What else have we missed out on?", Ardee asked, "What sort of responsibility do ponies usually have?", and finally Toupé asked, "You say 'gods' like the ponies said 'Stars' or 'Celestia', what does that mean?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 11/18/2020 at 5:10 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The pair of dragons shared a look, shrugged, then looked back at the trio, "You're more direct than the others are."

"Being subtle and dancing around the subject, is their thing. I like cutting to the chase, and know what I'm dealing with."

That, and this whole attempt at easing in on the subject, were the polite, higher up thing to do. Which she didn't much care for, as she were here in her positions as a guard, and a vengeance seeking daughter, which meant she didn't much care to waste time when trying to get to something important. What if for example they came out and said that if you stayed for too long, your mind would go blank? That'd be quite the thing to learn too late. Same if they were using that aura of theirs to get away with things, such as stabbing. Maybe unlikely, but it were still a possibility she had to consider.

On 11/18/2020 at 5:10 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"But it wouldn't be fair for us to tell for free now would it?"

"Why don't you explain by what power you block our curse?"

"Then we will explain by what power it was obtained."

"...I have no idea how it works. Been like this for longer than I remember, that magic just fizzles out and dies near me. All I know is that stuff like curse magic, just gets negated instead. Can't say why. Might be the sacrificial part of it, or something. Whatever's the reason, it's oozing off me, and yeah, it lingers in the feathers too. Lucky me... Peh. Hard to find a friendly face, in a world that loves their little spells so much, and don't like others coming around and messing up their toys, accident or not.

Primordial magic's also something that gets negated, but that's rarely something to think about. Not a whole lot able to sling real power around like that."

Well technically, primordial magic wielded by mortals were acting like curse magic, when it came to her aura. She had never tried facing an actual god, but she assumed that if she were actually faced with one, they would be able to do whatever they so pleased with her. She couldn't imagine that having that sort of power, and not having it filtered through a herald, or cult leader of sorts, wouldn't be overwhelming. Heck, just the slivers of that power that a regular mortal were able to wield, could cause mass havoc, so just imagine what might happen if it were raw, and unrestrained. Brrr, that sounded nasty.

"Who did you miff off then? Some sort of god from the east? You look more like the sort of dragons that'd run more around Neighpon at least."

(Troy)

"Well, let's try and answer one question at a time, okay?

Now Teal, there's a lot you probably haven't tried, like going to school, chasing butterflies with your friends, attempting to raze a pair of Cacklers, pursue a crush of theirs- A whole lot of stuff really. Foals tend to explore things, and try out whatever they can, to try and have fun. Though fun is different for some. Maybe you'd end up really enjoying collecting bugs, or draw. Perhaps explore a library for some old, interesting stories even? There's a lot of options, and 

The world can be a bit dangerous, so it's important to take precautions, but I'm hoping we can get you to try as much as we can think about, a little by little.  Hopefully enough to catch yp up on things.

Ardee is next. And well, there's a lot of responsibilities, but most of them aren't something you need to worry about. Shopping, working, taxes, etc. are all kinds of adult obligations. You should all just focus on your responsibility as foals. Which is mostly staying at least a little safe, and trying not to lure your friends into doing something reckless and/or illegal.

And uhm... That's a tricky one Toupé. Mostly when someone says that, it refers to the sort of highest power that they pray too, for good tidings. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were like that in Equestria, since they were pretty much the highest beings there were for them, since Equestria doesn't have gods. Someplace like Harrowmark though, have two gods, and the creatures there, pray to the one they believe the most in. I can tell you more aboutt hat place when you get older.

And to explain gods... Uuuh, I don't really know. They're like creatures that are immortal, and live on a whole other level of existence than us. I read a book that said that every country have primordial magic. In some countries, they become powerful things, like the Tree of Harmony, Spring of Youth, and Balance, in Equestria. Other places, they manifest into gods, though I don't really think anyone knows why.

I'm not from Equestria myself, so I don't call out for Princess Celestia, or Princess Luna, when I say something. I just call out the concept of gods. I've uhm... Well, my sister and I have been to many places, and know there are many gods, connected to whatever country they are in. We just haven't found any we really believe in enough to give them praise. I don't know if Troy have any gods, or the powers are manifested into something else here. That's for the really smart ponies who lived here all their lives, but I don't think there's any gods at least. Never heard one being praised.

