New in Town (Open to Everypony)

[nebula]

Nebula wondered around the small town of Hooftington. It was an unusually sunny day in the city, but nonetheless still very cold. The sun's rays made the snow crystals sparkle on every surface. He smiled in appreciation as he passed by the small houses and shops of the town. Despite the small size, Hoofington was hustling and bustling thanks to how tight the community was. Workers of all sorts knew one another. However, as of recently Nebula had noticed he alone wasn't one of the only ponies who blew into this small town.

There sure weren't a lot of new faces until recently from my understanding...I guess I should get to know the other ponies regardless.

As Nebula walked around town, he saw all sorts of citizens: Farmers, shopkeepers, restaurant owners, mares, stallions, fillies, and colts. Every time he came into a new town, he would marvel at its inhabitants, nopony was dull or uninteresting. They were just fantastic. Nebula continued to trot happily, looking around until he ended up ramming into another pony's behind on accident.

((cue: Hoofington resident ))

[thepatriot]

Quillson had already spent most of his day out and about Hoofington, trying to get some writing done. The weather had been kind enough to keep water from falling, so the outdoor experience was refreshing and much enjoyed. The sun was out, glimmering brightly across the snow covered fields and rooftops. All the more excuse for Quill to be wearing his sunglasses that day. The stallion walked down the road through town, in an attempt to return to his friend's shop. Seemed like more often than not that's where he and the others would get together anymore.

He decidedly slowed his pace, taking in the ever wonderful sights of the town. He never got old of how beautifully quaint and homely it was. Hoofington was certainly one of his favorite places to visit.

Just as he passed the old bookstore, Quillson's wandering thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a collision from behind. It happened so abruptly he didn't have time to react well, as his gold colored sunglasses were knocked form his face.

"Oh sheesh..." he mumbled to himself, bending down to pick up the pair of glasses. He immediately realized he had probably slowed down in front of somepony, causing them to run into him. Quickly he replaced the sunglasses on his face, turning around.

"I'm so sorry about that. I didn't mean to get in your way." He offered out an apologetic smile, looking over this pony. He thought he'd seen the orange unicorn before, perhaps in one of the shops as he passed earlier in the week. But the time was for introductions! He'd probably met half the town, which wasn't nearly enough by this point.

"I don't believe we've met. I'm Quillson Oatswrite. Sorry again for that little incident. I'm not usually so inattentive."" Quill reached out a front hoof to shake, keeping eye contact with the Unicorn. He normally didn't have a problem with paying attention... probably just more consequence from his "situation"...

[nebula]

The collision had knocked Nebula onto his rump, causing him to look up at who he had hit. It appeared to be a distinguished stallion of the earth pony sort. His size had paled in comparison to any typical earth pony, as he had a lean figure thanks to his cardiovascular athleticism. He got up and lowered his head with a slight bow.

"No, no. A thousand pardons, it is my fault. I simply wasn't looking where I was going. " He worried that his speech was too formal, but attempted to carry on as continued. The earth pony smiled apologetically and as Nebula raised his head, the earth pony introduced himself as "Quillson Oatswrite." Strange...I've heard that name before...well, at least that surname.

Nebula got up and further surveyed this "Quillson Oatswrite." Why did this stallion seem so familiar? The answer popped in his head immediately as the name rang a bell. However, Nebula figured it would be rude not to introduce himself first before jumping to a conclusion:

"Hello there, Mr. Oatswrite. I am Nebula. I am fairly new to the community of Hoofington, and I basically have no idea where I am going at the moment -- well, I'm sure you could tell from my last endeavor just a couple of moments ago," Nebula stated as he blinked a couple times before starting his next sentence.

"Forgive me if I sound jarring, but, I have to ask. You wouldn't be related to the oat distributors from Manehattan are you, Mr. Oatswrite?"

[thepatriot]

Quillson looked the unicorn over a few times. Maybe it was his color, that could be it. His orange was so bright one couldn't help but take a second look. Making sure not to stare too long (though it certainly didn't matter with his shades on) he returned his attention to pony's face. Quill nodded in recognition as the other stallion began to speak.

