private The Tyranny of Princess Cadence (RP)

[DarkSonic1221 30]

(OOC I know that I started this post with rock Don but for future post I'm just going to have him as Don unless his full title is required

PS Jesus this was long)

 

Rock Don traveled down the street there was a surprisingly big crowd in the store area. Ponies were all kind of clumped in the center of the shopping area. As Rock Don continued walking through the crowded area a crystal Pegasus bumped into him and then continued walking. Rock Don just continued walking to get to the farm there just had to be something there. Why did chipper want him to get him out of the city. As he continued walking getting further away from the main city the wreckage of his farm came into view. What was left of the barn was just charred bits and some unmined and/or crushed crystals what used to be the workers housing was a half burned building. Don guessed that they weren't as thorough with the poor ponies housing then with his step mom's. As Don came closer to the workers housing he noticed something that wasn't quite there the last time. A red flag hanging from a pole next to the wreckage don's heart raced as he ran towards where the pole was, but when he got there he could see nothing but the red flag he took the flag off the pole and stuck to the flag was a piece of paper with five words. "Come to the sewers Donnie."as Don read the note over and over again the biggest smile crept on his face chipper was still alive he was hiding in the sewer somewhere. As this thought came to Dons head his stomach growled. Thinking aloud"I should buy some food before going into the sewers"Don reached for his pouch of money to see how much he could buy, that's when he noticed his money pouch was gone. "Well that's just great "Don said "guess I'm going have to find some food on the way hopefully for free"and with a sigh Don headed back towards the city to find a way into the sewer.

Edited May 31, 2014 by DarkSonic1221

[Torrent505 370]

,

 

Emery felt a pit form in his stomach when he heard the whimpering, wild dogs could be dangerous, as well as somewhat intelligent and devious. He wouldn't put it past a pack to be hunting around the newly corrupt empire or for them to use a tact to get close. Zyndeen would certainly not stick around if they were in the area.

 

But when he looked back that pit in his stomach spread to the rest of him and his heart skipped a beat. It wasn't just a wild dog it was a full fledged wolf, a flesh and blood wolf. His first instinct was to run, but he couldn't strapped to the cart as he was; maybe that was a good thing it forced him to take time and look at the wolf. It was behaving more like a dog then he would have imagined, it came forward slowly with a begging face. They're was no limp or injury he could see, so it was begging for food; that didn't help ease his mind at all, though the thought that the hungry wolf hadn't just rushed him was a little comforting... Maybe he could appease it?

 

"Uh, well hello there... Buddy? Are you okay?" Emery kept his voice even and calm as he moved slowly back to the cart. "Are you hungry? I'll, uh, I'll take a look in here and see if I've got anything for you." He could feel himself trembling a little as he mentally readied his horn, this was the part that if wolf was going to attack him it would. He turn his back to it so he could lift the blanket and see into the cart. He didn't hear the wolf charge at him or even increase it's pace, but his stomach still sank. In the cart was two bushels of apples, a watermelon and a small bag full of ears of corn... Nothing for a wolf, but what had he expected? Meat? A bone? Why in the world would Zyndeen give him things like that, it just wouldn't happen. He tensed a little, speaking over his shoulder to the wolf but not daring to look, "Well Buddy, I uh, don't really have anything in here I think you would like..."

 

 

Crystal Calling's eyes went as wide as dishpans and the silver bits shot out of the crystal pegasus' hoof like a bat out of Tartarus, they whirled around her horn in a tight circle. The little filly dashed forward, dodging one of the oncoming ponies in the crowd and jumped onto the pegasus's side, hugging her tight.

 

"ThankYouThankYouThankYou!" her words a frenzied muffle into the mare's feathered wing. She dropped back down, her trot now full of added bounce, her little legs making her looking like she was making a little dance in her steps. Her magic opened up a pouch around her neck, and the bits disappeared inside to join: three hard candies, a white super ball and a jawbreaker; the two of those she had to remember not to get mixed up, the super ball tasted terrible but at least she hadn't shattered the jawbreaker.

 

She was already bounding away from the mare toward an alleyway with access to the tunnels. She was completely in her own little world now as she talked to herself, "I can give this to Emery and it will be like we're actually paying him for the food! Then dad can stop feeling so bad about it... I can give them to dad and he can give them to Emery! That will make him happy again, it has too." she reached the hatch to access the underground systems and paused to look around incase anyone was watching.

Edited May 31, 2014 by Torrent505

[00Pony 286]

@@Agent505,

 

Sanguine gave a low hum in contemplation. For a few seconds he said nothing, simply concentrating on the inner machinations of his memory, before finally saying, "I've heard hints of dissent among some of the populace. Many are unhappy with the current way things are going, though some share our loyalty. I've not heard anything too seditious as of yet, however."

