open Against the Crown RP [dark/betrayal]

[Torrent505 370]

OOC: http://mlpforums.com/topic/95166-against-the-crown-ooc-open/#entry2538667

 

The Angel's Share Tavern was loud and crowded at this hour, words didn't carry far before being lost in the chaotic rabble of sounds. A haze hung in the air, pungent smoke from various forms of pipes or rolled tobacco and other various less legal substances.

 

There were two stallions behind the bar, one a young pegasus hard at work flitting about and serving all patrons as well as making conversation among them. The older stallion, a unicorn, merely stood watching the crowd intently and slowly cleaning mugs.

[Drago Ryder 641]

Tempest walked into the bar, and glanced around. He loathed going into establishments such as this, unless it was under extreme circumstances, and this was about as extreme as it was going to get. "This had better be worth my time." He thought to himself, as he approached the bar. He sat down in front of the elder bartender, and glanced at a few choices. "I would prefer the Devil's Cut." He said, loud enough for only the bartender in front of him to hear.

[Torrent505 370]

The old unicorn eyed this Pegasus in front of him up and down and spoke in a gruff voice, "boy, you've got funny lookin wings." He smirked overly amused with his own comment, then tilted his head in an over there gesture. In that direction was a dimly lit hallway with a sign above the read restrooms, it looked as if the sign had been broken many times and as if each time it had been stapled back together by a child. "End of t'a hall and juss keep walkin boy, but I don't t'ink t'a devil's cut fer you, but I won't stop you. Yer first to arrive too." The bartender started chuckling deep in his barreled chest before turning away to clean more mugs.

 

The light in the hallway flickered briefly, a bathroom on either side but it went on much longer and got darker away from the doors, still it clearly ended in a wall.

[Drago Ryder 641]

Tempest felt his anger rise, but managed to keep it in check. "Came with my old job." He said in a unamused tone. "By the way, I'm more than capable of taking care of myself.Thank you for the warning though." The bat pony then stood up, and trotted towards the end of the hall. Tempest sighed, and glanced back to make sure that nopony had seen him. With his worries calmed, he slipped into the meeting room, and hid in the shadows.

 

Xena sighed, and appeared next to Tempest. He knew that only the wearer of the pendant around Tempest's neck could see him, so he had nothing to worry about. "Everything will be fine. We'll get her back."

 

The bat pony nodded slightly, and smiled. "I know. I just hope this isn't a complete waste of my time." He muttered under his breath. Tempest then sat down and began to meditate.

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

Jade Heart.

 

Jade checked each way - up and down the street - to ensure nopony was about to see her as she pulled her hood further over her face and hurried into the tavern before anyone could see her.

 

Of course, there was nothing illegal about visiting a tavern... but the letter had been very 'cloak and dagger' in nature. Not to mention that it was addressed to Jade - that opened up several questions in of itself. No - this was something that required tact, grace and wits: and Jade had those in abundance.

 

Best she kept a low profile though.

 

Pushing open the wooden door halfway, the mare slipped inside and allowed it to close of its own accord: blocking view from the quiet street. She didn't remove her hood or cloak, instead approaching the bar directly and assuming a blank, unassuming stance.

 

"Excuse me, dear..." came the sultry tone that she had long since found most useful for these types of affairs, as she reached out and placed a hoof over the bartenders. "I am afraid that I have no interest in the Angels Share tonight. Perhaps you might direct me towards the Devils Cut instead?"

Edited April 19, 2014 by Cinderscribe

[Lady 55]

'This must be seen as a matter of importance . I need to find this blasted morsel who found out about my...'intentions'... and depose of him swiftly. No one must find out, it would mean the end of me!'

 

Adeligeedel ripped a paper to shreds and prepared for the night ahead of her. The changeling princess quickly found this matter to be important. She got her herself prepared and ready then changed into the persona of her creation. Lady, now, was ready to leave. She walked out the door of her current home. A four star hotel, she made sure no one followed her. Not a pony nor a changeling should know about this. This pony or creature...who dared to find out about her true self must be dealt with swiftly and quietly...all though. The offer he/she makes did caught by surprise. She day dreamed about the day she would be able to have her own hive...focus Lady, you're primal urges are getting in the way!

