private The First Song: Clover's Rest

[Silverwisp the Bard 2,353]

Link to OOC Topic: Last minute rules: For all challenges: Roll your die, add/substract all factors and simply announce the result Example: "I roll for Wit to see if I can convince the mare to tell the truth. 11" Best make a sheet with your character information, equipment and boni on it, saves a lot of time. If you

Last minute rules:

For all challenges: Roll your die, add/substract all factors and simply announce the result

 

Example: "I roll for Wit to see if I can convince the mare to tell the truth. 11"

 

Best make a sheet with your character information, equipment and boni on it, saves a lot of time.

If you're not sure of something, ask the question in the OOC thread.

 

Remember the most important rules.

 

 

Now, prepare to become part of the first of the many bardsongs, that will tell of your tales, until the end of this, the reign of the Royal Sisters and maybe even beyond that....

 

 

 

 

 

 

The First Song

 

 

You all sit on the remarkably uncomfortable benches, deep in the heart of Canterlot castle and stare at the strangers who share the room with you. You don't know, why the Nightguard has brought you here, but you have a suspicion, that there must be something more than the minor bar-brawl, that occurred just a couple of hours ago. Just when you are about to break the silence, one of the doors leading to your room swings open...

 

Edited December 16, 2012 by Silverwisp the Bard

[Alex Kennedy 1,228]

Rambler wasn't really sure why he was in the castle. Ok, admittedly there was that noble who he kicked in the face, but that was all in good fun, right? Besides he was totally asking for it, and it's not like he meant to break that window... or the piano... ok, so maybe he caused a little trouble but it wasn't that serious, was it? Why would they take him to the castle? He eyed the others in the room, wondering if they were thinking the same things he was.

 

*door opens*

 

Well, it looks like we're about to find out.

[Silverwisp the Bard 2,353]

Two ponies enter. A ptrerasus mare, or bat pony as most call them, and a tall pegasus stallion in the cloth and copperscale armor of the Wonderbolts, neither of them seems very happy to see you, but they motion for you to follow them in the next room.

The only real difference to your former quater is an oaken table on which somepony has pinned a map of Equestria.

The mare adresses all of you.

"Officially, none of this has ever happened.My name is Lenore of the Nightguard, this is Captain Firewind. Introduce yourself".

[Alex Kennedy 1,228]

"Fair enough. Ah go by the name Rambler, merry wanderer and storyteller. It's a pleasure to meet all of ye.", Rambler said cheerfully. After hesitating a moment he asked, "Uh... just to be clear we're not in any trouble, are we? Because ah was just tryin' to have a good time and they should have known better than to push me when ah've been drankin'."

[Discorded Bluenote 126]

"Bluenote, Lone Violinist, Resident of Ponyville.", she replied. She was confused about why she is here, as she knows that she has rarely done any bad, and if any incidents occurred, then they would probably not be very many charges against her.  

 

The mare's ear took Bluenote's interest, as they were very jagged, shaped like pegasus wings.

[The-Master 1,176]

 .

 

Vanguard avoided the gaze of the others, looking down to the cobblestone. His armour pressed against his coat, making his position all the more uncomfortable. Across his waist was slung his sword, one which was yet to see battle. Lance cradled it fondly, not letting it escape his immediate grasp.

 

These... ponies around him, they were not of any noble birth nor any line of service. What right did they have to be here. Lance's family was held in high accord, these folk had not taken so much as for any to know their names. Whatever brought them here it was certainly not a matter of importance, or else they would have found a more suitable company. This couldn't have anything to do with the other night, could it? It was barley even a brawl, more a brandying of words. Sure Lance had to put them in their place but under what right was he to be summoned here?

 

The questions plagued his mind relentlessly, trying to decipher one thought from the next. He not only worried fro his own reputation  but also for the reputation of his family  his bloodline. He couldn't let them down this easily. Suddenly the the large doors creaked open, the figure unrecognizable at this distance. Lance peered across the room in an attempt to focus his gaze on whoever it was standing there. Maybe they might have the answers to this conundrum.

 

They were odd, not what he expected. They were certainly a grim pair, not offering anything in the way of a warm greeting. Lance followed them without a word, the time for question yet upon him. The name was new, never before hearing that title.

 

"Lance Vanguard, Royal Guard of Canterlot, at your service and your families."