 

He chuckles dryly, "It's not unlike Sombra's reign. Many were unhappy with him, some even tried to fight back. They were quickly rooted out and dealt with. I took great pleasure in that assignment."

 

Sanguine was a product of Sombra's old regime, cold and sadistic in his dealings. When Cadence initially took regency over the Empire, he might have wanted her gone. But with time she began to behave in a much more agreeable manner. He takes a long pull from his liquor before continuing, "I've not heard too much about attempts to leve the Empire, but I'll notify my network to keep an eye out for anything of the sort. Should anything e found, you will be one of the first to know."

 

He gave a somewhat aggravated sigh of his own at the rising volume. He was less likely to take a violent action against it. At least, not in broad daylight.

[IridscentNionios 1,420]

@@Torrent505, Curiously Lykos didn't speak yet. He looked at the pony and the cart he was strapped upon. He thought that if he acted like a dog, or tried to help him maybe he would gain his trust. The grey coat crystal pony didn't seem willing to attack him, the first step had been achieved, but besides that would be unwise... He saw the crystal pony searching in his cart attempting to help him and attempting to find something to help him. He was a good kind of pony then? Hmmm he decided it was time to help so after he finished talking he went to the back of the cart and started pushing it towards outside the forest. He wanted to help and he looked around suspiciously watching out for any other wildlife.

Artemis was doing the same... Jumping from tree to tree doing her best to stay silent she watched over... she didn't want the pony to be ambushed... she had questions... and she wanted to know more. But the time to reveal herself was not that time... she had to wait and see more. After all an investigation was warranteed before action. She had to know if those rebel ponies were as good as they claimed to be... so far all the signs were positive. She just had to wait until they exited the forest to see what they would do.

 

Edited May 31, 2014 by nioniosbbbb

[SilverHeart 741]

@@SilverHeart,

 

"Thank ye...." he said, following her, sitting himself down on the ground. He proceeded to, with a bit of a struggle, remove his coat as he tossed it to the side. He wondered if he'd find the time to locate a seamstress to patch up his coat, if there was even one in the first place.

 

"Are all those boys out there wounded from battle?" he asked for affirmation.

(OOC: Sorry it took so long. I promise my posts will start to get better. Things are hectic.)

 

Silver knelt down and looked at his wound before removing some cloth bandages and medicinal herbs from her saddle bags. She began to mix the herbs carefully together into a small bowl. "No. Only some of them. There are also injured civilians, 'prisoners', the sick, and wounded. Pretty much everypony that isn't healthy is here." She said without looking up from what she was doing. "So....how'd you get your wound?"

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

Wind Symphony.

 

@@Torrent505,

 

Symphony almost (and only almost) smiled as the younger filly practically collided with her side. She managed not to though - instead she rolled her eyes and watched as the blur raced away into the crowd.

 

The kid blended in well: really well. She'd be a pretty good pickpocket herself with a little effort.

 

'That everything? Huh. Distractions everywhere...'

 

Her head swayed slightly as the mare did her best to focus on the task at hoof: Swindle might be able to put her up for a few nights - he had done before. Of course, his brother was a lout, but they were friendly enough... they might have a couple if good leads, and they wouldn't let her go without food or shelter...

 

What had the filly been saying about food again?

 

Furious at her own decisions and poor choices in life, Symphony turned to scour the streets with her eyes: locking onto the blur as it took off down the ally. Weaving through the crowd with a grace that really didn't suit the sharp-tempered mare, Symphony followed.

 

"Hey!" She called out in a somewhat aggressive tone: tossing the pouch of coins towards the filly, who looked prepared to enter the sewers. "Guess you need it more." She grumbled. "Don't go thinking this is going to happen again though!"

[Agent505 661]

Late morning, sunny and warm (I'm going to start putting the time and some weather conditions atop my posts to keep a rough track of progress in the day) 

@@00Pony, 

 

Stoic looked up from the table, his lips curling into something resembling a grin as he raised his glass to his mouth and drank down a good half of its contents. "Happy to hear it, though I doubt anyone would want to oppose Cadence and the order she has brought into the empire. When I first arrived here it was all... happy and joyous, and so... disorganised. It wasn't an empire." He closed his eyes, shaking his head and taking another sip from his glass. "Now with the forge camps and the training range, the armour smiths and even the assassins ward, we can truly outfit for war." This was met by a sudden chunk of the tavern's noise dispersing, followed by several turned heads and confused mutters. Stoic just laughed and finished his drink, narrowing his eyes and leaning over the table slightly before continuing, "Cadence has plans for this place, Sanguine. And I want you to be there with me when they come to pass - I wouldn't want to be against her."

 

_____

 

@@SilverHeart,@,

 

"M-miss Silver Heart?" Called out a timid voice, immediately recognisable to Silver Heart as Spring Blossom, a rather shy yet competent mare. 

