private The Missing Townsponies and the Wishing Scroll

[Nomadic 210]

Monkshood

@@Windbreaker, @

 

Staring at the two unicorns Monkshood began to speak again as a look of exasperation and mild hesitation covered his face. "Well besides the fact that someponies here seem dressed more for a leisure stroll in the local park, or intent on running around a frozen wasteland, it would be safe to assume that many of them have seen very little untamed wilderness within recent memory. Besides, I do believe I never said I knew what we needed, except that we needed a travel plan instead of foolhardiness. I would prefer it if we could have a lack casualties".

 

@@MagicalStarRain

 

He cranked his neck towards the one called Kanon. "I expected nothing less from the leaders of an expedition to have a plan. Though someponies seem to have a preference of not listening". Curious, he had never mentioned his name to anypony here, yet Kanon already seemed to know of him. He would have to inquire about this most certainly later.

[Strong Copper 126]

@@Nomadic, @@MagicalStarRain,

 

Myopia couldn't stop himself from letting out a small, amused chuckle. "Sir, this is merely the meeting to explain in further detail what the goals of this expedition are, such as where we will be going and what we could possible be facing. I am sure that the lovely ladies who are our hosts and the leaders of this little adventure aren't expecting us all to start heading off as soon as it is over. It can be assumed that in their wisdom they don't plan to start heading out without giving us all some time to gather equipment suited for the environment we will be traveling through. Right Lady Kanon?" He asked as he turned to look at the lovely mare with a friendly smile on his face.

 

~Thunder~

 

Tired of hearing ponies argue amongst themselves for the moment, the weather pony turned to offer Chocolate Wish a small, friendly smile again. "If you want to get yourself some coffee to stay awake, I'm willing to cover it." He offered, because why not.

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

@,

 

Catching the look of the stallion, Sonnet smiled sweetly in response - the very picture of obliviousness. He seemed a dear gentlecolt... it must have been his annoyance with her dashing explorer friend that had earned her that glance, that was all!

 

@@MagicalStarRain,

@@Nomadic,

 

Giggling to herself, she leaned forward and interjected into the topic at hoof.

 

"Quite!" She agreed readily. "I myself am woefully underprepared, not even a formal dress! I'm certain that when we meet to depart that we will be perfectly well equipped..."

[AnonBrony 1,468]

@@MagicalStarRain, 

 

Oh so she is a mage. I knew it! "Yes I do." Eternity replied. "However it depends on the stability of the spell and item... Not to mention the spell itself. But it was probably most likely enchanted and depends on the enchant's... Bah. Sorry rambling. I'll assume it's still there. After all its probably the cause of the disappearing citizens."

 

 

@@MagicalStarRain, @,  @@Nomadic, @@Windbreaker,

 

Dorado felt a bit less doubtful about their success. If what they said are true the competition he was worried about should be too much of a problem. He perked up and began to speak. "Since these words are coming from such lovely mares are you three are, No hay duda, no doubt we can not handle this mission. Especially with me around. Also, I don't see why we need to leave for to get prepared. Most of us don't live in Ponyville. I live in Manehatten and I don't feel like traveling back and forth again. Muy tedioso. Pero, the mares said they have supplies and gear and if we need more we can use the rich pony's generous wealth." He said referring to Noble. "We can just stay here for the night while they ready our things and leave mañana no?"

[Tricksters Pride 100]

@@AnonBrony, @, @, @@Nomadic, @@MagicalStarRain, @@Windbreaker,

 

Ice

 

After everypony added their own piece and scrambled the whole puzzle Ice decided that she'd had enough useless and 'pleasant' talking. *'Great we can all speak... lets move this along.'*  "Ok so its been established that some of you aren't prepared for anything. I know that i packed the proper supplies for a winter contract and so did Noble." She then gestures to Star, Kanon, and North. "Obviously you three packed the proper equipment cause you studied on where the scroll is and the fact that its cold up north so your fine. My question is who is going to need proper equipment and can't afford it."

[MagicalStarRain 599]

@@AnonBrony,@@Windbreaker,@@Tricksters Pride, @,@,@@Nomadic,

 

"That's our main focus, the ponies who used to live there not too long ago," Star said before turning to her friends. She had noticed how out of control everything had gotten, so she gestured to her friends to do something about it(since in her opinion, Star has about as much charisma as a piece of granite).

 

In response to Star's signal, Kanon rose up with her head up high to make herself noticeable. She let her gaze fall on the volunteers as she said in a loud voice,"May we quiet down now everypony? We'll answer your questions one by one, so please bear with us!" For a moment though, the three mares gathered together to share what they had each been questioned about. As if reaching a conclusion of some kind, they separated with a nod and turned back toward the audience, Kanon with her diplomat's face on, North looking ready to take off like usual, and Star being as cold and stoic as ever.