If you like something neutral yourself, you could use the heavenly objects, like the sun, stars, or moon. Those are pretty common everywhere, but depends on what sort you are. Bat ponies likes praising the moon more than regular ponies, for example, since they're nocturnal."

She had no doubt that her explanation were not a hundred percent accurate, when it came to what she said to Toupé, but she were satisfied enough with what she said. There'd probably come more questions about gods some day, and hopefully, she'd be able to answer some things then though she needed books for that. She herself hadn't really studied these sorts of things all that much, so she'd probably need a tome of sorts, to get things right.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"...I have no idea how it works. Been like this for longer than I remember, that magic just fizzles out and dies near me. All I know is that stuff like curse magic, just gets negated instead. Can't say why. Might be the sacrificial part of it, or something. Whatever's the reason, it's oozing off me, and yeah, it lingers in the feathers too. Lucky me... Peh. Hard to find a friendly face, in a world that loves their little spells so much, and don't like others coming around and messing up their toys, accident or not.

Primordial magic's also something that gets negated, but that's rarely something to think about. Not a whole lot able to sling real power around like that."

The pair of dragons shared another look as Null explained her curse, they nodded and turned their attention back to her as she finished.

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Who did you miff off then? Some sort of god from the east? You look more like the sort of dragons that'd run more around Neighpon at least."

The red one laughed, "Never caught their names, but they were mighty jealous."

"So we got roped into an expedition to some remote part of the world, and got separated from our group."

"We found this undiscovered civilization, and they thought we were gods, having never seen anything like us before."

"So we humored them, let them worship us, and did our best to keep up the facade"

"Lest they discover we weren't gods and have us sacrificed or stuffed."

"Well, eventually the gods they thought we were took notice, and cursed us that everyone everywhere would think us gods"

"Classic case of too much of a good thing."

The blue one then turned his attention to Dove, "Would it be possible for us to, say, hire your guard?"

"We'd be willing to pay top dollar of course, as her services would be invaluable to us."

"And we'd of course take great care of her."

Dove took a step back and waved a dismissive hoof, "It's not for me to say, with all due respect, she's under no obligation to remain with the embassy if she wishes to leave. You'd have to ask her."

The two dragons turned their attention to Null, "We could get you anything you want, all we ask is the albeit momentary relieve from this curse that you can provide us."

"We hardly expect you to answer now of course, if you're ever interested, or perhaps want to sell us some feathers, come to us."

They gave her a card like they had given Dove, and it was for the Tartarus Pits casino, listing them as the owners.

"As is, you've done us a great service giving us this momentary break here."

(Troy)

They each had a follow up question,

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

The world can be a bit dangerous, so it's important to take precautions, but I'm hoping we can get you to try as much as we can think about, a little by little.  Hopefully enough to catch yp up on things.

Teal nodded, "Friends... as in other ponies? Ponies like us?" She looked down in thought for a moment before looking back up, "Mistress told me I would be good at friendship."

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Which is mostly staying at least a little safe, and trying not to lure your friends into doing something reckless and/or illegal.

There was a bit of a sad smile on Ardee's face as she nodded, "I don't think you'll have to worry about that, we've all first hoof experience with what happens when you aren't careful or break the rules."

The comment seemed to damper the mood for a bit, Elef most especially seemed saddened by a thought.

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I don't know if Troy have any gods, or the powers are manifested into something else here. That's for the really smart ponies who lived here all their lives, but I don't think there's any gods at least. Never heard one being praised.

If you like something neutral yourself, you could use the heavenly objects, like the sun, stars, or moon. Those are pretty common everywhere, but depends on what sort you are. Bat ponies likes praising the moon more than regular ponies, for example, since they're nocturnal."