She had approached the tent from a blind-angle, poking just her creamy-white head around the corner before addressing the nurse. "Miss Mercy sent me, it seems Stoic wants to see you in the tavern right away." She glanced across at the injured stallion in the tent, brushing her violet-hinted mane from her face before adding, "I think he wanted you soon, you know what he's like if he's kept waiting."

Edited June 1, 2014 by Agent505

[00Pony 286]

@@Agent505,

 

Sanguine smirked, "It's simply glorious how the Empire has already begun to change back to how it should be." He casts his gaze to the other, now mch quieter patrons, "Though I'm sure there are dissidents somewhere. There's always some malcontent under any government."

 

The short assassin swills the remainder of his liquor around in his glass as Stoic speaks. He takes a second to finish it off before giving a low chuckle, "I will be there. Any who are wise, will," he glanced at the nearest window, "And may this time come quickly. I fear the longer we wait, the more opposition we may have to deal with."

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

Ooc: Dovashy, gonna have to move forward now. But feel free to join us in the armoury.

 

@@Alex Kennedy,
@,
@@XxConfusedUnicornxX,  
@@Dovashy,

 

Once the introductions had been completed, Princess Luna stood up. "Thank you," she began. "Now that you all know each other, I hope that you will be able to work as a team. We are still missing one of the ponies to whom I sent a message; however, I'm sure they will catch up before you leave this castle. First however, I must direct you towards the armoury, which is on the left to the throne room. In there you will find everything you need for your journey; food, weapons and medical kits. I assure you that if at any time you need help, I will do my best to assist. While I cannot read minds, I do visit everypony in their dreams and will make an effort to visit with one of the team at least once a night. And now, consider your mission officially started. Thank you."

 

Sanura reclined her head respectively to Luna, before heading to the armoury. There, she chose two hoof knives, which she was used to, along with a medicare kit. These she packed into one saddlebag, putting food in the other. Sanura already had her tiger's claw, which along with the hoof knives meant that she was fairly kitted out. The earth pony zebra mare didn't like using swords and was unable to use a bow and arrows, as this weapon required the use of magic.

[Alex Kennedy 1,228]

@,

@@XxConfusedUnicornxX,  
@@Dovashy,

 

Gladius shook his head. For someone to be late for a royal summons, especially when it was something so important... simply unacceptable. Heading into the armory, he quickly grabbed a rapier, ever his weapon of choice, as well as a small dagger that he chose as much for it's potential use as a tool as for it's capabilities as a backup weapon. This was more than he needed, really- as long as he had a sword, he feared nothing from whatever enemies they might encounter.

Edited June 1, 2014 by Alex Kennedy

[The Original 571]

@@Pripyat Pony, @@Alex Kennedy,

 

Arcane complied, but personally felt it a bit useless of a visit. He had already packed everything he felt he would need in his travelers sack. His sack was more than meets the eye. It has a magical seal, food preservation, and was made of magical fabric to increase the size. He also used some basic illusion magic to make it appear like a normal, small travelers sack. It took him over a year to make a bag such as this, but he felt it completely worth it.

 

It wasn't a long walk to the armory. The Castle was large, but somehow easy to get around. It helped that Arcane already knew where things were here, since he spent a lot of time here before he moved. Arcane picked up a med kit and some more food, knowing his small variety wouldn't keep him sustained very well. He had no use for weapons, only Magic and Magilectronic items.

[longgone 873]

(OOC: Sorry it took so long. I promise my posts will start to get better. Things are hectic.)

 

Silver knelt down and looked at his wound before removing some cloth bandages and medicinal herbs from her saddle bags. She began to mix the herbs carefully together into a small bowl. "No. Only some of them. There are also injured civilians, 'prisoners', the sick, and wounded. Pretty much everypony that isn't healthy is here." She said without looking up from what she was doing. "So....how'd you get your wound?"

"Well," he said, "Some bastard got me when I weren't looking...perhaps a bit of clumsiness on my part, I can admit, but I'll do better next time I'd imagine"

 

He looked at the mixture of various herbs in the bowl. "What are they supposed to do?" he asked with curiosity 

 

[Grapz224 137]

Soul squeezed himself through a hole in the sewer wall, greeted by the faint glow of the torch he had placed there before. Who knew the Crystal Empire's Sewers could be so filthy? He got through to the other side, and, using his Magic, levitated his armor through the hole after him. Putting it on, he looked around the walls, checking them for cracks that might show the sewer weakening, After all, he didn't want it to collapse on him!