Nebula, now there was an interesting name. The relation to space flickered in Quill's head a moment. More flashes of the past... What was it about this town that had his mind going? Everywhere he went there was something else to bring him back. But now wasn't the time for circled thought, there was a new pony to meet!

He let out a slight chuckle at Nebula's mention of their run-in and waited for him to continue. As the unicorn mentioned his family, Quillson turned his head a bit as if in embarrassment. "Please, there's no need for such formalities. You can just call me Quillson." He smiled again at Nebula before continuing. "And yes, my parents run the family business so to speak. I'm not a big part of the oat-works anymore though."

Nebula was the first pony to actually recognize his family name. It hadn't really mattered to Quill, but for some reason being associated with the family business felt wrong to him. Bad even. Perhaps it had to do with a lack of recognition for his works, but no matter. He had no control over something like that.

"I'm fairly new to Hoofington myself, only been here just a few weeks. Are you enjoying yourself so far?"

[nebula]

Nebula smiled as Quillson acknowledged his family's legacy. Well, he's certainly different than his family, that's for sure. They're always so formal and he seems so outgoing... He pondered on the thought for second until Quillson mentioned to call him by first name.

The formalities were usually of out respect of course, as Nebula had been from Canterlot and raised into stuffy family who treated him like a stranger. But that was long gone. He was now a free stallion, one who could roam the planet to his heart's content.

"Why thank you, Quillson. Regardless of not being in the business, its still nice to meet a friendly face of the family. It was more along the lines that my adoptive father would golf with yours during casual outings...er, but that's not important. What is important though is that yes, I love it here. This town is so secluded and away from everything that's been going on since the incidents." Nebula shifted his head around to figure out if nopony was looking. But judging his own appearance, this would prove difficult. The Cult's been getting...more active. But I can't just tell a random pony about it. Even if it is a member of the Oatswrite family.

"Any who, um...I still like this town because its away from the complicated cities like Filly and Canterlot..." Nebula's voice began to crack, in a sort of nerve-wracking way.

[thepatriot]

Quillson nodded in thought and agreement as the Unicorn spoke. Though the notion towards Nebula's adoptive father knowing his own left Quill in a bit of a ponder. Would he know Nebula's father? He might, considering all of the events and get-togethers held at his own home and across the city's elite. Hay, he may even have met Nebula himself at some point in the past. But perhaps such inquiries should be kept for a later time.

What got at Quill the most was Nebula's sudden avoidance after the use of the word "incidents". What incidents could he be referring to? Did he know something about the giant spider? Or perhaps the ritual being cast in the forest to the east? And if so, why did he try and keep that knowledge from him? Quillson thought for a second or two, trying to figure the best way to approach the situation.

One one hoof Nebula may just be trying to keep gossip or wild ideas from spreading. He may not even know anything on such wild topics at all, and be referring to something completely different. Or maybe he had slipped up and revealed something about himself better kept secret... The possibilities were endless, but Quill knew better than to let speculation get the best of him. Everypony deserved a chance, and not everyone was up to sinister actions. Nebula deserved the benefit of the doubt. (Until proven otherwise...)

"I'm glad you've found the town accommodating! I completely agree, it's so starkly different from the big cities across Equestria. You can really forget the stress of the world out here."

Better to let the topic sit for a while, no sense in becoming interrogative to this other pony.

"Before you had mentioned that your father, or rather adoptive father, knew mine. Do you mind sharing on who he is? I don't mean to sound abrasive, I'm just curious is all. Chance could be that we've met sometime before!"

[nebula]

Quillson had looked at him curiously as he mentioned the word "incidents." Did Quillson know about the cult's activities as well? Was he involved with the likes of their ranks? Or did he just find Nebula a strange pony, like everypony else? Whatever the case, Quillson just responded friendly-like. Nebula continued to think on the whole matter for a few seconds until his thoughts were interrupted by Quillson's question, asking if these two had known each other when they were young.

