private An Unexpected Journey of sorts (RP)

[The-Master 1,176]

OCC TOPIC: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY OF SORTS

 

Welcome one and all to the company. Night has fallen on the New Year, the town of Ponyville silent as it sinks into slumber. Now your part in this begins. You must arrive at the Inn of the Prancing Pony in the next hour and rally with the others. No pony has told you what the quest is, nor who is leading it. But it seems that either the promise of adventure, wealth, or a good fight has brought you here tonight. Good luck to you all.

 

 

 

 

The Inn was much quieter than usual, only a few straggler ponies still here at this time of night. The air was still musty from smoke and the tables still drenched in ale. A large stallion entered the inn, seemingly bringing an imposing presence with him. No pony spoke to him, not even turning a gaze in his direction. He took a seat at the bar, ordering a mug of malt beer. His grey cloak hung low over his face, the faint sheen of armor only just escaping the cracks in his coat. When his drink arrived he paid up and bid the Landlord leave him be.

 

“Helm Ironhill.” A much younger voice greeted him from behind, seemingly pleased upon seeing him.

 

Helm turned to face him, his face not illuminated by the fire light. “Star Keeper, it has been long since we last talked old friend. What has it been?”

 

“Near 5 years. I was but student that day.”

 

“Yes, I remember it well. Come, sit and let us discuss important matters.” Helm beckoned him to sit next to him, offering a stool. Star accepted his offer and joined his friend, turning down the offer of a beer.

 

“So you really mean to go through with this?” Star finally broke the silence that had begun to build.

 

“I do indeed.”

 

“What makes you think they’ll come?”

 

“I sent out nearly a hundred of those letters, each asking for aid on a quest of great importance. Some of them will surely arrive.”

 

“What makes you think that? So far you've been denied aid from as far as the Crystal Empire to the Badlands. Now we are relying on a band of brigands, fools and mercenaries.”

 

Helm set down his mug and gave Star are harsh stare. “I do not care who should arrive, only that they do so. For any who is willing to help is deserving of any reward.”

 

Star turned away, his mind weighed heavy by the task ahead. “How much longer till they arrive?”

 

“Give them time; they should be arriving any hour now.”

 

“Let us hope so. You cannot go on this alone.”

 

“I know Star, and that is what I’m afraid of.”

[MagicalStarRain 599]

Standing on a dark hill, Star Rain rested for a little bit and doubled-checked her map to make sure the town she was viewing was the right one. It was dark except for a few windows that were lit up. She was surprised that she even made it out of her hometown without being spotted, but it was because of her burning desire to leave behind her old life that got her out safe and sound. She also wondered why they would send such a letter to a 15 year-old unicorn of all ponies! Whatever the reason was though, it was her chance to finally escape. Feeling as if her father's spirit was walking beside her, she pressed on to Ponyville.

[Descant 1,898]

A shadow moved across the deserted landscape. If anypony were there, all they would see was a purplish blur moving soundlessly through the night. But no one was there to see Descant moving quickly across the heavily wooded landscape.

 

The lavender unicorn was wearing an emerald green cloak that matched his eyes, but that was just a coincidence. He did not wear clothes for anything but practical use. On the belt he wore, concealed under the cloak, were several jeweled daggers and a small, elaborately carved wooden flute. The flute, believe it or not, was quite as deadly as the daggers it sat beside.

 

He paused atop the hill where the heavy woods ended,  and gazed at the beacon of lights in the distance. His destination, the inn, lay within the city's walls. He cleared the distance between that hill and the city faster than would be expected for such a well-kept pony, a pony of such high standings. The guards stationed at the city gates peered at him curiously as he approached, but he threw back his hood. Looks of recognition, and almost of admiration appeared on the guards' faces, and they allowed him entrance. Drawing his hood back up about him, he made his way through the mazelike streets of the city...

 

The hooded figure, whose lavender horn was just visible from under the hood, entered the tavern, and sat at a table in the corner of the room, not saying a word. He would wait to be approached. He knew full well who his contact was, but he would wait to be approached. That was how he handled these sorts of jobs. It was a nice change of pace; usually he was asked to do the dull stuff, like solo performances and compositions. Not that he didn't enjoy what he did, but... Adventure made for great inspiration.

[Miss Light Diamond 2,802]

A figure wearing a green cloak and a saddle bag was slowly walking towards the gates of the city.

The guards stared at her as she walked past into the streets of the city.

After walking for a few minutes, Ignoring the stares she got from other ponies, Arrow pushed the doors to the inn open and trotted through. She took off her hood and sat down at the bar. "I'd like a water please." She said to the bar tender who nodded and grabbed a glass.