 

He was staying at an old Mercenaries Hideout, one that existed before the empire was frozen. According to some old books he had found (preserved through he crystal empire's freeze) The entire group was taken prisoner by Sombra, leaving the place abandoned, and left to town lore. Opening the Iron door, he looked into the darkness that greeted him. 'Great' He thought 'The torches must have burnt out again.' Taking care not to trip over anything, he made his way to the bag on the ground by his hoof. Opening it, he took out a small magical lighter, and lit the first torch up. Placing the lighter back in the bag, he went around the room, lighting the torches.

 

A rat scurried across the ground, away from Soul and the light. 'Filthy Animals...' He thought to himself. Looking around the now-lit hideaway, he walked over to his temporary bed, lied down on it, and started cleaning himself and his armor for the third time that day.

[SilverHeart 741]

@,@@Agent505,  

 

Not much of a talker is he? Silver Heart thought before answering his question. "Well....basically after mixing these together and cauterizing the wound." Silver Heart mumbled the last part, "I'm going to use these for a poultice. It should help to stave off the pain. Now let me see that leg." Silver Heart reached into her saddlebags and produced a vial filled with black powder. She sprinkled a small, thin trail of it along the length of the wound. "Now, this might sting a litt-" She was interrupted by Spring Blossom relaying her most recent orders. Instead of responding right away she sighed. "Alright....thanks for letting me know Blossom."

 

"Um...." Silver Heart looked back, appearing somewhat nervous, "Do you know if he's in a bad mood? I uh, I'd like to be prepared. Oh!" She said the last remark almost as if she had forgotten she was with a patient. Without giving any real warning she cast a small spell. In a (quite literal) flash the black powder erupted, cauterizing the wound. She levitated some linen bandages out of her saddle bags. She rolled out a sizable length about two paces long before cutting it. In one motion she smeared the medical paste onto the wound and wrapped neatly. ​"There you go. Sterilized and dressed. Is there anything else I can do for you?" 

[Agent505 661]

Late morning, still sunny and warm

 

@@00Pony, (OoC: You have permission to control the guard you are with for as long as you are with him, the decision of the warding's state is left to your discretion)

 

Stoic nodded slowly, rising to his feet and stepping away from the table; his guards shunted a couple of the patrons to the side, creating a small hemisphere of room for him to stand. "I need you to go down to the western warding, the pair of stones should be active, but take one of my guards with you to be safe, as I said before they're trained to power them if they're down."

He leaned back, addressing his second guard "Give that nurse five minutes, bring her to me if she comes. If she doesn't, you find her and give her a reason to stay in the medical pavilion against my call." 

Normally it would be hard to tell, with the helm of plate covering all but the eyes of each of the Onyx guard, but it was pretty clear that a smile grew on his face at the command. 

"Sanguine, i'll head down to the southern couple, meet me at the eastern pairing in..." he squinted out the window, looking up into the sky as best he could at his awkward angle "...three hours. That should give us enough time to check everything and leave room for the next step of the plan. I think you'll approve."

Stoic grinned once again, a low growl rumbling out of his throat as he turned from the table, making his way out of the door. 

 

@@SilverHeart, (OoC: As do you, permission is yours to control the guard in the tavern, and while he accompanies you to the wards.)

 

"Well..." the mare began, sitting herself down outside the tent, for a shy pony she sure could develop a sudden casual chatty side "It's Stoic, when is he ever not?" she giggled.

"Doc seemed fine, grumpy as normal, but otherwise... besides, I think he might like you" she winked, suddenly looking around cautiously after she spoke, her ears flattened to her head while picking herself up. "Um, s-sorry...I should...I should get going back, see if Doctor Mercy needs me for anything else."

Edited June 2, 2014 by Agent505

[Dovashy 1,734]

OOC: Finally read it all, and am ready to post. I apologise for the long wait, but here I am...

 

Stellar was late, she cursed angrily under her breath as she took the steps two at a time. Her head raced with worried thoughts, and her heart beat with worry. The Royal Letter had taken its time to get to her, the messenger had struggled to find her as she never stayed in the same place for very long. When he had finally found her, he was puffing, red-faced and a look of relief was plastered across his face. With what little breath he could muster he begged for Stellar to forgive his lateness, and to not tell the Princesses of his failure. He proceeded to tell his life story and how important being a messenger job was, but Stellar was too busy reading the letter to take any of it in. As soon as she saw the date, she galloped as fast as she could all the way to Canterlot, and now here she was. 

 

The guards outside the gate gave her a scornful look, recognising her as the late pony they were most likely ordered to look out for. Stellar smiled weakly back at them, as the gate was opened, and she entered the Royal Hall. The gate shut behind her with an almighty bang, as she gazed around the empty hall. There were chairs set up, but no one sat at them. Nervously, she began to walk closer to the chairs, and then heard noises coming from another room, which broke off the hall. She entered it to find a group of ponies grabbing weapons from racks, and arming themselves. She stood in the entrance gazing at them all, and gulped as she saw one pony brandishing a rapier. She was still puffed from her rush up the stairs, but managed a greeting. 

