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Post by Zircon on Feb 1, 2012 17:29:49 GMT -5
Early the morning after Zircon had slept inside an abandoned home with Ginger Snap, he had gathered up his personal travel blanket (the one he had initially offered to her) and had snagged three jars of preserved fruit from the cellar, figuring that if nothing else, he could sell them for a meager profit to start himself up in the beginning of his plans. Or.. Well, if they backfired, that is. If it did, it wouldn't be the first time - He's learned by now to have a handy plan for getting out of town if need be.
Zircon had ensured he woke up very early, so it was still relatively dark out. The sky was just starting to lighten from a deep navy to a lighter blue, the sun hadn't completely risen yet. Rather than exiting through the front door, which would likely wake Ginger Snap up, he instead escaped through the back door with the jars he took and made his way up the hill, behind houses, cursing to himself and dashing forward when he heard a door open -- All the farming ponies were already out in the field by now, though there were one or two slow-risers he had to dodge lest he make a bad first impression.
The first place he had to visit to get his plan going in motion was Gear Grinder's workshop. The pony had offered him a job, after all, showing some merit of initiative trust, this was as best a place to start as any.
Walking up to the back of the shop, Zircon's ears perked high in the air as he listened for anything suspicious. He had stashed the jars by now, and wore the blanket over his head like a shawl. Sneaking around to the front of the shop, he ducked down onto all fours, sticking his tail and paws in the snow, after knocking on the door to Gear's shop. If a pony approached him from behind, at least he'd look like any normal (cold) pony under the shawl at first.
"Open up, clumsy pony.." Zircon muttered to himself, teeth chattering. He was freezing!
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Post by gingersnap on Feb 1, 2012 23:24:53 GMT -5
Cold started creeping of her ears again. GingerSnap opened her eyes slowly. Early morning light was streaming through the dusted grimy windows, her joints ached with being on the uncomfortable cold floor as a bed. Yawning, she opened the wood stove and shoved another log in, a few coals still burned a bright orange. She blew on them closing her eyes from the ash catching the fresh log ablaze. With satisfaction to turned to address her new found companion Hey Zee-Looking around the room she saw no sight of Diamond Dog, or any of his belongings for that matter.
Maybe it all was a dream, and it had been so cold last night maybe she was hallucinating. Yeah that had to be it. A Diamond Dog in Hoofington? Sure. She giggled to herself Ginger, you need to get yourself some friends before you go crazy. Then she noticed the wrapper on the floor, and next to it a cleared area of dust from what looked like a dog's tail. Well if he did exist, where was he now?
The chocolate mare searched around the room and decided to venture down into the cellar. A couple jars looked displaced. She ran to the front door and kicked it open. There were dog and pony tracks, but the dog tracks only led in. Then her thoughts wandering back to bad luck pony who slammed into the wall. He must have gone up to Gear's! Well I'll just have to join him so Gear can send my order!Pleased at her critical thinking skills this early in the morning, (during winter no less!)She grabbed her pack and pranced out of the abandoned house. Eager to see Hoofington in daylight.
Stepping out into the brisk air looked through the snow for tracks. A couple wheel treads did indeed head up the hill and a few paw prints led from the back of the house in the same direction. She trotted attempting to steer clear of any thick piles of snow up to the hill until she say a gray lump glaring at the door of a shop.
Good morning, Zee! She grinned and plopped down next to him. Her smile wavering slightly as she realized she had set her flank directly into a snow drift.
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Post by Zircon on Feb 2, 2012 18:46:34 GMT -5
"Good morning, Zee!"
The hairs on the back of Zircon's neck stood up, and his ears flattened as he sharply turned to look at Ginger Snap, supressing his scowl in favor of a surprised smile.
"Ginger-pony! You eh.. woke up. I see. What is that face you are making?" He blinked, peering at her closely.
"Bah-- Well. Clumsy pony must not be awake, so.. eh.." Silently, he cursed to himself. In his head. Alright, so the first footnote of his plan wasn't working out so well... Onto phase B! Zircon turned to face her, pulling the blanket forward so his face was hidden, keeping his tail and paws dunked in the snow so he couldn't be recognized as a pony under the blanket.
"Eh, Ginger-Pony.." Zircon spoke quietly, peering about, "What are your plans? As I am finding it difficult to help local dirty farm-ponies, because I am.. Well, woof-woof." He shrugged, looking back to her, "Maybe if I am helping Ginger-Pony first.. I can show good nature before they chase Zee out with sharp forks and spades!" He grinned brightly, looking toward her hopefully.