"Oh, well, actually...I came from a family of Lazuli, one of the more well-known mining companies in Equestria. My 'father,' Lathe Lazuli had always been social with big business owners like your dad, so he spent a lot of time having a 'stallion's outing,' I guess. But now that you mention it...I believe there was one time where we were invited to the Oatswrite estate. It was an elaborate party where many Manehattan aristocrats were celebrating his birthday...I think..."

Nebula looked up to the sky, thinking back as to what happened that day, closing his eyes. He clearly remembered that he was quite young, his two older siblings had been allowed to play with the other foals, but he had to stay behind, as he wasn't considered a legitimate member of the family. He was more along the lines of a house guest -- with limited privileges. Nebula bit his lip from as the flashback played back clearly in his head.

Suddenly, though, a familiar face showed up. It was blurry at first, but it became clearer as he thought about it further. He was stuck next to Lathe and as he was conversing with a mare, standing next to her was a shy foal with a black muzzle. Could it be? His eyes snapped back open and he looked Quillson straight on with his mouth slightly agape. It transitioned into a smile and the unicorn finally spoke:

"Holy moly! I do know you after all! You were right next to your mother when she was having a conversation with my father!" Nebula couldn't have been more excited! This had to be fate, he could just feel it in his hooves. No knowledge had ever felt this amusing to learn since he learned about magic.

[thepatriot]

He listened carefully while the unicorn spoke, relaying the familial information of his past. His own father and mother had known so many different ponies through business, Quillson had never been able to keep track of them all at his young age. Of course a few families had stuck out who he stayed in close contact with, but Nebula himself didn't ring any bells.

Nebula mentioned a party, which sadly didn't narrow too much down for Quillson. It was as if every other weekend there was some form of get together at his family's estate. The orange stallion seemed to pause as if in thought, perhaps remembering back to the event. He noticed Nebula's face change, biting his lip. Quill wondered just what that could mean. Hopefully the memory wasn't a painful one. He'd feel horrible for bringing somepony to think on such distasteful thoughts.

The orange unicorn's sudden burst of excitement relieved Quill. Good, he hadn't upset this newcomer. Not only that but Nebula seemed convinced to have met him before. The white stallion let off a slight smile at his conversational partner's new found enjoyment.

"Well that's wonderful! I hate to say it, but I can't pull you out from my memories. I presume you looked much like you do now, only smaller. However events like the one where you apparently saw me were far too common in my foalhood."

He switched back to a normal expression, bowing his head slightly in apology. It was too bad he couldn't recall Nebula's face. He would have enjoyed in the comradery of remembering the past.

[nebula]

"Ah well, you don't have to worry 'bout it. I've got it all up here," said Nebula enthusiastically as he tapped his noggin with a hoof. I guess it helps to have a photographic memory. Nebula turned his head from side to side and looked back at Quillson, who had still had his sunglasses on. The sun had still been bright, of course. His enthusiasm transitioned into a more stern facial expression as inhaled. The cult still bothers me, a bit...Maybe I should bring it up...not right away though. That might make me seem like I'm nuts.

"Quillson, just as a favor, I was wondering if you could you should show me around town. I mean, despite not being here long as well, you seem to know your way around Hoofington better than I do. ...Well, considering I just bumped into somepony without a care." He didn't know too much about the Cult of the Eclipse. He didn't know if there were ponies undercover or what kind of an individual the leader was. However, he did know that they were recruiting any pony they found useful along with gossip about Whitetail Wood and the mysterious light.

Could he trust Quillson? There was only one way to find out. Even if he did work for the cult, Quillson would try anything in public. In broad daylight, no less. But hopefully he could get to know more about Quillson as they would walk around town. Nebula had to be careful what he said. Anypony could be working for them. But Nebula himself stayed relaxed and focused on the important task at hoof: Making a friend.

[thepatriot]

Nodding as Nebula made a gesture towards his head, Quillson began taking small glances around the area. The town itself seemed to be relatively quiet that day, which made it all the better for outdoor conversation. Not only would they have the audio levels to talk comfortably, but they wouldn't have been bothering anypony else with their discussions. He returned his hidden gaze back to Nebula as the unicorn continued speaking.