"Hey, I'm Stellar Nova. I was held up, are the princesses still here?" She hoped she hadn't offended the Royal Sisters, and she really needed to apologise to them in person. She did not want to be thought of as that type of pony, least of all by the Sisters. 

Edited June 2, 2014 by Dovashy

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

Glacier and Swindle.

 

@@00Pony,

@@Agent505,

 

The aqua-hued stallion took another drink - eyes fixed forward so as to give nothing away. He hated doing this, but he was apparently less suspicious looking than his brother.

 

Why shouldn't he be here anyway? A pony was quite entitled to a drink still - he wasn't doing anything wrong! If the soldiers wanted to loudly discuss their plans within earshot... well, that was their decision!

 

Glacier didn't really know what he was listening out for: Swindle had just had a good feeling about this place. Swindle was smart about these things - Glacier didn't question his insight.

 

Deciding that the pony which had just left was probably the one worth listening to, he prepared to leave himself - no sense in sticking around and putting himself in any more danger than was necessary. Finishing his drink, the bulky stallion slipped out of the bar - stopping just outside and slipping to one side, where his twin was waiting.

 

"Ready?" Swindle asked, raising a brow.

 

"Yeah" Answered Glacier. "Still think sneakin' round soldiers is bad news. Can't we go back to the lendin' business? Or bringin in stuff from outside? We could..."

 

"Because..." The lithe brother smirked. "... you never know what ponies will need to know!"

 

He glanced around to ensure they wouldn't be overheard - a fine eavesdropping session it would have been if they gave away more than they learned. "Folks are talking, a lot of ponies have 'disappeared' recently - we might be able to stop that happening! And if we earn a few Bit's in the process... information is power brother!"

[longgone 873]

@,@@Agent505,  

 

Not much of a talker is he? Silver Heart thought before answering his question. "Well....basically after mixing these together and cauterizing the wound." Silver Heart mumbled the last part, "I'm going to use these for a poultice. It should help to stave off the pain. Now let me see that leg." Silver Heart reached into her saddlebags and produced a vial filled with black powder. She sprinkled a small, thin trail of it along the length of the wound. "Now, this might sting a litt-" She was interrupted by Spring Blossom relaying her most recent orders. Instead of responding right away she sighed. "Alright....thanks for letting me know Blossom."

 

"Um...." Silver Heart looked back, appearing somewhat nervous, "Do you know if he's in a bad mood? I uh, I'd like to be prepared. Oh!" She said the last remark almost as if she had forgotten she was with a patient. Without giving any real warning she cast a small spell. In a (quite literal) flash the black powder erupted, cauterizing the wound. She levitated some linen bandages out of her saddle bags. She rolled out a sizable length about two paces long before cutting it. In one motion she smeared the medical paste onto the wound and wrapped neatly. "There you go. Sterilized and dressed. Is there anything else I can do for you?" 

Golden Age grunted at the igniting of the powder. "Aye, y'could answer me this, how will will it take to heal? I ain't exactly ambidextrous...and Lieutenants don't exactly have the luxury of sitting in the rear, unfortunately. Also, isn't there a chance the powder residue will get in the wound? C-could I get gangrene or something?" he said with a hint of fear in his voice on the last part.

[Torrent505 370]

@,

 

Emery relaxed as the wolf moved past him, his relief turned to surprise when it went to the back of the cart and started pushing to help move it. He was able to get the cart moving again through the rather heavy snow without a problem. Once he had it going the wolf stopped pushing and seem to start pacing around him protectively like some trained guard dog. Emery couldn't help but be suspicious, someone had obviously trained this wolf, it could be looking to escort him back into the hooves of waiting guards! It made him nervous but at this point there really wasn't much else he could do other than trust the wolf and deal with the consequences as they came.

 

But they never seemed to come. They short trek back to maintenance outpost 56 was completely uneventful and as Emery got back to the door that would let him sneak the supplies back into the crystal empire he turned to speak to the wolf, "Well buddy, thank you for helping me here. I was a bit worried with my friend missing, and you're a bit scary yourself though I imagine you'd give even Cadence thugs a bit of pause. So I wish I had a way to repay you but I think we part ways here."

 

 

Crystal was so shocked she couldn't move, the pouch of bits landed a foot in front of her with a muffled clatter. It had to be a trick, no pony was that nice to her; if ponies were too nice it usually meant they were lying or wanted to do something bad, like fillynap her. But she didn't see the trick, she didn't see anything wrong with the sack of coins... And the older mare had said she took it from the stallion cause she needed it more and now she was giving it to her cause she needed it more. That made sense right?

