Baxter
Diamond Dogs
High Templar Winter Wolf
"Wars are not won by the weak-willed."
Posts: 238
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Post by Baxter on Nov 2, 2012 17:52:42 GMT -5
They had to be close to Fillydelphia by now.
Baxter wasn’t sure how long the group had been travelling, mostly thanks to his tired and exhausted state, but they had to have been walking for some time. The party was composed of Baxter, Ice Fang, and several diamond dogs, all of which were currently making their way underground through the tunnels toward their destination. Maxime and Sammie, the two female dogs from earlier, were with them, though Baxter avoided eye contact. Not that it was hard. Right now it was difficult enough to concentrate on anything.
The group had set off from Ponyville earlier in the day, shortly after Baxter had received his ‘punishment’, some twenty-something public lashings. They were the consequence of Baxter’s actions from the previous evening. He had been stupid and let magical artifacts influence his thinking, and soon enough he had unwittingly unleashed some band of powerful, marble warriors onto the Diamond Dog encampment. They were destroyed now, but numerous diamond dogs were also dead. The stinging pain on his back was now just another reminder of what he had done. At least the bleeding had stopped.
The wolf was already beaten and bruised as it was, and the guilt hanging over his head only further weighed him down. This, along with not having any sleep in a full day, had set his mind adrift for most of their trip. Sometimes it would float around the events that led up to his situation, mocking him by pointing out what he should have done. Other times it would dance towards the images of dead dogs slaughtered by the marble warriors, brutally slashed or skewered with arrows. And often it would just idly sit there, not directing his thoughts to anything in particular.
This had left Baxter disconnectedly staring into space during their time in the tunnels. The entire trip was a droned blur of indecipherable length. He had kept close to Ice Fang, and for good reason. Baxter knew how the dogs felt about him. Being left alone with them was a bad situation waiting to happen, for multiple reasons. Baxter didn’t even want to entertain some of them.
Hopefully they would be at Fillydelphia soon.
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Post by Red Charge on Nov 4, 2012 9:32:10 GMT -5
Sammie and Maxime were walking slightly behind them, along with the rest of the Diamond Dog entourage, surrounding them from all over. They were conversing among each other mostly. Baxter could occasionally pick up that they were talking about being excited to be on Ice Fang's unit now. Wondering if they'd get transferred to Malachite, wondering if their cousin and third brother were alright from their injuries last night and then moving on to discuss more trivial things such as where they could find gem polishing equipment or a comb.
To Baxter's left walked Ice Fang, acting distant from Baxter. He knew it was just an act for now, he had to pretend, at least until they lost this specific group of Diamond Dogs. After all, most of them had relatives that got killed by those chess troopers. However they were almost at Fillydelphia, there he would have no problem finding an apartment to sit in and perhaps take out his frustrations on any pony family residing there with no fear of retaliation.
Ice Fang also seemed deep in thought, perhaps planning his say for when the General meeting started later that evening. Either way Baxter had the rest of the day to rest after they'd reach Fillydelphia.
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Baxter
Diamond Dogs
High Templar Winter Wolf
"Wars are not won by the weak-willed."
Posts: 238
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Post by Baxter on Nov 4, 2012 13:01:39 GMT -5
Baxter broke off from his distracted state of mind to look over at Ice Fang. His demeanor was unwelcoming, as if he was still upset with what Baxter had caused the previous evening. The archer knew it was an act, meant to keep the diamond dogs satisfied with Baxter’s punishment and new lowliness, but seeing the other wolf act this way still anchored down Baxter’s spirits. He knew Ice Fang was mostly just disappointed in him, which was bad enough, but seeing that look of anger on the other wolf’s face earlier, no matter how fake it was, had been the worst part of the entire experience. The dogs’ opinions were nothing compared to what Ice Fang thought of him.
Baxter continued looking nervously at the other wolf, his throat suddenly dry. He was afraid to say anything, afraid of how Ice Fang might react, regardless of if it was a front. Plus Ice Fang seemed to be concentrating on something, and Baxter wasn’t sure whether he wanted to interrupt the other wolf’s thoughts. Baxter looked around him, finding only the diamond dogs that were accompanying them and Sammie and Maxime. He moved his eyes to the ground in front of him, but quickly found himself thinking of the numerous dogs he had just seen, all of which hated him, and how terribly alone he really was right now.
In an attempt to pull himself away from the thoughts, Baxter finally worked up enough courage to say something to Ice Fang. “Is there somewhere you want me to be once we get to Fillydelphia?” The question was neutral enough, asked more to move Baxter’s focus than to get an answer. Regardless, what Baxter really wanted right now was a bed, and he still felt the need for some sort of confirmation from Ice Fang before doing anything else.
