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Post by Shadestride Scythe on May 24, 2013 10:37:52 GMT -5
The medium sized vessel came rumbling into port, granting Shade a sight of the damage that had been done during the attack not terribly long ago. He had no idea what had happened, as he never really been to Canterlot in the past. Shade hadn't cared nor did he even have relatives who called it home. It was not laid to waste but indeed... there were signs of battlement.
Well with his citizenship revoked rather unfairly, claiming to have resisted arrest simply because he did not understand, being stripped of his magical tome given to him by his friend Shoel... Shade was probably more than happy to step off the floating vessel. The world before him swamped into a bustling harbor for the steampowered airships and blimps of all shapes and sizes. He'd been out of the game two weeks or so, and he refused to be rid of the cast just yet despite the likely condition his leg could-if with ease-go without it. He still had a slight limp because of the thin cast itself, and he used a lot of caution when dealing in certain activities.
He wanted nothing more than to be left alone for the duration of his time here; but knowing his level of curiosity he wouldn't refuse everything that crossed his path. He grumbled as he ran his magic through his exposed mane. Shade rather missed his hat... But then again he could always buy a new one so long as he found the right vender for it, and for cheap.
Minus the thick crowds of mostly pony species, it was actually a little strange now that the roles had been reversed and instead it were ponies whom were the majority and not the griffons. Not that it was hard to believe nor was it jaw dropping, it just threw him for a subtle loop. Might have gotten a smile out of the unicorn as well. He fixed his dark mane and looked across his brown-olive coat for anything that might grant him ridicule. Aside from his non-neon colors he looked rather alright. Save for the cast of course.
In fact later today he might actually see if it was good to have removed. His leg felt fine. He could very well walk on it properly again but... nopony could be too sure. In fact for all he knew; one trip and it could break once again. He hadn't been too considerate to check up with any doctor he came across. Actually he might have liked the hospital back in Royal Rocks better than any hospital he'd been to in the past, despite being rather understaffed toward the pony-patients, and focusing far more on the griffons... but that was understandable. Shade wouldn't make it his mission to achieve his citizenship once again, at present it just simply wasn't worth it.
He'd checked in his ticket on the way off the ship, and freely left the docking bay, swarmed with sunlight once he was no longer sheltered by overhanging aircraft or cielings.
It was a warm day, despite being fall. Partly cloudy and a cool 65 degrees, coupled with a soft breeze that could welcome anypony, griffon, even dragons to poke themselves outside for a while. Shade enjoyed it of course. With very little change in his pocket, perhaps the first thing he intended on doing was rushing to the marketplace... find himself a new hat. He had fought very sharply for his right to the armor given to him at the siege of Royal Rocks. He kept it in firm luggage pulled behind him... it sure was heavy, therefore he was happy he was a unicorn. Shade minus the armor was, however... dirt poor. He had few bits in his small leather satchel, and he even lacked a blank notebook or quill pen in case he found something worth jotting down.
Though the stallion was simply taken back when he'd finally seen the appearence of the capital city. It certainly deserved that title... Shade had never seen Canterlot in person, only in books and in paintings. How could paintings ever be accurate? And bookes never showed everything. Never had he found a map of the city itself, unfortunately. How was he even supposed to navigate?
One thing was for sure, though. Security would be very tight... and that meant the possibility of himself being driven to the ground once again. Would they attack him if he bore any-if any-sign of ever helping the griffon kingdom? He knew there were hostilities but then again they'd been quelled hadn't they? Not to mention he was a pony amongst other ponies now... no reason to beat him for possessing magic. Already he felt his chances at some form of peace rise.
He looked back to his cast. He very well could have it removed today. But maybe a little longer. Right about now the equine was looking for a city map...
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Post by Red Charge on May 25, 2013 6:41:30 GMT -5
"Scythe?" A voice surprised the stallion as he was examining his cast. "Well smack me with a fly swatter and call me Betsy!" It took Shade just a moment to recognize the voice before a pair of burly hooves crushed him in a hearty embrace. It took him back quite the while, back to growing up on the farm with his family.
