private Deep Science 1x1 with Blitz Boom

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

10 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

nd, "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?"

"That, or she's interacted with him, because she's another spawn of his, and he's this R. House she speaks off. We can't rule anything out yet, but it seems like one thing's for sure: If we're to get to him, we need to get through the casinos. It seems like it's the sort who frequents that, that he hangs around with. Likely to extort money from them, or he's their boss, and controls the important part of the town through them. Probably both. Money can buy you most things, if you know how to use it."

So she had to frequent gambling sites... Annoying, but if it meant she'd get her vengeance, there were few annoyances and humiliations, she would not push through.

As for Epsilon potentially being his spawn... It seemed unlikely, as she were not thrown away, but she had to be open for all possibilities right now. He might have found her to be someone he could easier manipulate, as she did not have the aura that Void and her had, and just because she were a thestral, that didn't rule anything out. Zebras, thestrals, and the general three variants of regular ponies, were perfectly capable of interbreeding. From what she had heard, it wasn't as easy as if you remained within your own group, and complications or mutations were known to happen, but it were still more than possible. And frankly, she'd consider being an albino, to be a rather noticeable mutation from something like this.

Again, there were no guarantee, and she frankly found it a slim chance, but she couldn't rule things out right now.

11 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"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."

"He reeks of trouble, but whatever. Long as he doesn't try anything."

He most definitely were going to try something, at some point. That much she felt fairly certain off. As well as the fact that he were definitely not just a bodyguard. With how he had been before, the more correct term would probably be *goon*. And that were putting it kindly, since he were definitely the sort that were used for other things, than merely keeping one safe. And hearing of him, and his boss what she did now, she now had another candidate to consider for the role of her scum lord *father*. She could definitely see him hiring on someone like this, and it wasn't like she had seen the actual host. Unless it were that weirdo that invited them, but that didn't make sense. He looked, and acted, more like a noble fool, basking in opulence and dumb activities, than someone to be concerned about. And Nine had cleared him, more or less. Whoever ran this, were more than likely someone else.

11 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

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.

She wanted to miss this. She really did, but... Urgh, the looks on her, seeing if she would be the one to spoil the mood, as well as potentially ruin a shot for Dove to get some more time with Epsilon, and establish a better working relationship...

"Alright, but don't stray, and if you dance with anyone, don't let them try and lead you off."

Personally, she'd rather just stay where she were, but that wasn't an option if they were going there now. So she had to follow, and just try to get this over with. Maybe it wasn't so bad.

11 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"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.

...She stood corrected. As well ad vindicated in focusing on Ninja before, as it were getting ridiculously obvious that he were stalking them. Not some random pony, or overlooking a crowd- Them. Or at least someone specifically in their group, which narrowed to three targets.

Dove, because she were the ambassador, and he were bidding his time to stab her/report back to his boss about her.

Epsilon, because her position made her an attractive target for varied things, such as kidnapping, to make House play ball.

Or herself, which likely meant that he were indeed working for the Grey, and the wrinkled old prune knew she were in town.

Epsilon she guessed weren't the most obvious, as he had stalked them since before she mingled, so it were more than likely Dove, or herself.

Why not Arcade? Well... Beyond him being a clone, that could seemingly not die, what value did he hold, comparatively? At least if you looked at the most narrow reasons, the only point in getting to Arcade, were if it were related to the facility. And it just seemed more likely that it were Dove or herself that were being stalked, over him. And frankly, she'd put her bits on it being herself, if she had to chose. The way he kept moving whenever she focused on him, to a point where it seemed like a kind of mirror image magic, or teleportation - likely still shadow magic, and he were moving through them - seemed like he wanted her to see him, and know that he were watching. Not for long though. Just enough to let her know that he were there, watching her. But not enough for her to confront him.

She were too fixated on looking after him, to even notice the light chair though, or the potentially pony catching on fire. Though even if she did, what would she be able to do? She radiated anti magic. Not rain clouds. Plus, it might  be a trick, so if the others didn't react, and brought some tensions and attention unto that situation, she wouldn't do anything either. Better her mind be on the things she knew were there.

Though she could've doe without the little song, or whatever it were, that Epsilon were going through as they wandered along. It were frankly rather- Wait, was that a moat? Why did they have that here? No wait, better yet: How did they have one here? Was this more rich people art installation things? Or a place to dump the bodies of whoever had a *bad time* at the party? Urgh... This place was an affront to logic...

11 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

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.'

Cheery as she seemed, it would clash with Null's paranoid, clearly not amused visage, as she simply followed in silence. This place wasn't her idea of a good time, and there were already several things that struck out to her as being troubling. Most notably, Ninja. A slippery threat were one of the worst sort of problems you could have, and they were currently *blessed* with a particularly wriggly one of the sort.

And then they made it to the dance floor... Maybe she should wander back and jump into the moat instead?

Null were not a fan of dance clubs, of any kind. It embodied most of the things she abhorred here in life. Big crowd standing close, a lot of noise, and dancing. Especially the dancing. That was more Void's idea of fun, whereas Null would frankly be more likely to throw rocks at the speakers, to make the noise stop, as well as ruin the incentive others might have, to ask her to dance as well. 

(Troy)

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"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."

Void bit her lip, and looked to the side, as the thought over things a little. The main part that were good to learn, were of course that it sounded like Elef would be safe. That were by and large, the main topic, and it had thankfully gotten a positive answer.

However, there were also the option now of broadening the horizon for the others a little, as they could now have literature to show them. Or even speakers, that could explain them something about this. It were a tempting proposition really...

"...I think some literature might be good, so the others can understand it, but it isn't time to bring in speakers yet. When it is, we can vet them, and maybe allow one or two in to talk, and explain things. Both about this holiday, and the thestrals in general. They're going to need to see, and learn about others sooner or later. Just not this soon. Not when we don't know exactly how safe they are, and what they can take."

The proposition for education would have to be in literature only for now, but in time, it would surely be good to have access to some educational speakers. After they had gotten vetted, of course, and that wouldn't start happening yet. Not until after they had ensured this place were truly secured, which the letter from before made it seem as if it were not. Then they'd ask the foals if they were ready for it, and it had to be unanimous, before they'd go further with it, and start slowly. Maybe with an animal first, which would have to be a cackler, or a vulture. She'd have to borrow a vulture from someone if it were, but it might be possible. She'd have to think over things, and evaluate the foals a little more. The cackler reacted worst to overzealous ones, than the vulture, who had to be pushed quite a lot to be riled up in any fashion.

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

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.

There didn't seem to be much more reason to whisper now, so she would speak normally, when saying the next words.

"Understood, but be careful out there, okay? Moonlight guide you."

This were a thestral matter, so she'd try one of the phrases she had heard some thestrals use in the past, to wish them a good evening, and safe travels. It might also be a regional, or race based thing, and seem a little insulting, but she were just trying to be respectful. If she were told it weren't, she'd hold her tongue, and not say so again.

After they had left, and Void were done sending long looks towards the door, she'd let out a low sigh, and turn to the others again.

"S-Sorry. They had some thestrals business to deal with, and she wanted to make sure we understood it. He should be back in roughly an hour. And maybe with some interesting stories to share.

Anyway, w-whose turn were it?"

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

On 11/24/2020 at 1:43 PM, Blitz Boom said:

...She stood corrected. As well ad vindicated in focusing on Ninja before, as it were getting ridiculously obvious that he were stalking them. Not some random pony, or overlooking a crowd- Them. Or at least someone specifically in their group, which narrowed to three targets.

Dove, because she were the ambassador, and he were bidding his time to stab her/report back to his boss about her.

Epsilon, because her position made her an attractive target for varied things, such as kidnapping, to make House play ball.

Or herself, which likely meant that he were indeed working for the Grey, and the wrinkled old prune knew she were in town.

Epsilon she guessed weren't the most obvious, as he had stalked them since before she mingled, so it were more than likely Dove, or herself.

(I really appreciate you trying to guess what I have planned, as more often than not what you guess is far better than what I was planning.)

On 11/24/2020 at 1:43 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Null were not a fan of dance clubs, of any kind. It embodied most of the things she abhorred here in life. Big crowd standing close, a lot of noise, and dancing. Especially the dancing. That was more Void's idea of fun, whereas Null would frankly be more likely to throw rocks at the speakers, to make the noise stop, as well as ruin the incentive others might have, to ask her to dance as well. 

Given Null's field she may not notice it immediately, but as they stayed in the room the tempo of the music started to speed up, and so too did the motions of those standing in the crowd, but it wasn't like they were moving faster, but rather that she was seeing it happen faster. The change was fairly gradual, furthering that she might not notice it until Arcade stepped out of her field then back into it, though he had only been out of it for a moment he looked startled, "We need to get off the floor, it's enchanted with some effect. Shouldn't risk it until we know what it is."

Epsilon giggled, "Oh? I forgot to mention, they enchanted the speakers so that time passes slower while the song plays, allowing them to dance and party longer than would otherwise be possible, cramming a whole days worth of party into just an hour. Super expensive enchantment, but money is no object for the host." She shrugged "I wondered why it wasn't working on you guys, but I should have guessed you'd take every precaution for someone so important."

Unless Null objected, and especially if Null demanded, Epsilon would start to lead them off the dance floor, stopping once they were off the dance floor, by that point they could see the tempo of the dance reach a fevered pitch, as well as watching the wait staff walking normally until they crossed the threshold of the floor where they immediately dashed across the floor, every glass they held becoming empty before they emerged on the other side just a few seconds later. They at least seemed used to the antics.

Unless Null were hostile towards her, Epsilon would comment, "It's oddly hypnotic to watch from the outside isn't it?"

Dove was more impressed by the implications, "Time dilating enchantments... we could grow crops in a fraction of the time, factories could produce more resources each day, chronomancy like this would go a long way towards rebuilding Troy and the world!"

(Troy)

On 11/24/2020 at 1:43 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Not when we don't know exactly how safe they are, and what they can take.

The guard nodded, "I'll pick something up for you to read to them then, though I think he'll have plenty to share when he gets back himself."

On 11/24/2020 at 1:43 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Understood, but be careful out there, okay? Moonlight guide you."

The guard was a bit surprised by her phrase, but caught what she meant, "May the moon light your path as well." With that she would leave with Elef, Elef jumping up unto her back as they left.

On 11/24/2020 at 1:43 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"S-Sorry. They had some thestrals business to deal with, and she wanted to make sure we understood it. He should be back in roughly an hour. And maybe with some interesting stories to share.

Anyway, w-whose turn were it?"

The young ponies nodded, accepting her response. Vale was looking through the book, "Well, it's your turn, but we've just about run out of words that they'd be able to recognize or emulate. We can do this again after they've learned more nouns, I've already found a number of more common items that they've never seen before, but they'll learn over time."

They turned their attention back to Void, Teal taking the lead this time, "Could we, um, help you make the food tonight?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 11/30/2020 at 7:12 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"We need to get off the floor, it's enchanted with some effect. Shouldn't risk it until we know what it is."

"Stay close, and off the floor. Now!"

Null put on her authoritative, big sister voice for this, combined with a sneer as she too realized what Arcade had uttered a mere moment before her. And she were not hearing any arguments for or against this. They'd get off this floor this instance, even if she had to drag them out of there. And they better not think she wouldn't do it! Any delay, and she'd start pushing them. Hooves, head, or wings. Didn't matter, long as she got them off from there, whilst keeping them in her field.

And she sure wasn't gonna respond to anything before they were out of it, but boy howdy did she have a few choice words to give off after that. Even if she had to painfully swallow a few of the ruder ones, about this place being run by lunatics.

On 11/30/2020 at 7:12 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Epsilon giggled, "Oh? I forgot to mention, they enchanted the speakers so that time passes slower while the song plays, allowing them to dance and party longer than would otherwise be possible, cramming a whole days worth of party into just an hour. Super expensive enchantment, but money is no object for the host." She shrugged "I wondered why it wasn't working on you guys, but I should have guessed you'd take every precaution for someone so important."

"This... You have any idea what can happen, when you meddle in time magic like this? One erratic strain, one tiny rune cast wrong, and you're putting them through a fairy ring."

It were debatable if Epsilon knew what that even were really. The famed spots where the elusive fae would lure in unsuspecting travelers, and have them dance through what seemed like a night, only to have them either pop out after decades had passed, or age and die without ever noticing.

Frankly she didn't know how much truth were in that, or even if the fae were real, or just the kitsune pranking people, but she had fallen over circles of very flourishing plant life, and some... Remnants of what might have been dancers. So frankly, she couldn't rule anything out. Stranger things had happened than this.

Now time altering magic causing trouble in general though? That she had seen, and it were usually against the caster. Idiots thinking they could alter their own time enough to become immortal, only to wither away when they got too close to her. And quite frankly, seeing someone rapidly age, and wither away, all while they were painfully aware of every moment of it, were something she could live without. It were... Very disturbing, to put it mildly. Made her happy that she had only run into crazies doing that twice, and they were both pretty evil. It haunted her less.

On 11/30/2020 at 7:12 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Unless Null were hostile towards her, Epsilon would comment, "It's oddly hypnotic to watch from the outside isn't it?"

Dove was more impressed by the implications, "Time dilating enchantments... we could grow crops in a fraction of the time, factories could produce more resources each day, chronomancy like this would go a long way towards rebuilding Troy and the world!"

Null had to gnash her teeth once they started with this, and really work hard to not directly call Dove a blithering buffoon to her face. Frankly, if she bit her teeth together any harder, in the ten seconds or so she tensed up the worst, she would end up tasting blood.

"With... All due... Respect. Ambassador. There's a lot of things that can go wrong with it. You need to think very carefully on this, and if you use it, then keep strangers away, or they might meddle with it. Wouldn't it be safer to try and find any surviving evergrown, and have them help out? It's more natural, and carries less risks.

It's not my choice to make, but this is dangerous magic. All sorts can go wrong with it. Including not knowing when it's going too far. I've seen where it can go, and it's not pretty."

She might sound a little overly paranoid, but she were currently looking at a time warped dance floor, and there were an assassin within the halls, who might be wanting to put a knife in her throat. She were allowed to be paranoid!

(New Las Pegasus)

On 11/30/2020 at 7:12 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The guard was a bit surprised by her phrase, but caught what she meant, "May the moon light your path as well." With that she would leave with Elef, Elef jumping up unto her back as they left.

Void got a little nostalgic as she saw Elef jump up on the guards back. Made her miss her sister, since Null did the same. The height difference helped at times, and really, it were the closest she came to the sky. Any height counted, right? Plus, she hated when others looked down upon her. Being up like this, probably made her feel better about herself. Whatever the reason though, she had never declined letting Null stay up there. Even if she then also had to technically carry the cursed stuff Null carried around. A little tough at times, but on the bright side, it Void a pretty physically strong mare. If she had the urge, she could wrangle quite a foe, but she didn't want that from her life. She wanted something more calm, and down to earth. This right here, were so far it, and she mostly enjoyed it. Unless she caused some issues with the foals, that made them sad. It hurt to see them gloomy and thinking of worse times.

On 11/30/2020 at 7:12 AM, Illiad Easle said:

They turned their attention back to Void, Teal taking the lead this time, "Could we, um, help you make the food tonight?"

Here were an example of something pleasing. The little ones, wanting to help with dinner. It'd derail what she had in mind to make, since they still didn't have an oven, but she could try and improvise something. Though she'd need a raised spot, some rocks, wood, and a dragon. She were pretty sure she knew how to get hold of most of that, and not cause issues.

"Of course you can. Though I'm using the big knives, okay? I don't want to see any of you getting hurt, and the big ones are very sharp, and a little hard to handle for foals. I have some smaller ones for carrots and such though. I'm sure that would be okay, as long as you are careful.

I'll need to do a little prep work first though, since we still don't have an oven, and I wanted to get you warm food... I'll need to clear a space, and get a big rock in here, to put a cauldron with some fire in, that I can then put another plate on for heat... Or maybe I should see if there were some heat crystals at the market? But I can't...

Pen, Vale? M-Maybe one of you could come to the market with me, and handle the crystals, if there's any? They can work to put some heat into a pot, or under a pan, but if I touch them, they'll drain instantly. I'm gonna need help finding it, and then rely on me happy kitchen helpers here, to make sure the pot stirs. Would everyone be okay with that?"

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"This... You have any idea what can happen, when you meddle in time magic like this? One erratic strain, one tiny rune cast wrong, and you're putting them through a fairy ring."

Epsilon shrugged, "It's gone off without a hitch so far, just about every week since the liberation, so I don't think there's anything to worry about."

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

It's not my choice to make, but this is dangerous magic. All sorts can go wrong with it. Including not knowing when it's going too far. I've seen where it can go, and it's not pretty.

Dove sighed, "I appreciate your concern, but rest assured that we will take every necessary precaution on any method we can use. Regardless, we need all the advantages we can get, and gaining access to an enchantment like this would do immeasurable good. You'd do well to not get in the way of this."

She turned her attention back to Epsilon, "You said it cost a lot, do you happen to know who made it?"

Epsilon thought a moment, then shook her head, "I can't say I do, but I'll ask my dad, he should know or have a better idea. I only know it cost so much because of how he complained how the host was wasting his money getting it. But..." she motioned to the whole penthouse, "It's not like that has ever dissuaded the host before." Epsilon pointed out the stallion that had invited Null, who was singing the song up on the stage, "I'd bring you over now, but he's well immersed in that field. The song will be over in half an hour or so, the panda fights come next, if we start going now we can get good seats and maybe talk to him during the fight."

