private Crystal Requiem: The Rise of King Sombra

[Gloomfury 243]

@@Windbreaker,

Gloomfury was eating while Aegis was talking. He finishes his bowl and sits it down and nods. "I know what that's like all to well.I myself have been down that rode most of my life. But it mostly started when I got this." He points to the large scar on his face. "So I understand. So I'll consider forgiving you. But you must do two things first." He reaches into his bag and pulls out a flask. "Back home when one disrespects the other and then that one apologizes he must do two things. One, have a drink with the other. And two," He pulls out his knife and flips it and holds the handle out to him by the blade. "Cut your right cheek."

[Commander Tangent 861]

@Windbreaker,

 

Very well understood, my good sir. I do love a good introduction to new colleges" Icarus smirked under his mask.

Hopefully this group was more prepared for the cold, he didn't really feel like looking for another group of ponies today.

 

"Lead the way" Icarus motioned his hoof forward.

[IridscentNionios 1,420]

@@Windbreaker, "It's... not as exciting as it sounds. Trust me most of the time the interesting part is back in the lab... it is there that the big discoveries are made. What's even more ironic is that most ideas and discoveries come up... by accident. Yes i know... crazy right? Medicins, chemistry, physics... sometimes chaos puts it's hoof on those stuff and voila! A new discovery! Isn't that wonderful?" 

[EcstaticWind 572]

Aegis Dare, Kinetic Energy

@@Gloomfury,

 

Aegis took the knife, and in one swift motion, cut a thin line across his cheek.

 

"Blood for blood, the debt is repaid," He said, partially quoting something he'd heard, but couldn't remember where he heard it.

 

"Oh good, you two are getting along. You did explain things to him, right, Captain?" Kinetic said, having reappeared at last.

 

Aegis nodded. "Yep. We're good. I don't remember Gryphons having a tradition of cutting themselves as part of reconciliation, though."

 

"Probably picked it up somewhere in history. Different tribes have different traditions, even within the same kingdom." Kinetic said.

 

 

Bright Eyes

@, 

"Yeah, but what happens when discoveries aren't being made? The work is important but it gets soulcrushing, too. Sometimes, you just want to see something new besides the stuffy labs all day, y'know?" He said. Bright Eyes was slowly getting over his awkwardness in small steps.

 

 

Snowy Fields

@@Commander Tangent,

 

"Yes, it should be an enriching experience... We'll be leaving at Dawn tomorrow. Make sure not to slow us down." Snowy said. He started walking back to the camp. The stranger would catch up or be left behind.

Edited November 13, 2013 by Windbreaker

[Commander Tangent 861]

@Windbreaker

Icarus followed into the camp, and while doing so, caught what sounded like conversation coming from several directions. I

"Your kindness is most unexpected, I thank you, now shall aquatint myself with your comrades?." He asked in a questioning tone.

[IridscentNionios 1,420]

@@Windbreaker, "Indeed... there should be balance between those two... it is important that we don't forget that we need each other's co-operation in order to advance further whether this be technoogically, philosophically, or politically. There should be balance, and good measure in things. Extreme behavior only results in one-sided behavior."

[Gloomfury 243]

@@Windbreaker,

Gloomfury took his knife back and sheaths it. "The debt is repaid. This was picked up back in the third war of the warlords back a long time ago back home. One of the warlords subjects were dying by the number and he wanted piece but he greatly disrespected the other. So He got on his knees in font of the other warlord and slices his hole right cheek off to show his repentance. The warlord was shocked at first but but we forgave him and got and their tribes joined. After the warlord got him medical attention they sheared a drink.  This is still used but just a small cut will do." Gloom take a drink from his flask and it holds out to Aegis." Now to seal the debt with a drink." 

Edited November 13, 2013 by Gloomfury

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

Eclipse sat with the tea suspended in front of him: he was acclimatizing to the cold and even though the armor was cold, he was thankful for it. One of the curious properties of lunar-steel was that while it did indeed grow hot or cold, it was never painfully so - a feature which he currently believed was sorely unappreciated back in Canterlot.

 

The traitor and the captain had reconciled - somehow - and a pony he didn't like the look of seemed to have made its way among them with little more than a paper-thin explanation. His job was only going to get harder if they kept accepting every potential enemy into their ranks.

 

'Excellent, another one to watch. I am no miracle worker...' He thought to himself briefly - but right then and there, he had something of far greater importance to concentrate on. something that could influence the outcome of this entire farce of a mission...

 

He sipped the tea. 

 

It wasn't bad: especially considering the conditions within which it had been brewed. He savored the feeling of warmth flooding his body, closing his eyes and drawing it out for as long as possible. Yes, they might all die horribly: but at least he had partaken in one of life's little pleasures.

[EcstaticWind 572]

Bright Eyes

@,

 

Bright Eyes blinked as he attempted to figure out Selune's stream of philosophy. After a moment of confusion, he spoke again.