Clobber Corn, the next door neighbor's kid, one of the largest ponies Shadestride ever did see. Unfortunately, he was also overly naive, and sometimes just flat out dumb. He sure did take care to clobber Shade (playfully) whenever he saw him, much to the discomfort of the adventurer. It wasn't really clear whether him being in Canterlot was good or bad news, have the farmlands been taken over?
Finally after being released from the bone crunching embrace, he could take a good look at Clobber and it was quite surprising, non military high grade armor, a multitude of weapons strapped to his back in easy reach of his mouth and he was looking even bigger (if possible) than when Shade last saw him. Before he could even muster a word the other pony smacked him hard on the head with affection.
"What're the odds of seeing you here?" The large stallion asked, "You know my dad hired all those workers in a while after you left, what with the increasing demand in protection and all. So I got the idea of going out and actually being someone's protection. Gotta say it's been a good business! But you, you look like you went to the barrens and back with nothing to show for it!" He said, poking Shade's cast and the various bruises and sores that still lingered on his body.
"But don't worry about a thing, old pal." The massive pony said, wrapping Shade's neck in a one-hoofed embrace (which was still strong enough to make Shade think his neck would snap under the pressure) "I got just the thing for you! You and I, pono-e-pono, we're gonna go on a job, split ya 50/50 with what I get! Whaddya say, for old times sake?"
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Post by Shadestride Scythe on May 26, 2013 8:22:37 GMT -5
"Who in the-AGGHH!!~", he was taken off his hooves and squeezed to near death. Oh yes... he remembered. It'd only been a few years afterall. Despite the sudden increase in size-which Shade found utterly ridiculous-he could ultimately recognize the strength, voice, and familiarity of being strangled by none other than a colthood friend. Clobber was one of the very few who approved of the magic... or at least did not complain. And despite his earth pony dominance Shade had managed to make a few friends back home.
But then again it raised the question, "But home's alright, yeah? How's my father? Is my mother alright?", not to mention, "What about de Elder?", when Shade was placed back to his hooves he stretched out his casted leg and exhaled, looking back up at the much larger workhorse. So he was a warrior now? Dang... it certainly looked like he did good work judging by all that armor of his.
While Shade was a tad... underhanded. He bore the marks of abuse... that didn't mean he DIDN'T have much to show for his adventures so far. He learned numerous tiny trick spells in his travels. But only recently did he earn his latest and greatest.
"Ah would'n say I got nothin ta show for it.", Shade inquired, giving the brute a grin. A grin that could only be understood between friends who spent their early years together plowing fields and scything wheat to make breads or other vegetables, "Just... I guess I got a lot more ta show fer how much I ten ta get wailed on, don't I~?", he looked aside and rolled his eyes with a very curt chuckle, "Ahhh shoulda seen me!...", but he cut off, and quieted, "Job?"
Almost immediately he did scoot passed, "I don't know... Last time I just up'n took a job things went... ehhh...", as he attempted to have the other follow him. Shade had a good idea of where he could find the local market place, "Less than admirable~"
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Post by Red Charge on May 26, 2013 10:27:40 GMT -5
"Dunno actually, heard the place got ransacked, my old pony gave all the lands to my brother anyway. Heard my brother just sold it all and left for Trottingham. Maybe you've met him there? Went to become a big trader, heard he's in with the hippocampi trader fleets. Anyway home got ransacked and burned from what I hear." Clobber answered, not seeming too upset. Of course there wasn't anything that close to 'home' that could provide shelter unless Shade's family left prior to the attack.
"As for the job, see with villages and farms getting ransacked and all, some rich farmer down south near Filly happened to leave a very precious jewel in his home hidden. Nothing magical mind you but apparently it's made from really expensive stuff, a golden masquerade mask with diamonds and rubies and all sortsa gems. Made by some famous pony or another, no idea, don't care really. Anyway he wants me to go get it, problem is there's all them Diamond Dogs in the way, maybe even monsters by this point. Think you're up to it? I could use some support magic you know?"