(Troy)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Pen, Vale? M-Maybe one of you could come to the market with me, and handle the crystals, if there's any? They can work to put some heat into a pot, or under a pan, but if I touch them, they'll drain instantly. I'm gonna need help finding it, and then rely on me happy kitchen helpers here, to make sure the pot stirs. Would everyone be okay with that?

Everyone nodded, Pen moving to join the young ponies as Vale moved to join her. Pen spoke up, "I'll help them get the space ready while you two go to the market. Don't take too long now!"

Vale would follow Void out of the apartment, "Heat crystals, I think I've seen those in the market before, or at the very least there's fire opals or changeling ash available if we don't find them, though the later would be an open flame which you probably don't want."

Unless they ran into something on the way, they would reach the market as it was starting to open, a number of the venders just setting up their shops.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 12/2/2020 at 5:05 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Epsilon thought a moment, then shook her head, "I can't say I do, but I'll ask my dad, he should know or have a better idea. I only know it cost so much because of how he complained how the host was wasting his money getting it. But..." she motioned to the whole penthouse, "It's not like that has ever dissuaded the host before." Epsilon pointed out the stallion that had invited Null, who was singing the song up on the stage, "I'd bring you over now, but he's well immersed in that field. The song will be over in half an hour or so, the panda fights come next, if we start going now we can get good seats and maybe talk to him during the fight."

"I've been places where flaunting your wealth like this, got you mugged, and no one would help you. A hard lesson in humility, as they said."

Frankly, the places she knew that were like that, rarely had anyone rich within a fifty mile radius, if not further. And furthermore, it tended to be towns with ill reputations. Smugglers, robbers, black market enthusiasts, that weren't big enough to really crash into the more lucrative market, poachers, etc. The sort of places that only existed, because the regional law were either not established in the area, or were payed off to leave them alone.

Yet at times, someone did come through that had no issues showing off that they had more wealth, than one should have. usually the sort who enjoyed flaunting it, as if it were muscles, that showed off their invincible might.

Personally she had no issue with folks like that getting robbed, and she had even been part of one such event while they had to lay low in one of those dens, because Void had gotten an infection, and needed rest. She didn't like places like that, since she did not want that sort of influence on Void, but necessity, y'know? And in fairness, she hadn't been beating the rich pony up really. Others were perfectly capable of doing that. She had just nicked that chest of jewels that had fallen off his wagon, while his few guards were getting overwhelmed, and bolted.

Predictably, she had not gotten far, before a bigger fish in the area stopped her, and wanted it, but at that point she had already hidden about a third of the content of the small chest on her, so she dropped it and bolted. Anyone who'd then come looking for who had taken the loot, would then just find him, and claims that she had taken something. Wouldn't get them anywhere, and she didn't even have the pieces on her for an hour after that anyway, so searching her would get them nothing. Had to pay off the bloodsucker that were caring for Void after all, and the stolen jewelry just so happened to cover their accommodations, her medicine, and his silence. An incredible coincidence really.

*sigh* But beggars couldn't be choosers, and he at least had proven that long as he got paid, he were trustworthy. Didn't rat them out. Didn't try anything with Void. Even let them take a bit of rations with them when they left. Compared to the alternatives, he were a saint. Long as they didn't ask questions about what happened to those who didn't pay him. She'd seen the look in his eyes when she had asked that once, and frankly, it did well in deterring her from pursuing it further.

"We'll find a seat or something, though the panda fight makes me want to throw someone else in there. I don't see the point in forcing animals to fight one another. If he wants a show, he should get someone to fight a real bear. At least then it'd be fair game."

(Troy)

On 12/2/2020 at 5:05 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Heat crystals, I think I've seen those in the market before, or at the very least there's fire opals or changeling ash available if we don't find them, though the later would be an open flame which you probably don't want."

"Fire opals? That's would be even better. I just didn't think you could get those here in Troy. Is it true that they burn with a natural sort of fire? Maybe I could still use it then. Heat crystals are filled up with magic to do their thing, so that won't work, but maybe fire opals could... I only ever heard of them, but I've never seen them in anything but pictures, so I don't know.

And Changeling Ash, I've never even heard about. It's not... N-Not made from burning changelings, r-right? Even if we're not getting that, it still sounds horrendous."

Void didn't know better in this situation, so she just had to guess based on the name. And by the name, it did not sound like a good thing. Hopefully it were nothing like that, and she could think of it in a more curious way, and as potentially something to use in the future, rather than the remnants of a burned changeling. A race she had historically little love for, but still didn't want to see suffer through something like this. Especially not after she had begun to accept them.

On 12/2/2020 at 5:05 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Unless they ran into something on the way, they would reach the market as it was starting to open, a number of the venders just setting up their shops.

There'd be no obstacles, and no one lurking in the shadows, keeping an eye on her. At least not a particular griffon, though there may be some Grey stalking them.

That being said, the griffon that had been following her earlier, were at the market. She were currently negotiating a price for a rusty amulet with the owner of a scavenged goods seller. Why she had interest in it were anyone's guess, but she were trying to gain a fair price for it, considering its condition, and they were slowly reaching towards a fair middle ground for them both.

They could openly ignore this if they chose to, as a scavenger of this caliber, would not have something high end, like fire opals. They had to seek elsewhere for that.

"So, we should look for those first, I think. T-The opals, I mean. We can decide what to make after that. I'm thinking something to the side that's spicy though. A-Anyway, you know better what they look like, so I'm letting you take the lead for this, Vale."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I've been places where flaunting your wealth like this, got you mugged, and no one would help you. A hard lesson in humility, as they said."

Epsilon nodded, "That still happens around here, unfortunately, which is why a job as a bodyguard can be especially lucrative in this city. And the host can afford the best, so no one messes with him. Those that did, are dead."

On that ominous note she moved on.

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"We'll find a seat or something, though the panda fight makes me want to throw someone else in there. I don't see the point in forcing animals to fight one another. If he wants a show, he should get someone to fight a real bear. At least then it'd be fair game."

Epsilon lead the way back the way they came with a deviation right at the end that brought them into a large arena with a gladiatorial pit in the middle, covered with a dome of what looked like reinforced glass. The standard seats here were far more comfortable that most top tier seating in Equestrian or Trojan stadiums, a point that Dove gushed over when she saw them.

Epsilon lead them over to a set of seats immediately adjacent to a balcony box with an even more luxurious seat, clearly meant for the host.

The stadium was mostly empty at the moment, but there was a scattered set of other ponies who seemed to have the same idea of getting to the fight early.

Epsilon would sit furthest from the balcony, letting Dove, Arcade, or Null take the closest seat. "Do be aware, the host will try to woo you most likely, just stay consistent, maybe imply a deep appreciation for his help, and you shouldn't have any issues."

(Troy)

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I just didn't think you could get those here in Troy. Is it true that they burn with a natural sort of fire? Maybe I could still use it then. Heat crystals are filled up with magic to do their thing, so that won't work, but maybe fire opals could... I only ever heard of them, but I've never seen them in anything but pictures, so I don't know.

Vale nodded, "While they aren't too common here, they're easy to find if they're close enough to the surface as they'll eventually melt down the sand above them, or turn a nearby oasis into a hot spring. They don't have any flame however, they're more like a hot stone that doesn't get cold. Their internal magic is amplified by other opals, so you typically transport them individually to keep them at a manageable temperature."

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

And Changeling Ash, I've never even heard about. It's not... N-Not made from burning changelings, r-right? Even if we're not getting that, it still sounds horrendous."

Vale looked over at Void with a curious expression, then shook her head with a chuckle, "Sorry, It was one of the first things I learned about changelings, I forget that it wouldn't be common knowledge outside of a research perspective. Anyway, you know how a changeling is engulfed in fire when they change right? Well, when they die that same fire consumes their bodies, leaving Changeling ash. This ash is an especially potent firestarter, and when compressed into something like charcoal it can burn at a constant heat for hours. It's a common ingredient in fire potions as well, you can tell when it's used because the flame is distinctly different from the normal fire color, specifically it is the color of the changeling it came from."

The way she spoke about it, she didn't seem bothered by the thought.

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"So, we should look for those first, I think. T-The opals, I mean. We can decide what to make after that. I'm thinking something to the side that's spicy though. A-Anyway, you know better what they look like, so I'm letting you take the lead for this, Vale."

Vale nodded, pausing in place for a moment with her eyes closed, before stepping out of Void's field and moving her head about with her eyes closed. After a moment she nodded and started leading the way, "Been a bit since I've used my guiding magic, it's nice to get a chance, even if it's for something simple like this." She wound her way through the market stalls, not even looking at them as they passed, until they arrived at a stall that had a few fire opals sitting in an obsidian bowl.

The keeper of the stall had just finished setting up when Void and Vale arrived. "First customers of the night, what can I get you fine fellows?" The keeper was a diamond dog, a bit lanky and thin but he was clearly happy, whether it was a general wellbeing or simply caused by their presence was hard to tell.

 

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 12/4/2020 at 3:58 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"That still happens around here, unfortunately, which is why a job as a bodyguard can be especially lucrative in this city. And the host can afford the best, so no one messes with him. Those that did, are dead."

Yeah, and Null felt pretty sure that she knew who had slashed that blade in most of the situations. The little shade in the corners, stalking them around. The very one, who she felt fairly certain were somewhere within fifteen meters of them, right now: Ninja. A head she'd love to put on a pike, but currently, he'd have to get in line. She had her own scores to settle first. Though if he came after her, Arcade, or Dove, he were fair game. And right now, the cold gnawing at her bones - which were starting to feel like wasteful masochism at this stage - she could do with a spot of violence. Though not the sort were some pandas were drugged up, and forced to fight. A real one, with herself involved, and someone else she could trounce.

It were frankly tempting to tell Nine to turn off this stuff again, but as she had been warned, it took time to put up again, and Ninja did not strike her as the sort who'd listen if she said *Wait two minutes. I'm preparing my defensives*. Who would, right? She needed to keep this going for now. At least until they were done in here, and she might get the chance to not feel as if someone dipped her soul in a frozen lake.

On 12/4/2020 at 3:58 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Epsilon would sit furthest from the balcony, letting Dove, Arcade, or Null take the closest seat. "Do be aware, the host will try to woo you most likely, just stay consistent, maybe imply a deep appreciation for his help, and you shouldn't have any issues."

"I find him about as enticing as a pool full of swamp ooze. Believe me, he won't have a chance at being the first to woo me."

Null were a mare who had her urges and wants, like any other, but it really weren't like she had many options in her time. When most saw her as being a foal, it were either other foals who wanted to hang out with her, or she were pursued by perverts. And the few pint sized ones, she never got anywhere with.

Weren't like Void had any real luck either, but that was honestly mostly her mistake. Been several who had shown interest in her, since she were a large, shy mare, which did hit all the right buttons for some ponies- Also, while she might be a little rough around the edges, due to her not grooming herself a lot, Void were a pretty, kind mare. It were not hard to understand why others would be drawn to her.

And then it were interrupted by the overprotective elder sister, yelling at them and chasing them off, whilst telling Void that she couldn't trust them. Sure a few were like that, but a paranoia, and a few bad experiences in the early years, had tainted Null's view too much at that point, and she kept pushing them away.

*sigh* Another thing she had taken from Void, which she might hopefully gain back now, that she weren't there to drag her down with her anymore.

As for herself though, she were not interested in the host in this way, one singular bit. She found him annoying and repulsive, and she weren't even judging on looks there. Though even then, she did not see anything that made her even faintly consider him pretty or attractive. He were a slime ball, and she had to keep Dove out of his hooves. She may be paranoid, but it didn't seem like anything good would come from mingling with him.

As these thoughts went through her head, Null would cast a glance over towards Arcade. She wondered if he had ever had someone that caught his eye...

Null shook her head a little, and looked away, to examine the podium, and varied ponies around them instead. She had work to do here.

"Dove, try placing yourself so Arcade and I can keep you protected easier. And if the host comes around, speak to him if you must, but do not fall for any attempt to lure you away, and be wary of honeyed words. I don't think he's evil, but that doesn't mean that I trust him, nor everyone else here, to play completely nice."

(Troy)

On 12/4/2020 at 3:58 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"While they aren't too common here, they're easy to find if they're close enough to the surface as they'll eventually melt down the sand above them, or turn a nearby oasis into a hot spring. They don't have any flame however, they're more like a hot stone that doesn't get cold. Their internal magic is amplified by other opals, so you typically transport them individually to keep them at a manageable temperature."

"Ah, magic. That's... A shame. You'll have to handle them then, if we find them. It sounds like you know how to do it the safest anyway.

Actually, do you study gems, or magical items? Or did, I guess? You just sound like you know a lot about them, and I'm kind of curious as to how that's the case. I-If it's okay to ask, of course."

It were certainly good information, and really helped them on how to deal with these things. Including when they were to be used for cooking, as the amplifying thing would maybe prove important later on, if she needed more heat than what one or two could provide, for some sort of high heat dish. She could think of a few, but they took some prep work, and were perhaps not something the foals would like, so it weren't a big priority. But it were good to know there were the options for the future.

On 12/4/2020 at 3:58 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Sorry, It was one of the first things I learned about changelings, I forget that it wouldn't be common knowledge outside of a research perspective. Anyway, you know how a changeling is engulfed in fire when they change right? Well, when they die that same fire consumes their bodies, leaving Changeling ash. This ash is an especially potent firestarter, and when compressed into something like charcoal it can burn at a constant heat for hours. It's a common ingredient in fire potions as well, you can tell when it's used because the flame is distinctly different from the normal fire color, specifically it is the color of the changeling it came from."

"That's... That's h-horrible. That would mean I'd be w-working with burial ashes. And with no g-guarantee that the changeling weren't killed j-just to get those ashes. I... No, just... No. I w-won't use that. It'd be like u-using evergrown essence, and n-not knowing where it were from."

Void felt a little sick from hearing this, and honestly a bit pale.

She could understand why some would use this, if they had little other options, and the changeling had died peacefully anyway, but she personally just couldn't feel good about that. Especially not when she had no way of knowing if it were from one who died peacefully, or were killed off to get said ash. At least with evergrown, if you bought it from them, you could be fairly sure that it were a safe amount, harvested from themselves. Doubly so as they had a very strict, harsh set of laws - from what she had been told - about harvesting your fellow evergrown. But this? This could only come by, if someone died. And even at the best of times, she wouldn't be able to look past the fact that maybe not too long ago, this would have been a thinking, happy creature.

That Vale seemed perfectly fine with it, were honestly a little unnerving, but that was her choice. If she were fine with that, that were her morals to juggle with. Void however, knew where she stood, and where her limit went. And changeling ash, were comfortably on the bad side of that line.

On 12/4/2020 at 3:58 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Been a bit since I've used my guiding magic, it's nice to get a chance, even if it's for something simple like this." She wound her way through the market stalls, not even looking at them as they passed, until they arrived at a stall that had a few fire opals sitting in an obsidian bowl.

The keeper of the stall had just finished setting up when Void and Vale arrived. "First customers of the night, what can I get you fine fellows?" The keeper was a diamond dog, a bit lanky and thin but he was clearly happy, whether it was a general wellbeing or simply caused by their presence was hard to tell.

Seeing this were a welcome distraction, even if Void were still feeling bad about what she had just learned, and probably would for a while, as she were mulling over this. Hopefully it would be out of her mind before they returned to the foals eventually. Or if not that, maybe seeing their happy little faces, would soothe her mind again. It had worked a few times thus far, so it may well end up doing the trick once again.

For now though, she'd stay at a distance, and follow Vale, as she worked as some sort of magical blood hound. And what an apt term that would come to be, as she actually lead them to a hound. A diamond dog to be exact, of the lankier kind. The best kind in her opinion, as those she knew of, tended to be kinder when they were lanky, than the muscular, more robustly built ones. Might have something to do with a need to prove themselves, or more testosterone, but she found that more often than not, diamond dogs like this one, tended to be the more soothed versions of their kind. Not always of course, and she hadn't run a large scale experiment, so she were of course relying on personal experiences here.

Diamond dogs were in general, some of the races she already liked the most, as they tended to be brutes, but relatively fair, so Void had no issues being nice to the - seemingly - kind shop merchant.

"Good e-evening sir. We were looking for fire opals, and I can see you have some on display. Are t-they for sale?"

You never knew really. It might be that he were just showing them off, but they were for his personal use. Some liked doing that after all.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I find him about as enticing as a pool full of swamp ooze. Believe me, he won't have a chance at being the first to woo me."

Epsilon giggled at that, "I used to think so too, but he's actually a fairly genuine stallion underneath. Still,"

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Dove, try placing yourself so Arcade and I can keep you protected easier. And if the host comes around, speak to him if you must, but do not fall for any attempt to lure you away, and be wary of honeyed words. I don't think he's evil, but that doesn't mean that I trust him, nor everyone else here, to play completely nice."

Dove nodded, and would move to sit between Arcade and Null, whether that meant that Null was closest or Arcade was up to Null, though Arcade seemed inclined to sit between Dove and Epsilon if Null allowed it.

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

She wondered if he had ever had someone that caught his eye...

Nine chimed in, "I mean, I'd likely classify any attraction on his part as Stockcolt Syndrome, given his upbringing and all, but who knows?"

It wouldn't be much longer before the crowd started to enter the arena, indicating that the dance had ended. The host took his seat in the comfortable chair in the balcony adjacent to them, throwing a smile and a wink their way as he did so.

Even if Null were paying close attention, she wouldn't see when Ninja Briar appeared in the corner behind the host opposite them, it was almost as if he appeared there in the time it took her to blink, though he stood as if he had been there for hours. This time his penetrating stare was turned towards the arena instead of her.