 

"Um, what is that in Equestrian?"

 

 

Aegis Dare

@@Gloomfury,

 

Aegis took the flask and took a sip, almost regretting doing so. He had no idea what it was, but it was strong, and in surprise, he attempted to draw a breath. He somehow handed the flask back, while coughing and spluttering. "W-what...*cough* is that stuff? *cough cough*" 

 

 

Snowy Fields

@@Commander Tangent,

 

"Allow me."

 

Snowy created a platform of ice once again.

 

"Attention! We have a new addition to our party. A medic from a previous expedition, which has perished in the snow. Why don't you introduce yourself? But keep it brief. The rest of you will have exactly thirty minutes to wrap up any prior business. We're moving out at dawn!"

 

He dispelled the platform and took a glance at Captain Aegis experiencing a fit of coughing,

 

"Silver Heart, see to him."

 

 

Silver Heart

 

Silver got up and walked over to Aegis, who had just recovered.

 

"Captain, are you feeling alright?"

 

"*cough* Yeah... I'm fine. Just took me by surprise, is all. *cough*"

[Commander Tangent 861]

Icarus nodded his head at Snowy, and stepped up. 

 

"Greetings, I am Dr.Icarus, medic, doctor, and experimental substance provider" Icarus smiled under his mask, and stepped down towards  the main group.

 

Hmmm, this group seems capable, but I'd better get a feel for the personalities and any pathetic "Moral codes" these ponies may have.

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

@@Windbreaker,

@@Gloomfury,

 

Eclipse looked on, his face shadowed with a frown of slight disappointment - two things cropping up that required his attention and whichever he saw to first, his tea was going to go cold. One simple pleasure - that was all he asked.

 

Still, duty called. As always.

 

He focused on the more immediate threat: the self proclaimed doctor could wait - the choking captain, less so. He set his tea down in the snow and strode over.

 

"What happened? Are you quite alright?" He asked forcefully, eyes narrowing into a suspicious glare: the number of ponies that he felt he could trust was suspiciously low...

 

'Poison? Likely - if he partook in anything that the traitor had to offer him... trust and goodwill kill more ponies than swords.'

[Gloomfury 243]

@@Windbreaker,  @,

Gloomfury just laughs and pats a hoof on Aegis to help him a little. "He's just fine. He just drunk one of the strongest brewed whiskeys in the griffin kingdom. Lucky I didn't shear my flask with my special homemade brew I made myself. That stuff will really knock you on your ass." He gives a hardy laugh, the first one hes had in a long time. Then he took another drink from the flask and hold it out to Eclipse. "Care for a little hair of the dog?" 

Edited November 14, 2013 by Gloomfury

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

@@Gloomfury,

@@Windbreaker,

 

Eclipse looked at the flask with a mixture of mistrust and distaste.

 

"No." He said simply, before adding "... thank you."

 

Alcohol? Not only would it increase the chance of frostbite, but drinking on duty? Stopping to drink tea was bad enough but alcohol... the thought of it... If the princess found out, he'd be stripped of his duties!

[Commander Tangent 861]

@Gloomfury,

@Windbreaker,

 

Icarus simply watched these two interact.

 

"Heh, this might be somewhat entertaining" Icarus mumbled to himself watching the two converse.

 

This group seems much more... relaxed than the last. Maybe they will last longer. I hope so...

[EcstaticWind 572]

Aegis Dare, Kinetic Energy, Poppy Seed

@, @@Gloomfury, @@Commander Tangent,

 

"That was an interesting experience," Aegis said, straightening up and brushing bits of snow off his coat. His air had changed once again. While still laid-back and care-free, he was looking at things in a more serious light. Or he would have if his stomach hadn't rumbled at that very moment. "Hmm...forgot about that. Miss Seed, is there any of that stew left?"

 

"There's plenty. Was it really a good idea to drink alcohol, Captain?" Poppy asked. This day had a transformative effect on everypony, it seemed.

 

Aegis shook his head. "Not really. But there's two factors that influenced my decision. It was necessary, according to a Gryphon tradition, and I'd rather not have somepony waiting for a chance to take my head off in my sleep. The other factor is that I didn't know it was alcohol. You'd be surprised what ponies keep in flasks like that."

 

"You shouldn't be so reckless, Captain. It will get you killed someday," Poppy said with a half worried, half-scolding look on her face.

 

"You're right. I should be more careful. If you'll excuse me, I need something to eat before I starve," Aegis said, making his way to the stew pot.

 

Poppy shook her head. 'At least his heart is in the right place..."

 

Kinetic looked at Gloomfury. "This probably didn't go according to plan."

 

While getting food, Aegis watched Icarus out of the corner of his eye. Something didn't feel right around him... "Hey. Icarus, was it? Why not have some vegetable stew?"

[Commander Tangent 861]

@Windbreaker,

 

"ahh yes, real food would be nice compared to the rations of the other camp."