 

She shook her head in a quick manner, then continued to trot down the path she remembered in advance to the bar she was heading it. All though being in a bar brought..ghastly memories of when she played others for food. She needed to seem tall...all though she is and strong. Soon the royal of her kind would be able to sleep in a silk covered bed sheet and eat chocolate! Yes, chocolate, her favorite of all pony foods. She licked her lips softly at the thought of sweet delicious...- focus!  She snapped back on again. This matter is more important then sweet treats!

 

Lady after a few moments found the bar. After keep a low profile for a half hour...she finally made it. The changeling princess made her way to the elder bartender as requested and in her most elegant tone of voice she could muster spoke this; "I'm afraid I have no interest in the Angel's share for tonight, care to point me to the Devil's cut?"

Edited April 19, 2014 by Lady

[Torrent505 370]

 

The Pegasus, who was close enough at the time to overhear, seemed to shiver slightly and his tail flicked as he darted down the bar away from the cloaked mare to busy himself in a conversation elsewhere. The unicorn just smirked, "yer more t'a type I was told to expect, a good ole unicorn. No fairy wings under t'at cloak." He tilted his head to the shady hallway, "down t'at hall, all t'a way down till yer where you need to be. Don't let not'in' stop you, sweetheart." His smirk became a full blown grin.

 

@Lady

 

The older stallion approached the bars counter slowly, he gave the elegant looking mare an angry glare, "sorry 'lady' I don't t'ink I heard you right" he was using her name without knowing it and by the way he was spitting it so venomously he clearly meant it as an insult. "T'ere's a place up in t'a nobles quarters for yer kind... But I know I didn't hear you wrong, still 'lady' you should consider drinkin' somewhere else. If not head down that hall t'ere ignore t'a wall at the end, it won't stop you."

Edited April 20, 2014 by Torrent505

[Demirari 454]

Cryptical Code peered down from the window of a building he had rented for the duration of his stay. Blinking a bit, he turned around to face the room, the room itself was in dishevel, he walked toward a small semicircle of couches facing a table. From there he looked down at blueprints and documents, he had made sure to know every route and every position, he had even droned in the maps and documents into two of his specialist that he had brought with him. Then he finally turned to the item of interest, it was a simple letter that he had read over and over, the document itself had caused a minor debate with his specialists. 

 

"Sir, are you truly going to go?" one of his two agents spoke when he peered upwards. After a while of silence, the agent continue, his voice still bland, but there was a tint of concern, "It could be a trap. Having you move forward alone would give any potential assassins a good chance to strike at you." It was a subject that was debated and his second-in-command had volunteer to go in his stead, which had made no progress. 

 

"Fear not," Cryptical Code simply responded before slipping a single stiletto into his left breast pocket--beneath the suit was a small layer of metal, a chest-plate, simple in design that should block minor attacks from a knife. Then he continued after making sure the knife didn't show, "My 6th hadn't sensed anything yet. I believe it'll be safe."

The agent didn't respond before nodding, it was no use, even if they questioned his sense a hundred times again. 

 

"Will you be departing?"

 

"Without doubt," then Cryptical Code walked out of the building and moved to the destination without any delay. 

Edited April 21, 2014 by Demirari

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

Jade Heart.

 

"Such a charmer... No - no wings. The rest... well, a lady should remain modest, no?" Simpered the mare with a coy smile, turning elegantly to make her way down to corridor indicated. "Thank you kindly my dear."

 

She paused just before making her way out of sight to glance base towards the unicorn with her piercing emerald eyes. She winked. "Oh, I'm not accustomed to being stopped dear... Jade Heart will be present if she means to be, mark my words."

 

...

 

Pushing open the door, Jade stepped inside with a graceful presence. She wasn't alone: but judging from how the stallions was skulking around the edges of the room in the dark as if he thought that he couldn't be seen... The writer of the letter was likely not present yet.

 

Was she not the only one then?

 

The mare sat attentively at the table in the centre of the room - ignoring the pony who clearly didn't want to be acknowledged - and waited.

[Demirari 454]

Cryptical Code walked forward, making sure to note everything around him before stopping in front of the tavern. Taking a deep breath, he entered in, that was when he looked at items, ponies, and areas that might concern him. It was a natural instinct that was honed into him throughout the years. A pony such as himself must make sure that he'll be safe if he progresses forward. One could call it paranoia, but to him it was a simple-small sign that he could be in safe grounds--there was no safe ground to him anymore.