..He thought it was better not to mention the vanilla cookies.
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Post by gingersnap on Feb 2, 2012 19:12:00 GMT -5
Bah, it's the snow. Drives this pony crazy. It's cold and solid then it melts into the fur...She paused and smiled sheepishly. Winter's just not my season.
She shook the snow off her hooves as she looked at the door. True it seemed there was no consciousness stirring in the house. The windows still dark and no movement in the shop. It would appear you are correct Zee. I was really hoping to get this order done and over with. She pulled the piece of parchment from her pack and slipped in under Gear's door. Maybe he will be kind enough to give it to the delivery men!
When she looked over the Grey dog had covered himself and dug a bit deeper into the snow. Well..I guess it is much better to be safer She grimaced at imaging how cold his claws could be. My general plan is to fix up that old house! She grinned her eyes sparkling with excitement I love culinary doings! From bakery to beverage I have to learn it all! I have yearned to have my own shop, nothing big but something to showcase my creations. The brown mare now prancing a bit in place.
If you could help me with fixing up the house I could focus more on replenishing my stockpile for my creations! I can't pay you bits just yet but I will make you anything you like! Ginger clapped her front hooves together. And a place to stay!
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Post by Zircon on Feb 2, 2012 20:11:21 GMT -5
Guh! Was this pony asking Zircon to do HONEST work? Like.. actual work? Zircon turned away, scowling visibly at the thought while Ginger Snap couldn't see. "Eugh.. Is-- Is sounding like difficult work, Ginger Pony.." He muttered, lifting a paw briefly to huff hot air over the frozen limb.
"..Will agree on one condition! No working for free, yes? Is not smart.. But cannot stand to let Ginger-Pony work all by herself, yes?" Zircon smiled, eyes tilting upward, lifting a chilled paw to lightly pat her head before dunking in back into the snow, "Conditions are Vanilla sweets now, bits later. Payment is fair, yes?" He tilted his head.
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Post by gingersnap on Feb 2, 2012 20:39:05 GMT -5
Ginger's ears drooped and her smile fadedI know it's difficult, but isn't that what makes plans worth while? she kicked a clump of snow displaced to near her.
As Zircon's paw ruffled her mane she smiled widely. Launching herself at the Daimond dog she hung onto his neck. You got it Zee! THANK YOU! Overjoyed she giggled, then paused realizing she was hugging a Diamond dog and didn't know if that was appropriate where he was from. Letting go she plopped into the snow and smiled embarassed..Sorry...uhm...Little pony, big emotion.
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Post by Zircon on Feb 2, 2012 20:57:10 GMT -5
Reeling back, Zircon's blanket nearly slipped off as his paws lifted, face screwing up in a look caught in surprise, shock, and very mild disgust. He twitched softly as the pony hung from his neck and-- Believe it or not --that was his first ever hug.
..It wasn't all it was cracked up to be.
"Ehh.." He hesitated, the corners of his mouth twitching up in a crooked smile, "..Never happened before. Is good if not happen for a while, yes?" His eye twitched, placing a paw over his heart to pat his chest a few times, "Not so good surprise.. for this.."
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Post by gingersnap on Feb 2, 2012 21:02:18 GMT -5
Ginger nodded her cheeks tinged a bit red. Sorry again, just a force of habit. Won't happen again. She looked around the sun nearing the mid point in the sky. Clearing her throat Shall we head back to the house and see what needs to be done? Still there was no movement inside the shop and her hooves were starting to get cold. Along with her eagerness to get to work and the cold Ginger couldn't help but fidget.
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Post by Zircon on Feb 2, 2012 21:15:06 GMT -5
With a soft shudder running up his back, he was thoroughly sure that any more time spent in the snow, and his paws were going to submit to gangrene or frostbite or something of the sort. He pulled his blanket closer around his shoulders, tail digging a circle in the snow in an agitated swirl, though he remained smiling just peachy at Ginger Snap.
"As the Ginger-Pony says! Lots of.." His smile lessened, "..work."
"After Ginger-Pony, Yes..?"
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Post by gingersnap on Feb 2, 2012 21:53:27 GMT -5
GingerSnap grinned and began hopping about the path they had come up So Mr. Zee where is the rest of your pack? I assumed all Dogs lived in packs.She babbled looking at branches stripped naked against the sky until Spring would arrive.