Dove took the opportunity to try to get the host's attention, "Excuse me, mr host? I'm Ambassador Dove from the new Trojan Embassy."

The host turned to look at Dove, or rather his chair turned so he was facing her, "Please, call me Dandy, Mr. Host is far too formal for this party! What can I do for such an enchanting mare as yourself?"

Dove stumbled a bit over he words before she recomposed and continued, "I...er, we were quite impressed by the enchantment you demonstrated on the dance floor. Might we, on another occasion, meet with you to discuss a possible trade deal surrounding it?"

Dandy chuckled, "If you thought that was impressive, you should see the enchantments I've got in my," There was the sound of a slap, and if Null were paying close attention she'd see Briar getting back into his reclined position in the corner as the host rubbed the back of his head, "Sorry. You hold onto that chip that got you in here, you can come most any time, I'll be happy to discuss things a bit more privately."

Dove nodded, "That is acceptable, I look forward to working with you mis- Dandy."

Dove took her seat again as the host's chair turned back to face the arena. The lights dimmed on the seating and brightened on the arena itself. The two pandas emerged and...

Well, more accurately, two regular bears that had been painted or dyed to look like pandas emerged. Nonetheless, they looked murderous, especially the one in the sunhat. Rather than fight like, well, bears, they fought much like earth ponies would tussle (Tussle is a sport I've put in this universe as a cross between boxing and wrestling, popular among earth ponies and zebra, you win by either a pin or a KO) with lots of grabbing and throwing. The bear without the hat was thrown against the glass dome hard enough that a crack formed on the pane.

If Null were focused on the fight, she might notice a bit of what looked like intelligence in the sunhat wearing bear, as it lined up its neck attack to launch the other bear much harder into the same damaged pane.

The bear smashed right through the damaged pane, and the other bear soon jumped through , and they both started attacking.

It wasn't until the bear crashed through that the host reacted, spitting out the champagne he had been drinking, "Moss! The pandas have escaped from the Pandagon and they're murdering the guests!" He sighed, "Oh, this is last week all over again. Let's get out of here!" The host knocked his chair over and grabbed one of the chests underneath before running off. Briar, rather than stop the 'pandas' seemed to actually be killing anyone who tried to stop them.

Regardless, one of the bears was headed their way.

(Troy)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Actually, do you study gems, or magical items? Or did, I guess? You just sound like you know a lot about them, and I'm kind of curious as to how that's the case. I-If it's okay to ask, of course."

Vale nodded, "Of course it's okay to ask. Part of what I know comes from my time as Codex, though I don't remember even a small fraction of what I knew then. But even before that, TrUST was always focused on studying everything that could be useful or improved, Deep Science even more so, though they focused more an the unique and the occult. So I did pick up on a number of useful gems when I was starting out."

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"That's... That's h-horrible. That would mean I'd be w-working with burial ashes. And with no g-guarantee that the changeling weren't killed j-just to get those ashes. I... No, just... No. I w-won't use that. It'd be like u-using evergrown essence, and n-not knowing where it were from."

Vale seemed a bit confused by her reaction, as she thought the realization dawned on her and her eyes widened in shock, "Oh, Oh! I can see why that would be morally questionable. I... hadn't really considered that before. I'll admit my information may be a bit outdated, changelings weren't always treated with the same respect as they are now, and deer culture has dictated a life without waste, so I never considered that the utility of their remains might be overshadowed by such... economic desires." She nodded, "While I doubt there's much risk of such activities now, I think you're right, we'll leave them alone for now."

As a researcher into a number of morally questionable subjects, Vale had been trained to separate utility from morals, justifying that it was moral to use something if it provided enough utility or benefit (A sort of strict utilitarianism, specifically with a benefit defined as advancement of knowledge.)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

 "Good e-evening sir. We were looking for fire opals, and I can see you have some on display. Are t-they for sale?"

The dog looked over at the bowl, "What, these? Nah, they're just to keep out the chill."

It wasn't cold out by any stretch of the imagination.

The dog laughed, "I tease, of course they're for sale. Can't say I've had too many ask for them, not worth the effort to dig them up I think."

Vale held out her copy of the card that Selena had given Vale to use to buy things for the foals, "We'll take them then, the Judge will ensure you're adequately compensated."

The dog's eyes widened as he saw the card before he took out a sheet and stamped the imprint of the seal on the card into the paper, then wrote out '3 fire opals'. "You kind mares wouldn't happen to need something else wouldja? I may not have the best sock at the moment, but I can find most anything buried out in the dunes: animal, vegetable or mineral. Anything out there you need that I could get for you?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 12/6/2020 at 6:46 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Nine chimed in, "I mean, I'd likely classify any attraction on his part as Stockcolt Syndrome, given his upbringing and all, but who knows?"

"H-Hey, that wasn't for you to hear."

It were incredible how easy it were to forget that Nine listened in to everything she were thinking. Including things like this, that he weren't supposed to partake in. That were a private thought, which she frankly didn't know why she were feeling a little rattled over him hearing. Why not the thoughts of abuse, or torture? Heck, the things she had done wrong, which had been on her mind rather often in recent days. Those things should be what she were feeling irked about him listening in on. Not whatever that was.

Weren't much to think over it though. Soon enough, the place started to fill out, and while she again, did not feel right about it for some reason, she did not stop Arcade from wandering over, and standing between Dove and Her. Probably for the best either. For some reason, Null still didn't much care for her, and were probably better off not being close enough to do something reckless, or stupid.

On 12/6/2020 at 6:46 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Dove took the opportunity to try to get the host's attention, "Excuse me, mr host? I'm Ambassador Dove from the new Trojan Embassy."

The host turned to look at Dove, or rather his chair turned so he was facing her, "Please, call me Dandy, Mr. Host is far too formal for this party! What can I do for such an enchanting mare as yourself?"

Dove stumbled a bit over he words before she recomposed and continued, "I...er, we were quite impressed by the enchantment you demonstrated on the dance floor. Might we, on another occasion, meet with you to discuss a possible trade deal surrounding it?"

Dandy chuckled, "If you thought that was impressive, you should see the enchantments I've got in my," There was the sound of a slap, and if Null were paying close attention she'd see Briar getting back into his reclined position in the corner as the host rubbed the back of his head, "Sorry. You hold onto that chip that got you in here, you can come most any time, I'll be happy to discuss things a bit more privately."

Dove nodded, "That is acceptable, I look forward to working with you mis- Dandy."

She'd go and remind Dove again later, to not fall for this smarmy act, which seemed about as phony as the smile on a used cart salespony.

Right now though, her focus were on the menace that had suddenly thought he'd grace them all with his presence. Murderous, sin-stained worm had suddenly showed up out of nowhere, near where the opulent dolt he worked for, sat, and seemingly didn't pay much attention to anything but the arena. Something which she highly doubted. More than likely, his magic tricks, were allowing him to keep a good vantage view on many things, via several angles as it were. and if not that, he still remained with his senses set on high, just in case something would happen nearby. Slacking off would be stupid, and much as she had many a dark thing to say about him, he were clearly not stupid. His employment likely even worked into that, as what better way to stay out of the laws reach, than work for someone of influence? A lesser evil, that's work more in his favor than anything else.

As for his boss... She gained nothing new from his talk with Dove, beyond a need to establish with the ambassador, that there were no way in Tartarus, that she were leaving those two alone in the same room. Seriously, if he were laying it on anymore thickly, the grease would fall to the floor, and cause him to slip. And that were before he tried pushing his luck, and say something which she had a fairly good idea of what were, and made him deserving of a hoof to the jaw.

She sadly had to settle for a slap to the back of his head, and some degree of proof for Null, that Ninja were indeed more aware of his surroundings than it seemed. Plus that he were clearly not fully devoted to his job and boss, seeing as he were willing to do this, and Greasy over there, let him. Spoke to her about Ninja having more to say in that bond, than what most gave these two credit for.

More than anything though, it marked him as being very fast. She had paid close attention to him for anything but a few blinks, and he had managed to move around either instantly, or between blinks. That took precision and training of a sort she did not see often. Even most of the spies from the Midnight Consortium weren't this trained, and that organisation were infamous for a reason.

This one were going to end up being a bigger, and bigger problem...

She'd keep her focus on him, and not even acknowledge his boss with a sneer. He'd get a piece of her mind another time perhaps, but right now, he weren't important. Unless he tried to drag Dove off. If he did that, he'd end up with a punctured lung.

On 12/6/2020 at 6:46 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Well, more accurately, two regular bears that had been painted or dyed to look like pandas emerged. Nonetheless, they looked murderous, especially the one in the sunhat. Rather than fight like, well, bears, they fought much like earth ponies would tussle (Tussle is a sport I've put in this universe as a cross between boxing and wrestling, popular among earth ponies and zebra, you win by either a pin or a KO) with lots of grabbing and throwing. The bear without the hat was thrown against the glass dome hard enough that a crack formed on the pane.

The show would soon go on after that, and the bears wouldn't have to be in for more than a few seconds, before Null audibly scoffed.

"I know my bears, and these aren't pandas. Ain't even a convincing paint job."

The scoffing were louder than what she said, as the words were intended for Dove and Arcade, primarily. She were not there to shout out *Fake!* at the top of her lungs. She weren't here to act as a lunatic, begging for attention.

More things were weird about them actually, starting with hos they fought. She'd seen these sorts of animal fighting rings set up before, and had seen bears tussle in the wild too, and never once, had she seen this. They were fighting like equines. What kind of madness were this?

"Hey, can you sense anything about those bears, Nine? Something's off about them. In fact, I'm nor entirely sure they're even bears."

A bit of a stretch perhaps, but she were a few hours off, giving a mercy kill to a mare, who had build herself into an arcade machine. Absurdity had jumped ship a while ago, and sunk the boat for good measure.

Nine's response would dictate how she'd act to things eventually, but for the time being, she'd stand there, and just watch a little. Until the panel one were slammed against started to crack. Something which got her up from her seat, with narrowing eyes, and muscles tensing up in anticipation for something to happen.

"Arcade, stand ready. I don't think the enclosure is as safe as they pretend it to be."

On 12/6/2020 at 6:46 AM, Illiad Easle said:

If Null were focused on the fight, she might notice a bit of what looked like intelligence in the sunhat wearing bear, as it lined up its neck attack to launch the other bear much harder into the same damaged pane.

The bear smashed right through the damaged pane, and the other bear soon jumped through , and they both started attacking.

One time. One time her paranoia were right about things, and it were when a couple of freaking bears/not-bears got loose in the audience! Why couldn't she be right about something good instead? Like ice cream getting delivered, or her father, falling down from a roof and landing in front of her, with an exposed neck?

On 12/6/2020 at 6:46 AM, Illiad Easle said:

It wasn't until the bear crashed through that the host reacted, spitting out the champagne he had been drinking, "Moss! The pandas have escaped from the Pandagon and they're murdering the guests!" He sighed, "Oh, this is last week all over again. Let's get out of here!" The host knocked his chair over and grabbed one of the chests underneath before running off. Briar, rather than stop the 'pandas' seemed to actually be killing anyone who tried to stop them.

Null briefly turned towards the host, with lightning in her eyes, and this time didn't keep her voice down. She were practically roaring a single word after him, as he retreated into the grass, like the snake that he were.

"Coward!!!"

He was not worth her time. There were lose bears, and it were just a matter of time before they- ...That slimy, no good, rotten little filthy maggot.

Her thought derailed from that, as she saw not so much a lot of guests being killed by bears, but rather Ninja, merrily killing those who tried to get near them. This were the sort of pony they were dealing with? Someone who valued his pets/performers over the lives of his guests, and would preemptively shout out that the bears were attacking, to cover over his bodyguard killing those who threatened them?

Mark her words: This stallion, would not leave this town unjudged. And even if he managed to weasel his way out of the town walls, she would track him down, and rain the vengeance of those he were responsible for dying now, down upon him. He would Not be forgiven for this! And neither would Ninja, who were getting in the book as well. She were sure he had enough blood on his soul, to make his judgement a lengthy affair.

Bah, she could not deal with them now. A bear were headed their way, and it were time to react on it.

"Arcade! Protect the ambassador! This one is mine."

She'd pull out the knife she had been hiding thus far, and stood ready, with clenched teeth.

Depending on what Nine had said earlier, she would either aim to go for the throat (if they were just bears) or the legs (if she were right in there being something more). The former would have her waiting until it got close, and then roll over to dodge what were likely a claw, or bite coming her way, before trying to jab it in the side of the neck. It were meaningless to try and go for the forehead, due to how thick a bears skull were, so the throat were the weak point here. If she could hit right.

It it tried tackling or punching her, she'd be spending time deflecting instead, and try to slice it across the legs regardless. 

Considering the crowded area and weight difference, this would usually be where she'd make an escape attempt, but that wasn't possible when she had someone to protect, and the beast were coming right for her. So she were now going to be fighting a bear. With a knife.

Oh yeah, this were going to turn out Just fine...

(Troy)

On 12/6/2020 at 6:46 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Oh, Oh! I can see why that would be morally questionable. I... hadn't really considered that before. I'll admit my information may be a bit outdated, changelings weren't always treated with the same respect as they are now, and deer culture has dictated a life without waste, so I never considered that the utility of their remains might be overshadowed by such... economic desires." She nodded, "While I doubt there's much risk of such activities now, I think you're right, we'll leave them alone for now."

"I... I don't... W-What I mean to say i-is..."

Void had to take some deep breaths before she could continue on this. It were a... Really touchy thing this one, and it seemed like Vale were thus far, blissfully unaware of how rotten the underbelly of the world could be. *sigh* How best to formulate this, without making everything sound more horrible than her big muzzle already had?

"...There are some out there, w-who will do anything for money. And that includes h-harvesting others for parts.

If a changeling died n-naturally, or by accident, it's n-not as big an issue. But when the one the p-parts were taken from, had to d-die to get it, and thus won't be s-selling it themselves, you just c-can't be sure if some poor changeling w-weren't stabbed in an alley for it.

Bear hides, a-animal parts in general- That sort I don't m-mind, and I agree that we s-shouldn't waste things, but the thought that I m-might be setting a fire, with the ashes of s-someone who were dragged into an a-alleyway, or something w-worse? I w-wouldn't be able to stop thinking about t-that.

Don't uhm... T-Try to think about it too much though. Just be a-aware of it, when you buy s-something that were once part of another, t-that the vendor might not have h-had much morality in how it w-were gotten.

M-Maybe if it were a c-changeling that sold it, there might be s-some chance it weren't the case. Most of t-them probably wouldn't f-feel good to do... T-That, to one of their own."

Not everyone were that much on board though. Which were plenty obvious, when you found out about for examples ponies, being part in trafficking of equine organs for the highest bidder. It were just what she considered to be less likely, that one would be okay, doing something like that, to one of your own kin. Sadly it weren't impossible, and whilst she could imagine the black market had suffered greatly from the war too, sooner or later, it would return. It always did. And when it did, there'd start to be stories like this to be found again.

She'd refuse to talk more on this right now. Some things with this, she needed to mull over, before talking to Vale about it again.

On 12/6/2020 at 6:46 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The dog laughed, "I tease, of course they're for sale. Can't say I've had too many ask for them, not worth the effort to dig them up I think."

Void smiled at the little joke the diamond dog pulled on them. It were a pretty good goof, and she supposed, it were kind of a silly question from her side. She just wanted to make sure, yes? It would be awkward to try and talk prices with him, when he stood ready to say that they weren't for sale, or had been reserved for another customer.

Thankfully that wasn't the case, but before Void could do something, Vale had taken charge, and dealt with the transaction. And the vendor looked quite enthusiastic about it too. Couldn't blame him though, right? They were shopping for the city itself here. If he proved his worth on things, it could be good business, and reputation for him. Couldn't blame a diamond dog for wanting to boost things a little, right?

On 12/6/2020 at 6:46 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The dog's eyes widened as he saw the card before he took out a sheet and stamped the imprint of the seal on the card into the paper, then wrote out '3 fire opals'. "You kind mares wouldn't happen to need something else wouldja? I may not have the best sock at the moment, but I can find most anything buried out in the dunes: animal, vegetable or mineral. Anything out there you need that I could get for you?"

"I uhm... W-Well, I might know of a few things, that I don't s-see any of the others have around here, t-that could be useful, sir.

I could use about... Six-seven kilos of Blisterroot. That should be about t-two of them. Three if they're small. They're u-usually growing underneath places with some cover , and little water. So collapsed w-walls, cart's tumbled over and just laying there, t-that kind of thing."

Blisterroot were not sold anywhere right now, because frankly, why would you want it? It was horribly bitter, incredibly chewy, and if t he skin were handled with your bare hooves, it'd cause red, itchy marks to spread on your hooves and lower legs. It had to be barked to be safe to deal with, and even then, it just wasn't worth it.

Yet, Void were a bit nostalgic for old recipes, and she actually knew one that used this, that she considered to be good, and one she longed to try again. It required a lot of prep work though, and the whole thing would take about eight-ten hours to finish, from the point where the pot got boiling, but it were well worth it in her opinion. One of the old Trojan recipes, which most just didn't think was worth the effort these days.

Normally she wouldn't ask others about this, but he seemed eager, and his kind were good diggers, so that'd help him get down and get the stubborn root fully out of the ground. Plus, for some reason, the itchy skin just didn't seem to effect diamond dogs all that much. Worst she had seen, were one that got a slight itch after about an hour, and that much time shouldn't be needed. Why this were the case though? She had no idea. Maybe their paws were too thick and leathery for it to effect it them? Or they just weren't whimpy. She really didn't know.