[Standard User 2,127]

Jabbermouth ran a slender hoof through his hair and flashed his trademark grin. "I'm sure we're in no trouble at all. I bet that this lovely Lenore, as she calls herself, just needed a couple of charming ponies to gaze at wistfully. Am I right or am I right, love?" He extended a hoof. "The name is Jabbermouth, but you can call me whatever you like." He gave her a smirk and a wink.

(Rolling Wit to see if she takes the compliment: 7)

[Silverwisp the Bard 2,353]

Lenore returns Jabbermouth's smile with a needleteethed grin.

"Oh, I would call you a miracleworker. How else could you have managed to sell no less than 9 of the legendary six bells of Strswirl the bearded. I won't tell you, what the captain here would call you, but features the words "clasped in chains."

The captain glowers at Jabbermouth, gives a court nod to both Bluenote and Rambler and actually cracks a smile when he notices Lance's expression.

"At ease, soldier. This is strictly off the record. Nothing here will reflect back on you or your family's honour."

Edited December 16, 2012 by Silverwisp the Bard

[Standard User 2,127]

Jabber gulped. "Well, ah, you see that, well, not every item that comes into my possession, I mean, I can't guarantee the legitimacy on EVERYTHING...and anyways, those nine suckers- er, ponies that I sold those to didn't read the fine print!" He laughed nervously before taking a sudden interest in the cracks in the floor under his hooves.

[The-Master 1,176]

"I could almost take that as a joke. I would much like to know the reason for my presence when I am needed elsewhere. Perhaps one of you could enlighten me, for I detest being kept in the dark."

 

Lance was slowly growing ever the more impatient, this pointless talk going nowhere. His glance was aimed down at the small map on the table. "Is anypony going to explain why this holds any relevance?"

[Silverwisp the Bard 2,353]

Lenore gives a sigh

"Captain, as important as the leutanend's honour is to us all, I must insist on coming to the point. We have gathered you all here because you all qualify for a certain mission for the benefit of Equestria. You are of course free to refuse, but let me just say that we would be forced to take certain measures concerning incidents like" She turns to Rambler. "A certain fire, or" now Lance. "Calling a superior earth pony officer a "farmer who has forgotten his place". I could go on. Now, can I count on your cooperation?"

Edited December 16, 2012 by Silverwisp the Bard

[Standard User 2,127]

This was Jabber's moment. "I'm in- on one condition. I want any of my...activities...that you have record of that aren't what other ponies call 'morally righteous' or 'lawful' erased. You wipe my record, and you have a deal. Otherwise, my talents are required elsewhere." It was only after he finished his statement that he realized that the Guard could just as easily throw him in the prison beneath the castle and leave him to rot. Hopefully he didn't just overstep his boundaries. 

[Alex Kennedy 1,228]

"Hey, that fire was an accident! And It was mostly Belcher's fault anyway. He should have known better than to bring those chickens to a parade. But yeah, ah'm up for whatever this mission is ah guess, it's been too long since ah had a good adventure. I need to back out on the road."

[Discorded Bluenote 126]

-snip-

"As long as I know what I'm supposed to be doing first.", Bluenote said. She hated having to accept something before she knew what it was, and the same goes for performances, everything. "What if I accepted it and you tell me I have to go through a treacherous dungeon? That wouldn't help me much."

[Silverwisp the Bard 2,353]

"Master Jabbermouth, you try me dearly. What you demand is nothing short of high treason. But as it happens, we are in need of ponies of your talents. So if you prove to be of help, your extensive records might slim down a bit."

Then she turns to Bluenote and her expression softens somewhat.

"Actually, it should be little more than a pleasant trip to the countryside. Master Rambler and the lieutanant are only here because the captain insisted of including a certain martial element."

[The-Master 1,176]

"I refuse." Lance turned from the company, his face a staunch expression of defiance. "I will not partake in this game of halfwits and pansies. Bring me a company of guard any day, a regiment of unicorns will even suffice. Heck, I would even take on an Earth Pony squad. But this... this is asking too much. I will not work with a band of brigands."

[Standard User 2,127]

Jabber scoffed inwardly. High treason? Bah! It was merely...you know...not being a criminal anymore. And that made sense, right?

After Lance spoke, Jabber's jaw dropped. How could anyone be so high-and-mighty of themselves? "Now see here, good stallion: I have traveled far and wide the fair lands of Equestria, and I will NOT be called such offensive names!" He turned to Lenore. "I'll join this quest, but meathead here had better learn to cooperate."