 

Crystal Calling's blue aura gripped the bag carefully and then sharply tugged it to her... It bumped into her chest and the coins jingled inside... Nothing else happened, there was no trick, this pegasus was giving her a bag of bits. She felt like crying, but in a good way; she even had to blink tears back. Her voice cracked a little, as she yelled "You're the nicest Pegasusus ever!!" This got the attention of some of the other nearby ponies, who turned to look at the strange little filly yelling in the alleyway. Crystal blushed, and looked skittish under the sudden attention; she backed away from the maintenance cover, Emery had told her a bunch of times other ponies couldn't know about the tunnels or everyone would get in trouble. She didn't know what to do, all these ponies were staring at her; usually nopony ever stared at her, she wanted to run but that would be bad too. She squeezed her eyes shut, shivering and wishing she could disappear.

Edited June 3, 2014 by Torrent505

[00Pony 286]

@@Agent505,@,

 

Sanguine gave a nod of acknowledgement to Stoic, not moving from his own seat as the larger stallion left, "I am filled with a childlike anticipation." He commented in a deadpan manner, despite his curiosity being thoroughly piqued.

 

After Stoic had departed, Sanguine remained where he was for a few moments more, going back to his watching the patrons. The Onyx guard that was still present certainly drew a lot more attention than the compact psychopath did on his own, but he wasn't about to complain. He knew how these ponies could fight.

 

Nothing of interest really happened, beyond a few patrons coming and going. One in particular did catch his eye, a blue coated Crystal stallion of a bulky build. What caught the Crystal assassin's eye was the fact that, despite his being built more sizable than the average Crystal, he did not recognize him from the guard, or a smithy. Or might expect he would have enlisted or been drafted long ago. Sanguine made note of the appearance, filing it away for future reference. One does not simply hold a high rank in the assassin's ward and not be paranoid by just about anything.

 

Sanguine glanced up at the Onyx left with him, who had stood silently at attention since Stoic left. He stood from his chair and made his way over to stand directly in front of the larger pony. Sanguine wasn't by any means impressive in his stature, barely reaching the Onyx guard's shoulders. What he lacked in size however, he made up for in ferocity, cunning and speed.

 

The assassin made eye contact with the larger stallion, maintaining it in unblinking silence for nearly a minute, before grunting, "Glad we understand each other," he said with a wry smirk, "Now come along. I'm sure you know that it is unwise to make Stoic wait, even a minimal amount." He didn't really have to worry about that. A three hour deadline was hardly scratched by a minute long staring contest and a five minute pony watching.

 

All the same, Sanguine left the bar at a swift trot, the Onyx guard following along as a steadier rendition of the same gait. The assassin made it a point to keep his gaze directed towards the ground, only looking up of necessary. One was not without their weakness, and Sanguine's was his suffering from agoraphobia. It wasn't so serious that he couldn't handle being in a social place - he had just left a noisy bar, after all - but more so of disliking such a large, open space as the outside. Heights also were not something he preferred. That was another reason to prefer the night's shroud. Everything felt closer, more compact in the dark.

 

Sanguine's hoof steps were exceptionally quiet against the walkways of the Empire, a skill he picked up from a long life of service in his particular branch of the military, and something that being of a smaller size helped with. The same could not be said for the heavily armored pony accompanying him.

 

The rest of the trek to the wards was uneventful, taking only just below an hour. The path was cleared quickly before them. One plus side to having a member of the Onyx with you. While Sanguine held a high respect for the elite squad and their abilities, they were not exactly conspicuous. Sanguine wore armor - he would be a foolish soldier of any type not to - but it was lightweight and easy to move in, and covered by a simple cloak to hide the insignia emblazoned on the left side of the breast.

 

Sanguine stopped at the base of the nearest ward stone, looking up its length. A decision he instantly regretted as he felt his stomach begin to sink. He quickly looked down before he made a fool of himself and took a deep breath. The stones, much like those visible from the tavern, still had the healthy blue glow about them. But Sanguine was ever on the side of caution and paranoia. He signaled to his Onyx companion as he investigated the intricacies of the grass around his hooves, "Give them a quick buffing, would you kindly? They look healthy enough, but better safe than sorry."

 

Sanguine stayed put as he watched the Onyx's horn glow with the spell, and the subsequent discharge and transfer of magic. To be a Crystal Unicorn would be immensely useful, but Sanguine was what he was, and he was content enough. No point in pining after that which he could not have. But still, to be able to cast a spell and render a target paralyzed would be much more efficient than needing to wrap a bolas around their legs.

 

The Onyx had begun making his way back to Sanguine, and the assassin met him part way, "Now that that's out of the way, let's make our way to Stoic's rendezvous. I would rather be potentially early than mildly late."

 

He took a second, glancing around at the surrounding area to be sure they were as alone as possible, then began to make his way towards the next set of ward stones where he was told to meet.

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

Wind Symphony.