Vale seemed eager to pick up and add to the discussion, "While I'm from Cervidas originally, I lived in Troy for a good amount of time as well. In Cervidas the principal worship is to the great tree which is said to have roots which reach all over the world, and that it's fruit is what first gave the creatures there their intelligence. Deer have a natural talent for guiding, which is attributed to our connection to the tree roots that lead us where we need to go. Troy on the other hoof originated with the Camels, who worship what they call the guiding stars, they say that for every creature with light in their eyes, there is a light in the sky to guide them, they further believe that the stars of their ancestors will continue to guide them, hence calling out to multiple stars rather than just one. Not many Trojans worship them with much ceremony as in other cultures, but some of them do. We could maybe find a camel storyteller to give a better idea if you'd like that. Admittedly it is a bit outside my expertise."

(When you tire of answering questions, feel free to suggest a new activity or learning opportunity for them, or if you want to do another 1x1 focus let me know and I'll send one to spend time with Void.)

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

13 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

The two dragons turned their attention to Null, "We could get you anything you want, all we ask is the albeit momentary relieve from this curse that you can provide us."

"We hardly expect you to answer now of course, if you're ever interested, or perhaps want to sell us some feathers, come to us."

They gave her a card like they had given Dove, and it was for the Tartarus Pits casino, listing them as the owners.

"As is, you've done us a great service giving us this momentary break here."

Null looked at the name of the casino, and nearly rolled her eyes. Tartarus Pits, of course. Sweet sweet irony, how thy kicks are aplenty.

"I'll think about it, but for now at least, I guess you can have this, so you're not fighting over that."

She'd preen another small down off from the base of her wing, and blow it towards them. She'd seen how agile they were before. Catching this should not be an issue.

"They last two days after contact. Hoof's width effect, so put it in a broche or something."

Null would lie if she said she hadn't sold her feathers before, in desperate times. Depended on the area she were in, if folks needed it enough to not ask questions, but there had been sometimes, when Void and her had crafted them into wards against magic, and told folks it would keep bad things away from them. Long as they saw the effect, and didn't wonder were the feather in it came from, it were no biggie. But eventually they'd figure out, and by then, they usually took off.

Granted, it were likely not all placed that would have hated them. In hindsight, she were sure the worst that'd happen in some areas, were that they would keep her observed, or maybe there'd be the sort of demand, where she had to hide a bit, to not run out of feathers.

Yet at the time, due to several bad experiences, she had felt certain that the second they'd be found out, they were going to get chased. She frankly still felt certain that were going to happen in some places, but in hindsight, she had probably been a bit too paranoid at times.

As fort these two, they were... Weird, but she had sold feathers for a living before. Might be worth it to keep in mind, both for a source of easy cash later on, an potentially someone who'd be willing to trade a favor. She were probably not gonna get overly popular after killing the Grey, so if she wanted to get back in town, or were caught, there'd be something to be said for folks like this. And a good faith gesture, like the one she had just presented, might do wonder. Plus, it'd make them convinced of the quality of her... Well, herself.

"Rough luck with the gods, but some of them can be rather petty like that. Far as I hear at least. Mostly demi gods I've actually seen, and those can really get prissy at things like this.

Ever considered just going back, and place an offering? Offer enough, they might be lenient. Maybe do it through their main priest, or cult leader if it is. Heard stories where they've been able to pray to their gods for mercy on others, and it worked. Can't say how much there is to it, but it's something at least."

So, this were an odd pair, but they gave her some things to think about. Mostly on hiring herself out now and again, or sell feathers. She'd never stay permanently at a casino. Sure there'd be a wretched hive of fiends that'd go there, but that didn't mean she liked to stay around, and wait for those that needed to be judged, to come to her. Although... Maybe there were something they'd be useful for, actually.

"Say, Nine? You get an inkling if these two have been around our target? Might be we'd be able to use them."

(Troy)

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Friends... as in other ponies? Ponies like us?" She looked down in thought for a moment before looking back up, "Mistress told me I would be good at friendship."

"Everyone can be a good friend, but I'm sure your mistress was right, and you'll be the sort everyone will be lucky to have as a close friend. Maybe it'll get you places too when you get older. Like party planning, or maybe a therapist? There's many options for a nice, friendly filly like yourself."