 

Looking around, Cryptical Code spotted the pony that the letter had detailed in. He proceeded forward to ask the elder that simple one-lined sentence that he had made sure not to forget, it'll be embarrassing and may give the wrong impression, something that Cryptical Code detests.  Moving to the preferable distance to engage in conversation, Cryptical Code spoke, "Excuse me sir, I have no interest in the Angel's Share, however, I am more interested in Devil's Cult, perhaps you could give me guidance to find the place?"

[Scribblegroove 565]

Merdyn was gazing through the night as he walked up to the outrageously filthy peasant establishment. He could almost smell the unhygienic simpletons that visited this man-hole of a cafè regularly.

 

"Angel's share... Preposterous. If this is all the angels have to give they can keep it!" he thought to himself. As he reached the door he stood still for a moment. He pulled down the hood of his cloak and reached his pocket. From it he took a small, strangely formed black piece of chalk, and with his magic he used it to draw a pattern on the door.

 

"Excellent, this will allow me to escape when things get nasty..." It was old magic, and not very powerful, but it fit this situation perfectly. He put on his hood again and sighed. He opened the door. Immediately a aromatic punch of sweat, alcohol and other disgusting fluids filled his nostrils, causing him to frown from under his hood. He was tempted to cast an air bubble spell around his head, but that would look idiotic, and perhaps even frightening. And he wouldn't want to draw attention to himself.

 

He neared the counter and coughed, trying to get the older stallions' attention. He looked at him from the shadows under his hood and spoke slowly.

 

"I am afraid I have no interest in visiting the Angel's share. Would you be so kind as to direct me to the Devil's cut." He said with his smooth, bassy voice, standing as neutral as he could whilst ignoring the smell of the place. It almost made him cringe.

Edited April 21, 2014 by Scribblegroove

[Marathon 562]

Lila had slowly made her way towards the Angel's Share, a coat wrapped around her with the hood down. She could smell the place from a good twenty feet away, not that it bothered her much. The stench had reminded her of her parents' old room where they had the enjoyment of smoking pipes every night and having a few drinks as well before heading off to bed... and for that she felt that whoever had sent the letter couldn't have chosen a more wretched place.

 

She came up to the door and flung it open, the smell of the place now hitting her in the face. It left her dazed for a moment but she quickly regained her composition and casually made her way over to the bar, standing next to another who had a hood over their head. "This place is horrible," she muttered to herself before looking at the older stallion and continued her small rant, "You know the owner should really work on the place. "Angel's Share" what kind of a name is that? If anything I'd believe this place ought to be torn down and replaced with a nice winery."

 

Lila paused for a moment and let out a sigh. "However, I meant to ask you, you wouldn't know where the Devil's Cut is, do you?" she inquired.

Edited April 21, 2014 by Marathon

[Torrent505 370]

@Demirari

 

The elderly bartender gave him as sour look, "lad, t'ere ain't no cults in Equestria, you don't know much about brewin' do you? See when you brew you never get to keep all the drink, some evaporates into t'a air." He gestured about the open room, "t'at is t'a angels taken t'ier share and what t'is place is named for. But t'at is not all you lose," he slams his hoof on the wooden bar counter, "t'at wood of t'at barrel drinks it up too, lockin' it away deep inside; t'at is t'a devil taken his cut. If yer lookin' for t'a "devils cut" you look inside t'a wood. I suggest you start in t'at hall over t'ere, t'a back wall maybe."

 

@Scribblegroove

 

The bartender gave him a small nod and a smile, "Another one smart enough t'a hide his face. At least t'at is a good sign. Yer all startin' to turn out like flies at dung, good of you to come one at a time t'ough. Go down t'at hall there don't let t'a back wall fool you, it'll let you through."

 

(I forgot to mention there is an enchantment in the hall anyone who watches someone go through the secret door would instead see them turn and enter the bathrooms. So it looks to most ponies in the room like you ask the bartender where the restroom is and he directs you to it )

 

@Marathon

 

Just as the bartender had finished with the hooded pony another snoody noblemare approached him, he waved off the first pony and focused on the seconds complaints, he glared at her. "I am t'a owner and t'a angel's share is exactly how I like it. We've got many fine wines for t'a right price and t'a name's mean is for t'ose I feel like sharing with. I don't want to share it with you. You want t'a devils cut why don't you go down t'at hall and bang yer head against t'a back wall a few times. Otherwise I suggest you get out of ma tavern."