"And if you f-find a nest of Alabaster S-Stingers, I'd p-pay for any excess h-honey you'd be able to harvest."

Frankly, these things were less troublesome to deal with. The pale bee-like insect, were rather docile and harmless to anything that weren't their prey. And since that were mostly just small lizards, other insects, and scorpions, things were relatively simple. Even when dealing with their honey, as there tended to be a good deal that spilled out from the main hive, which were where most of the harvested honey came from, as they resisted little, when it came to that.

Gods have mercy upon anyone who tried to harvest from the main hive though. The things were venomous, and had their limits to what they'd tolerate, before they started to swarm you. It wouldn't kill you, but their poison in great enough amounts, had been known to make you wish that you were.

Honestly, the real issue here, were finding them. They required two things to be accessible to thrive anywhere, and that were not always easy to find: Vegetation, and bones. At least one, dog-sized skeleton or above, with the rib cage being the most important thing to remain intact, as that were usually where they made their hive.

Why they did this? Where the honey came from, since most to the time, there weren't much in the way of flowers, in the vegetation around them? She did not know, and she were unwilling to ask for too many details. She just knew the honey were delicious, and that due to things just about starting to calm down, there were still no bee keepers to get a stable production of this out there to folks. Anyone able to harvest a full hive somewhere though, which included intact and undisturbed skeletal remains, queen and drones though? They'd probably be able to make quite a mint right now.

Maybe someone already had gotten one, and just hadn't gotten enough of a batch to get to market with it, but she hadn't heard anything the last few days. Not that she were everywhere either. Some things might well skip past her.

Void however, would just like to have some local honey, and hopefully be able to use it for something for the foals food. Maybe in another protein bar, or something. It had been a rare treat when she were a foal, and it never made her ill, so it should be perfectly safe.

"There's p-probably other things we can think of e-eventually, but this is all I can t-think of right now, sir. We'll make sure to r-remember you if there's a-anything else though. I'm sure that if it's p-possible to find out there, you'd b-be able to scrounge it up."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"H-Hey, that wasn't for you to hear."

Nine rolled his eyes, "If you don't want me to hear, don't think about it so hard. Not that it means much coming from a creature whose species has no concept of romance or friendly relationships, but he is around your age and size."

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I know my bears, and these aren't pandas. Ain't even a convincing paint job."

Arcade looked suspicious as well, "I don't know how... but I think I've seen them before..."

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Hey, can you sense anything about those bears, Nine? Something's off about them. In fact, I'm nor entirely sure they're even bears."

Nine nodded, "I'll check."

After a short bit he responded again, "Well, they're probably bears, just more intelligent than most bears typically are. They're intelligent enough to show up on the list at least, and they've killed a good number of ponies including... um, Arcade, on at least a dozen occasions."

The glass shattered at the end of Nine's statement.

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Arcade! Protect the ambassador! This one is mine."

It wasn't until Arcade and Dove got out of Null's field that Arcade recognized the bears, "Oh no..." His white coat seemed almost paler as he shakily forced himself to keep the Ambassador moving away from the bear. "Dove, I know it looks adorable, but you saw it kill a dozen ponies already, and it wants to kill you too if we don't move."

Epsilon joined Arcade in helping the two of them head out the same way the host had fled the scene, gaining speed the further they were able to get from the bears.

(I kind of middled it, so I'll let you pick whether she tries to kill or maim)

If she goes for the throat

Spoiler

The bear wasn't exactly fast, but it didn't need to be as the other ponies seemed to be fighting themselves trying to get away from it. Null was able to get a good strike on the bear's neck, but it's very tough skin ensured it wasn't close to a killing blow. The bear considered it little more than an annoyance at best before slowly trying to strake at Null.

The slowness would also make it trivial for Null to dart around, but unless she found something more deadly than her knife she wouldn't be able to bring down this fighting bear.

If she goes for the legs

Spoiler

The bear was a slow, lumbering beast, making it almost trivial for Null to dart around and strike at the legs. However, the bear's hide proved especially tough, it would take a number of deep cuts in the same place to leave a lasting impression. As it was, it hadn't even changed course from following after Dove, Arcade, and Epsilon down the hall that the host had fled down.

In either case, the bear turned to head down the hallway that the others had fled down, and as it crossed the threshold of the arena it was as if it were filled with energy, suddenly striking and moving far faster than it had in the arena, making it difficult for even Null to dodge it's strikes. Clearly there had been some sort of enchantment on the arena to slow down the bears if they escaped, but that wasn't the case out here. On the plus side, the bear seemed more injured by her attacks as well.

(Troy)

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

M-Maybe if it were a c-changeling that sold it, there might be s-some chance it weren't the case. Most of t-them probably wouldn't f-feel good to do... T-That, to one of their own."

Vale nodded, "I understand now. It's tragic, but I can understand why that could be the case."

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I could use about... Six-seven kilos of Blisterroot. That should be about t-two of them. Three if they're small. They're u-usually growing underneath places with some cover , and little water. So collapsed w-walls, cart's tumbled over and just laying there, t-that kind of thing."

The dog brought out another sheet and started writing down what she said, "About a stones worth then, easy enough with all the ruins even nearby in the abandoned expansion. I can get you that in a day or less." He looked up at her a bit confused, "Though I wonder what you would do with it, not being a zebra and all."

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"And if you f-find a nest of Alabaster S-Stingers, I'd p-pay for any excess h-honey you'd be able to harvest."

The dog wrote out and nodded again, "Very easy, all the unburied carcasses out on the sands from the spawn and the rest, no shortage of the carrian bees. How much would you like collected? Another stones worth?"

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"There's p-probably other things we can think of e-eventually, but this is all I can t-think of right now, sir. We'll make sure to r-remember you if there's a-anything else though. I'm sure that if it's p-possible to find out there, you'd b-be able to scrounge it up."

The dog nodded with a happy smile, "Yep! ain't nothing out there that ole Gypsum can't find. I'll get you that honey and roots, I can even deliver them if you like? So you don't have to come all the way back to the market again?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 12/8/2020 at 7:28 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"If you don't want me to hear, don't think about it so hard. Not that it means much coming from a creature whose species has no concept of romance or friendly relationships, but he is around your age and size."

Null wouldn't have an audible response to what she were just told, neither internally, nor externally. But his words did cause a very irritating, unwelcome blush to briefly cross her cheeks. Like with Void, it were hard to see, but she didn't need others to see it, to know it were there.

Had Nine a form, she'd frankly be tempted to push him into the bear pit, for embarrassing her in front of A- Everyone. She weren't a school filly dealing with a crush. She just... Wondered about how he had dealt with things in his time, and if he'd be as easy to draw in as Dove had been thus far. That was all. She were just concerned about him getting taken advantage off, since he were a friend of sorts. A confidant at least, to some degree. One who'd been there to help her when she were at a low point. Only fair and reasonable for her to stand up for him too then, right? Nothing special about that, no matter what Nine might misguidedly think.

Which would be a much easier argument to make at him, if her face would stop feeling hot for no reason!

On 12/8/2020 at 7:28 AM, Illiad Easle said:

After a short bit he responded again, "Well, they're probably bears, just more intelligent than most bears typically are. They're intelligent enough to show up on the list at least, and they've killed a good number of ponies including... um, Arcade, on at least a dozen occasions."

If ever she needed a reason to kill off a couple of bears, knowing that they had been part of Arcade's torture sessions - or *tests*, as they had likely called it - would do it. Frankly made her decision on what to do with them as they charged towards her much easier, since she were definitely not going to let them leave here, after what they had done. Also because leaving wildlife that were both willing and pleased with killing off equines, were a bad idea, but she were feeling more vengeful than wise right now, so once the bear got closer, she were going right for the throat. Something which she had work before... Once. Most other times it just sorta got them very miffed, but when cornered, she tended to go for the first thing that came to mind, and the throat were generally not too far from the top of that list, if it came to dangers. Most things did not deal well with a slash to the throat.

On 12/8/2020 at 7:28 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Oh no..." His white coat seemed almost paler as he shakily forced himself to keep the Ambassador moving away from the bear. "Dove, I know it looks adorable, but you saw it kill a dozen ponies already, and it wants to kill you too if we don't move."

"Get them to the embassy! I'll meet you there when I'm done with these things."

Were she happy about Epsilon going there too? Who cared? She just had to get them out of there, and cover their escape, and that mare seemed to be clinging to their group. If she had to tolerate her a bit further, from this spur of the moment yell, as she prepared to deal with their attacker, then so be it. She could have time to be annoyed about that later, when she didn't have to worry about a several hundred pound bear, using her as a tooth pick.

And may the gods have mercy upon Dandy's soul if she returned, and they were not there. Because she certainly would have none for him, and would likely be in a very, Very vindictive mood by that time.

On 12/8/2020 at 7:28 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The bear wasn't exactly fast, but it didn't need to be as the other ponies seemed to be fighting themselves trying to get away from it. Null was able to get a good strike on the bear's neck, but it's very tough skin ensured it wasn't close to a killing blow. The bear considered it little more than an annoyance at best before slowly trying to strake at Null.

The slowness would also make it trivial for Null to dart around, but unless she found something more deadly than her knife she wouldn't be able to bring down this fighting bear.

And of course, this wouldn't end up being the second bear with a weak neck. Bloody fur bag were going to be a troublesome one then, as her knife would only be good going for the weak spots then. That mainly being the nose and eyes, which she did not necessarily have a problem with. It were just a matter of getting it to a point where she might be able to plunge the knife right into one of said eyes, and lodge it somewhere it'd do some real damage. And probably never be usable by her again, but that's the price sometimes.

At least it were distracting it from going after Arcade, Dove and Epsilon, whom had promptly taken off. And they better keep running until they were out of this place. She'd be fine... Somehow. She just needed something with more heft to it...

She'd just about dodge the strike, and slash at it's leg in the progress - likely missing, due to how agile the bear seemed to have gotten all of a sudden - whilst trying to scan the area around her for anything useful. Like a table about to collapse, or a coat rack. Maybe a sword if she were lucky, but that were unlikely, so she'd settle for anything long and sharp she could use. That, or heavy, and possible to have falling down on the bear. It's probably not hurt it enough to kill it, but it might bring it down to her level for a proper strike, and that'd be as good as opening as any. Though hey, if something fell and snapped it's neck, she weren't complaining. Unless it were after she had become a chew toy. That'd really get her miffed.

And if she had to run after it because it ignored it, then she'd do that, and come Tartarus or high water, would jump on on it's back the first chance she got, and start making a pin cushion out of its back. She would Not allow this bear to get to the others. And as for the other... She were but one mortal. She couldn't handle two of these at once, with the tools she had at hoof. She desperately needed to find some sort of workable tool somewhere.

"Any input would be appreciated this time. They're gonna kill everyone if we don't somehow stop them."

(Troy)

On 12/8/2020 at 7:28 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"About a stones worth then, easy enough with all the ruins even nearby in the abandoned expansion. I can get you that in a day or less." He looked up at her a bit confused, "Though I wonder what you would do with it, not being a zebra and all."

"I'm just a little old f-fashioned about the food I make sometimes, and want to m-make a pot of Bittersweet Gallow's Stew. I honestly didn't even k-know that zebras could use it for something."

It shouldn't be a surprise really. Zebra's could use basically all vegetation in one way or another. It were one of the reasons why they were so resourceful to have around, though you could never be sure what they'd do with the things they had at hoof. When most thought of zebras, they thought of ones like Zecora, who sat in an old fashioned hut, making elixirs, and predicting futures.

And yet, there were several other kinds too, such as one she heard were performing somewhat nearby. And there were no doubt about it, since this degree of genuine terror-filled screams - even muffled due to the distance from the market - were impossible to mistake for anything else in town. At least when it came from what sounded like at least 6 different creatures, in the same location. Unless one of them had spontaneously caught fire, she doubted it were anyone but him. And quite frankly, she did not rule out that he had made it seem like at least one of them were actually burning alive.

He were a far more theatrical sort of zebra, and one who got great delight from causing terror amongst his audience. Never anything that would actually hurt anyone though. No no. Like he had put it when Null asked him why he only played with illusions on a corner for bits, when he could cause real harm if he tried: "They make a sound so sublime, it begs me to play. But I cause them real harm, and they'll all stay away.". Which were less cryptic that she had expected from him really, though she had gotten an *accidental* whiff of his concoction after that, when he blew some into her and Null's faces, and she seen his face slowly crack and fall off, while his eyeballs dangled down his bared, skeletal cheeks. It made her jump back, and give a harrowed meep after that, which he played off of, by moving closer to her, and pluck his eye out, before bouncing it across his pale teeth, which gave a horrible, squishy sound with every movements.

"Can you hear the music?"

The last she heard after that, were him letting out a raspy cackle as she scuttled back, and he leaned back again, and waved at them, with a hoof progressively deboning too. Null followed soon after, and said that she had her fill, once he appeared to take off said hoof, bashed his ribs out, and direct them to dance on the cauldron's edge. He was a uhm... He was a zebra alright, and one who relished in what he were doing. Quite frankly, she felt rather certain that even if folks didn't toss him bits for the performance now and again, he'd still be there. It seemed to cause him too much pleasure to do what he did, and like moths to the flame, folks kept coming back to see if they could withstand his next trick.

Quite frankly, he were probably the single most important being, for her to put on a list of some the foals were Not going to meet.

On 12/8/2020 at 7:28 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The dog wrote out and nodded again, "Very easy, all the unburied carcasses out on the sands from the spawn and the rest, no shortage of the carrian bees. How much would you like collected? Another stones worth?"

"Oh, r-right. I uhm... K-Keep forgetting about that.  And if you c-could find about two stones worth, that might be b-better. I it's not an issue, of course. I just have a lot of things I could use it for."

The stew being one of them, but also some sweets for the younglings. Tea too, along with breakfast, if she got some bread for them to use again. There were several things you could use honey for, and she had a fondness for this one. Which she hoped still lasted. It had been over twenty years after all, so maybe her taste buds had changed. Hopefully not, when it came to this.

On 12/8/2020 at 7:28 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Yep! ain't nothing out there that ole Gypsum can't find. I'll get you that honey and roots, I can even deliver them if you like? So you don't have to come all the way back to the market again?"

It was nice of him to give her a name to use, so she didn't have to awkwardly ask what it were. It'd help address him better, on things such as now, when he asked her about an address that he might be able to drop this off at. The direct one being the safe house, but that wasn't a good idea. Frankly, she had a better location in mind, which hopefully would not e a problem for him.

"I have a w-workshop not too far from here, that you could deliver it to. If I'm not h-home at the time, you can just pin a note to the door, and I'll c-come to market to get it myself. Got a l-lot of things to do these days, so not always I'm home, sadly."

She'd give him the address of hers and Null's workshop. Or hers, she supposed, even though she hadn't removed Null's name from it. To her, it'd always be *Null and Void's Glass Blowing and Wood Work*. Even if she had put a board over the woodworking part, since Null wouldn't be there anymore. It just felt wrong to completely remove her from the front of the place too.

"If this is an i-issue, I can just come around here and c-check sometimes tomorrow instead. Whatever is easier for you, Gypsum."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Get them to the embassy! I'll meet you there when I'm done with these things."

Arcade nodded, and Epsilon helped him keep Dove moving towards the exit as fast as they could.

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Any input would be appreciated this time. They're gonna kill everyone if we don't somehow stop them."

"Well, don't forget that you can fly now, or that your new wing is very sharp even if you didn't bring the blades. They may look like glass, but those diamond feathers aren't fragile."

Null would likely have the best access to the bear's eyes if she flew on top of it. She'd be able to get a good grip on the bear's neck, and be out of the range of the bear's teeth and claws unless the bear tried to roll over.

There was also no shortage of weapons she could loot from the ponies and guards the bears/Briar had already killed.

If she managed to stab out one of the bear's eyes it would start to charge down the hallway, trampling all in its path, before stopping in the open room at the end suddenly in an attempt to throw her off, before rolling over in an attempt to crush her if she didn't jump off or wasn't thrown by the sudden stop.

Once off the bear she'd be narrowly missed by a spear thrown by none other than the host himself, who seemed to have been aiming for the bear.

Briar was suddenly standing next to the bear, the two of them shared a look before he pointed at the host. The bear immediately left Null to attack the host, knocking him across the room with a single swipe and a terrible scream.

Epsilon poked her head out of a doorway next to the elevator, "Event! Quick, stairs are this way!"

If Null followed, she'd find that they were in fact at the top of a stairwell. "Arcade and Dove teleported down already, we can go down a floor and exit through a window, fly the rest of the way down."

(Troy)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I honestly didn't even k-know that zebras could use it for something.

Gypsum chuckled, "There ain't hardly a thing on Equis, living or dead, that a zebra couldn't make use of. This fine old zebra mare buys the root from me on occasion, says it makes a fine healing potion."

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"If this is an i-issue, I can just come around here and c-check sometimes tomorrow instead. Whatever is easier for you, Gypsum."

He shook his head, "Not an issue at all, I know that place, it's good to see it put to use. I'll pack your order up nice and if you aren't there to collect it I'll send it down the coal shoot so it's safely inside for ya. The coal will keep any wandering critters from finding it first."

Vale would nod to the dog, "Thank you for your help." she would then turn to Void, "Anything else we need for tonight besides the stones?" 

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 12/10/2020 at 5:20 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Well, don't forget that you can fly now, or that your new wing is very sharp even if you didn't bring the blades. They may look like glass, but those diamond feathers aren't fragile."