She knew the actual reason the mistress had said that, but Void wanted to encourage some degree of individuality, and some options to what they might focus on later. Maybe Teal would be like Pinkie, and plan parties with great delight. Or she might do something else that took advantage of her ingrained, kind nature. Like for example therapist, which if she were trained well, could perhaps be something she could make out of herself. It were hard to say, but she weren't willing to force Teal towards only one path, just because Pinkie had done so.

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"I don't think you'll have to worry about that, we've all first hoof experience with what happens when you aren't careful or break the rules."

The comment seemed to damper the mood for a bit, Elef most especially seemed saddened by a thought.

"H-Hey, don't worry, okay? We'll make sure you're safe, and don't have to fear things like that anymore."

Ooof, that was a poorly thought out sentence from her. She shouldn't say things like this around them, and she should know better than to do so. Poor things didn't need a reminder of such horrible tragedy... Best they moved on from this soon.

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Not many Trojans worship them with much ceremony as in other cultures, but some of them do. We could maybe find a camel storyteller to give a better idea if you'd like that. Admittedly it is a bit outside my expertise."

Well, that might do the trick. A bit of a history lesson from Vale, that were rather insightful. She also completely forgot about the camels. Been a long time since she really talked with them, that she still hadn't gotten used to them being around the area she were in again.

"That sounds like a good idea. When we can eventually get some outsiders in here, that you can meet, and get familiar with, we'll try and find a camel with some good stories. I'm sure it would be educational for everyone.

Anyway, I think we should try and focus on something else. How about we try Charades now? We tried Twister, but I'm sure we can get a lot of fun out of trying that too now, and get our thoughts away from all the bad things. What do you all think?"

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

10 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I'll think about it, but for now at least, I guess you can have this, so you're not fighting over that."

She'd preen another small down off from the base of her wing, and blow it towards them. She'd seen how agile they were before. Catching this should not be an issue.

"They last two days after contact. Hoof's width effect, so put it in a broche or something."

They nodded as they stowed the feather away, one with each of them. They looked impressed and intrigued with her behavior and willingness to share.

10 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Rough luck with the gods, but some of them can be rather petty like that. Far as I hear at least. Mostly demi gods I've actually seen, and those can really get prissy at things like this.

Ever considered just going back, and place an offering? Offer enough, they might be lenient. Maybe do it through their main priest, or cult leader if it is. Heard stories where they've been able to pray to their gods for mercy on others, and it worked. Can't say how much there is to it, but it's something at least."

They shook their heads, "Were it even possible to get to Cervidas, the tribe that worships those gods are in the middle of a forest filled with cursed creatures that live for the sole purpose of killing gods, or at least those they see as gods."

"That was likely the primary reason for the curse, that we would get slaughtered by the creatures as we tried to leave."

"They did nearly get us too, we won't be so lucky if we were to try and return."

10 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Say, Nine? You get an inkling if these two have been around our target? Might be we'd be able to use them."

There was a slight pause before Nine responded, "Well, given they're the casino owners, and the staff in the Top Suits commented on the owners meeting up with Grey on occasion, it isn't far fetched that they would have access to him. As to their auras... they've got nothing too serious to atone for, they're actually doing quite well in minimizing the effects of their curse, doing their best to not advantage themselves of the enthralled populous."

It was about then when who should show up but the albino thestral from the casino that Arcade had been talking to, she waved before approaching Arcade, "Fancy seeing you two here! Didn't think you'd get invited so quickly."

Arcade shrugged, "I was surprised too." He got Dove's attention and directed her to the mare, "Ambassador Dove, this is Epsilon, the daughter of the owner of the Top Suits. Epsilon, this is Ambassador Dove, the one I'm working for at the moment."

Dove did a Trojan bow to the mare, "It's an honor to make your acquaintance, we're very grateful that your father allowed us to establish our embassy in his territory. Is there some way we could meet with him in the near future?"

Epsilon did a more Equestrian bow in return, "He's not much of one for parties, or I'd introduce you here. As is, I think it could be arranged for you to meet with him. Send someone to the casino one of these days and the staff will get you set up."

(Troy)

10 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

It were hard to say, but she weren't willing to force Teal towards only one path, just because Pinkie had done so.