Edited April 21, 2014 by Torrent505

[Convergence 83]

Radiance's armour shone a deep burning orange in the setting sun. She worked short days, but Radiance was always completely drained by the time she reached her front door. It was not uncommon for her to find notes tacked to her door, without a thought she ripped it off and it levitated in the air beside her as she walked into her house. The envelope was carefully torn, and the letter taken out as she made her way to the kitchen. As Radiance read the letter a cupboard flew open and a bottle of scotch flew threw the air and landed next to her. She sighed, her servants would not arrive for another hour; it was not befitting of a lady to drink such spirits no matter how fine or well aged they may be. 

 

Radiance poured herself a glass and took a small sip as her eyes glided across the paper. "On my front door? On my front ****ing door? Do you realize who I am, how easily Celestia could have found that, and then my skin would be stripped from my flesh. These imbeciles are going to get themselves caught, and when they do they will name names, they all do. If they want me, they will have to play my game and if they fail, they will burn at the stake not me."

 

---------

 

The stench of the tavern drifted through the air and into Radiance's nostrils. She turned her head up in disgust, however she would never admit that the smell made her feel at home. Radiance recognized the place, the pub where most lowly recruits of the Royal Guard willingly drank away their futures and last bits. "Who would ask a ranking captain to meet at a place where she would certainly be recognized no matter how well disguised she may be?" If she tried to blend in it would surely look suspicious, certainly one maggot would notice her, it would surely cause a large scene. Radiance does not exactly endear herself to those under her. She instead opted to blend in by standing out. She wore her official armour that glowed a rich sheen in the pale moonlight. Radiance flung the doors open and walked into the pub. Her expression said it all, she was too good to be here, and no one deserved the right to talk to her.

 

Radiance sat down in front of the old bartender and barked the words "Spiced wine, the oldest and finest you have. Do not make me regret stepping hoof into this 'establishment' more than I already do. By the way, how is the devil's cut?"  

[Torrent505 370]

 

The elderly bartender gave a little hmm of consideration, "I guess it takes all kinds don't it. Down t'a hall over t'ere, t'a back wall shouldn't stand in t'a way of a commanding mare like yerself. T'at wine will be readied and delivered to you durin' t'a meeting; I'll have t'a give you t'a bottle, expensive like t'at we don't do by t'a glass."

[Demirari 454]

"An accidental slip of tongue sir," Cryptical Code replied, his voice lacked any emotion, not hinting if he was displeased, "and you may never know, this is a vast world and country." Then he continued onwards. Along the ways toward where the elder suggested, looking around. Back-wall? Cryptical Code's suspicions were manifesting as his eyes scanned the hallway he was passing along.

Cryptical Code stopped as he took a deep breath before continuing into the meeting room. Looking around, he took small mental notes of the ponies that were already in the meeting room. Then he looked at the table and sat at where he considered the safest... for now at least. Then he sat there in silence. 

 

(That was a typo. xD)

[Marathon 562]

Lila turned her nose up at the bartender pony. "Talk to me like thay again and you'll be sorry." she said under her breath through gritted teeth. "Well I demand a bottle of wine by the end of the night... Even if I must pay for it." Lila told the bar tender and started toward the back wall of the hallway.

 

She entered the meeting room and glanced around for a moment before she went and took a seat next to another pony; she didn't bother a glance at him.

[Convergence 83]

 @Torrent505

 

Radiance stared at the bartender, she wasn't sure whether to be impressed or infuriated. "You are bold to speak so freely. I may have use of your services someday, that is unless your tongue gets you killed before then." Radiance sighed in annoyance, "I have no need for a bottle, I suggest you make an exception. I am quite 'comfortable' where I am, I think I will stay here. Tell your friend that if he would like to converse he shall do it here beside me."

 

Radiance was distracted by an outburst of uproarious laughter. She spied a group of maggots of the Royal Guard enjoying themselves a little too much. "On second thought, give me the whole bottle. I may have use for it after all."