[MagicalStarRain 599]

Cautiously, Star Rain entered the inn and then the bar. Though she was going to be associating with other ponies for this, she didn't trust anypony. She spotted two older stallions that seemed to be conversing with each other and another stallion, a unicorn, sitting all alone in a corner and a cloaked mare, but didn't jump to the conclusion that they were here for the same purpose as she. She didn't say a single word as she took her saddlebags off and levitated a worn spell book out of them. It was leather bound with a moon and some stars on the cover. Some of the book was written in strange runes, but she taught herself how to translate some of it using a runes book that her father once owned before his death. She quietly read as she waited to be approached.

Edited January 5, 2013 by MagicalStarRain

[Octavia's Cellozoid 1,488]

Sweet Love walked across town to the inn. She hesitated as she came to the door- only 18, she wasn't comfortable in bars quite yet. Entering, she took in the scene around her. Two mares, two stallions... And one wearing a cloak. Well, this should be interesting... She noticed the mare who was reading seemed to be her age. Timidly approaching her, she said, "Hello... Um, I'm Sweet Love..."

 

((Whoops, forgot I was using Sweet Love, but I fixed it))

Edited January 5, 2013 by Octavia's Cellozoid

[The-Master 1,176]

As if on cue, there seemed to arrive a cast of ponies in the old tavern. Star was the first to notice the newcomers, all of them isolating themselves from one another. “Helm, you may be in some luck. It seems you aren’t alone in this after all.”

 

The older stallion instantly jerked up his head and gazed across the Inn. Indeed there were a few new faces, most of which he did not recognize. “This is not nearly half the numbers I hoped for…” He let out a deep sigh. “But any pony who would come willingly is welcome.”

 

“Shall we gather them together? They may begin to grow impatient.”

 

“I agree with you. Find us a table, enough room for any latecomers, and then we can begin. I will gather up what have.”

 

Star stood from his stool and moved to the nearest table. It was a relatively long oak bench, enough to accommodate for a small party. Afterwards he noticed two mares conversing over the counter. Certainly this was no hour for two so young to be out, especially in a place like this. He approached carefully, trying not to disturb them as of yet.

 

“I apologize for interrupting, but would you two be here on accounts of the meeting?”

 

 

Helm on the other hoof would gather to him his company. First he approached a cloaked stallion that skulked in the corner. We seemed the most suited of those here, if not the most suspicious. As he drew closer he began to recognize the figure all the more.

 

“Descant, it seems despite your hood I am still able to recognize you.” His voice was gruff, not very inviting, but he had never perfected the art of manners.

[Octavia's Cellozoid 1,488]

Sweet looked at this stallion, sure she had been told about him from Cloud Puff. "Um, yes, at least, I am. I got a letter about a quest, or something like that...?" Being a very intelligent unicorn, Sweet Love thought that she wouldn't have a problem with this... This, quest.

[Descant 1,898]

As if on cue, there seemed to arrive a cast of ponies in the old tavern. Star was the first to notice the newcomers, all of them isolating themselves from one another. “Helm, you may be in some luck. It seems you aren’t alone in this after all.”

 

The older stallion instantly jerked up his head and gazed across the Inn. Indeed there were a few new faces, most of which he did not recognize. “This is not nearly half the numbers I hoped for…” He let out a deep sigh. “But any pony who would come willingly is welcome.”

 

“Shall we gather them together? They may begin to grow impatient.”

 

“I agree with you. Find us a table, enough room for any latecomers, and then we can begin. I will gather up what have.”

 

Star stood from his stool and moved to the nearest table. It was a relatively long oak bench, enough to accommodate for a small party. Afterwards he noticed two mares conversing over the counter. Certainly this was no hour for two so young to be out, especially in a place like this. He approached carefully, trying not to disturb them as of yet.

 

“I apologize for interrupting, but would you two be here on accounts of the meeting?”

 

 

Helm on the other hoof would gather to him his company. First he approached a cloaked stallion that skulked in the corner. We seemed the most suited of those here, if not the most suspicious. As he drew closer he began to recognize the figure all the more.

 

“Descant, it seems despite your hood I am still able to recognize you.” His voice was gruff, not very inviting, but he had never perfected the art of manners.

Descant smirked, but left his hood drawn. "I'm too well known for my own good. I'd surely be flooded if I were to take it off. Not that I was ever able fool you, Helm." He spoke in the dialect native to the Canterlotian upper class (Comparable to the Queen's English, no?); his well-trained voice, mellow and lilting, betrayed nothing. He had the ultimate poker face.