Right, the diamond wing. Flying. All that kind of thing.

Urgh, she really hadn't gotten anywhere near close to getting used to having that one yet, nor the ability to fly. Which were likely good, in some ways. If she had remembered when she had her breakdown after Cabin Mare, it'd likely have gotten harder for Arcade to get to her when he did.

Food for thought another time. Right now, she'd swoop up on the bear's back, and granted, wobble a little on the landing, but she managed to stay up there, so it weren't a flop.

Once there, she'd rush/climb up to it's neck, where she'd stand, and then raised the diamond wing. This were either gonna work, or she'd be extremely boned in a few seconds. Guess they'd figure out in a few seconds, but there were no time for thought, only action. And so, she plunged the wings downwards, and- Scratched the bear's forehead, and top of the nose.

In her defense, this bear were wobbly, kept moving, and she weren't the world champ in controlling her wings. A miss were sadly an option, and had turned out to be what actually happened.

Provided she'd get another chance, she'd try again, and would likely this time, manage to plunge the hard feathers right into the bears eyes, which should blind it, Lest it had some sort of magical effect. Considering it had been used, and maybe experimented on by The Facility, she actually expected there to be some sort of secret to this, that'd make this even harder than it already were.

If she were thrown off, she'd grab the nearest long, sharp weapon from one of the nearby guards - a sword or perhaps even a spear, if she were lucky - and would aim to fly over the bear, and plunge down with it. Her aim with an actual weapon over her wing, were more well trained, so there were a better chance at this connecting. And if it were a spear, there should be plenty enough to it to go all into the skull, and give her a bear on a stick. Or she'd hit it once, and get thrown off. More than likely that, as the bear would eventually have to start taking the buzzing fly of a pony serious, once it lost its depth perception.

On 12/10/2020 at 5:20 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Once off the bear she'd be narrowly missed by a spear thrown by none other than the host himself, who seemed to have been aiming for the bear.

She had been flapping backwards from the bear, wobbling slightly in the air from the sudden, less than ideal dismount, when a spear flew right past her head. Had she been sticking her muzzle forth just two more inches, she would've gotten herself an immediate, rather painful nose piercing.

Her head would jolt to the side to see who threw it, and expected Ninja to be there. Yet instead, she were faced with his *boss* whom she yelled at to uhm... Well, it were a rather direct, two word phrase, which told him to leave in a pretty rude manner.

In fairness, Null had been specific that she wasn't good at these kinds of fancy parties. That he apparently tried to make himself a Mare On A Stick, after cowardly running away from his *bodyguard* attacking and killing others, along with the bears, did not make him deserving of her even for a second to think about saying it kinder to him. Frankly, he should be thankful that whatever weapon she had on her, were not currently flying tip first, towards his face.

On 12/10/2020 at 5:20 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Briar was suddenly standing next to the bear, the two of them shared a look before he pointed at the host. The bear immediately left Null to attack the host, knocking him across the room with a single swipe and a terrible scream.

But lo and behold, he'd get a more fitting fate. Depending on if he died from this, that were. he had screamed, and the bear had certainly given him a slap, but this might just be to make himself seem less cowardly. Y'know. make it so that it seemed like he got injured in the fight, to take some liability off himself, and try to paint himself as somepony who had selflessly tried to help his partygoers. She'd wait and see if he'd turn up dead later before she believed things.

Though this did give her an opening to strike at a far more interesting target, as Ninja had been in front of the bear, and directed it at Dandy. Provided he hadn't already taken off, she'd take a stab at him. Literally. She'd plunge downwards from the air, with her sword/spear in hoof, and try to get herself a strike in, before he vanished again.

After that would more than likely fail - since come on, it couldn't be that easy - she'd hear a familiar voice call out for her, and turned to look right into the face of Epsilon, directing her closer.

On 12/10/2020 at 5:20 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Epsilon poked her head out of a doorway next to the elevator, "Event! Quick, stairs are this way!"

If Null followed, she'd find that they were in fact at the top of a stairwell. "Arcade and Dove teleported down already, we can go down a floor and exit through a window, fly the rest of the way down."

The bear had veered off from the path, and unless Ninja stuck around, ready to dance, she might as well follow the mare, and try to figure out what happened to the others. She'd probably do it even if Ninja were there, though she'd give him a harsh, narrowed look, and openly growl at him. Insolent whelp were going to suffer for his transgression sooner or later. Though not yet. She had more important things to do now. His time would come though. One day.

Once she were over at Epsilon, she were about to ask where the others were, before the mare just flat out said it. Practical, if it were true at least. But there weren't time to contemplate if this were a trap right now.

"Fine, but hurry up. The bears are still there, and Ninja is killing folks. I have to get down to them before either of them does."

And mark her words: If she had to jump through a window to get outside, she'd do it. Though hopefully, it wouldn't go that far. Getting torn with glass shards were not going to make this whole affair any easier, and them healing were itchy. She knew from experience.

Plus, the windows here might be thick, and she'd bounce off like a fly, which would just look dumb. And it were unlikely that the weapon she had in hoof, were going to be any better at breaking through one. Nor would the dagger that were currently stabbed through the cloth she were wearing. It would more or less ruin the thing, but it were the only way she could get it stuck on a short notice. At least in her mind.

(Troy)

On 12/10/2020 at 5:20 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"There ain't hardly a thing on Equis, living or dead, that a zebra couldn't make use of. This fine old zebra mare buys the root from me on occasion, says it makes a fine healing potion."

"I can i-imagine it must be good for some v-vendors that Hizu have come to town then. They sure are an i-inventive people."

It were a strange name, so the fear-obsessed zebra had a name that stuck out in her memory. Among other things, which were not bad, considering she had run into him once, and he had only been here for less than a half week. Some beings were just the sort that stuck to you, for one reason or another.

As for her statement, Hizu had indeed been around the varied vendors, getting himself a strange array of herbs and spices, to help his craft. He didn't speak much to folks though. Just buying, and seemingly observing others. Likely to see if he could spot something that might tip him off to what they would potentially fear. Or here were a little shy in it, despite how he looked. It were tough to say with some beings, and since his tattered robes didn't make him fully visible as it were, it did not help things.

On 12/10/2020 at 5:20 AM, Illiad Easle said:

He shook his head, "Not an issue at all, I know that place, it's good to see it put to use. I'll pack your order up nice and if you aren't there to collect it I'll send it down the coal shoot so it's safely inside for ya. The coal will keep any wandering critters from finding it first."

Vale would nod to the dog, "Thank you for your help." she would then turn to Void, "Anything else we need for tonight besides the stones?"

"Not really. I had e-everything at home, and planned to just cook it early, but... Hmm, a-actually, maybe we should try and find something to d-drink for tonight too, besides just water? It'd be a little more f-festive.

And t-thank you for the help so far, Gypsum. I'll look forward to seeing you again. Though be careful out in the d-dunes, okay? There's still plenty of dangerous things out there."

Void would bow to Gypsum. And unless there were anything else, they'd be on their way, and see if they could find something special to add to the menu tonight. Maybe something fizzy, if they were lucky. Though it were hard to say what they'd find.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Provided she'd get another chance, she'd try again, and would likely this time, manage to plunge the hard feathers right into the bears eyes, which should blind it, Lest it had some sort of magical effect. Considering it had been used, and maybe experimented on by The Facility, she actually expected there to be some sort of secret to this, that'd make this even harder than it already were.

Between the fighting and everything else, she'd only be able to stab one of the bear's eyes before being thrown off.

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

If she were thrown off, she'd grab the nearest long, sharp weapon from one of the nearby guards - a sword or perhaps even a spear, if she were lucky - and would aim to fly over the bear, and plunge down with it. Her aim with an actual weapon over her wing, were more well trained, so there were a better chance at this connecting. And if it were a spear, there should be plenty enough to it to go all into the skull, and give her a bear on a stick. Or she'd hit it once, and get thrown off. More than likely that, as the bear would eventually have to start taking the buzzing fly of a pony serious, once it lost its depth perception.

She had been going for the stab when she had to dodge the spear thrown by the host, which both served to take the bear's aggression off of her , as well as throw her off balance for the attack she had planned. There was also now Briar to contend with, 

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Though this did give her an opening to strike at a far more interesting target, as Ninja had been in front of the bear, and directed it at Dandy. Provided he hadn't already taken off, she'd take a stab at him. Literally. She'd plunge downwards from the air, with her sword/spear in hoof, and try to get herself a strike in, before he vanished again.

Nine spun her around to miss, and Briar dashed off to his next victim. "I'm not going to let yourself get killed. You're in no state to take him on yet. Frankly the Consul would be hard pressed to fight him. Take care of Grey first, then I'll let you try, but I'm not going to let you die before you can get your recompense."

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Fine, but hurry up. The bears are still there, and Ninja is killing folks. I have to get down to them before either of them does."

Epsilon led the way quickly down to the next floor, where she slid a card through the gap to get the door open, then she ran down the hallway on the other side of the door towards the window on the far end. They could hear the noises of the fighting happening above them, though there was no sign of the roof caving in, which was good.

Once at the window Epsilon started to force it open, only getting it just open enough that the two of them could squeeze through. They'd hade to drop through with their wings closed and open them as they fell given how tight the gap was. Epsilon motioned to Null, "After you!"

Provided Null didn't forget how to fly on the way down, she'd be able to land safely, if she scanned the crowd as she fell she'd catch a glimpse of Arcade and Dove running towards the Embassy, otherwise she would need to find them, as they were not in the crowd at the base of the tower.

If she looked back at the tower it would look like the penthouse had caught fire. More potentially noticeable was the fact that there weren't many other pegasi flying away from the penthouse.

(Troy)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Hmm, a-actually, maybe we should try and find something to d-drink for tonight too, besides just water? It'd be a little more f-festive.

Vale thought a moment before she gave a rueful chuckle, "There was this amazing soda fountain in Deltrot called the Candy Bar. But the two brothers that ran it are both gone. The wife of one of them is still around though, she was the principle cook for the refugees in Deltrot. She might be able to give us a recipe or make something for the foals? Otherwise, I know a good drink if we can find some dried hibiscus flowers."

If Void wanted to find the wife of the soda fountain stallion:

Vale would nod, "Let me see if I can find her..." She would step out of Void's sphere of influence for a bit, then she nodded, "Alright, this way."

Vale would lead the way out of the market and down one of the side roads until they reached a building that simply said 'Food' on the side. Inside the building was a rather cozy feeling cafe, tables with chairs arranged somewhat haphazardly, and about half full of patrons, it was quiet but warm with a general sense of cheer to the room. Vale walked up to the counter, the mare behind the counter was the same mare Void had worked with in Deltrot to serve food to the refugees there. She looked weathered, but strong, she had a butter yellow coat with her mane and wingtips grayed. She smiled when Void and Vale entered, "Good to see you again! I don't think I've seen you or your sister since the two of you left Deltrot. Is she doing alright?"

If Void wanted to try the drink Vale knew how to make:

Vale would nod, "Let me see if I can find some..." She would step out of Void's sphere of influence for a bit, then she nodded, "Alright, this way."

Vale would lead the way to another side of the market, one where the air was thick with the smell of flowers and spices. Vale would stop at the stand of a florist selling live flowers of all the kinds that could grow in the area, and dried versions of those that grew in neighboring regions. "Hi there!" an earth pony mare ran the stall, "What sort of flowers do you need?" Vale would look around before asking, "Dried hibiscus if you have some, one cup should be plenty."

The mare nodded, "You're in luck, I've got about that much left, it'll likely be a while before I can get some more, but now there's a distinct possibility, so it shouldn't be too long."

Same as before, Vale would pay for the flowers with the card and the mare would take down the imprint. "Anything else I can get you?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 12/12/2020 at 1:39 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Nine spun her around to miss, and Briar dashed off to his next victim. "I'm not going to let yourself get killed. You're in no state to take him on yet. Frankly the Consul would be hard pressed to fight him. Take care of Grey first, then I'll let you try, but I'm not going to let you die before you can get your recompense."

"Well how was I to know he's That strong? I'll get to him another time then."

Fine fine, maybe it wasn't a smart idea to take a stab at him like that, and Nine made a fair point that she shouldn't try to kill herself over a spur of the moment decision. It just felt like she should try in the moment, and the thinking came after. She'd let him get away for now, and then deal with Ninja some other time, once she were more prepared for it. Maybe with some cursed items to make use of too. They didn't affect her after all, but she doubted he were as universally shielded as she were.

Mark her words though: He wouldn't get to old age, before she got hold of him. Unless he already were, and had extended- Urgh, whatever. She knew what she meant, and she were busy here! She could correct herself later.

On 12/12/2020 at 1:39 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Provided Null didn't forget how to fly on the way down, she'd be able to land safely, if she scanned the crowd as she fell she'd catch a glimpse of Arcade and Dove running towards the Embassy, otherwise she would need to find them, as they were not in the crowd at the base of the tower.

If she looked back at the tower it would look like the penthouse had caught fire. More potentially noticeable was the fact that there weren't many other pegasi flying away from the penthouse.

Null would for once have an advantage with her smaller size, with being able to easier get out of the window, where she'd then promptly start to plummet down. Not for too long though. It turned out that the flight trainers way of having her deal with the wind streams, and a good chunk of trial and error flying that came with it, had actually born pretty good fruit, and she managed to get herself evened out, and get wind under her wings shortly after again. She only fell around 2-3 meters before getting herself in balance, and wobbled for a few seconds, so it were not too bad.

It also meant she had to remember to extend her appreciation to said trainers though. They had just indirectly  saved her flank.

She didn't land though, but instead used the height to scour around, until she finally saw her targets. They were making their way towards them embassy, so that were good, and if she utilized her flight here a little, she should be able to catch up to them before they hit there.

And then, she bit notice in the fire coming from the penthouse behind her. And turned around to face the building. Now there were two bears, a murderous assassin, and a fire in there. And seemingly, no one was coming out of there. What were going on here? Why were there hardly anyone trying to escape from there?

She should get to the others now, and keep them safe, but... How many were going to die in here, if she just ran off? How many would burn, or get maimed? What if s-

The thought had not a chance to finish, before a stallion crashed through a window. If by his own design, or if he were thrown/hammered through, she couldn't say, but she did see the horrified look in his face, as he started to plummet towards the ground. A pony way too heavy for her to carry, and as this height, he'd end up as a stain on the sidewalk. Or hitting one of those beneath.

He'd fall less than she did though, before an orange aura enveloped him, halting his descend.

"I got him!"

Bling would fly into view, horn ignited, and start directing the stallion more safely towards the ground below.

She had been nearby when she saw the fire, as she were helping to feed the last of the more unfortunate changelings in town. She hadn't been sure what to do at first, but then she saw this one fall out of a window, and she couldn't just sit idly by, and wait for the authorities to deal with it. She had to do something.

"O-Oh, this is bad. So, so bad. C... Can I help?"

Another changeling flew up. A tall, thin one, with an aquamarine belly and eyes, as well as a large scar going over his face. From the looks of things, it were likely an axe wound of sorts. And not a new one either, though the droplet of goo making its way down from his mouth, were a new addition. Lunch, as you might also call it.

He were seemingly highly nervous, and seemed unsure what to do with himself. His queen might be long gone by now, but he still weren't used to trying to deal with things on his own. He needed direction and orders to function properly. Hence, he looked towards Bling for answers. She had provided so many of them since he had snuck into town, three weeks ago, and like many others in his situation, they looked to her, Deadpan, and the final member of Hive Cheshire for answers. Bling were just more outside than Deadpan, and most were used to dealing with a female leader, so the feminine changeling, were usually who they'd look to most of the time. She might not be a queen, but she were the closest to one, that most of them had left.

"Thank you, Mildew. Help me take out some windows if you see anyone trying to get out, and then get them safely to ground, okay? Don't let glass shards hit anyone below if you can avoid it. I'm sure Deadpan is gonna come and help us soon too.

Ooh, this is such a bad day for this to catch on fire..."

She'd swarm around, getting Mildew to help her dealing with yet another fire in this place, along with whomever else showed up eventually. If official forces came to deal with this, she'd stand down if ordered too, and just try to make sure that no one got splattered on the ground, or got a face full of glass shards.

They weren't an official squad of firefighters or anything after all. The town had their own methods for these sorts of things, and as citizens of this town, Hive Cheshire would stand down if asked to, and allow them to do their job. Unless they ordered them to let someone fall to their death. It would go against one of the more fundamental ideals that they stood for, and she couldn't get herself to just allow that. Though what were the odds of that happening?

Seeing as there were some going at this now, who were more used to these sorts of things, and likely more able too, as they had magic, Null would flap a little to look over the whole thing. If she were not addressed by any officials, nor Epsilon, she'd start to fly down towards where Dove and Arcade were, when she last saw them. From there, she'd go towards the embassy, and stay in the air until she landed at that building, lest something happened.

Provided nothing did, she'd burst in, and look for the others, or if she intercepted them, just join them, and urge them to get into the building promptly. They had to secure the ambassador. and she then later had to give Dove a long talk, of why she were going to stab Dandy if they went to meet him later on.

(Troy)

On 12/12/2020 at 1:39 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"There was this amazing soda fountain in Deltrot called the Candy Bar. But the two brothers that ran it are both gone. The wife of one of them is still around though, she was the principle cook for the refugees in Deltrot. She might be able to give us a recipe or make something for the foals? Otherwise, I know a good drink if we can find some dried hibiscus flowers."

"Let's try and f-find her, but let's be gentle about asking her, okay? It might stir bad memories, if we start to poke at w-what her husband and brother in law were doing. It can be hard for some ponies."