 

@@Torrent505,

 

Symphony started to smirk out of (what she considered misplaced) pride, before she glanced behind her to see what the filly looked so afraid of and sighed. Whatever the kid wanted, she didn't want ponies knowing about it. Raising a hoof to her face, Symphony considered what might be the best course of action: she could cause a distraction, but would the kid take the opportunity? Doubtful - this was going to take something a bit more subtle...

 

"Do you mind?" The mare snarled at the nearest pony in the crowd - loudly enough to ensure she was overheard. Her voice seemingly shifting a few tones. "Spooking my niece like that! Shame on you! Go on! Before I call the guard!"

 

Okay, so it wasn't particularly subtle.

 

The mare stepped forward towards Crystal, holding out a hoof. Eyes flicking occasionally to either side to check for other ponies trying to interfere.

 

"Come on kiddo, lets get you home." She called out clearly, before dropping her voice to little more than a whisper. "I don't know what's down there, but there's got to be a quieter way in."

Edited June 3, 2014 by Cinderscribe

[Ano170 162]

Thanks to the blizzard, Arrow would have normally been easily missed, even if he did stick out with his slightly odd colouration against the white background. However, thanks to the keen eyes of the pegasus circling the two grounded guards, and his goggles covering his eyes from the snowstorm, he was quickly picked out from the crowd, so to speak.   The pegasus landed beside the guards, covering his goggles with his foreleg and then pointing in the direction of the crouching stallion. Unsheathing their relatively small spears from by their sides, the guards spread apart, advancing towards the stallion...

 

(OOC: Sorry for the delay, but now that I'm finally free of school I can join the party. Whoo!)

 

Arrow could feel the cold biting even more into his coat, crouching in the snow, but he forced himself to stay still, sore muscles tensed in preparation. Squinting, he thought he could make out a third blur landing in front of the two other ponies - a pegasus? The blur made some motions, and Arrow felt a sinking feeling in his gut as the ponies began moving towards him.

 

The stallion took a breath, keeping his mind clear. He waited, not daring to move a muscle, as the pegasus and the two spear-wielding guards slowly came into focus. He would have preferred to take the pegasus out first - while the stallion had no obvious arms, there was always the danger he would alert another patrol - however the winged stallion was hanging back, while the grounded guards approached. He would have to try and dispatch of the two spearponies as quickly as possible, then...

 

The two guards were in striking distance now, moving in to flank him. Arrow took a breath, and then like an uncoiled spring he erupted from the snow into the face of the guard on the right. His muscles protested, but Arrow ignored the pain as in one fluid motion he whipped his wings to stir snow up in the face of the guard before him, following it up with an immediate buck to the stallion behind him. His hoof shot up in a punch aimed at the guard in front of him.

 

The punch barely made an impact on collision, hurting Arrow's hoof more than it did the guard's face. Daring a glance behind him, he saw that the buck to the pony behind him had missed completely.

 

The glance backwards was a mistake. Before Arrow could even register what was happening, he felt a blow to his chest that knocked the wind out of him. Crashing onto his back in the snow, he let out a choked gasp as one of the guards pinned a heavy hoof on his chest - for a moment Arrow swore he heard a rib crack. He struggled feebly, but already he knew it was in vain; he was too tired, and the stallion pinning him down too strong. He studied Arrow with cold eyes as he readied his spear...

 

Wait...

 

"I surrender!" 

 

Arrow felt like an idiot for not realising before. The guard said nothing, not even blinking. The spear stayed poised above his head, but he hadn't brought it down on Arrow yet....

 

"I surrender." Arrow repeated, his voice slightly steadier now, but still cracked and hoarse from tiredness, the cold and lack of use. "You're from the city nearby, aren't you? That's...that's where I'm trying to go." It was, Arrow reasoned, where they would be taking him anyway - provided they didn't kill him now of course.

 

Neither the guard pinning him down, nor the one from behind, said anything. However the pegasus from before approached. Behind his goggles, he looked almost incredulous. "What? A lost traveler seeking entry to the Empire?"

 

Arrow nodded, genuinely earnest. "I'll pay any toll! Please..."

 

The pegasus raised an eyebrow. He smirked, exchanging a glance with both guards. "Well, since you asked so nicely...Very well, you heard the stallion, let's take him to the Empire!"

 

The guard raised his hoof from Arrow, but kept his spear trained on the pegasus the entire time. Arrow struggled slowly to his hooves, only to immediately find them being shackled. From behind came a hard shove, and Arrow fell forward - at once a sack was shoved over his head, leaving him blind.

 

"Come on then!" the pegasus guard barked. With a dark chuckle, he put his goggles back on and took the air, maintaining a distance of a few feet in front of Arrow and the two guardsponies as they half-lead, half-shoved him in the direction of the mysterious city he had seen.