Edited April 21, 2014 by Golden Shield

[Scribblegroove 565]

@, @@Marathon, @@Demirari, @, 

 

Merdyn nodded back at the old bartender and swayed away without saying another word. His cloak revealed nothing of him, except perhaps his horn, which was pointing into the hood slightly. He turned to walk down the hallway. The stench of sweat and alcohol was replaced by a smell even worse as he passed the bathroom. Casting an air-bubble spell became terribly tempting, but he decided against it. He supposed it would be better to wait until he was in the gathering room. He did hope it would be more pleasurable there. Otherwise he would have to take some form of action.

 

He entered the room cautiously, making sure that he did not disturb anypony. He knew that the individuals in this room were surely shady. Dangerous even. At least some of them had to be. It would take a few very cunning ponies to get this job done, and he had experienced several times that the ones who live in the shadows are usually the most cunning of them all. He was not. He had vast amounts of knowledge, but he would immediately admit that he wasn’t a very good plotter. At least, not a masterful one, and yet again, they needed a masterful plotter and schemer to get a job like this done.

 

He glanced around the room from under his hood. He felt a bit tensed, but there seemed to be nothing endangering in this space. To calm down, he sat down on one of the chairs, leaned back and grabbed his pipe from his pocket. A sizzling noise could be heard as he lit it with a small magical spell. As soon as the strange burning leaves started to emit green smoke, and he could inhale it, he felt his muscles relax and his mind expand at once. He closed his eyes and enjoyed his own little recipe of tobacco mixed with magical herbs.

 

He sighed and then laughed slowly. Deeply. The sound of his low snickering echoed throughout the room. He leaned his head back against the wall that he was seated in front of, only his mouth showing from under the shadows of his hood. In the light of the room everypony could clearly see he was grinning. Oh, let’s get a little dramatic shall we?

 

“Greetings my associates…” He said slowly, breaking the cold silence of the room. “I take it each of you have received a letter as well.” He put his pipe to his mouth and inhaled the green smoke, and then blew it out again. He then continued. “Even though our mysterious contact has clearly not arrived yet, it doesn’t mean that we have to wait in silence. That would be quite… boring wouldn’t it.” He ended his monologue by leaning forward and putting his hooves on the table. He was now completely shrouded again.

 

“Let me start by asking each of you a question.... Who are we?” He said, the last part of his sentence with a little more volume. He gazed around the room from under his hood, moving his head to look at each of the ponies individually. He waited for an answer.

Edited April 21, 2014 by Scribblegroove

[Torrent505 370]

 

The bartender gave a smile, "I'm glad you reconsidered t'a bottle, because we do not make exceptions. We have a hundred year old Glühwein from Gremaney and since you do want t'a whole bottle we can serve it Feuerzangenbowle style. It is said to add warmth and make it extra fine."

 

The bartenders look became more serious as he leaned in close, "and I'm afraid it's been made clear to me t'at yer host won't be coming out, no exceptions on t'at either. If you wait out here t'a meetin' will go on with out you and t'en I'll have t'a kill you for showin' up but not goon' in. It makes you a loose end if you know it occurred but didn't associate yerself like t'a others."

 

At that moment an ancient but stately looking earth pony stallion made his way into the bar he was deep gray in color and his mane had turned white long ago, a extremely large unicorn stallion accompanied him. Their pace was slow as the old pony seemed to tend if right forehoof making him limp slightly.

 

He spotted the bartender and headed towards him, but before he made it there his eyes widened at the Mare next to the tender. He switched angles slightly to confront the mare.

 

The bartenders face was still close to Radiance's when he spotted the much older stallion and his expression became confused as he recognized the kindly Mayor of Canterlot, Goodheart Everlast.

 

Everlast glowered at the mare, his voice was throaty but still his voice sound grandfatherly, "Radiance! Is this you're idea of a sick joke!" He gestured as the burly unicorn aid floated a letter out of a saddlebag, "I nearly had a heart attack, I expected you to have more tact! Tartarus I expected you to have no sense of humor, not a sick and twisted one."

[Demirari 454]

Cryptical Code looked up, looking at the two newcomers before casting his eyes down on the table again, that was of course after taking mental notes of them. The mare to him was not much of an interest, now the unicorn stallion seemed to be a mage. Four ponies in this room as of current besides him, that is four potential assassins. Already coming up with a small short plan if somepony decides to strike.