Void really should have known who were being talked about, but she couldn't for the life of her, remember the name of the refugee camp-like place they had first gotten lead to, after getting away from The Facility. If she could, she probably would still have said they should go for that mare, but she'd be more prepared.

For the time being though, she were just thinking it made the most sense, since soda was something foals usually liked. Honestly, most did, regardless of age, so it were likely a solid pick. It were good that Vale had an idea for something else too, just in case this wasn't available. They could go and look at that after, if this did not pan out. or just another day in general. It never hurt to have options, and the foals needed to try varied tastes, in her opinion.

On 12/12/2020 at 1:39 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Vale would nod, "Let me see if I can find her..." She would step out of Void's sphere of influence for a bit, then she nodded, "Alright, this way."

It were weird, having this sort of tracking hound ability with a companion of hers. Last time she had tried that, were probably with Omen, but she still weren't sure if that wasn't just a fever dream. She had been pretty weird, and talked to her in her head. And at the time, both Null and her had been dazed by an illness, so she weren't sure if she were real. The doctor that they woke up with, that dealt with giving them some antibiotics, didn't say how they had gotten there, so for all she knew, it were just a construct of her imagination, and they had stumbled in there themselves. It frankly made more sense, but if the world had taught her anything, it were that not everything were bound to make sense. That'd require the world to function by some rules of sanity, and that wasn't always the case.

And they soon after started to get ready to leave again, soon as they overheard the doctor talk about restraining them for further analysis. That seemed as good a time as any to bail.

On 12/12/2020 at 1:39 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Vale walked up to the counter, the mare behind the counter was the same mare Void had worked with in Deltrot to serve food to the refugees there. She looked weathered, but strong, she had a butter yellow coat with her mane and wingtips grayed. She smiled when Void and Vale entered, "Good to see you again! I don't think I've seen you or your sister since the two of you left Deltrot. Is she doing alright?"

It were nice when they got to where the mare they were looking for, seemingly worked. A nice, cozy place, with a warm atmosphere to it. Felt like one of those roadside pubs that you heard about in adventures. Well, one of them. Usually it were either this kind, or one where brawls happened. Thankfully it weren't that one.

Void would end up getting a surprise though, once she saw who they were actually going to meet. A familiar face that she hadn't seen in nearly a month now, and honestly had forgotten to check up on. A shame in her opinion, but there had just been so much to do, that it rarely felt like she had time for such things. And when she did, she forgot about it, due to one thing or another. Better late than never though, r-right?

"O-Oh, I uhm... H-Hey there. Sorry, I was just surprised that it were you we r-ran into.

Null is doing a lot better, yes. T-Thank you for asking. She's uhm, a little busy with her own things these days though, so m-maybe I can have her with me another time. I hope you've been good too? I'm s-sorry for not checking up on you since we got here. Things have been k-kind of hectic."

She'd get to ask about the soda eventually, but it seemed rude to do so right away. Just give her a few sentences to work with, and she'd get there eventually.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

17 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Well how was I to know he's That strong? I'll get to him another time then."

Nine scoffed, "How about when I told you he's murdered hundreds of ponies? I didn't mean collectively or indirectly, he's personally murdered hundreds, maybe even thousands of ponies and griffons over the years."

17 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

They weren't an official squad of firefighters or anything after all. The town had their own methods for these sorts of things, and as citizens of this town, Hive Cheshire would stand down if asked to, and allow them to do their job. Unless they ordered them to let someone fall to their death. It would go against one of the more fundamental ideals that they stood for, and she couldn't get herself to just allow that. Though what were the odds of that happening?

Once Null and Epsilon were about half way down from the penthouse, or while Bling and Mildew were lowering the panicked stallion to the ground, the color of the flames shifted  from a standard color to the distinct magical aura of a phoenix. It burned with that impressive aura for a minute or two before it extinguished, leaving the penthouse looking as clean and new as ever, from the outside, the ponies inside started to get up off the ground, most looking even better than they had going in.

17 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Provided nothing did, she'd burst in, and look for the others, or if she intercepted them, just join them, and urge them to get into the building promptly. They had to secure the ambassador. and she then later had to give Dove a long talk, of why she were going to stab Dandy if they went to meet him later on.

Null was able to catch up to Dove and Arcade about a block away from the embassy, the two of them could really get moving when they wanted to. Arcade looked distinctly relieved to see Null alive and in one piece, but didn't slow down to comment such.

The guards out front were quick to open the doors for them as they reached the embassy itself, Dove and Arcade stopping to catch their breath on some of the chairs in the front lobby.

"Let's... not do that again." Dove gasped out, it was obvious that she was not used to running such distances.

Arcade looked similarly exhausted, "Sounds good. Knowing they have... have creatures from the lab... We should give a more careful inspection of the town before you start roaming. Who knows what other objects or experiments may have escaped? Given what I saw in the penthouse, I wouldn't be surprised if a number of the more powerful items are in the possessions of the casino owners, it may be why they're in control."

(Troy)

17 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Let's try and f-find her, but let's be gentle about asking her, okay? It might stir bad memories, if we start to poke at w-what her husband and brother in law were doing. It can be hard for some ponies."

Vale nodded, "If I remember correctly, her husband died in the Summer war, and his brother fell to Discord. She's got memorial frames of them in her store."

Vale would point out the said frames, which consisted of a rendition of the mark of the pony in question, a medal, and an inscription indicating why the award had been presented. Both had been awarded a medal for bravery and sacrifice.

17 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"O-Oh, I uhm... H-Hey there. Sorry, I was just surprised that it were you we r-ran into.

Null is doing a lot better, yes. T-Thank you for asking. She's uhm, a little busy with her own things these days though, so m-maybe I can have her with me another time. I hope you've been good too? I'm s-sorry for not checking up on you since we got here. Things have been k-kind of hectic."

The chef nodded, "Things have been busy lately haven't they? I heard I have you and your sister to thank for that. It's good to know that the monsters out on the dunes will soon be dealt with for good."

She chuckled at Void's apology, "I hardly expected you to check up on me, you were with me for what, two hours? That's hardly long enough to cause an obligation. Besides, it's not like you checked up an everyone but me right? I've been fine though, thanks for asking. A lot of ponies here out of work, got talents in things and industries that don't exist anymore, but so long as creatures can appreciate good food, I'll have a fulfilling live. Now, how can I help you two? I doubt you came just to say hi."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 12/14/2020 at 6:41 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"How about when I told you he's murdered hundreds of ponies? I didn't mean collectively or indirectly, he's personally murdered hundreds, maybe even thousands of ponies and griffons over the years."

"I've met mass murders before. You'd be amazed how innocent some of them can look, and how wicked the weakest among them can be. Doesn't mean that they couldn't be taken care of.

But fine, fine. I'll yield."

She'd known one who had killed hundreds before, and he barely looked like he were able to peel an apple without accidentally cutting himself. And yet, a back turned, the right mood, and he'd soon be painting the walls, with his blood-soaked knife used as a paint brush.

He was sadistic, secretive, and a highly dangerous, travelling salespony. Who also didn't know how to deal with things being directed his way, and ended up accidentally getting his neck snapped. And it was an accident. Null had tried to swing at him and crush his kneecaps, so that she could get him down to her level and relieve him of his teeth. Then he stumbled back to avoid the hit, and fell over a tree stump, and landed poorly on a rock. She'd given him a bash for good measure though, just to be sure, before setting fire to the wagon, him, and the club she had used. Best to not try and make a spectacle, and just get out of there.

She hadn't been hunting him really, but they had stumbled on him on their way out of the area, and he had tried to shank her. Thrice. What sorta thing he had done, they heard about later in whispers through the town. Something about the authorities having found their prime suspect, for a lot of gruesome murders, burned to a crisp some miles away. Only identifying marker, had been a metal spike in his leg, which had still been enough to make a positive ID apparently. How, she didn't know. Not her role. She just knew it made her even less sad that he were dead.

She had also seen the sort that looked mighty and gruff, who had a lot of bad words around them, who couldn't hurt anyone. Even if they looked like they chewed through rocks for fun. Some folks just really dug the body builder lifestyle, or looked naturally gruff, and it were hard to judge everyone on looks alone.

But fair's fair. Ninja looked dangerous, acted like it, and the word from Nine had come out. He had a point that there were a few clues there she could've clung to, in his case.

On 12/14/2020 at 6:41 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Once Null and Epsilon were about half way down from the penthouse, or while Bling and Mildew were lowering the panicked stallion to the ground, the color of the flames shifted  from a standard color to the distinct magical aura of a phoenix. It burned with that impressive aura for a minute or two before it extinguished, leaving the penthouse looking as clean and new as ever, from the outside, the ponies inside started to get up off the ground, most looking even better than they had going in.

Mildew looked confused as he saw this spectacle, and looked down to find a relieved Bling, wiping some imaginary sweat drops off her forehead.

Phew, it's That kind of fire this time. That's a relief."

"R-Relief? I don't understand."

"It's a little bit complicated, but basically, they're probably fine in there. It's a kind of resurrection, phoenix thing. I've been invited sometimes, but there's not time to go there and learn more, so I don't know all the fuzzy details.

But that's sorted it looks like. And when there's no need for us to help anymore, it's best we move along, and do something else.

Oh I know. Since you're here, could you come help me prepare Cagey for her job interview. Please?"

Mildew nodded his head slowly. He weren't sure who Cagey were, as he hadn't met that many of the local changelings thus far, but if Bling asked for his help, he should provide it. After all she and the others had done for him, he owed them to give something back, if possible.

"Yes, of- Of course. If I can."

Bling got a bigger, pleased smile on her face, and came over to grab his hoof, before flying off with him towards the old theater. Unless something else happened here of course, though if it did not, they'd be on their way. Nothing more they could do here otherwise, and there were always someone else for them to help. And it wasn't a total loss anyway. They managed to get one who'd have not fared so well, as the flames would probably not have reached his remains down on the street, so that was one life saved. In these days, there were so preciously few of those, so anyone spared from death, were a blessing. And he likely had a family that'd miss him.

On 12/14/2020 at 6:41 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Let's... not do that again." Dove gasped out, it was obvious that she was not used to running such distances.

Arcade looked similarly exhausted, "Sounds good. Knowing they have... have creatures from the lab... We should give a more careful inspection of the town before you start roaming. Who knows what other objects or experiments may have escaped? Given what I saw in the penthouse, I wouldn't be surprised if a number of the more powerful items are in the possessions of the casino owners, it may be why they're in control."

"If I have something to say about it, it's not going to happen again. Explicitly, I don't want you to go near Dandy again, Dove.

I might not have real authority to decide for you, but I just saw him put a shoddy wall around some bears, who ravaged through his *guests*, killing indiscriminately. All the while, he ran away, and his little pet servant stayed behind, to kill dozens of people getting in the way of said bears.. Being near him is suicide, and heaven be willing, he'll get eaten by his own bears. Cowardly little worm deserves no better than a righteous amount of karma."

Null were feeling tired and drained right now. Not just physically, but emotionally, and spiritually. Everything the last bundle of hours, had just been one drain after another, and it were testing her. So excuse her if she did not have the energy, nor will left, to try and speak kindly about Dandy, in any sort of way. He were a filthy murderer, and the sort of coward that'd run away from a scene he caused, and leave his unleashed dog behind. While also flat out admitting that others had died the week before too. The best way to protect Dove right now, were to be brutally honest about this, and say why she did not want her to see him again.

The fact that he clearly had connections to the facility, meant that She should probably see him again, but with Ninja still lurking around, and keeping him close for whatever game he were playing, Dandy would have to suffer another day. When she had gotten prepared, and stronger. Though hopefully, Dove wouldn't throw her life away, by pursuing this one.

Null would slump down in the corner, back against the wall, and let just out an irritated, long sigh. Today could really just bite her, in so many ways...

"Uuuuurgh! Nothing good comes from anything, or anyone, that had something to do with that torture lab. If its in use here, among the top, and they keep control that way, then no wonder The Grey thrives here. Intimidation and fear fits just right with how he likes to run things. Or so I've heard."

This was going to be such a pain. If this were the sort of thing that got ponies to prominence in this town, then she had to find that out, since the issue would be way more complicated then. And would likely include her having to collect, and potentially destroy the things they were using sooner or later. If she could even safely handle those. She had seen some of the things from there, weren't affected by her aura at all...

If Nine hadn't turned the cold off by now, she'd ask him to do so. She needed a break from that annoyance. There were too many freaking things getting on her nerves as it were, and they seemed to be out of the primary danger zone.

(Troy)

On 12/14/2020 at 6:41 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"If I remember correctly, her husband died in the Summer war, and his brother fell to Discord. She's got memorial frames of them in her store."

"It's good that she r-remembers them fondly. Not everyone is t-that strong, when they experience a close loss like that."

She could think of some examples on the road, but really, why would she, when she herself were a good example in herself? When their parents had died, she had been crushed, and more or less useless. She had felt like just laying down in the dunes, and wait for The Grey to come and take her too, since what was the point? She were missing an eye, now a leg, and she were running away from the stability of the only home she had ever known, with the beings whom she cared the most for, seemingly being dead.

All she had left were Null, and her sister had refused to just let them sit down and languish. She had forced Void to go along, though even to this day, she weren't sure how. She just remembered misery, and then eventually getting to her senses in some dirt hole, hurting all over, while Null were shakingly trying to wipe blood off of her.

It had taken years before she were even semi functional, and that were only because Null were there to take care of her. And even then, she often languished in sorrow and grief, like many others had likely done after the war. And like with her, she felt certain that the only thing that had gotten some of them through it, were that there were others nearby that could help them. Those who were lonely... It rarely went well to have that much on your shoulders, and no one to share it with. Either you could end up committing suicide, or you could be broken fundamentally, and barely be able to keep it together. Like with Null.

From what little she had seen and grasped of what tormented her sister, it had started to dawn on her at times, that it was amazing how she did not fall into the first category. Even though in hindsight, she could see a few times when she had almost slipped. Some deep, prolonged looks into an abyss, or the shine of a knife, where she could see something roaming around her sisters head.

...She'd prefer not to think more on this, and focus on the fizzy drink. It were getting depressing again, and the foals would be able to feel it, if she felt down. She were sure of it.

On 12/14/2020 at 6:41 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The chef nodded, "Things have been busy lately haven't they? I heard I have you and your sister to thank for that. It's good to know that the monsters out on the dunes will soon be dealt with for good."

She chuckled at Void's apology, "I hardly expected you to check up on me, you were with me for what, two hours? That's hardly long enough to cause an obligation. Besides, it's not like you checked up an everyone but me right? I've been fine though, thanks for asking. A lot of ponies here out of work, got talents in things and industries that don't exist anymore, but so long as creatures can appreciate good food, I'll have a fulfilling live. Now, how can I help you two? I doubt you came just to say hi."

"Well, you were one of t-those who showed a good deal of concern for us, and h-helping to make the food were actually very h-helpful to me. It kept my mind off from... Y-You know.

Even then, I know it's kind of silly to apologize, b-but it just felt like I had to. Especially since w-we're not just here on a social call, and it feels w-wrong to just barge in and ask for something like that. And yeah, I've s-seen a lot of folks who have trouble finding their p-place in this world. Hopefully now that the d-dunes are starting to get safer, a little by little, they can eventually get b-back to their crafts.

As for why w-we're here... How to put this..."

Void fidgeted a little in place, while her gaze went to the side. It really should be simple here, but for some reason, she found it kind of difficult to get the words out right now. Just give her a moment though, and she'd get there.

"I- I mean we, are h-helping some orphans, and we'd like to d-do something special for them tonight. I uhm... W-Were told you might know s-something about fizzy drinks? It'd be g-good if we could present them s-something like that. It's been some b-bad days recently. F-For them, I mean."

As confident as a high schooler, asking out his crush to the prom. Maybe if this had to be more direct, Vale had to get involved in things.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Perhaps at some other point we could do a more changeling centric RP in this AU?)

(NP)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"If I have something to say about it, it's not going to happen again. Explicitly, I don't want you to go near Dandy again, Dove.

I might not have real authority to decide for you, but I just saw him put a shoddy wall around some bears, who ravaged through his *guests*, killing indiscriminately. All the while, he ran away, and his little pet servant stayed behind, to kill dozens of people getting in the way of said bears.. Being near him is suicide, and heaven be willing, he'll get eaten by his own bears. Cowardly little worm deserves no better than a righteous amount of karma."

Dove sighed and shook her head, "I know this is far less idea, but if we're going to gain a foothold in this town we're going to need to work with the existing power structure, regardless of how dangerous or unsavory they are. We can't go overthrowing the government just because we disagree with how they operate, we'd be no better than Celestia was. If change is to occur, and last, it has to come from below. We will of course take every precaution when dealing with the leaders, we've already made some good progress with those dragons, and with Epsilon's help we can gain House's support. Maybe the fourth casino owners will prove more reasonable, and we'll be able to distance ourselves from Dandy, but until then we can't go burning our bridges just yet."

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Uuuuurgh! Nothing good comes from anything, or anyone, that had something to do with that torture lab. If its in use here, among the top, and they keep control that way, then no wonder The Grey thrives here. Intimidation and fear fits just right with how he likes to run things. Or so I've heard."

Dove looked quite tired, "I'll send a report back on what we found, we may need to bring in an expert on Deep Science and their subjects, find out what we might have to deal with as well as what we'll need to do to safely deal with what they might have at their disposal."

She stretched as she got up from her seat, "That can wait until morning however. You two get some well deserved rest, and we'll meet again in the morning."