Edited December 16, 2012 by Kolth

[Silverwisp the Bard 2,353]

The captain expression darkens like a stormfront:

"LIEUTENANT, I AM YOUR SUPERIOR OFFICER! IF MISTRESS LENORE AND I TELL YOU "JUMP" THE ONLY THING YOU WILL SAY IS "HOW FAR?"! IF WE TELL YOU "DIG A DITCH" YOU WILL SAY NOTHING ELSE BUT "WITH MY HOOVES OR MY MOUTH?"! NOW SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP; BEFORE I HAVE YOU DEMOTED TO LATRINE COLT!"

Edited December 16, 2012 by Silverwisp the Bard

[Alex Kennedy 1,228]

Rambler laughed uncontrollably. "Looks like you don't have much of a choice, do ye lad? Don't worry, ah promise ah'll try not to befoul your noble air with me presence too much. Who knows, you might even enjoy yourself, ah know ah'm gonna have a grand time meself."

[The-Master 1,176]

Lance turned back to face the pair, giving no sign of his initial reaction. He knew he may of taken a bit more than he could handle, but he simply would not go on a journey with these ponies. It was simply out of the question. He turned to the colt who had been so quick as to question him.

 

"Keep your tongue behind your teeth. I may have to work with you but that doesn't mean we have to get along."

[Silverwisp the Bard 2,353]

"I THOUGHT I JUST TOLD YOU TO SHUT UP; LIEUTENANT! AND THE SAME GOES FOR YOU, CIVILIAN!"

 

Lenore gives another sigh before beckoning you closer. She then holds up a small piece of canvas, on which somepony has painted a rather good portrait of a young unicorn stallion.

"This is Jasper Meadowgreen, the only child of a recently deceased trader who had his stores in a small market town called Clover's Rest, about a day's march south of Canterlot. The family has ties to most of the olf unicorn aristocracy and more money than the rest of them combined. From what we know, he spend most of the last five years here in Canterlot, mingling with the high society. When word of his fathers death reached him a week ago, he left for his hometown, where it seems he dropped of the face of the earth"

Edited December 16, 2012 by Silverwisp the Bard

[Standard User 2,127]

Jabbermouth made a quick mental checklist:

Rambler is a nice pony

Lance is a not-so-nice pony

Jabber held back a sharp retort and instead breathed uneasily through his nose. "Of course. If you would be so kind, please pardon my previous outburst. Meathead." Before Lance could reply, Jabber checked out the portrait.

"Meadowgreen...Meadowgreen...that name sounds familiar. My dad might have traded with his dad a long time ago."

Edited December 16, 2012 by Kolth

[Silverwisp the Bard 2,353]

With a last glower at Lance, the captain continues the story.

"Now, usually we would just send in a squad to investigate. But unfortunate the village borders on what is nowadays called the "Ever free Forest", meaning that we would tread on very thin ice, if we would snoop around there.

The Sisters have guaranteed everyone crazy enough to live in this hellhole, complete freedom and to make matters worse, there's a small colony of griffons living there. Highqueen Gwyinn is not a friend of Equestria and if there was an incident involving the royal guard there could be serious diplomatic consequences."

Edited December 16, 2012 by Silverwisp the Bard

[Discorded Bluenote 126]

"This is Jasper Meadowgreen, the only child of a recently deceased trader who had his stores in a small market town called Clover's Rest, about a day's march south of Canterlot. The family has ties to most of the olf unicorn aristocracy and more money than the rest of them combined. From what we know, he spend most of the last five years here in Canterlot, mingling with the high society. When word of his fathers death reached him a week ago, he left for his hometown, where it seems he dropped of the face of the earth"

'A trader huh? I'm guessing that this guy must be pretty important of a trader for us to be searching for him.', she thought to herself.

 

 "Of course. If you would be so kind, please pardon my previous outburst. Meathead." 

"You! Jeez, will you two quit it with the comments?? If you don't like each other, don't talk to each other!, she said angrily. She was annoyed of these two bickering. So what if one was an outlaw and the other is an officer?

Edited December 17, 2012 by ~Bluenote~

[Standard User 2,127]

"So you need a covert team to do your dirty work. Oh, I always knew one day the Royal Guard would come grovelling to me for my help..." Noticing that the captain was one blown blood vessel away from striking him down there, Jabbermouth retracted his previous sentence. "Uh, what I mean to say is of course we'll do it! Won't we, everypony?"