(Teal is the Twilight clone, Toupé is the Pinkie clone)

At the mention of charades the young ponies seemed keen, Vale went over to the bookshelves to find a book with simple enough concepts that the foals could act them out, and returned with a book meant mostly for foals, a picture book of active words, "We'll do it the same way as before, only you don't need to write down the words this time, just shout it out when you have it."

She would turn her attention back to Void, "Unless you'd like to do it some other way?"

The young ponies were more eager to play now that they didn't have to write. Depending on how Void wanted to organize it they would start playing. Vale would give them the word to act out, being active words they wouldn't be too difficult to demonstrate, Elef and Ardee being the best at acting, while Teal and Toupé were the best at guessing.

If the active words proved too easy, Vale would switch the book for more specific words.

 

Edited November 21, 2020 by Illiad Easle
Forgot the second half

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 11/21/2020 at 9:18 AM, Illiad Easle said:

They shook their heads, "Were it even possible to get to Cervidas, the tribe that worships those gods are in the middle of a forest filled with cursed creatures that live for the sole purpose of killing gods, or at least those they see as gods."

"That was likely the primary reason for the curse, that we would get slaughtered by the creatures as we tried to leave."

"They did nearly get us too, we won't be so lucky if we were to try and return."

"Sounds to me, like you got a big job lined up for me in the future then. We can discuss it another time, alright? Tonight's a little busy."

Sure sounded like the sort of thing she were the key for. If they were not seen as gods, they would not get killed, and she apparently kept that down for them. it presented them with a rare opportunity to have a chance at fighting back, yet required some planning, preparation of a potential sacrifice for the tribe in question, and proper weaponry. She'd need something better than this to fight back against the tribe, if need be.

Of course, this were not set as something guaranteed, but she could imagine they'd ask that of her sooner or later, provided that her effect seemed genuine. Now they each had a feather, they had a few days to see it for themselves, and she wouldn't be surprised if this were where they'd push things. Sounded like their curse were quite a bother for them, so why wouldn't their thoughts lead this way eventually? Long as they'd still linger around her, after what she were aiming to do, but she'd have an ace up her sleeve with this opportunity, to gain some leeway. Might be something she could leverage for her own advantage. As well as theirs.

On 11/21/2020 at 9:18 AM, Illiad Easle said:

There was a slight pause before Nine responded, "Well, given they're the casino owners, and the staff in the Top Suits commented on the owners meeting up with Grey on occasion, it isn't far fetched that they would have access to him. As to their auras... they've got nothing too serious to atone for, they're actually doing quite well in minimizing the effects of their curse, doing their best to not advantage themselves of the enthralled populous."

"Think about it, and keep the feathers handy. Consider it a glimmer of hope for now.

I'll be in touch."

Seemed to be what were time for, but she had reasons to take them upon their offer now. Between what they said, and Nine's reassurances, it seemed like the best thing were to take advantage of this. Though she'd give them a day, just so they could see what she said about the feathers held true. The more they knew she weren't fibbing them, the better the odds of her getting something sorted. A day or so, should prove that she were legit.

On 11/21/2020 at 9:18 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Dove did a Trojan bow to the mare, "It's an honor to make your acquaintance, we're very grateful that your father allowed us to establish our embassy in his territory. Is there some way we could meet with him in the near future?"

Epsilon did a more Equestrian bow in return, "He's not much of one for parties, or I'd introduce you here. As is, I think it could be arranged for you to meet with him. Send someone to the casino one of these days and the staff will get you set up."

Oh great. Her. The one who spoke with Arcade earlier... Daughter of the casino they were in before, who'd likely not be overly thrilled if he actually saw Arcade or her. Or her at least, considering she had broken one of his machines, when Nine and her helped Cabin to die. A thought which did not help her mood, on top of her already feeling a little sour from seeing this mare. Hadn't that one better things to do, than to pester Arca- Them?

"I can go and set something up, tomorrow. We'll have a meeting set up somewhere neutral, to minimize risks.

Is there anything you can tell about him, that's going to be useful? Name and age, how long he's been running the casino for, things like that? He sounds important, if he's the one that set up the embassy. But it's not a lot to go on, and we're supposed to keep Dove safe, so I need to know who we're dealing with."