 

"To sum up the equipment issue," Kanon said with her hooves folded on the table,"We foresaw this and I had ordered all the necessary equipment for a journey to the frozen north while Star-chan and North-chan were on their errands for the mission. When we put the "travel" and "combat" part into our letter, we had expected all volunteers to come prepared for just that. Since it seems like a lot of you are ill-equipped, you'll just have to do a little shopping here in Ponyville or train with us a little. This could hopefully build some trust between all of us as a result. Any questions regarding this topic, tomodachi?"

 

@,

 

Chocolate Wish shook her head laughing. "I work here! I can get some myself!" she exclaimed as she took out a cup of mocha that was marked "SR" in black permanent ink. 

 

Kanon reached over to get the drinks she had gotten her friends, only to realize that Star's mocha was gone.

Edited January 10, 2014 by MagicalStarRain

[Tricksters Pride 100]

@Windbreaker

 

Ice

 

After listening attentively to the instigators of this... group. Ice just nods, finishes her tea, and looks at Noble. "Can i go now Sir? I'd like to make sure that our supplies are in order."  *'Plus i don't feel the need to make them aware that i'm quite capable of handling myself.'*

[EcstaticWind 572]

Noble Persona

@@Tricksters Pride, 

 

Noble nodded. "Yes, please do. I'll stay and hear this out. I'll fill you in later" Noble said. It reminded him of the meetings he'd sit through. 'This quest is interesting, but frankly, they're making this out to be a social gathering. It's nothing like getting a mercenary contract... They were more disciplined.'

 

Kinetic Energy

 

"This is all very exciting. But I do have a question. Do you have facilities to practice? I may need to brush up on my aiming." Kinetic said. "Seeing as this quest involves combat, I'd hate to be a burden."

[Strong Copper 126]

@@MagicalStarRain,

 

~Thunder~

 

Well, he got her laughing. Laughter was almost always a good sign. Allowing a grin to appear on his face (And completely ignoring the meeting which was the whole point he had come here in the first place) Thunder chuckled as he asked "Touche. Does this place offer dinner as well or can I at least take you out and pay for that?" with a slightly roguish spark in his eye.

 

~Myopia~

 

Myopia gave a small sigh as he was misunderstood by decided to keep his peace for the time being. There wasn't any issues or questions he felt the need to bring up at this very second after all and he wasn't one to waste time talking. Other ponies would no doubt be doing that for him.

[Tricksters Pride 100]

Ice

@@Windbreaker, 

 

Ice nodded her thanks at Noble before getting up, stretching, and walking out the door. *'Great this'll be immense fun... I'm going to pick up a few extra supplies just in case one of them decides they don't need anything, i highly doubt a few of them have ever been up north..... And tea... Yah defiantly tea too, i'm going to need something calming it i'm going to tolerate that Dorado character.'*

[Nomadic 210]

Monkshood

@@MagicalStarRain, @@Tricksters Pride

 

The hostess paused, they seemed to want to answer any questions the other ponies had. Monkshood grew weary of many of the ponies around him, though he remained rather interested in the prospect of this adventure. His survival skills were adept enough, and obviously whoever had left the note for him wasn't interested in his combat capabilities. He got up out of his seat as his worn saddlebags clinked and clanked from the sudden motion, and quickly approached the three mares in the front.

 

He ignored the others and began to speak to her. Speaking in a low tone to make sure the others, excluding the hostesses, would not hear him, he told the mares, "If we're to start preparing currently, I must leave then to go procure a few more obscure supplies. Make no mistake I'm still interested, yet this can't simply wait. I'm sure you can find me again as you already seem to be well aware of me, despite my lack of introductions to anypony here". He flashed the mares a forced, yet somehow reassuring, almost quivering smile, he was clearly not one to smile all that frequently. 

 

Turning his back before any of the hostess mares could raise any objections, he proceeded to leave the coffee shop. As he left the building, he noticed another pony leaving. If he recalled correctly, she had arrived with the obnoxious raven haired unicorn from earlier. Intriguing, he was still short on some of the necessities for such a journey, and the less ponies he had to ask for help the better. Besides, her friend inside had already made it clear that they had copious amounts of provisions for the group. Monkshood approached the mare on the street. "Excuse me miss, I believe you and I were attending the same meeting in the coffee shop just now, and I would hate to askpony for some sort of assistance", his voice was much more confident outside such large groups, "but might you be able to aid me in procuring some supplies for the eventual trek. I would be more than willing to reimburse you for any of your help", he stated in a proud tone.

Edited January 10, 2014 by Nomadic

[Tricksters Pride 100]

Ice

@@Nomadic, 

 

Ice shortens her pace to let the other pony keep up with her. *'Well great there goes my tea... Oh well at least its for a good reason.'* After a moment she lets out a sigh and responds to him in a neutral tone.  "I suppose i was planning on picking up a few extra supplies anyway... Alright what have you got already and how do you plan on paying?"