 

It was only a few minutes later that the cold and the blizzard seemed to vanish almost as suddenly as they had appeared - yet Arrow was certain they were still outside. He chalked the bizarre weather up to magic as he heard what he supposed was the sound of two gates swinging open. One of the guards pushed him from behind to keep moving, and Arrow did so obediently.

 

He could hear the sounds of ponies in the streets, but they were muted - as if everypony were whispering. Was the sack enchanted perhaps?

 

Finally, there was the sound of two large double doors being swung open. Arrow walked forward into what he assumed -from the echoing hoofsteps - was a large building. Another sudden hard shove - stronger than the last - forced him to his knees, and the sack was lifted from Arrow's head to reveal a grand throne room. 

Edited June 3, 2014 by Ano170

[SilverHeart 741]

Silver Heart

 

@, @@Agent505, 

 

Silver reassuringly patted Golden Age on his shoulder, "You don't need to worry about that, when I let that powder it also sterilized the wound. If you want to wait around here for today a doctor might be able to use magic to heal it for you. Otherwise it should heal by tomorrow or possibly the day after. The herbs were grown and enchanted by the Royal Medical Society of Canterlot. They numb the pain, fight infection, and speed up the healing process. Now I'm afraid I have to go, it isn't healthy to keep Mr. Stoic waiting. Have a good day."

 

Silver Heart walked out of the tent and looked back at Blossom, her ears folded against her head. "Celestia, I hope that's a joke.... I don't think I want to see how that sadist treats his marefriends...." Silver Heart fell awkwardly quiet, unsure of what to say. "I'll...um...I'll talk to you later, hopefully." And with that Silver started walking towards the gates, managing to look back at the relative safety of the Medical Pavillion. 

 

The closer she got to the gates more nervous she became. Stoic had never called for her personally. And as such she had never talked to the stallion by herself. He was unpleasant enough when talking to a group. Had she screwed something up? Maybe he knew that she didn't really want to be here. Did that make her a traitor? Did he intend to make an example out of her? Without realizing it, Silver had walked past the gates and had almost entered the tavern. Instead of walking through the doors, the nurse just stood in front of them. Maybe she could run away. There wasn't anywhere to go but...maybe she could hide in the outskirts of the city...

[IridscentNionios 1,420]

@@Torrent505, "Rebel..." says Lykos once you finish your sentence. Allowing you for a moment to check your senses he speaks once again.

"You're in luck... to be spotted by the right target. You should not dwell alone in the woods. My kind bears no mercy upon you..." he pauses for yet another moment but turns around seemingly looking at the darkness.

"I have a friend that wants to meet you... and the rebellion as well or whatever you call yourselves." he makes low and short howls like a special calling and out of the shadows with a silent step comes Artemis with her cloack and backpack on her back. 

"Greetings... my name is Artemis Featherclaw and this is my friend Lykos. I apologize for my rather peculiar aproach to you but i had to make sure that you were friendly... one can never be sure these days. Do not be alarmed by my companion's sentience... he is an awakened animal... Now before you say anything i am going to say that you want to know if we are friendly correct? Well i hoped us escorting you was a sign enough... i wish to learn more of those that oppose Cadence... perhaps even join them in this. I have long dwelled upon the woods inactive waiting for the right moment... i think it's time i contributed."

[DarkSonic1221 30]

(hey sorry this took so long not sure when my next post will because of finals and work so my next post might not be for a while.)

As Don walked down the street of the city looking for a way into the sewers. Don Grumling to himself "how hard is to it to find one hole into a dirty tunnel. Don had already checked the gutters they were just barely big enough to fit a filly in, and even if Don decided to rip off the grate and make the hole bigger he be arrested by the guards for destroying public property. As Don turn down an alleyway walk a couple steps he stopped and finally letting loose his anger, screamed something unintelligible and then punched the wall leaving a hoofed sized hole in it. Backing away from the new hole he created hoping no pony heard him Don was grabbed from behind. Startled and confused Don struggled getting ready to punch his attacker but then his attacker's spoke "donnie aren't you a sight for sore eyes". Don stop struggling and exclaimed chipper! Chipper let go of Don then said "never thought I'd see you again I was afraid you'd never get my letter". Don embraced his friend and said "don't scare me like that I was a bout to punch your lights out and maybe break A couple ribs". Don was a bout to ask chipper a lot of things like what happened to the rest of the workers at the farm and who burned down the farm. Cipper said before Don could ask any of these. "look I know you have a lot of questions but now's not the time I' show you where I'm living". Moving aside a piece of sheet metal chipper exposed a hole in the wall. It's a bit of a drop so you might want to brace your legs and then jumped down. Don looked down the hole seeing nothing but figuring it was safe because chipper jumped Don braced his legs for an impact and jumped into blackness.

Edited June 3, 2014 by DarkSonic1221