From her recollection of what she noticed of the house this morning it hadn't looked too bad, but she would have to go retrieve the rest of her bits if Zircon desired that as a payment. As the reached the clearing of the house she smiled, the house didn't look shabby one bit, maybe a new coat of paint on the outside, she would definitely need a sign. All proper shops had signs. Her eyes stole a quick look at the Diamond Dog wrapped in his blanket. He wasn't of the cuddly variety that was a positive. Maybe after a few days of full bellies and work he might warm up. But then again...she had never known a Diamond Dog before. What are your plans, Zee?
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Post by Zircon on Feb 2, 2012 22:10:13 GMT -5
"Had pack, but eh.." Zircon followed Ginger Snap, eager to get back in the house to warm his paws. In fact, after his statement trailed off, he hadn't picked it up again until they reached the house - And while she was appraising the outside, he quickly hurried back into the dusty house, almost immediately curling up in front of the fire.
Eyes rolling back into his head, before closing, he gave a long, drawn-out shudder of relief as he felt almost as if his paws were going to melt right off of his limbs.
"..As Zee was saying -- I had a pack, yes.. But they are still angry, sore over it all." He nodded, tossing his blanket aside to try to dry some, rubbing his paws together, "Zee was the only one who wanted to make friends with ponies! So Zee is not allowed to have a pack anymore." He sighed softly, ears drooping as his eyes cast down to the ground.
"Plan? Plan was to.. Find pony town, make friends, help ponies. Show that not all dogs are bad! Is very tough plan. No ponies stopped to hear Zee, and instead chase away at first sight."
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Post by gingersnap on Feb 2, 2012 22:34:04 GMT -5
Ginger smiled as Zee curled up. The house on the inside was in need of a good washing up, But first a nice hot drink to warm up their insides would be the best bet. Digging into her pack she found a small bag of dried leaves. Sniffing she shook her head and placed it back as Zee told her his story and plans.So you had to leave because you wanted to make friends? That's awful! She pulled out another pack more aromatic then the first she sniffed it and smiled softly. Grabbing a dusty blue kettle from one of the cupboards she filled it with water from the tap. Balancing the kettle on her head she grabbed to mugs and carefully walked to the stove. Well if you introduced yourself the way you did to me it is no wonder, Zee. You're appearance can be rather....intimidating? Placing the kettle ontop of the stove she dumped the packet into the kettle. Soon the room filled with the smell of cinnamon and chocolate.
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Post by sonofifrit on Feb 4, 2012 22:37:01 GMT -5
Gear began to stir from his slumber after having a good sleep. He got out of bed and Went towards the bathroom to freshen up. After doing so he went and made some toast with jam, and a glass of orange juice. He set the stuff down on a table in the kitchen, nearby was a record player and a set of records nearby. He placed a record on the player and began listening to a piece of jazz music. "Now....what to do today?" he said to himself as he began eating the toast. Then he remembered about the caravan coming in. "Oh that's right I forgot about that they were coming." he quickly finished the toast, turned off the record player and went downstairs to the front door, he noticed the piece of paper on the ground and saw that it was a delivery note. He kept it with him and unlocked the door. He went outside and locked it again, he made his way to the center of town enjoying the weather. He went to the house of Zee and Ginger as he knocked on the door.
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Post by Zircon on Feb 4, 2012 22:43:47 GMT -5
"Worse things have happened, yes?" Zircon quirked a brow, one ear flopping as he looked over at Ginger Snap, "Will be even better victory when I show them friendship can be made!"
'...And gems. Lots of gems.' He thought to himself, bringing a pleasant smile to his face.
"Zee cannot help how he is looking! Can he? This is why Zee is needing Ginger-Pony's help." He explained. Now with warm paws, he rolled over onto his back, holding his feet up to the stove so they, too, could warm, and he picked at his claws in the meantime whilst watching Ginger Snap brew something up.
"If dirty farm-ponies see Zee is nice, and Zee has earned Ginger-Pony's trust, other ponies won't judge Zee by looks! This is what Zee is hoping for.. Will Ginger-Pony help?" He asked, cocking his head to the side at her.
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Post by gingersnap on Feb 5, 2012 0:01:25 GMT -5
Of course! After all It would probably take me until next year to get this place up and running without you. She took the kettle and carefully poured the drink into each mug. Although if you really want to start making a better impression I suggest stop addressing them as "dirty"Sh nudged the mug closer to Zircon who was now holding this paws up to the heat.
To future endeavors and a long friendship!She held her mug up. Steam flowing from the top a wide grin spread across her face. She began taking a long drink from the mug when a knock at the door startled her. Well I guess it's time to get down to business. Setting her mug down she trotted over to the door and pulled it open revealing Gear. Congratulations for learning the door!
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