[MagicalStarRain 599]

Star Rain jumped a little when she heard somepony speak to her. She turned to the stranger and cocked her head a little, noting that she looked sort of her age, but older. "Hello. I'm Star rain..." was all she said. Shortly after she and the stranger was approached by one of the stallions who were talking with each other earlier. "Yeah, I am," she replied, in a quiet voice.

Edited January 5, 2013 by MagicalStarRain

[aRegularPony 306]

Goldseek stumbled to the inn, sweating as if he had just ran a long way. He checked the letter to make sure this was the right one. He pushed the door open, to find a odd party of ponies, and decided that was who he was meant to meet. He walked up to the table and muttered "Hi"

[Miss Light Diamond 2,802]

Arrow sat quietly until she noticed the other ponies in the bar moving to one big table. *I guess that's the team.* She thought, Picking up her water and trotting over to the group at the table. "Excuse me, You all don't happen to be-" She was cut off by somepony walking in through the door and sitting down. "Um...Hello. Anyway...I am here for the 'Meeting'" She said.

Edited January 5, 2013 by ~Flame Dancer~

[Ghostpony 17]

The door of the bar opened as a figure walked in, a closer look at the figure made him appear as if he walked on two legs. This figure wore what a appeared to be a modified cloak, the cloaks modification varied from hidden pouches within the fabric to shoulder armor starting from the top of his right shoulder and down to what appeared to be his elbow. After a moment at looking at the bar he watched as he saw a number of ponies, with his left claw he removed the hood of his cloak and started to walk on all fours. As The griffin walked into the bar he saw the ponies walk to a table and followed them. " your not the only one" Seeker said as he looked at Arrow with a slight smile and grabbed a seat for himself..

Edited January 5, 2013 by Ghostpony

[The-Master 1,176]

“Yes, I thought as much” Star looked up and down at the two mares carefully. “You will have to do for now. Anyway, I would have you be seated with the rest of us at our table when you are ready. Others are yet to arrive.”

 

Star was no sooner interrupted by the arrival of yet another pony; this one seemed a bit… odd. ‘What has Helm think of when he sent letters to this band?’ he thought to himself. “You must also be here for the meeting. Please be seated at the table, we will be with you soon enough. We can introduce ourselves soon enough. That means you too, Griffon."

 

 

“It is good to see you have come, for I only heard rumors of your arrival and was lucky to have that letter reach you in the first place. But come, let us be seated together. We have much to discuss this night, others will arrive soon.” He gestured to the long oak table in the center of the tavern. “It would seem fate is with us, many have come. We may have a company yet.”

Edited January 5, 2013 by The-Master

[Miss Light Diamond 2,802]

Arrow nodded and sat down at the long oak table across from Helm and Descant.

She sipped her water and stayed quiet. *I still don't know why Helm would high a dryad...And a griffon.* She thought, glancing up at Descant and Helm.

She looked at the door, Wondering if any other ponies would be joining them.

[aRegularPony 306]

Goldseek bought himself a drink and sat back down. "What a peculiar crowd. Not that I can talk, really" He sat his prized puzzle box down on the table and closely examined his company. "So, when do we find out what this 'quest' is, and what will I get out of it." He took a sip of his glass.

[MagicalStarRain 599]

Star Rain levitated her book back into her bags and carried them over to the table with the others. She wasn't so comfortable because it seemed like she was the youngest one there. She got a little excited when a griffon came in though. She had read about them, but this was the first time actually seeing one! Still, she had to contain her excitement and fears, for the promised meeting had begun.

Edited January 5, 2013 by MagicalStarRain

[Descant 1,898]

“It is good to see you have come, for I only heard rumors of your arrival and was lucky to have that letter reach you in the first place. But come, let us be seated together. We have much to discuss this night, others will arrive soon.” He gestured to the long oak table in the center of the tavern. “It would seem fate is with us, many have come. We may have a company yet.”

Descant nodded, and followed silently, choosing to take a seat on Helm's right side. His eyes, flashing out from underneath the shadowy hood, scanned the small crowd that had assembled. Rather a strange assortment of ponies, Descant rather thought. None of them really looked like they belonged.

[Sky Warden 2,243]

Cunning Horn sneaked into the tavern. The room was dark and low, filled by smoke and drunken chatters. , "Sorry" He accidentally bumped somepony when he walked to the bartender, "One shot o' rum, or bottle if ye don't mind". He saw some odd ponies gathered just a few tables from him. Carefully, he put his ears ready to steal their words.

[Lucifer 231]

"The Prancing Pony..." Said Wållathen. He wandered until he found the inn.