Baxter didn’t dare ask the one question that was really picking at his mind, though: if he could remove the collar around his neck once they got to Fillydelphia. He hated the thing, how humiliating and lowly it made him feel. But to ask if he could remove it, if any of the dogs found out Ice Fang’s true sympathies for Baxter, it would jeopardize both their safeties. The archer would rather continue wearing the infernal thing than risk the consequences of a straight answer.
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Post by Red Charge on Nov 4, 2012 13:10:37 GMT -5
"No," Ice Fang grunted in return, "But don't cause any trouble, and get back in time for the General assembly. Bother some ponies if you don't have anything better to do." The winter wolf continued walking at a normal pace, not turning to look at his 'servant'. "And take my new bow to be polished, I want it glowing when I get it back, or I'll have you run naked on fours in front of the other Generals."
Other than his combat prowess, if there was anything that could be said of Ice Fang, was that he was in control. He never gave away any sign that he was acting, nor did he indicate at all whether he meant what he was saying or was it another part of the act. "I'll have dogs watching you." He added as a last threat.
The other dogs were listening intently, including Maxime and Sammie. Sammie seemed to think Baxter deserved the way he was treated, Maxime however had an expression of dismay, as though thinking Baxter has been humiliated enough already.
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Baxter
Diamond Dogs
High Templar Winter Wolf
"Wars are not won by the weak-willed."
Posts: 238
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Post by Baxter on Nov 4, 2012 13:41:46 GMT -5
Baxter felt like he was shrinking as he listened to Ice Fang's response. He should have expected the cold brutality of the other wolf's words. They felt so natural that Baxter had begun to think that if he didn't have the bow polished he really would be running naked for the generals. The archer wasn't sure what to believe or how far Ice Fang would really take the act. His current behavior was in such stark contrast to how he had behaved earlier. The wolf that had saved Baxter from being torn apart by the dogs and offered to return the bow once they got to Fillydelphia was now giving him commands and threatening more punishment.
"Understood," Baxter said simply. He wasn't sure whether he would actually find himself polishing the bow later on, but decided that the message could be deciphered later. For now he kept his eyes ahead of him, though he did take half a second to glance back at Maxime and Sammie. Sammie of course looked content with Baxter's humiliation, but Maxime... didn't? She looked like she might actually be disliking Baxter's current treatment. The wolf blinked in confusion. He found her expression, the image now burned into his brain, puzzling. What had he done to earn her pity? If anything, he had rubbed her the wrong way.
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Post by Red Charge on Nov 4, 2012 13:48:30 GMT -5
However, neither Maxime nor Sammie said anything after that point. Not until they finally reached the exit leading right to the entrance of Fillydelphia. The once beautiful city now looked like a warzone. Whatever resistance the Diamond Dogs faced before, was pushed back to the other side of town. As Ice Fang led them through the streets they could see scared pony faces peeking through the curtains. Some were angry, others just frightened, some openly defiant. But Diamond Dog patrols roamed all over the place, it was obvious who was in charge of this portion of the city now.
Baxter could see, as they passed a local restaurant that several dogs were eating what appeared to be freshly cooked meat. Whether animal or... pony it was unclear. Ice Fang quickly departed towards the staging area where the generals were probably gathered. Sammie and Maxime went to join the Gem Tender area to resupply and polish their gems. Baxter was left to his own devices, free to terrorize ponies if he wished, or just find an empty apartment to relax in. Perhaps he could locate a quartermaster before his name spread around and try and negotiate for polishing materials for the bow, or otherwise a new set of armor (His own was not returned to him).
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Baxter
Diamond Dogs
High Templar Winter Wolf
"Wars are not won by the weak-willed."
Posts: 238
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Post by Baxter on Nov 4, 2012 14:29:41 GMT -5
The presence of a war was much more evident here than it had been in Ponyville. Baxter could see pony faces peeking through the windows, Diamond Dog patrols keeping them from daring to venture outside regardless of how defiant they looked. Unlike Ponyville, there was still resistance here, even if it was all but pushed back to its last leg.
Soon enough, Ice Fang and the other dogs that had traveled with them had scattered to go about their own business. Baxter was left on his own. He knew what he wanted to do: find a bed. But as he held the bow Ice Fang had left him with, the other wolf's order echoed in his head. The bow polishing was likely part of the act. Well, it had to have been, but Baxter wasn't sure how accountable he was actually going to be held. If Ice Fang was actually expecting Baxter to get the bow polished and found out that Baxter had been sleeping instead, it would not bode well for the archer. But then again, if Ice Fang had never actually meant for Baxter to polish the bow, and decided to let him keep it, and some of the dogs found out that he had not only kept the bow but gotten it polished...