 

Icarus glared over at the pony that had called to him. 

Hmm, I'm guessing he's not very much for alcohol, according to what what just happened.

 

"and who might you be?" He said approaching the stranger.

[IridscentNionios 1,420]

@@Windbreaker, She shrugged and sighed a bit. She wasn't dissapointed or anything because of him... but rather a bit at her for going all nerdy like that. "I am simply saying that we need to be careful. Night and Day are equally important, besides how would you discern the day if they didn't both exist? Reading and exercising are as well... Socializing and studying are too. Likewise both field-research and lab-research are important."

[Gloomfury 243]

@,@@Windbreaker,

After Eclipse refused his offer he shrugs and takes another drink and puts his flask up, then looked at Kinetic. "Meh, the guy apologized and payed the dept. I think it went alright. Even though the guy's a lightweight, hehe." He looks back to Eclipse. "By the way captain buzzkill, I never got your name."

[Icy Void 19]

While all the other ponies were gathered around the fire getting to know each other better, Midnight Sky had taken his tea and soup and sat at the edge of the fire's light. Even though he had gotten along quite well with Bright Eyes, Midnight was perfectly happy eating on his own. Besides, it gave him a chance to get to know all of his companions without talking to anypony, all he had to do was listen as he sipped his tea, admittedly not his favorite tea but it was good enough. So far, it had been an educational meal. He especially took a liking to this pony named Selune, her philosophy about everything being balanced almost exactly mirrored the teachings of his homeland. Back home, nopony cared about harmony, what his home country upheld instead was balance, a philosophy that he had kept when he found his way to Equestria. Midnight also enjoyed listening to Gloomfury's and Aegis's little make-up conversation, the Gryphon Kingdoms were a place that he had never known of before arriving in Equestria, but what he had learned about there history was all very intriguing.

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

@@Gloomfury,

 

"Eclipse Scribe. Royal bodyguard to the Princess of the night." Eclipse introduced himself in the same, formal manner that he always would: despite fully expecting to receive some attempt at a belittling comment from the traitor - it was always the same with these so-called rebels.

[Gloomfury 243]

@,

"Well ain't that something. Must be a big honer guarding one of the princesses. And I got to say I like Luna better then Celly."He reaches into his bag and pulls out a water bladder and takes a drink. "Old sunny-flanks always thinks that there can be piece without going to war, and that always annoyed me. We all know that's bullshit. Plus I was always a night pony myself."

Edited November 15, 2013 by Gloomfury

[EcstaticWind 572]

Aegis Dare

@@Commander Tangent, 

 

“Captain Aegis Dare of the Equestrian Research Division. Nice to meet you, Mister Icarus. Care for some tea?” Aegis asked politely, though he kept a wary vigil on the masked doctor.

 

 

Kinetic Energy

@@Gloomfury, @,

 

Kinetic watched the two exchange with interest, quietly sipping his tea. He let out a quiet, almost disappointed sigh, since there wasn’t any cake to go with his tea. Not even a biscuit, either. “I’ll learn to cook eventually. I wonder if Miss Poppy would teach me?”

 

 

Bright Eyes

@, 

 

“You can’t say anything without putting a philosophical spin on it, can you?” Bright Eyes asked, growing increasingly annoyed with the pretentious comparisons. “Miss Darkeye, I’m just a simple Pegasus from Ponyville. We don’t speak fancy out there. It’s just straight to the point and no dallying around.” He slipped into a southern accent after saying ‘Ponyville’, and immediately clapped a hoof to his mouth.

[Commander Tangent 861]

@@Windbreaker,

 

Icarus shook his head "I'm not much for tea, I have my own special drink" he said, walking up to Ageis.

 

"So, research division, what exactly do you research?" Icarus curiously asked.

 

Hmm, this seems to be  a possible military  expedition, at least I know most people should be reliable if that is so.

[IridscentNionios 1,420]

@@Windbreaker, Selune was intrigued by his reaction and a little embarrassed. "Yea... sorry... but hey i should be embarrassed not you! I mean... i am the one that went all egg-head on you. So... you're from Ponyville huh? Interesting place i presume? I'm from Manehatten... you could blame that for my upbringing." 

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

@@Gloomfury,

 

"And far too many focus on war so much that they forget the meaning of peace. What is the point of war if one can't let go at the end of it all?" Eclipse closed his eyes and shook his head. "Warmongers that focus on destruction alone serve only to lead their nations to misery and ruin. It has happened countless times before and will no doubt happen again... the princess and her older sister seek to avoid such a fate for us - for which I bear more respect than any war hero."

 

It always came to fighting - fighting, or blindly ignoring issues. Balance - Eclipse thought - was the only true path to happiness and prosperity. Equestria was in balance right now - and he was an instrument at the hooves of the princess: ready to counter any shift to that balance at her command.