[Nomadic 210]

Monkshood

@@Tricksters Pride

 

"I have most of what I need for basic travel, yet I tend not to journey up North frequently enough for me to justify having any winter equipment", he told the mare, slightly embarrassed at his unprepared state. He let the second question sink in for a moment, and stared off into space. How would he pay as he was already short on funds. "Wait... what do you need", he asked with a quizzical glare. "I'm hoping somepony can for once actually appreciate the craftsmanship found within a fresh hoof made herbal mixture. I can brew or mix anything to any potency required", pride filled his voice as he spoke.

Edited January 10, 2014 by Nomadic

[Tricksters Pride 100]

Ice

@@Nomadic, 

 

Ice grins at the mention of herbs. *'Oh an apothecary, looks like i get my tea after all... and maybe a few other odds and ends.'* It doesn't take her long to respond in a more animated but still fairly neutral tone. "I can appreciate medicine, though i'd be more interested in acquiring ingredients. Got any Chamomile or possibly Valerian Root?"

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

@@Tricksters Pride,

@@Nomadic,

 

Sonnet watched the pair of ponies slip away together under the excuse of 'gathering equipment' and stifled a giggle - badly. What fun: there were already emotions running high it would seem!

 

She shook her head slightly and turned her attention back to the gathering.

 

@@MagicalStarRain (and the gathering in general)

 

"Ahem..." She forced the grin from her face. "I assure you my dear, I will not be a burden. This will be quite the adventure, and I'm not above getting my hooves a little dirty." She simpered, focusing on the mare with the knife-on-a-stick. "Besides, you may well need another pony who's realm extends beyond thuggishly beating things with clubs, yes?"

Edited January 10, 2014 by Cinderscribe

[Nomadic 210]

Monkshood

@@Tricksters Pride

 

"It sounds like your having issues with insomnia currently. Chamomile is so common that it is often hardly worth my time to gather, yet conversely I more infrequently come across Valerian Root and pick it when time allows it", Monkshood told the mare. Slowing his movement without notice, he walked to the side of the road, and gently let his saddlebags slide off of his back onto the grass before ruffling around one of the bags a bit. He shoved a couple of what appeared to fairly ruffled dirty books out of his bag, before finally stopping his search. "It appears I'm out of Chamomile miss, though might I suggest some Purple Passionflower instead? It generally has similar calming effects to Chamomile", he continued on without any pause between his sentences, "Now for the Valerian Root, I do have some, but I generally keep try it for myself due to the potency of such fauna, among other things. Naturally, I would value it higher than something as mundane as Chamomile though. Granted, this is all dependent on what supplies you have available", he took a deep breath in as he finally gave the mare a chance to reply.

[Tricksters Pride 100]

Ice

@@Nomadic, 

 

(Without notice eh? Maybe not. )

Ice stops when the other pony sets down her bags and smirks. "I sleep fine thanks. I asked for Chamomile because it's good for stress and very common, passionflower is less common but it has a better taste so that's fine."  *'Hmmm those looked interesting...'* She then thinks for a moment before speaking in a offhoof tone. "That's to be expected, its not an overly common root... But the quality of the supplies i buy and tips i offer depends on the condition of the root and quantity that you have. I've worked in northern climates before so i do know a trick or two that could help you survive."

[AnonBrony 1,468]

@@MagicalStarRain, 

 

"Ummm..." Eternity began to speak. "I don't think we need to buy much. Like you said you have gear for us. And by gear I am guessing you mean snow equipment and hopefully food.. I'm not sure if you have weapons, but I doubt they sell any in a peace village such as ponyville. Same goes for anything on Magic. I don't think I'm going to be needing to do much shopping."

 

Dorado spoke as well. "Sí El Dorado no necesito preparar. I do not need to prepare for I am already prepared. I will just use the winter gear you provide. Other than that I don't need to shop. I've been on many trips before. I just didn't know we will be going North. Now when are we leaving? Tomorrow maybe?

Edited January 10, 2014 by AnonBrony

[EcstaticWind 572]

@@AnonBrony, @, @,@@MagicalStarRain,

 

Noble Persona

 

'They're never going to get anything done at this rate... Time for some improvisation.' Noble got up and walked over to stand beside North, Star Rain and Kanon. He bowed respectfully as he approached and his tone was devoid of its former arrogance. "Everypony, may I have your attention please? Thank you. Now, I understand your concerns and eagerness, but we musn't be too hasty. Kanon-sama, Star Rain and North Shine, might I do you a favour by addressing the issues brought forth? It's the least I can do to apologise for my rudeness."

[MagicalStarRain 599]

@@Windbreaker,

 

As Kanon was about to speak, she saw one of the more upper-class stallions try to do the explaining for her. 