Baxter shook his head free from the train of thought. There were too many what-ifs for that line of thinking. Any of the dogs that had gone with them in the tunnel would have heard Ice Fang ordering Baxter to polish the bow. And any that hadn't been with them but found out about what Baxter had done later, they wouldn't know that the bow wasn't polished in the first place. Besides, Baxter would rather put up with some dumb dogs upset that he had gotten a bow polished than face more of Ice Fang's anger, real or not.
So Baxter would need to find something to polish the bow with, which meant finding a quartermaster. Getting to one before word of what happened the previous evening was a bigger priority than sleep right now. If he had gone through everything up to this point, he could last a short while longer without sleep. Also, if he was visiting a quartermaster, he might even be able to get some replacement armor. The wolf began walking down the wrecked streets of the city, scanning for anything remotely close to what he was looking for.
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Post by Red Charge on Nov 4, 2012 14:36:43 GMT -5
And he spotted one not far away handing out swords and armor for new arrivals, these were not the same Diamond Dogs that were with him in Ponyville, so Baxter could safely assume they came directly from the packs. He noticed that most swords handed out were second hand, refitted from pony swords to fit the Diamond Dogs claws. The armor was mostly just battered breastplates and refitted pony armor. It would be far easier to restructure pony armor, despite lowering its integrity, than forging all new armor for new recruits, which were practically cannon fodder. The Quartermaster was a stern but kindly looking wolfhound, giving an encouraging wink to some of the new, scared recruits, telling them war stories of how he got the array of scars covering his body and how this war is practically won with Blackmane besieging Canterlot and all the major settlements entrenched. His assistant, his own progeny, possibly, merely a cub was handing out some cider to the soldiers. "Honey and apple warm cider!" He called to them as he handed them the drink.
After a while the line of new recruits dwindled, and noticing Baxter, the wolfhound called over, "Come 'ere and let's take a look at ya!" He beckoned the Winter Wolf forwards. "What can I do ya for?"
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Baxter
Diamond Dogs
High Templar Winter Wolf
"Wars are not won by the weak-willed."
Posts: 238
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Post by Baxter on Nov 4, 2012 15:01:31 GMT -5
Baxter quickly spotted such a quartermaster giving swords and armor to a line of diamond dogs. They all looked to be new recruits, fresh from the packs. Which also meant they wouldn't know about what had happened in Ponyville, yet. Baxter approached the line, standing a short distance away and examining the items the wolfhound was handing out. The swords, the armor, they weren't high quality to say the least. They all looked like they had been refurbished from pony equpiment. To assume he would be getting armor anywhere near the quality of his previous set was wishful thinking.
Soon enough the line of recruits had shortened and the wolfhound had called Baxter forwards. "I need something to polish a bow," he said, deciding not to go into details. The less questions he had to answer about the situation the better. "And I don't suppose you have any armor more suitable for an archer. Something lighter and more maneuverable." Baxter was beginning to have doubts as to whether the quartermaster would be able to fulfill his second request, or even the first. The invasion seemed to be an almost entirely melee-based affair. Of course there were some dogs who were using combative gems too, but... Baxter couldn't even remember seeing any other archers among the diamond dogs. Maybe they were there, but if so they were likely sparse. Just another thing to make him more isolated.
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Post by Red Charge on Nov 4, 2012 15:15:00 GMT -5
"You need to polish that bow?" The wolfhound asked, "Lemme have a look at that one will you?" The hound asked, quickly taking the bow out of Baxter's hand, admiring it. "The arc, the proportions, the ratio... this bow's incredible!" The quartermaster drew the string, "This thing could kill an armored pony from across the battlefield!" He declared, "This is mastercraft! You said it belonged to you?" He asked, indicating several indents in the bow, "See these? You put gems here, you'll have to get them specially cut, but I'm sure a gemtender or two... I actually have a niece in the gemtenders..." He said ponderingly, thinking, before finally asking -
"How much to take this off your hand? I'll give you the very best light armor I have, my best bow and four quivers of tipped arrows." The wolfhound offered, "Whaddya say?" He asked.
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Baxter
Diamond Dogs
High Templar Winter Wolf
"Wars are not won by the weak-willed."
Posts: 238
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Post by Baxter on Nov 4, 2012 16:16:26 GMT -5
Baxter listened as the quartermaster described the bow, watching as he went over every feature. The wolf was genuinely surprised at how powerful the bow really was. He knew it was well-crafted, but not this well. Baxter stared carefully at the bow after the wolfhound had made an offer for it, thinking carefully. He did need armor, and arrows, but... was a bow this powerful really worth them? The armor and arrows could likely be obtained almost anywhere, but the bow was much, much more rare.
"I can't," Baxter said finally. "It's not mine. And if I don't have it polished I'll be in deep." Even if he did want to trade in the bow, it was still "technically" Ice Fang's. He didn't want to know how the act would play out if a wary dog found out he had traded it in for something else.