Clobber nudged the smaller pony strongly, causing him to trip over his cast and fall sideways, "Come on old pal, it'll be just like old times when we pretended to go on adventures. I promise if you die I won't steal any of your stuff."
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Post by Shadestride Scythe on May 27, 2013 14:33:12 GMT -5
Shade would not show the sorrow that came to mind at the possibility of his parents being deceased. His father never approved of the magic he was born with... but that didn't mean he didn't love him. With the thought in mind he prayed his mother had died quickly. The unicorn refused to go any deeper into the subject, as though someone tore off the sad music and put on something with a little more bounce in it.
"Shame.", he mumbled, but then stood straight, having directed Clobber down through the narrow, crowded streets, under bridges, over some canals. It took Scythe quite some time to at find a vendor he had been looking for. As the stallion spoke his ears perked regularly to show he was listening, paying and calmly bartering to bring a price down on a rather plain, flat, low top pilgrimage hat. It was mudbrown, and came with a tan, black-spotted feather. It was nearly the last of his coin.
"Well so long as ya don' plan on fightin any dragons like we used ta pretend, then'ah don'ave much else ta complain about. So we'll be goin'round Fillydalphia?", Shade had never been there once in his life. All the while he spoke and listened he was idly checking the hat... it seemed a little aged, and that had character... plus without anything to cover the top portion of his dark mane he just felt rather... incomplete. The smaller stallion had always warn a hat... starting with when his mother had hand crafted one just to cover up the horn so nopony would poke fun at him. But the burden had grown on him, and over course... it was impossible to be without one for very long.
"Well it's nothin fancy...", he gave a curt smile, resting it atop his head... it looked almost like the one he'd lost, "Buuut I'd never be one'ta sniff around fer fashion.", he turned, and faced Clobber Corn... now that was Shadestride. Everyone back home who'd ever bothered to remember him... always seemed to remember he wore a hat.
"60/40.", he raised his hoof to shake, "Hehe... nah'm kiddin. It's a deal.", his horn glowed beneath the fabric of his new apparel, and tipped it politely, "Ah'm at yer command."
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Post by Red Charge on May 30, 2013 14:21:42 GMT -5
"Uh, right." Clobber said, starting to walk the other way, "That hat's just gonna make ya more noticeable, I think but whatever, I'll try to keep 'em off ya. Anyway we're gonna have to get off of here, which means we gotta hitch a ride down the mountain into the valley. Now there's a mage down at the edge that's supposed to get me across, so he might as well do you too. You smell awful by the way, ever hear of a shower? Like you were bathing in sewage."
The two travelled to the edge of the cliffside, where the mage was indeed waiting for them. He transferred Clobber as intended, but when Shade stepped forth the mage eyed him dangerously. "And how will you be paying?" He asked, "That bag looks mighty light and I don't do no favors."
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Post by Shadestride Scythe on May 30, 2013 22:12:21 GMT -5
(Shade DID shower btw.) === There always seemed to be something in his way, it didn't matter what. He stopped face to face with the mage, not really araid of his gaze, but certainly disgruntled by it. If one grimaced... the other sure did in return. "Every time. Of course ya don't do favors, friend.", he exhaled, levitating his hat off his head and placing it upon his back, "No, I'm a tad short on coin, persay~...", before he tilted his head to gaze down the cliffside, "My friend ya jus'so happened ta'drop off down at theh bottom's waitin for me regardless.", his eyes mellowed to that of some hidden aggravation.
Why was it always so darn difficult? He'd have asked whatever the mage had in mind as payment but that would likely take him to incredible heights that would be too costly to begin with. It was tempting to just kick the stallion off the side of the mountain and leav Clobber for his job on his own...
"Since I know better than to ask you myself...", his horn glowed and collected around his larger baggage, opening the main compartment and slipping out the unicorn-specialized helmet. It was certain something to have at... glimmering, shining helmet that had only been used once very recently... but the use would not come to mind, "Does this catch yer fancy?...", he exhaled, praying Celestia it was enough.