 

Then he listened to the stallion speak. Breaking silence with a question, a bit dramatic, to Cryptical Code, it felt like participating in a soap opera. Tilting his fedora a bit to hide most of his face, Cryptical Code spoke in a low-tone voice that was void of all emotions, "Why don't you answer first, sir." He raised his head a bit facing the direction of the stallion as the words slipped out of his tongue before redirecting his attention to the table again. To redirect a question back to the questioner. 

 

Returning to his usual position for the past few minutes, he waited. If the stallion answers, Cryptical Code won't, that is, at least till one of the others speak. To him, this was one of those times where being the first or second wasn't a good idea. To him, there are plenty of possibilities, this could be a test or some sort of indication of a plan. Allowing his mind to dwell on such thoughts while keeping an eye on the others. 

[Marathon 562]

Lila glanced up at the stallion who began to speak. She didn't like the stuff he was smoking very much, let alone any sort of smoking. Lila had ignored everyone, more interested in the one who had sent the letters. However, the random question had caught her interest.

 

"Well I don't know about all of you, but I guess I could introduce myself." Lila stood up and trotted around the table slowly. "I'm Lila Fireheart; pyromancer." she announced quickly. "Bit dim in here." She mumbled as she ignited a lamp in the room, a flame enveloping her horn.

 

She then sat down again in the same seat, a small smile on her lips. "Who's next?"

Edited April 21, 2014 by Marathon

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

Jade Heart.
 
@@Scribblegroove,

@@Demirari,

@@Marathon,

Jade smiled to herself underneath the hood.
 
Excellent.
 
She looked over the pony for a moment before allowing the dark material of the cloak to slide back an inch or two and cast a little light onto her features. Eyes sparkling as they caught and reflected the light, she raised a brow slightly. 
 
"Indeed, It is polite to introduce yourself to a lady, before asking her name." She interjected in a tone that was smooth as silk.
 
"Though if all of you but this divine mare Lila feel yourself too 'dark and mysterious' to speak, I suppose I shall be next." Lied the mare compulsively as a new background formed in her mind: false memories becoming her own... a useful and unpleasant side effect of this persona that he loved and hated in equal measure. "My name is Jade Heart. I am a... you might refer to me as a consort, or sorts."
 
She tittered to herself briefly before flashing another wry smile around the room - face still partially obscured by the hood. "Now that you know mine, might I know your own? It is so hard to associate without a name."

Edited April 21, 2014 by Cinderscribe

[Scribblegroove 565]

Ah... Excellent...

 

"Who are we? The few of us that are in this room or yet to come... We are, or we should be entrepreneurs... visionaries. We are the ones who will no longer hide in the shadows that the sun casts upon us." He said, again slowly and very dramatically. He liked using metaphors. Of course, he meant that they would no longer live under the reign of Celestia, but only the ones with a creative mind would catch his unusual use of words...

 

"But I suppose that is not how you interpreted the question… Rather than who we are, you’d like to know who I am, am I correct?” He chuckled. Everpony had inaccurately interpreted his question. None of these ponies were philosphers. That was a pity. He put down his pipe on the table and assumed a more comfortable position. He continued with a more down-to-earth voice "My name is Merdyn. I specialize in studying magic itself, rather than it’s uses...” He looked around and nodded towards the pyromancer.

Edited April 21, 2014 by Scribblegroove

[Tricksters Pride 100]

Patience

@@Torrent505, 

 

*'.......... This is crappiest and least inviting trap i've seen yet and i still have to take the bait..... (sigh) I'm going to need a better drink.'*

 

Having been drinking in the Angel's Share for the past hour or so (And monitoring the new arrivals...) Patience had just finished her first drink and, having resolved to make her way to the objective after she'd drained her first one, waved at the older barkeep to try and get him to come over. When he did she gestured at her empty bottle and said in a laid back manner. "Sorry to say it but Angel's Share ain't enough today. Mind directing me to the devil's cut?... And possibly a stronger whisky, preferably of the same name, first?... I think i'm gonna need something stronger than normal."   *'Especially to walk into a deathtrap...'*

Edited April 21, 2014 by Tricksters Pride