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Post by Red Charge on Nov 4, 2012 16:25:43 GMT -5
"Oh, that so? Figured it must belong to a one of the generals or something. Oh well, can't win them all can we, huh? Well I'll tell you what, if it's one of the general's I'd hate to get in your way polishing it. I'll give you some of my best stuff here, my own mixture. I used to by them off those sea pony things. Whale oil wax, this thing will shine that bow and will keep it stain free for as long as your boss can use it." The wolfhound said, seeming disappointed, but also interested at the opportunity to show his own brand of polish wax, "Just remember to throw my name if he asks what polish you used, huh?" He asked with a wink, "Name's Baron." At that he handed him the unlabeled jar and some polish rags.
"As for armor, well, all I can really offer you for free is this old junk... Still gotta keep the front line soldiers covered, you know?" Baron said, pulling out a ragged piece of leather, hardly fit to be called clothing, let alone armor.
His cub was looking at what was being done with enthusiasm, "Don't be rude now, offer the good soldier a drink!" Baron barked at him, and the little diamond dog rushed to give baxter a glass of refreshing warm honey cider. "Looks like there's another batch coming... oh the Ponyville group, they'll probably have good trade." Baron said, rubbing his hands together, "In the back, we'll need more honey cider." He commanded his offspring, who rushed off to the back.
And indeed the Ponyville group was now approaching. They hadn't spotted Baxter yet, he could make a clean getaway before they could spot him and tell Baron what he had done, possibly forcing him to return the whale oil wax.
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Baxter
Diamond Dogs
High Templar Winter Wolf
"Wars are not won by the weak-willed."
Posts: 238
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Post by Baxter on Nov 4, 2012 16:51:44 GMT -5
Baxter looked at the jar and polish rags Baron had produced, glad to at least procure that portion of what he needed. The quartermaster than produced a ragged piece of leather, what was supposed to be the armor Baxter had requested. The archer nodded as the wolfhound mentioned having to keep the front line soldiers covered. To be honest, the leather wasn't much worse than what Baxter had expected. At least it was something.
The wolf felt himself freeze as Baron mentioned the approaching Ponyville group of dogs. He didn't want an encounter with them. He had what he needed and now it was time to leave. "You can keep the drink," Baxter said, quickly setting the glass back down. "And thanks for the polish. I'll be sure to give the general your name." The archer quickly grabbed the bow, armor, jar and polish rags, taking them with him as he began walking away from the area. He was sure to avoid a path that would run him straight into the group of dogs from Ponyville, trying to be discreet as possible.
Baxter was quickly back on the Fillydelphia streets. He had only walked a short distance before realizing how pathetic he was being. He was now running from dogs. The wolf let out a huff of irritation, both at himself and the dogs that had forced him to flee. Regardless, Baxter now had armor (however low-quality) and the polish he needed. He had missed an opportunity to get a quiver and some arrows and doubted whether he'd be able to return to Baron after the dogs had spread word of his actions. Meaning if Ice Fang did gave him back the bow, the archer would still be useless. Hopefully he'd be able to procure some arrows somewhere later. Hopefully.
Baxter now needed somewhere he could polish the bow in private. Then rest. The obvious answer was one of the numerous houses that lined the street. They might contain pony residents hiding from the dogs, but right now that was the least of Baxter's concerns. The wolf promptly approached one of the buildings, kicking the door open.
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Post by Red Charge on Nov 4, 2012 16:55:12 GMT -5
There was no resistance inside, the house was seemingly completely empty. However, it was also very visible. It seemed that almost every room on the first floor was lined with windows leading to the outside. Which meant, of course, that he would be visible to any dogs passing by, and should the Ponyville dogs find him all alone in an abandoned house... well a repeat of what happened last time was not too far fetched to try and take the precaution. Fortunately though, the upper floor bedroom chamber seemed to have little in the way of windows and there Baxter could easily stay out of sight.
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Baxter
Diamond Dogs
High Templar Winter Wolf
"Wars are not won by the weak-willed."
Posts: 238
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Post by Baxter on Nov 4, 2012 17:07:03 GMT -5
Baxter looked around, finding no sign of ponies still inside the house. The wolf closed the door behind him, taking his things with him up the staircase. The first floor had too many windows, and he didn't want event the slightest risk of the dogs from Ponyville spotting him and wanting to cause trouble. The wolf quickly found the bedroom, where he could sit down without being spotted from the outside.
As tempting as it was, Baxter opted for sitting on a nearby chair rather than seating himself on the bed. He dropped the armor on the ground beside him, setting the bow on his lap as he got ready to polish it. Luckily, being an archer, Baxter had plenty of experience with what he was doing. Completing the task would now just be a matter of time, continuing to polish the bow until it was in a satisifiable state.
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