From the icy north of Equestria to this village called... Ponyville. He never heard about this small village, but he managed to reach his destiny by hoof. Thanks to the compass his father gave him, he could hardly get lost. He was yet concerned about departing without warning the Frosthowlers. He was their leader, but he could not take all of his brethren.

 

He had be careful around this... New territory. Wållathen was never here before, so wandering with prudence is the best option.

He stood in front of the Tavern. He hesitated before entering the Inn. He then began to think that this was more like an ambush. No pony sends a letter to a warrior like him from across the continent just for... Wållathen didn't even knew what was the objective of this... Journey.

 

He had his leather armor on, and Yrvindir, the unbreakable sword, in it's sheathe. He decided to open the door.

His vision didn't lie. That place was nearly empty, if not for a small group of ponies who sat around a table.

They did not seem like  they knew each other well... And probably those ponies had the same reason Wållathen had to be there.

He then walked to the table, looking at the one that might be the leader.

 

"I've been told to come here, to join... An Adventure of Sorts? I found the letter to be rather unexpected... Are you the sender?" He profeered, with a cold gaze on his eyes, awaiting his response.

 

 

(OOC: Haha, I made a reference to the title of the roleplay :3)

Edited January 5, 2013 by Romulus Lance Romance

[Octavia's Cellozoid 1,488]

Turning timid again, Sweet just quietly followed Star Rain. Upon seeing the griffon, she let out an audible gasp. She had read, researched, and drawn them, delving into their utter awesomeness, but never actually seen one in person. She flashed back to when she had been taught by Twilight when she was twelve, for Twi had been the one to tell her about griffons... What fun that had been.

[MagicalStarRain 599]

I wonder why we're here. I hope this isn't a trap or anything of the sort. Still, even if it was, those years of teaching myself magic will most likely pay off Star Rain thought. She had noticed that some of the ponies was wearing armor and one pony even had a sheathed sword. She was constantly on guard and careful to say little. Being conservative is what she does best aside from magic and art.

Edited January 5, 2013 by MagicalStarRain

[Miss Light Diamond 2,802]

Arrow sat quietly, Watching the ponies around her sit down at the table.

She finished her water and ordered another, then looked around at Star Rain. *She is quite young...Why would she be wanting to go on a dangerous trip like this ?* She thought, Taking another sop of water from her new glass.

[The-Master 1,176]

From those that had seated themselves at the table, one figure stood to address them. Helm stood at least a foot taller than his friend Star, his build was impressive enough. “Welcome Ladies and Gentlecolts. brothers and sisters. You are probably all wondering why you are here so I might as well skip the formalities and get straight to the heart of it. Equestria has become a dangerous place over the last few years, Dogs stalk the woods in warbands, Timberwolves attack farms at night. Even the town of Ponyville has had to resort to guard recruitment.”

 

“Star, if you please.” Upon his request, Star Keeper stood and dimmed the lamps, the room now a soft pale glow of gold. Helm retracted the hood from his face, revealing the weather bent mug that it was. “I have followed both rumor and whisper to find you all, and it was no small feat. Hundreds were sent, few have come. But I would take you lot above any army, for when the call went out you came.”

 

Star Keeper pulled out an old worn scroll and laid it out on the table. “The task I ask of you is one of countless danger and constant peril. You are bound by no oath to remain, but be reminded of those who you are abandoning.”

 

 

The map was unveiled revealing the map of Old Equestria. “In ages past, over the unicorn range and deep under the earth, lied the Earth Pony Kingdom of Mareabor.” His hoof trailed to a mountain marked on the map. “The Smokey Mountain was our home, and we were great. For a thousand years we ruled, sure that we would rule a thousand years more.

 

“One day we were attacked, but not by the Ravenous Changeling hordes, nor the Dogs of the forest, for the Dragon had come. Smaug the Terrible, a fire drake from the far south. He brought the gates crashing down and claimed the wealth of the mountain for himself. My father was slain and our ponies were on the run. We traveled in all directions, I myself coming to Ponyville.  Yet we have never truly forgotten the loss of home, nor the gold that lies there…

 

“What I ask of you is this; come with me to the Smokey Mountain, for the dragon has not been seen in 6 years, and claim back our homeland. You will have your reward and each of your names will be held in song in our feasting halls. I have told you as much as you need to know. Anymore questions?”

Edited January 5, 2013 by The-Master

[Miss Light Diamond 2,802]

(OOC: *Ahem* YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES)

 

 

Arrow stood up to get a better look at the map.

"I do have a question...Why us ? You said you would prefer us over an army...Fighting a dragon is no easy task and this is one small group...Why haven't you attempted to gather an army ?" She asked, Looking up from the map at Star and Helm.