With that Dove trotted off down the hall.

Arcade came over to Null, "You alright? You look like you went a few rounds with that bear, did they hurt you?"

(Troy)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"It's good that she r-remembers them fondly. Not everyone is t-that strong, when they experience a close loss like that."

Vale nodded, "Troy has always held great importance on respect for the dead, I think it comes from the strong changeling influence when they were first getting started, as they also have a strong respect for their dead. Many trojans believe in some sort of afterlife, that those who have died live on so long as they are remembered."

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I- I mean we, are h-helping some orphans, and we'd like to d-do something special for them tonight. I uhm... W-Were told you might know s-something about fizzy drinks? It'd be g-good if we could present them s-something like that. It's been some b-bad days recently. F-For them, I mean."

The chef gave a halfhearted chuckle as she looked over at the memorials she had on the wall, "Normally I'd say no, but since it's for orphans... Soda always had a soft spot for orphans, it'd be disrespectful not to. Wait here a moment."

She ducked around to the back room, the sound of boxes being moved came from the doorway she had passed through, and a few minutes later she came back with a few sheets of paper, "I can't say I've ever made any of these, but these were some of my brother-in-law's most popular mixes. There's a place nearby that sells the soda water and cream, and I'm sure you can find the fruits. To make the syrups the mixes call for you do similar to if you were making a jelly, then strain and reduce until you have a concentrate that mixes well with the cream and soda."

She passed the papers over to Void with a slight smile, "Let me know how they like it, okay? Don't be a stranger now."

 

Edited December 16, 2020 by Illiad Easle

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 12/16/2020 at 5:04 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I know this is far less idea, but if we're going to gain a foothold in this town we're going to need to work with the existing power structure, regardless of how dangerous or unsavory they are. We can't go overthrowing the government just because we disagree with how they operate, we'd be no better than Celestia was. If change is to occur, and last, it has to come from below. We will of course take every precaution when dealing with the leaders, we've already made some good progress with those dragons, and with Epsilon's help we can gain House's support. Maybe the fourth casino owners will prove more reasonable, and we'll be able to distance ourselves from Dandy, but until then we can't go burning our bridges just yet."

"There are other casinos, and other players in this game. This one leaves others to die for his mistakes, and tries to enthrall you. How good politically is it going to be, if he swoons you, and you end up giving him more in dealings with Troy, than you get back? I'm no a politician, and don't care for the whole mumbo jumbo, but it seems to me like you'd need to be neutral to get anything done right. And he were already working on wrapping you around his hoof. I can't imagine he's gonna stop doing that either, when he saw it had an effect.

At least just talk to Epsilon, and send someone else to deal with him. Or make sure you have someone with you that can keep things focused, if you need to deal with him. It ain't worth the risk to yourself to be careless around him, Dove.

And I ain't saying to overthrow them on a whim. I'm saying that I hope in time, they have their toys taken away. And that I hope they get what's due them, depending on how they used them.

Just like the saying goes: Karma is a heavy hitter."

The real saying were a good deal more crude, but some beings got so prissy when she swore for some reason, so she'd keep to the more neutral, less impactful version. Long as her stance on this still got through, though it did have a hidden second meaning now, seeing as she were working for karma. Hence, she might in time end up being that hammer who'd come in swinging. Wouldn't that be a treat? If she could get back in later, that were. She imagined they weren't gonna be thrilled from her killing The Grey.

And as for what she said about Dove, it were true. She had been played by this imbecile of a stallion, and it'd impact her judgement on these kinds of matters. Plus he were an annoying sleaze, that should frankly only be allowed to deal with males, or devoted married females. No one he could try and sway, or the politics in all of this were likely going to be hampered.

On 12/16/2020 at 5:04 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I'll send a report back on what we found, we may need to bring in an expert on Deep Science and their subjects, find out what we might have to deal with as well as what we'll need to do to safely deal with what they might have at their disposal."

She stretched as she got up from her seat, "That can wait until morning however. You two get some well deserved rest, and we'll meet again in the morning."

"Sounds smart. Prepare before engaging with stuff. Might be you'll have some info on stuff going around when the expert gets here."

Best not be one who had worked at the facility though, or Arcade and her were maybe gonna have to fight over who got to smash that one to atoms first. Though he might not care for that. She really weren't sure, as he seemed to react differently to things from that place.

Or she were just too drained to focus on everything about him right now. She weren't sure, and right now, she didn't care either. She'd just wait for the ambassador to get on her way now, and then get ready for crashing. Or speak with Arcade, as it turned out, though she slumped down even more to the floor, soon as Dove had left. No more need to keep up the facade.

On 12/16/2020 at 5:04 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade came over to Null, "You alright? You look like you went a few rounds with that bear, did they hurt you?"

"I'm fine. It tried hitting me, but didn't get far, and I didn't have the sort of weapons I'd need to skewer it. I got one of its eyes though. That was a start."

She let out a long, drawn out sigh, as she laid flat on the floor, and looked straight on ahead, into a wall.

"Scouting, Cabin Maré, assassins, parties, curses, murders, fires... Some days just take it out of you. Feels like it's been one rough time after another today, and now we get to deal with the top brass of this place not only being run by casinos, but said leadership's probably all in possession of stuff from one of those twisted hellholes, they called facilities. It's a lot to deal with already, and it's just gonna complicate things a ton.

*sigh* Guess it's not all bad though. Least I didn't have to dance."

A brief, hollow laugh escaped her, as she tried to find a silver lining that kind of worked like a joke. It were pretty bad, but y'know, she weren't a comedian. She hit things until they stopped moving. Not too many crowds found that to be a great laugh, and the ones who did, she usually didn't like.

"...Sorry I got on Epsilon's case too. I know you two were all friendly, and I probably put a bit of a damper on things for you, but I dunno. Something about her just irked me tonight. Can't put a hoof on what it is though. Doesn't feel like the regular paranoia."

Null weren't a stranger to being jealous, but considering the context of it in this case, she weren't able to deduce what exactly it were, that made her extra suspicious and paranoid about Epsilon. It were fairly obvious, but when you had no experience with something of this sort, it weren't easy to grasp the full context, and quite frankly, her inert denial of anything like this ever happening for her, were not helping either.

"You got any thoughts about today? Feel free to throw 'em out there. I don't feel like getting up right now."

(Troy)

On 12/16/2020 at 5:04 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Troy has always held great importance on respect for the dead, I think it comes from the strong changeling influence when they were first getting started, as they also have a strong respect for their dead. Many trojans believe in some sort of afterlife, that those who have died live on so long as they are remembered."

"I've seen enough of the w-world, and everything in it, to tell you that there i-is an afterlife. And if you're unlucky or stubborn, it can be a h-horrible one, where you get stuck in this world. The sort of pain I've been e-explained a stuck spirit tends to go through, is pretty harsh.

I've heard the a-afterlife itself can be good though, Elysium sounds like a b-blessed place, from those who have caught glimpses of it."

The afterlife were a strange thing, but she could say, without a shadow of a doubt, that there were souls, and places they might go after death. Elysium and Tartarus were but two versions, but you might also get to a state where you instead ended up as a roaming spirit, or your soul got caught and used as a commodity, or controlled in some fashion. There were also soul eaters, and reincarnation... Basically, there were a lot of ways the soul could end up, and not all of them were good. Especially not if you were foolish enough to sell your soul. She had thankfully never seen one who had to pay that debt, but she had seen those who had witnessed it. The look in their eyes as they recalled it made her wish she had never asked, and pray that she'd never be in the situation they had been in. She'd probably end up in a mental institute too then, or clinging to a mug of liquor like a life-line.

On 12/16/2020 at 5:04 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She ducked around to the back room, the sound of boxes being moved came from the doorway she had passed through, and a few minutes later she came back with a few sheets of paper, "I can't say I've ever made any of these, but these were some of my brother-in-law's most popular mixes. There's a place nearby that sells the soda water and cream, and I'm sure you can find the fruits. To make the syrups the mixes call for you do similar to if you were making a jelly, then strain and reduce until you have a concentrate that mixes well with the cream and soda."

She passed the papers over to Void with a slight smile, "Let me know how they like it, okay? Don't be a stranger now."

Void carefully, and gently, took the papers, and made sure to put them somewhere secure in her saddlebag. These were important, and she would treat them with the respect that they deserved.

"T-Thank you. I'm sure the little ones are g-going to be happy about this, and I promise I won't be a s-stranger. Maybe I can even come and help you o-out on a busy day, if it is? It's the l-least, I can do, after this favor, and I like to help. Would m-mean I could tell you how they liked it too. If I d-did it right anyway, but I'll do my best to f-follow your instructions.

I'll be back within a f-few days for sure in a-any case, to get the papers back to you. I'll do my b-best to make sure they come back safely, and well... The f-foals are a little scared or others right n-now, and need some time, but I'll make sure to let them know who helped make t-their evening better. I hope that in time, I can have t-them come around and thank you themselves."

Gratitude to strangers were something that she considered important that the foals kept, and this would be one of those they should express it to, in due time. It wouldn't be soon though, she were sure of it, but it were good to have goals. Like hers, which included being able to preserve these papers, and write down what they said on some other ones, so that she could return these. It were far too much to ask to keep them, when it were related to someone so very dear to the chef.

"Are things g-going well for you here, if I can a-ask that? Just... In general? Safer or not out t-there, there's still things that m-makes it tough to keep going for some creatures. I h-hope some of those who lashes out, haven't m-made things difficult around here."

Void would look at the chef with worry and concern. She didn't look like she had been roughed up, but there were many ways to hurt someone, without it being too obvious, or showing all that fast. Void sure hoped the chef weren't experiencing any of that at some point, but with how hard it were for some to keep going, due to varied injuries, losses, etc. some were bound to lash out. Even if they didn't mean to hurt others on purpose.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

On 12/17/2020 at 3:57 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"You got any thoughts about today? Feel free to throw 'em out there. I don't feel like getting up right now."

"Here," Arcade ducked his head under her to slide her onto his back, and if she didn't object he would carry her towards her room, "Epsilon is an interesting sort, and I've met my share of interesting sorts to know, there aren't many who look at us and respect us as adults you know? Even Dove looks down on us in a way, I could see it in her body language as you were talking to her, it was common in the scientists, she thinks she knows better than you. Anyway, now we've gotten in that tower you said your friend was in, you any closer to finding them? Was it that shadowy stallion that was hanging around?"

(Troy)

On 12/17/2020 at 3:57 PM, Blitz Boom said:

I've heard the a-afterlife itself can be good though, Elysium sounds like a b-blessed place, from those who have caught glimpses of it.

Vale nodded, "The zebra near my village often communed with spirits and the departed, so I had no doubt that there were an afterlife, though it has led me to wonder for a doe like me, when I was Codex, I was far more machine than doe. Had I died as Codex, would I have been her afterwards? And what of Panic? He was created purely inorganically, is there an afterlife for him if he is destroyed? Can souls be created like that? Further, Panic could be duplicated, is there still the one soul? or can souls then be infinitely replicated?"

She shook her head, "It's thoughts like these that have turned me to focus solely on science and what can be measured, rather than such quandaries. Still, even outside of Codex I will one day more machine than doe."

On 12/17/2020 at 3:57 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"T-Thank you. I'm sure the little ones are g-going to be happy about this, and I promise I won't be a s-stranger. Maybe I can even come and help you o-out on a busy day, if it is? It's the l-least, I can do, after this favor, and I like to help. Would m-mean I could tell you how they liked it too. If I d-did it right anyway, but I'll do my best to f-follow your instructions.

The chef nodded, "I'd like that, things have slowed down since ponies started moving out to settle and expand, but we still get our busy days now and again."

On 12/17/2020 at 3:57 PM, Blitz Boom said:

I'll be back within a f-few days for sure in a-any case, to get the papers back to you. I'll do my b-best to make sure they come back safely, and well... The f-foals are a little scared or others right n-now, and need some time, but I'll make sure to let them know who helped make t-their evening better. I hope that in time, I can have t-them come around and thank you themselves."

The chef waved her hoof dismissively and shook her head, "Keep them, they aren't doing me any good here. You getting use out of them does more to honor his memory than keeping them here. Besides, he always loved to cheer up the foals that came to his counter, if you can do that with those, you'll honor him far more than I ever could with them. You tell them that a kind stallion named Soda Jerk taught you how. If you do get the chance though... I would like to see them some day. I never had the chance to have any of my own..."

On 12/17/2020 at 3:57 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Are things g-going well for you here, if I can a-ask that? Just... In general? Safer or not out t-there, there's still things that m-makes it tough to keep going for some creatures. I h-hope some of those who lashes out, haven't m-made things difficult around here."

The chef chuckled, "Even before, it was safer out there than in here... for them. I've got plenty of experience tossing out a rowdy drunk and even less savory individuals. Only had to show off once when I first opened, and things have been plenty peaceful since. Just like the sign out front, nothing fancy, no nonsense."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 1/6/2021 at 7:49 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Here," Arcade ducked his head under her to slide her onto his back, and if she didn't object he would carry her towards her room, "Epsilon is an interesting sort, and I've met my share of interesting sorts to know, there aren't many who look at us and respect us as adults you know? Even Dove looks down on us in a way, I could see it in her body language as you were talking to her, it was common in the scientists, she thinks she knows better than you. Anyway, now we've gotten in that tower you said your friend was in, you any closer to finding them? Was it that shadowy stallion that was hanging around?"

She really wanted to object to this. Who the hay were he,. thinking he could just decide whatever or not she had to move somewhere, when she just wanted to flatten out on the ground for a bit? She should give him a piece of her mind, were what she should.

Somehow though, she just couldn't get herself to say something, and just let him do it. Even felt a pretty pleasant shiver going through her as he more or less wore her like a coat.

Wasn't the first time she had been carried before, but this were different. And not just because of the size difference. It felt... Nice. Comfy in a way, and she felt her heart rate actually increase a little as they moved along. She must've really needed some physical contact like this, since Void weren't here to offer it anymore. What else could it be after all? Maybe it were because it were the first time a stallion actually wanted to get this close to her, and wasn't some kind of creep? So what, she were desperate for attention or... No, no. She wasn't this pathetic.

Of course, the mood wasn't being helped from him talking about Epsilon either.. But he were right in talking on her, since it were important in context to everything that had gone on tonight. She seemed like pretty much the only worthwhile one to talk to there. Even if Null felt irrational about her, for whatever reason.

"Scientists, random folks. Doesn't matter really. At our size, pretty much everyone treats us like we're foals. Just gotta remember that they don't know better. Dove doesn't know what it's like to deal with scum properly. Hay, she were practically eating out of that monsters hoof. If she tries dealing with him alone, there's no telling what'll end up happening to her. As well as those deals she's supposed to try and deal with fro Troy. Mark my words: She's not as capable at dealing with him, as she thinks she is. Nor does she think about the fact that she's on his turf. He's not bound by honor, since he clearly doesn't have any.

Urgh, and don't remind me of that Ninja twonk. He's not who I'm after, but he's major bad business. He reeks of murder and torture, and the way I saw him kill others, it got pretty clear he's slit some throats before. I dunno what role he's gonna play in all of this, but he's gonna be trouble for us one way or another. Wouldn't put it past my *friend* to have someone like that taking a second paycheck from him either. Just the sort of creep he'd love having on his payroll."

They got closer and closer to Null's room, which frankly disappointed her. Sure she could use a rest, but... Well, y'know. It felt nice having some company that were worth keeping. Even if she felt somewhat bad about not telling him everything. Hopefully when eventually, the veil would be lifted, he'd understand her reasons. She'd have plenty enough that would judge her for what she were looking to do as it were, and she didn't need someone she respected to be on that list.

(Troy)

On 1/6/2021 at 7:49 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"The zebra near my village often communed with spirits and the departed, so I had no doubt that there were an afterlife, though it has led me to wonder for a doe like me, when I was Codex, I was far more machine than doe. Had I died as Codex, would I have been her afterwards? And what of Panic? He was created purely inorganically, is there an afterlife for him if he is destroyed? Can souls be created like that? Further, Panic could be duplicated, is there still the one soul? or can souls then be infinitely replicated?"

She shook her head, "It's thoughts like these that have turned me to focus solely on science and what can be measured, rather than such quandaries. Still, even outside of Codex I will one day more machine than doe."

"In Neighpon, they believe that if something exist for long enough, it can earn a soul. I d-don't know if that's true, but I've seen things that makes me think it is possible. I don't know about copied though. M-Maybe each of them would have to earn their own soul? Or they'd just think they had one? I'm not r-really an expert on this sort of thing.

And you still have a soul. Doesn't matter if you had d-died like you were back there. You still have that within you. I've seen those who lacks one and just... T-Trust me, that you're not like them. You'd know if it wasn't there anymore, and you'd wish for nothing more than death. All while looking like everything that were you, had withered away a long time ago, and not having the will to kill yourself."

Void would send a weary look towards the doe, and then averted her eyes. She had not thought on the husks for a long time, but this talk made her think of them and... And she really wished she hadn't. It were a harrowing, haunting sight to witness a soulless, still living creature. wandering around completely drained of everything that used to be them. No emotions. No will to do things. Just a husk of someone that were already dead, but forced to endure their bodies continuing on.

It were a worse fate in her mind, than even those who had their spirits stick around. Also a gruesome fate, but at least then, they would have their essence still there, twisted as it might become. A husk were just... Nothing. A complete void, wrapped around the remnant of what once were. Killing them were frankly a mercy that even she were willing to give, despite her not liking to get her hooves bloodied.