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Post by Red Charge on May 30, 2013 22:21:48 GMT -5
"No, if I wanted armor I'd get myself some armor." The mage said irritably, "If you've got nothing to offer then scram, I have no time for broke ponies." The unicorn started walking off, "You think it's easy to get you down there? Gotta teleport you past the royal guard's defenses. It's illegal and dangerous, that's why it's costly. So unless you're going to make it worth my while, I'm not getting ya anywhere. Don't try to ask anyone else either, I'm the only one who can get you across." At that he went around into an alley to wait for another customer.
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Post by Shadestride Scythe on May 30, 2013 22:46:48 GMT -5
He held the helmet in place, and closed his eyes, sighing very unhappily. Why?... Why?! He was tempted to just magically restrain the mage and throw him off the side of the mountain. But then again that wasn't the greatest idea ever... nor would it probably work. He gave one of the most heavy sighs before his horn glowed, and harshly caught the mage's cloak, "Name your DARN price!...", he hissed. Turning as he followed him toward the alley, "I don't have all day and'aye really need the cash'et comes with this job, alright?"
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Post by Red Charge on May 30, 2013 23:31:31 GMT -5
The mage however, did not respond well to his coat being magically grabbed and threw the unicorn against the wall with his powers. "Look pal, I'm not going to say this again, unless you have something worth my while, be it gold or whatever else, I'm not getting you down there. Ya know if you were smart you probably would have managed to convince me to get you down by promising to pay me back or saying that you're the cousin of some noble or other, but now you let me know you're broke, so I'm not gonna take that chance. So either you cough something up, or get out of my sight before I kick your sorry flank. Got it?"
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Post by Shadestride Scythe on May 31, 2013 14:29:07 GMT -5
Shade grunted when he smacked very hard into the wall, coughing a tad before clearting his throat and going lax a bit. His horn glowed and though it was rather tough... he did manage to free himself from the hold, "Agh~... Alright alright, point taken.", the unicorn looked aside with frustrated eyes, retrieving his hat, "Well'ah said I really needed the job~ And It isn't truly within my nature'ta lie every wakin hour uh my day.", though the payback would have been a swell idea to offer in the first place, "So yes. Ah'm very sorry I haven't any money on'meh right now...", he exhaled, choosing honesty over a direct course of action.
"Well... how would you intend I pay you back?", he fixated his hat atop his head and shifted to a rather laxxed position, though he was listening intently, "I could put it down in writing. Theh pay ah'll be'qquirin should be plenteh to cover the costs.", feeling rather foolish he did not offer it in the first place and praying the mage would change his mind. Shade was just... very indecisive...
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Post by Red Charge on May 31, 2013 14:32:55 GMT -5
"I have no idea what you're even saying, but you're really getting on my nerves. Come back when you have cash, I'm not stupid enough to let you go down there and get eaten for free. Y'hear? I don't do this kind of stuff unless it's worth my while. You can understand that right? Or are you that stupid? WORTH. MY. WHILE." The unicorn mouthed loudly as though he was talking to someone retarded.
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Post by Shadestride Scythe on May 31, 2013 14:38:04 GMT -5
"What? Do'ah really sound that enstranged?", he asked, clearing his throat and quieting down, "Ah'll pay you back! I swear'et!", he stood tall and well... he would have made motions to advance but that obviously wasn't a good idea, "Why's this so darn difficult? Ah'll pay... when'ah have the money!... I take the same route'ta get back up inta the city don't I?"
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Post by Red Charge on May 31, 2013 14:40:14 GMT -5
"IF you get back. From what I'm seeing here, it's about as likely as it is for pigs to fly out of my flank. I'm not gonna say it again, pay me first or get out of my sight!" The unicorn insisted, now visibly agitated, his horn began to glow ominously.
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Post by Shadestride Scythe on May 31, 2013 14:53:37 GMT -5
It was about as foreign to Shade to hear someone call his own prowess weak. He wasn't a master, in fact he was far from it. His most notable spell was an area shield. Shade was... well... he wanted to get better. But it was times like these that heavily discouraged him. A hard sigh rushed from his nostrils, "I... Could show you a trick or two..."
(There!)
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