"Well, I would be happy to show you around town. I've gotten pretty used to how things are set up around here over the past few weeks." He placed the grin on his face, taking a pause from speech. It would be great walking around town and talking with pony. Quill knew he would be away in a few days, and it would have been a shame not meeting Nebula. "I guess I'll just start with what's around here."

He turned around, raising a hoof towards one of the buildings he had recently passed. "Friend of mine owns that bookstore there. Though I haven't seen him around in a while. I'm sure he's just busy is all..." He turned back to Nebula, pointing over towards a building little down the way. "Over there's the clinic, just in case you ever need any medical attention. Hopefully something like that won't ever happen, but better safe than sorry." He offered another small smile before turning to face down the road. Turning his head back towards Nebula, he began slowly walking forward.

"The road cuts through town in a large U shape, starting here and curving back around down that way." He finished that sentence with a slight toss of his head in the road's direction. "I'll keep pointing out places I know along the way, but was there anything or any place you wanted to see in particular?"

[nebula]

There aren't many that ponies around town today. But its SO nice outside! But then again, Nebula had been one to walk everywhere without any protective winter gear when it was cold. He had traversed across many different terrains, experiencing many different climate shifts. In hindsight, this was no matter. They passed the bookstore, Quillson mentioned something about the owner being busy; a minute detail. The two of them also passed the medical clinic, which wasn't surprising considering the town had been on the edge of the Everfree Forest.

But the thought of the Cult's activities lingered in his head as he continued to tour the town. Nebula attempted to distract these thoughts, by looking around at the establishments Hoofington had to offer and as Quillson asked him about a particular place to visit, an idea popped into his head.

"...er, normally I know this would awkward, only because we just met and all. But Quillson, I was wondering if there was a place we could go to talk. There's just something I need to get off my chest..."

[thepatriot]

Quillson stopped his walking, turning to look at Nebula. Had he just asked to go and talk somewhere more private? Something like this wouldn't normally be strange, other than the fact that they were near strangers. What could he have to say to him? The unicorn had just mentioned his family... so perhaps he had something to say from them? Or maybe about them? Luckily the stallion had his glasses on, so any looks of puzzlement and confusion were hidden.

After this mere moment of thought Quill answered. "Well, I have a room at the inn. I haven't really been 'staying' there, but it's still reserved under my name. It'll be plenty private." Something felt odd about this conversation. Quill was still unsure on what he would have to say, but perhaps it wasn't something to be displayed in front of his two friends.

"Here, the inn's this way. I'll take us straight there."

Quillson started back down the road, turning his head away from Nebula to keep track of his movement. He didn't want to run into anypony else on the road. Without looking back he decided to try and pull a little bit more information from the other pony. "So, what's all this about? I mean, is it something you came here to tell me specifically??"

[nebula]

Nebula nodded as the two headed for the Hoofington Inn. His concern hadn't bothered him this much before, but something seemed to tell him that it was alright to trust Quillson, as if he had encountered them before. Or perhaps it was his sociable vibe that drove him to be as open as he was to begin with? Whatever the case, Nebula hoped he was making the right decision by telling him.

However, something was suddenly off. Quillson stopped, causing Nebula to do so as well. What was going on? Then, the Earth Pony spoke. His tone was that of concern and Nebula decided to go out with it.

"Well, Quillson, I know this is probably going to sound funny, but it seems like there have been 'events' at hand. I mean, they're just rumors but it seems like there's this group called the 'Cult of the Eclipse...' Now I'm going to level with you. That sounds really crazy, but based from how long its been since you've been home and you do seem to have a familiar air about you as a traveler...but surely you've been hearing about some strange events scattered about Equestria?"

The expression on his face was stern. He did not flare a nostril at the fact that this was an entirely serious issue. He would only tell somepony like Quillson because he felt right entrusting him with the information in the first place.