 

How illogical. Star Rain thought. Coming up here to explain our plans to every pony. Which we haven't gotten around to doing. How will he try to explain things that he can only hear from her? 

 

Kanon simply stood her ground confidently and made eye contact with the taller Noble Persona. "We appreciate your consideration and your desire to hasten the meeting, but I don't think you were with us when we planned this and I don't think you traveled with me to Neighpon when I went to get the equipment and supplies. And besides, we can explain everything just fine," she said cooly, standing her ground and turning around to face the smaller audience(now that Monk and Ice were out and about, which she didn't worry about).

 

@,@, @@AnonBrony, 

 

"To put it simply," Kanon began. "We'll allow three days at the most to get ready for the mission. During this time, you can come find me or my friends and you can ask us about the mission ahead and you can do combat training with us. If you want to know more about the lore behind the scroll and our theories about the city folks' disappearance, I refer you to Star Rain. If you want to get a look at the layout of the city and our journey's path, go to North Shine. And if you want to get some information on my friends or me, come to me. For everything else, come to any of us.

 

"I would suggest staying in Ponyville during these three days. I may also note that if you don't want to come, you can leave Ponyville at anytime. If you are late to our last meeting before the start of our journey, you will be left behind and we will not stop for you. Do I make myself clear?"

Edited January 11, 2014 by MagicalStarRain

[Nomadic 210]

Monkshood

@@Tricksters Pride

 

"Heh, whilst the quantity of my merchandise is usually lower, the quality of my stock is peerless. Do you take me for some back-alley merchant, only out to make a quick bit? I'll let you appreciate my work for yourself in just a moment", Monkshood scoffed at the idea that somehow his stock was of a lesser quality.

 

Finishing up his rebuttal, a thought struck him this mare had never told him what the Valerian Root had been for. She had explained the Chamomile, now Passionflower, more than admirably though she ignored the presence of the Valerian Root when explaining herself. Curious, unrefined Valerian Root such a odd request.

 

Reaching into his bag, Monkshood pulled out two small jars, and gently rolled them towards the mare. Both of the jars contained the dried remains of what once a vibrant plant preserved in immaculate condition. Not a single speck of dirt seemed to penetrate the containers, despite the rather disorderly and dishevelled appearance of him. 

Edited January 11, 2014 by Nomadic

[Tricksters Pride 100]

Ice

@@Nomadic, 

 

Ice stops the jars with a hoof and inspects them one by one with the other hoof. She seems to pay special attention to the root of the Valerian, and the whole Passionflower not just the leaves and fruit as is usually assumed. After a little bit she lets a small smile show, seemingly pleased with the quality. "Your not lying but it would be rather careless of me to just assume and pay a higher price, and we are in a back ally... at night. Also allot of something is in no way worth more than quality so i place much value on it...... Anyway what exactly do you have on you in the first place? If i'm going to get you some supplies, i'll have to know what you'll need in the first place."

Edited January 11, 2014 by Tricksters Pride

[Nomadic 210]

Monkshood

@@Tricksters Pride

 

Monkshood gave a smug look of satisfaction, this was clearly a pony who appreciated his work. Well at least, he now knew some of the ponies would be tolerable on this journey, and perhaps today wasn't all for naught. His mind wandered at the mare's question, what would he need for such a journey. Clearing his throat, he responded. "Well, much of what I need is going to be related the colder climates for travel than I'm currently use to. I will probably require something of a well-insulated cloak with a pair of goggles, some form of shelter, possibly a canteen........", he paused for a moment as his mind seemingly struggled to think of the next item. "Ah yes, and perhaps a quality flint and steel would be ideal". As Monkshood finished rambling off his list, he began fitting everything manically back into his bag, and soon remounting the saddlebags on to his back.

[Tricksters Pride 100]

Ice

@@Nomadic, 

 

Ice picks up the Passionflower with one of her hooves and wraps the tip of her tail around the Valerian before thinking a moment. "A cloak is easy, i have a spare. I don't have any goggles with me because they have a tendency to freeze in colder temperatures but the cloak has a hood and it could be tied easily. I don't have another shelter as of now so i'll get that tomorrow when all of the markets open. I do have a spare canteen and a few tips to go with it so that's fine. And I have three or four sets of flint and steel so that wont be a problem either. Satisfactory?... Also don't you have any weapons on you because it didn't look like it."

[EcstaticWind 572]

Noble Persona

@@MagicalStarRain, 

 

Noble's left eye twitched, but his expression didn't falter. His tone was apologetic. "My apologies, Kanon-sama. I know nothing of your plans, and I would not presume to know. I was merely offering my assistance in other matters. Training, gear, advice on cold climate survival. Sorry to step on your hooves like that." He returned to his seat, but he sat stiffly for a moment. 'This lancer act is getting me nowhere. These ponies don't respond well to a mercenary's mindset.'