Null didn't bow or anything, but just went right ahead and first stated, then asked, a few things. It weren't her job to be polite, and beg at the hooves of some random thestral, despite how good it would be for Dove, and Troy in general, to make nice with her. Something which in turn, would endear them to her father, whom so far, were unnamed. And considering she didn't even have a name for him, she didn't trust him one single bit. For all she knew, it would turn out that her father were the one she were looking for, which were going to make their encounters a good deal more strained, even if it weren't perfect already.

"Nine, your take on this one? I don't trust her, but you can see more layers than me."

(Troy)

On 11/21/2020 at 9:18 AM, Illiad Easle said:

At the mention of charades the young ponies seemed keen, Vale went over to the bookshelves to find a book with simple enough concepts that the foals could act them out, and returned with a book meant mostly for foals, a picture book of active words, "We'll do it the same way as before, only you don't need to write down the words this time, just shout it out when you have it."

She would turn her attention back to Void, "Unless you'd like to do it some other way?"

"I think your way of doing it sounds good, Vale. I think we should just do that. Hehe, and it seems like everyone else agrees too."

The dear foals already looked up beat and excited again, as the prospect of a new game came up, and they scrambled around to try and find something they could act out. Considering how gloomy it had briefly gotten before, she were thrilled that they could get away from that, and towards something pleasant again, instead of dwelling on memories of their dead friends.

"Would everyone be okay with going through this alphabetically, though? It organizes things a little easier, so everyone isn't trying to act out their word at the same time."

If they seemed okay with this, they could begin. She were of course last in that situation, while Ardee were first, but if it came to her turn, she'd try to act something out. She were pretty bad at this though. The foals could act out things, and she would keep guessing wrong, and shake her head at herself with a little chuckle every now and again, when someone did get the right one. Seemed like a rudimentary ability to read creatures, did not translate well into this game, but it were still fun. Regardless of her being able to get it right, it didn't take away that it were entertaining, and weren't that the most important part? She'd think so at least.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I can go and set something up, tomorrow. We'll have a meeting set up somewhere neutral, to minimize risks.

Is there anything you can tell about him, that's going to be useful? Name and age, how long he's been running the casino for, things like that? He sounds important, if he's the one that set up the embassy. But it's not a lot to go on, and we're supposed to keep Dove safe, so I need to know who we're dealing with."

Epsilon looked a bit taken aback by Null's direct approach, though it was tempered with a bit of concern, "I'm sorry? I don't recall us getting off on the wrong hoof when we last spoke, but if we did I do apologize, Vector says I can be pretty oblivious at times."

Arcade shook his head as he took a pointed step to separate the two mares a bit, "No no, you were fine, she's just stressed is all, doesn't like new things you know?"

Epsilon seemed appeased by that, "Oh, okay." She looked thoughtful, "Useful things about House, he goes by R. House when not called just the Owner, he's getting up there in the years, I'm not sure exactly how old, but he's been training me to take his place. He's been running the Top Suits since before the whole Discord thing, used to be more involved in the shadow government when he was younger, which is why Discord let him stay, but he's a real nice pony really, to those who are close to him at least. You know, since he's training me and all, it might not be hard to get him to let me take care of the embassy if that's easier for you all? Rather than going through me to him, you'd just need to go to me!"

She nodded, having seemingly decided for herself, "Well if that's the case, I'm Epsilon Phi, 21 years old."

Dove nodded, "We look forward to meeting with you in the near future."

(Troy)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Would everyone be okay with going through this alphabetically, though? It organizes things a little easier, so everyone isn't trying to act out their word at the same time."

There were no objections to this arrangement.

(There's not much I can add to this scene, sorry)

They would keep playing, Vale making the words progressively harder as they went, until either Vale stopped them for dinner, or when the thestral guard mare from the previous night arrived, stealing Elef's attention in the middle of his charade, she would motion for Elef to continue, then wave for Void to come over, once Void joined her she would speak low enough for the others to not overhear, "I hope I'm not causing an issue, but there's a Fastar Clan holiday tomorrow, and I figure since he's not in any clan officially he may as well join in officially. He'll still be able to stay here with the others of course, the Judge told me how important that is, else I'd have recommended he be moved with others of his kind, nonetheless it's important that he learns about his heritage."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

13 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"I'm sorry? I don't recall us getting off on the wrong hoof when we last spoke, but if we did I do apologize, Vector says I can be pretty oblivious at times."