"M-Machine or not, you're still you, and that won't change. Never forget that, Vale."

She'd prefer not to speak further on this currently, and deal with it later. The whole conversation were making her feel queasy right now.

On 1/6/2021 at 7:49 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The chef chuckled, "Even before, it was safer out there than in here... for them. I've got plenty of experience tossing out a rowdy drunk and even less savory individuals. Only had to show off once when I first opened, and things have been plenty peaceful since. Just like the sign out front, nothing fancy, no nonsense."

"It's good to hear that you k-keep a tight ship here, and that it's mostly peaceful. Actually, w-what if I give you my address? In case you can see you need help on a specific day, you can always c-come by and ask, or send a message. In case I'm not around for a few days."

Void would give her the address of the workshop she worked in normally. It'd be a good place to get such messages if she were needed, which it sounded likes he might be every now and again. Considering what she had been given, it were the least that she could do in return. Besides, she liked cooking. It was nice and calming.

"And I'll make sure to tell them who made sure they could try this. You h-have my word. And if ever you need the papers again, I'll make sure to keep them safe, just in case.

I uhm..."

She considered saying something about the chef's lack of kids, but didn't know what to say here, really. Reassurances that it were still not too late came to mind, but what if it were more like she couldn't, because her husband were dead? Her one, true love, with whom she wanted to have offspring? It might sound horrendous then, even if she just wanted to be nice about this. Though couldn't it be bad to say nothing too, and sound like she were ignoring it? It sounded like that for her at least.

"...Hope there'll be the sound of small hooves a-around here someday soon."

A bit of a cop-out, but this were feeling rather awkward. Something that she wanted to address more, but didn't want to push too much just yet. And this could sound as if she meant the orphans, so it were a bit of a safer response, yes?

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Urgh, and don't remind me of that Ninja twonk. He's not who I'm after, but he's major bad business. He reeks of murder and torture, and the way I saw him kill others, it got pretty clear he's slit some throats before. I dunno what role he's gonna play in all of this, but he's gonna be trouble for us one way or another. Wouldn't put it past my *friend* to have someone like that taking a second paycheck from him either. Just the sort of creep he'd love having on his payroll.

Arcade nodded, "Well, as long as you have that chip, we should be able to get back into the tower again and look some more, but the stairway, and the lobby for that matter, didn't seem to have been used in years."

Once Arcade was next to her bed he paused, then chuckled, "This is normally when I would pick up whoever I was carrying with my magic and tuck them into bed, but I can't do that for you. You'll have to climb in yourself I'm afraid, then I'll take my leave... unless you need something else?"

The way he looked back at her, there were quite the series of emotions and thoughts going through his mind at the moment, like he was caught halfway between a memory and a desire.

(Troy)

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"M-Machine or not, you're still you, and that won't change. Never forget that, Vale."

Vale was quite for a moment as they walked, but eventually responded softly, "Thank you, I... I needed to hear that."

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"It's good to hear that you k-keep a tight ship here, and that it's mostly peaceful. Actually, w-what if I give you my address? In case you can see you need help on a specific day, you can always c-come by and ask, or send a message. In case I'm not around for a few days."

The chef nodded, "Better to have it and not need it right? I'm a bit of an early riser with this place as you can imagine, I hope you don't mind if I came by early?"

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"And I'll make sure to tell them who made sure they could try this. You h-have my word. And if ever you need the papers again, I'll make sure to keep them safe, just in case.

I uhm..."

The chef smiled and nodded, a curious expression on her face as she waited to see where Void was going with her next statement.

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"...Hope there'll be the sound of small hooves a-around here someday soon."

Her smile faltered a bit as Void finished her statement, she was still smiling, just not quite as much. "I... I would like that... someday."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade nodded, "Well, as long as you have that chip, we should be able to get back into the tower again and look some more, but the stairway, and the lobby for that matter, didn't seem to have been used in years."

"We could try sneak in fromt here, when there's some free time to work with, I guess. Worth a shot at least."

It was a sound idea really. It were seemingly abandoned, so if there were a staircase to use, they could get in more unseen that way perhaps. And if it did not lead all the way up, the lower floors may still hold some useful secrets. Or a heap of decaying bodies somewhere. Considering what she had seen, it would not surprise her. Nor would just a pile of bones, implying that they had fed whoever died to the bears. Or perhaps consumed them themselves? Cannibalism should be impossible for ponies, due to what happened if they ate too much meat, but she weren't ruling anything out. If life had taught her anything, it were that whatever crazy thing you could imagine, there'd always be something even crazier out there, somewhere.

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Once Arcade was next to her bed he paused, then chuckled, "This is normally when I would pick up whoever I was carrying with my magic and tuck them into bed, but I can't do that for you. You'll have to climb in yourself I'm afraid, then I'll take my leave... unless you need something else?"

Null would be getting off as he spoke. Comfy as the ride were, she'd have to get her lazy flank in gear eventually. Though she did give a weak chuckle at the way he said she should get off. Something in the way he said it were a little funny to her, even if it were something that'd usually make her roll her eyes and growl at most others. Probably helped that Arcade were more of a close one than most others she had ever known, so he could get under a few layers as he said this. Much like how Void could usually stand up to Null, and not face ire, as would usually happen.

She'd have gotten off as he were nearing the end of his sentence, and looked at him ready to utter a goodnight, or parting attempt at sassing him back. And then, he got to the actual ending of his sentence, and she froze up. Then flustered up, to a point where even her deeply dark coat, couldn't hide the blushing going over her face.

"I.. I..."

She stood dumbfounded and without really any idea what to say about this. Her brain had just gone total blank from him saying... Or implying maybe that...

Had this been anyone else, she would have grabbed the nearest table leg, torn it off, and beaten them with it. Or whatever other heavy object she could get easily hold of as well, as this sort of talk were Not welcome with her.

Yet for some reason, for the first time she could remember, she were now caught off her hooves, and didn't know what were going on. She should be furious, or just bat this off as some sort of teasing comment, that he were trying off, right? But then... That look in his eyes, as they met hers...

She didn't know why there weren't any anger roaring up. Nor why her heart were beating so fast, that she could swear it must be trying to erupt out of her chest, or why she were blushing up like a tomato.

Arcade would be able to see struggle in her eyes. A desire to go closer to him, fighting an instinct, that usually guided her to push others away.

For one who had to live her life as a mare of action, Null were now unable to make any. She just stood there, trying to grasp a feeling she couldn't recall ever fluttering about her body before, and not knowing what to even do about it, nor how to act on it.

If he wished to think on this, Arcade would at least not see reluctance from her side. There were a struggle, but not disgust towards him, or his words. She just didn't know what to do about this situation they were now in. Hopefully he did not see her inexperience and struggle, as a rejection.

Nine likely had some choice words on this matter, or perhaps, a better idea of what should happen here, and no desire to have this whole thing escalate/stagger. If he intended to give her a push in some direction, he would not find any resistance to it right now.

(Troy)

19 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Her smile faltered a bit as Void finished her statement, she was still smiling, just not quite as much. "I... I would like that... someday."

Okay, it hadn't completely destroyed their relationship here then. That were good. It seemed like she did really like to one day have a foal.

...Maybe that were something she could help with, in due time. The mare where by all accounts, a good one. Could teach strong work ethics, weren't afraid of showing some muscle if it came to it, so she could protect well... She'd have to thin more on this, but maybe she had an option for an adoptive parent here, in the long run. Something to keep in mind as things moved along for sure.

Yet, it were clear that it were time to move along, as the conversation had pretty much gone to a natural halt. So Void would once again give her thanks for the recipe, say that she looked forward to seeing the mare again another time, and wished her the best, until that time would happen. Then Vale and her could be on the way.

Once they got outside, she'd let out a little bit of a shaky sigh, and slump her shoulders a little.

"T-That were a little more awkward than intended. But it went well, and hopefully the next time, it'll go s-smoother. I'm just happy we have the option for making something special now."

She had a check on the list of ingredients before, and she had some of the things, but they were gonna need a few more it seemed, so their shopping session weren't over yet. Though, she did have something she wanted to check out first, if it were okay with Vale, that were.

"We should get the things for this, but uhm... W-Would it be okay if I went and had a look at something quickly on the way? It's close by, I promise."

If Vale said no, she'd understand, and they could get the other ingredients fast, before heading back. There'd be other days after all.

If she agreed, Void would lead her towards a fenced in area, a bit of way fro the various food vendors. Placed out of smell range to be exact, of the roughly half dozen Scaled Cackler hatchlings, that were wandering around a fair sized glass box, filled to best suit a safe habitat for their kind, and with a net strapped above. The little ones weren't able to climb out on their own, since the walls were completely smooth, and their kind needed some rough edges to grasp at, but it were more for their protection really. Lest a Pygmy Ghost Vulture that wasn't as well tamed swooped in for a snack. Rarely ever happened, but the griffon tending to these little ones, also had seven adults of various ages to care for, and couldn't be everywhere at once. The adults were smart enough to hide under her, or something else in the more free enclosure, but this would end up being a free meal if left open.

Plus, sometimes these little rascals were smart, and would try stacking things, and themselves, to reach out of there, and explore.

There were also around ten eggs in there. Neither the adults, nor the younglings, hurt their own kind, and especially not the eggs, so it were safe to keep them in there. The adults came around at times to look them over though, just to be sure, and currently there were an adult one clinging to the edges of the top, and giving the little ones below a little song lesson. Sounded a little like chicklets actually, and they appeared to be having fun. As did the thirty-something griffon that were carrying the largest of the cacklers on her arm, and scritching it on top of its head. They liked this, as well as nibbling on her talons. Adorable little rascals in her opinion.

She'd look up as Void approached, and the heard a few small chirps from another adult cackler, that would run up her back, and stand on her shoulder. This one were a younger adult it looked like. Vibrant colors, and a small, black spot under it's right eye, were it had a discolored scale.

"Ah, back again are we? Hmhm. And you brought a friend this time. How quaint."

She were a little snarky, but this were a pretty mellow griffon all in all, and would generally just say things in jest.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

It seemed practiced how, at her hesitation, he gave her a kind smile and climbed up into the bed to sit beside her he held out his hooves in the invitation for her to come get a hug from him.

"He won't judge, and you need it more than you realize. There's a lot you can gain from working together." It sounded like Nine was on the side of her getting a hug.

If she elected to enter his embrace he would start to rub her back, likely something he had gotten plenty of practice doing with all the cloned foals that had recently been in his care.

If she didn't, he'd eventually put his hooves down, but he'd still give her his full attention.

In either case, he would ask in a soft voice, "So, what is it you really want? What's got you so conflicted?"

(Troy)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

She had a check on the list of ingredients before, and she had some of the things, but they were gonna need a few more it seemed, so their shopping session weren't over yet.

For the sodas she would need soda water, some fruit, and heavy cream. The Chef had indicated where she could go to get those ingredients. (We don't need to RP her getting those, outside of indicating what fruit(s) she gets)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"We should get the things for this, but uhm... W-Would it be okay if I went and had a look at something quickly on the way? It's close by, I promise."

Vale thought for a moment, "I'm sure the young ponies are getting antsy by now, but I think Pen can handle them for a few minutes more."

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Ah, back again are we? Hmhm. And you brought a friend this time. How quaint."

Vale approached the glass enclosure with a look of fascination, her mechanical eye refocusing on the smaller ones in the box. She wouldn't react at first to being mentioned, but would notice soon after and pull back from the glass, "Oh! Sorry, I've only ever read about these, never had the chance to see them with my own two, well, one eye now."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 1/11/2021 at 4:45 AM, Illiad Easle said:

It seemed practiced how, at her hesitation, he gave her a kind smile and climbed up into the bed to sit beside her he held out his hooves in the invitation for her to come get a hug from him.

This were definitely not helping where her mind had gone to. And considering she were staggering forward without thinking about it - as her mind were still pretty jumbled up right now - things were escalating rather quickly for her. Relatively speaking of course, as she didn't see the gesture as just a hug invitation currently. And Nine were definitely Not helping either!

On 1/11/2021 at 4:45 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"He won't judge, and you need it more than you realize. There's a lot you can gain from working together."

If there were a way to properly tell Nine how much she wanted him to shut up in that moment, she did not know about it. But by the gods were she going to wish she knew one later on, once her mind had settled down later, and she'd start to run everything about this situation through her head again, to figure out exactly how many times this had gone straight to Tartarus, and made her look like a complete fartmite.

On 1/11/2021 at 4:45 AM, Illiad Easle said:

If she elected to enter his embrace he would start to rub her back, likely something he had gotten plenty of practice doing with all the cloned foals that had recently been in his care.

If she didn't, he'd eventually put his hooves down, but he'd still give her his full attention.

In either case, he would ask in a soft voice, "So, what is it you really want? What's got you so conflicted?"

She'd eventually stagger close enough for him to gap him, and she felt as if her heart would race out of her chest at any point, as he got closer...

And then, he gave her a hug. And a back rub. Something which made her shiver for a brief moment for some reason. A nice feeling all in all, for the time it lasted. Nothing like what she had expected were going to happen. Just a kind, friendly gesture, towards someone who had a long, bad day. Just him being a good friend.

...Why did she feel so cheated over that?..

"I... I just thought of something else. It's... It's nothing. S-Shut up..."

She'd awkwardly reach a hoof up, and clap his back too, whilst looking to the side. If there were a mirror there, she'd probably end up being annoyed at what she saw. No, not Arcade and her sitting here and having a small hug. It were more how deflated and disappointed she looked. Gods, she could just kick herself right now...

As her voice would indicate, she were still conflicted about things, but were also being a little defensive. Seemed like a certain someone had managed to break through a few emotional barriers, and caused some ruckus that couldn't just be brushed off as easily as she were used to.

(Troy)

On 1/11/2021 at 4:45 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Oh! Sorry, I've only ever read about these, never had the chance to see them with my own two, well, one eye now."

"Aah, another of us, I see. I welcome you to the club."

She'd reach up a talon, and poke at her right eye. The clinking sound that'd come from the sharp talon hitting it, would inform Vale that this were a glass eye. A rather realistic one, which tended to be one of the markings of being Void's work. Others did them well too of course, and she wouldn't say she were the best that ever were, but she took some pride in her work looking realistic. To the point where others wouldn't really notice, unless they tried to, or the lighting was right. Or you know, via physical contact.

The vendor - Geneve, according to the sign - were one of Void's former customers. It were one of the ways they had been in contact, and how she first learned about this vendor.

She'd been around some times since then, looking over the little ones, and seeing how they all progressed, and she were always greeted well. Though so were most who didn't seem overly hostile. Such as Vale, who'd find that the small ones, and potentially one of their parents - the one wandering on the top of the side - would give her a warm welcome. The adult would move closer o the edge, whilst the small ones would almost push themselves up against the glass, and give her some friendly, melodic chirps in greeting. Almost seemed like the little things were smiling at her too. The adult one definitely were. Like a proud parent, showing off his or her well behaved kids.

"Adorable, aren't they? Once upon a time, I had a large enclosure, with hundreds of them roaming, and singing their songs, every day of the week. Now there are so few left in my care, but the winds are changing again. I have gotten hope, that some things can be the same. But that doesn't mean that I would deny these darlings a good home, once they are old enough. Like this little one is."

She'd indicate the young adult on her shoulder, with a nod towards it. He seemed fixated on Void, but didn't move away currently.

"Yes yes. You've been patient enough."

No sooner had she pointed towards Void, before the little one would scurry along, crawl across her arm, and hit the edge of the tank. Then he'd quickly move around, and finally, jump up on Void. And he wasn't gonna stop moving until he had reached her shoulder, and had the chance to rub his head against her cheek.

"Awh. It's good to see you too."

She'd reach a hoof up, and look at him playfully nibble harmlessly at her hoof for a little bit.

"I still say you shouldn't let him wait. He's always been so enthralled by you. Poor thing gets so sad whenever you leave."

"Yes, and uhm... I think it's time to take the jump."

Void would rummage through her saddlebag, and pull out some currency. Her own money, saved up fair and square, and not tied in any sort of way, to the Consul. This were her own dealing to make, and she neither could, nor would, push that burden on him.

It were a fair price for a pet she'd give. A little more expansive than some other in the area, but Geneve were right. Void had always had a good eye to this one. Ever since she had seen him reach out of the tank, that first time she were around, and told the griffon that her eye were ready.

Plus, these were - in her opinion - likely the best here. Not those from the most fancy of places, but she could swear that she almost felt that they were raised with love, and that mattered with the cacklers, considering how emotional they tended to be.

"A pleasure to do business with you. Remember what I have taught you, and keep your shiny objects within sight."

Normally there'd still be a process now, where they'd have to work on getting the little one to accept his or her new owner, then pick a name, etc. But this pairing were easier. Quite frankly, it had been troubling for Geneve sometimes to get the little one back from Void, even when trying. It were good that she didn't have to anymore.

As for the name, well... That were done with.

"Stay there for a moment, and I will get the nameplate for Lacuna."

It was in a nearby box, and were primarily wood and some string. One could use metal later, but it weren't easy to get hold of, and Cacklers tended to nick shiny things if they had the chance sometimes, so she tended to tell owners to eventually just get a band with the name, and wrap it around the base of their tails. Long as it wasn't too tight, it wouldn't hurt them, and functioned well in marking them as a pet, with the name and owner name inside. Ghost Pygmy Vultures tended to be taught to avoid those with markings like that, as not being wild. Therefore, not food.

Vale would have time to say something now if she wanted to, while Void scratched her new pet. A welcome addition in her life, with the void left behind by Null leaving.