Arcade shook his head as he took a pointed step to separate the two mares a bit, "No no, you were fine, she's just stressed is all, doesn't like new things you know?"

"Yeah, sorry. It's been a bad day."

Granted, she still didn't trust Epsilon, but fair enough. She might have been a little too hostile there before, without much reason for it. Guess this day, the cold jittering through her, and that shadowy assassin from before, were getting to her more than she expected. Made her act all erratic and crazed, without much reason for it.

She were sure Void would have some words for her about this, if she were here, but what else were there really to say here? She messed up, Arcade covered for her, and she said sorry. This was one of those *socially correct* things, right? Y'know, if you looked away from the fact that she were yapping off in the first place. Guess it would've been more fitting if she hadn't done that, but that dice had been thrown.

To work with Arcade a bit more on this, Null would take a step back too, and get a bit of further distance between Epsilon and her. It were likely the best thing to do in this situation. Especially if she suddenly said something dumb, since Null were apparently in the sort of mood where throttling weren't out of the realm of possibility. She hadn't thought she were, but her snapping at Epsilon like this, were telling her otherwise.

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

She nodded, having seemingly decided for herself, "Well if that's the case, I'm Epsilon Phi, 21 years old."

Dove nodded, "We look forward to meeting with you in the near future."

And there were that odd feeling again, as Epsilon would turn out to be their link to the top, apparently. Seething, burning... Urgh, who flipped the switch to make her so melodramatic? Just because she were the one to set meetings up with and so on, that weren't a bigger issue, than her not getting more of a full picture of her boss. Hence, she couldn't tell if it weren't the Grey in disguise. Not yet at least. Sounded like she were more of a... Semi adopted leader in training though, than a potential sibling. Which were good. She wouldn't have felt good about what she were here to do, if she knew there were someone who didn't know better, who had to fall over the grizzly scene.

She'd still do it of course, but she'd feel slightly bad about it.

"Very well. I'm Event Horizon. I'll come to you, if the ambassador have something she wish to discuss, or a meeting to set up. And I'll keep in mind what you said about House. Might be we'll run into him some day, and it will give us a minor point of reference.

If I can ask you something unrelated though? When we got here, there were someone in the corner. Clad in a lot of dark, starred over the crowd, and just oozing troublemaker. Stood in shadows that were gone once he suddenly vanished too, so thinking some sort of shadow magic user. Ever heard of that one? Cause he certainly didn't look like a guard, and I have to think of risks."

She'd be less confrontational, and just talk plainly this time. Which for her, were still while looking a bit annoyed, but that were more or less her resting face at this point. Few times she had gotten to really smile on this trip, had been because of Arcade, and this weren't one of those moments where he livened things up. And probably wouldn't be at all, unless he stumbled into a punch bowl, or something.

(Troy)

Huh? She wanted to speak with her?

Void were confused, which stopped her from guessing wrong about what Elef were trying to do once again. First attempt had been a turtle, and in hindsight, she weren't sure what convinced her of this. Her next guess of him acting out as a big, hairy spider, were probably wrong too, but the sudden, strange request by the guard mare Elef hung out with, brought her out of it. Like Elef, she had been sure that mare would come for him alone here. Might be something serious? Best go and check.

She excused herself from the game for now, and wandered over to hear the mare out.

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"I hope I'm not causing an issue, but there's a Fastar Clan holiday tomorrow, and I figure since he's not in any clan officially he may as well join in officially. He'll still be able to stay here with the others of course, the Judge told me how important that is, else I'd have recommended he be moved with others of his kind, nonetheless it's important that he learns about his heritage."

"O-Oh, okay. That's... Good, I think? I was afraid it were something dangerous.

Selena trusts you enough to have Elef under your protection, so I trust your judgement on things too. If this is an important thing for thestrals, you have my blessing to take him when it is. Just make sure he's safe, okay? The others already lost too many of their friends. I couldn't bear to tell them that another one had been lost.

You uhm... Y-You can handle this on your own? Or do you need help? I don't wanna push things. It's just, you know, in case you think something might go wrong."

It were rather obvious that Void were being rather protective of the foals, as she whispered back, and a few times send some nervous glances in their direction. Especially pointed at Elef, whom were likely fine with this mare, but it were hard for her not to worry about him, if there were some sort of ceremony. A lot of creatures might be there, and that could prove dangerous... And what then if he did get hurt? Even by accident? She told them that she'd keep them safe, and that they weren't going to lose more of their friends. How wouldn't it affect everything, and everyone, if Elef then died?

Honestly, the holiday mentioned might be a calm, small thing, and she just didn't know it. Though she had seen and heard of many things in her day, thestral holidays were sadly not one of them.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Yeah, sorry. It's been a bad day."

Epsilon smiled and waved dismissively.

Nine took that moment to respond, "Per your earlier question, I can't get much of a read on her, she's pretty much neutral as far as I can tell, nothing major or even really minor to worry about when it comes to her. Although, there's a bit to her like she's come in contact with your target on occasion, maybe brought along by her father to meetings?"

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

If I can ask you something unrelated though? When we got here, there were someone in the corner. Clad in a lot of dark, starred over the crowd, and just oozing troublemaker. Stood in shadows that were gone once he suddenly vanished too, so thinking some sort of shadow magic user. Ever heard of that one? Cause he certainly didn't look like a guard, and I have to think of risks.

Epsilon looked a little confused, but then seemed to realize who she was talking about, "Oh him? That's just Ninja Briar, he's good friends with the host, been something of a personal bodyguard since before the crisis. Vector's told me to keep my distance from him, and I do, but I've never seen him cause any trouble."

A murmur went through the crowd as everyone seemed to head off in a certain direction, Epsilon looked excited, "Oooh! They finally opened up the dance floor. C'mon you're not going to want to miss this."

They didn't have to follow Epsilon, and Dove and Arcade would look to Null to decide if they would go or stick around.

If they followed Epsilon she would lead them through the labyrinth of a penthouse they were in. She seemed to mutter a song to herself as she led the way, "Just walk right past the garden, go through the spanish-french door." True enough they walked through a remarkable balcony garden to a arched door covered in engravings of croissants. Before they reached the door another pony walked through and, if Null were paying close attention, she'd see the shadowy pony which Epsilon had called Ninja Briar on the other side. But when they reached the door he was gone.

"Turn right at the seventh bathroom"

Why an apartment needed so many bathrooms was beyond any of them, but the shadowy pony seemed to be lurking in every doorway they passed, always disappearing before Null could get a good look.

"Then a left at the laser chair"

A chair made of light, which looked nice until someone tried to sit in it, and their mane burst into flames.

Just passing the chair she stopped, "If you hit my moat you've gone too far."

Why a penthouse needed a moat was a lesser question to how it had one, but looking down the hall that Epsilon had stopped in, there was what sounded like a moat at the far end. 

Epsilon started to turn left, then quickly went right, "Alright we're almost halfway there!" She giggled, "Sorry, it's right around the corner. I couldn't resist making the same joke he did."

Provided they hadn't stopped before this point they would arrive at the dance floor, which was huge and full of creatures of all types dancing. The music playing was fairly rhythmic, all the dancers keeping time with the beat, the lyrics went something like: 'Can't stop, Won't stop, Dancing, Deep into the night, It's a penthouse party.'

(Troy)

The guard mare shook her head, "No no, nothing dangerous. It's just a cultural celebration in honor of the anniversary of the death of the clan's founder. He'll learn all about it during the occasion, though if you like I could have him bring back some literature? Maybe get someone more acquainted with the clan's history to come and speak to the others about it? I think that'd be a good way to keep the others from feeling left out if that's a problem."

Once Elef was done acting out his word the guard would wave him over, "I'll bring him back in about an hour or so, no need to wait on dinner for him, I'll make sure his hunt goes well."

If Void didn't object the two of them would leave.

Edited November 24, 2020 by Illiad Easle