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Post by Stygg Whitefeather on Aug 12, 2014 16:15:14 GMT -5
Camembert appeared to listen to their pleas for sanity and mercy with reflection and contemplation. His soft petting of the rock beast beside him was like the steady stream of thought he had currently coursing through his mind, before his muzzle broke into a condescending and outright mocking smirk.
”So, you ponies and birds are nothing but lies? He really has no authority and this is all some sort of power play? You're just, as I figured, ignorant lackeys. How... disappointing.” He clasped his hooves together before setting them down before him, ”But sell-swords, in turn can be beneficial to our cause...” He muttered as an aside to himself, ”Fear not, I figured as much as you said. Griffons don't typically employ our kind to do their dirty work, least not ones that can get military birds.” He glanced to Julius, ”And this one is clearly an irregular, nothing about him screams a professional soldier.” He stepped forward, his hooves making echoes in the stone tomb they were in. ”Your friends on the vessel are safe. I just had to check for myself the claims, and I see they were unfounded. I'm disappointed in you, and the griffons. This trickery wasn't necessary, we generally are quite peaceful.” He said with soft eyes. ”But, we don't take kindly to tomfoolery!” He scolded, like a father to a bad foal, ”And it was you who first brought a sword before the dove here! Political fools, tools of a power vacuum government; did you even consider your lives before that griffon threw you into the wilderness? Royal Rocks is caught in a game where the players would destroy one another to gain the throne and the princess... or is she a queen now? Either way, she is almost powerless to stop this turmoil till she can find the support she needs – and, from what I've heard, she hasn't yet. You are all caught up in a very dangerous game, I hope you now realize.”
Camembert stepped closer, back to the cushions on the floor around the table, stepping fearlessly past the four others and sat without a concern. He looked over the table, using his magic to check the tea-pot, only to find it nearly empty and cold. He snorted and ran a hoof along his beard. ”It's cold, pity.” He sat the teapot down, ”Please, have seat once more. Fools or not, you are my guests and I have a proposition for you.” Calmly he spoke, his horn ablaze with magic, which shoots straight up, through the ceiling and disappearing. ”Food and drink is on its way. Till it arrives, let us speak.” He motioned for them to sit, ”Consider your old contract void, in turn, might I propose another. Our sect is a small one, spread out over four regions. Our knights are few and dwindling, leaving us with a rather unfortunate vulnerability beyond the walls of these sanctuaries. I can't promise you bits, or even notoriety and fame, what I can promise you is honor, fraternity, knowledge, justice and fortitude. A place within our ranks, though not full-fledged as my acolytes and knights, but a position worthy of respect and friendship. Initiates, if you like. Perhaps, in time, you'd prove yourself worthy of our binding oaths and join our inner-ranks, till then, I propose to you all that I've spoken of and the understanding and conviction that we may call upon you in a time of strife and need. Times, which we believe, will be soon upon us. Now, know that I cannot demand you do this, for you have to want it of your own conviction, but because of what you've seen here, I cannot let you leave willingly. If you so wish not to bind with us, we can find accommodations... that said, if you should wish to seek our blessing and in-turn what we have to offer, then my friend here can bestow upon you a blessing and, as well, my grace. In doing so, you will be bound by our laws and tenants. Now, understand, to break such things... would not end well for you. This wouldn't be a contract, or a 'job', something you can walk away from when it feels too risky. This is something greater than you or I and the consequences reflect it. Now you may be asking, 'why, after attempting to deceive us, are you offering these terms', well it is simple, I believe there is more to you four than meets the eye and your wiliness to resolve this peacefully is admirable... despite the Kelpie's sword. No harm in being guarded. I can't say I was entirely right in luring you all into any false sense of security, but I had to be sure of your convictions and intentions. But that is behind us, please, let us drink.”
As he spoke that last sentence, a new pot of tea magically appeared on the table, replacing the old one alongside an assortment of small foods and appetizers. Nothing terribly fancy, but none-the-less would be satisfying.
”Now, enjoy and consider my proposition. If you do, you will be free to leave. Your ship and its crew will not come to any harm and the Ambassador can return to Royal Rocks with his tail between his legs, impotent as he had come. I can, as well, give you some resources for your trek back and the understanding that, without warning, we may once more call upon you again. So shall you join us?” So said Camembert with pause, letting them indulge as they considered his offer.
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Dusk Wing
Disciple Pony
You can always trust me to be untrustworthy.
Posts: 64
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Post by Dusk Wing on Aug 15, 2014 16:40:33 GMT -5
Dusk Wing, upon listening to the Elder, let out a chuckle. And while he didn't let it show, on the inside he was getting rather irritated. Every new bit of information made the situation even more complicated. Add on top of that the unknown variables, mainly the power of the unknown weapon in Julius's possession, and his frustration only increases.
If only I had time to get the last few bit of information that I need, then I could... That's it. Let's just hope the old coot takes the bait. With an idea in mind, Dusk takes a deep breath to collect himself before he begins.
With an eyebrow raised in feigned amusement, Dusk directs his gaze towards the kelpie. "Kelp Cutter, please put your sword away. It isn't helping the situation any." With that stated, he then shifts his gaze back to the Elder. "A dangerous game? Life is a dangerous game. Full of risk and rewards. As the saying goes, the greater the risk the greater the reward."
He took a sip of his tea, nearly gagging when he found it was cold, before he continued. "You present us with an interesting proposition to be sure. However, I have a few question I want answered before I give you my answer. First, if we take it, what's to prevent us from changing our identities and going into hiding? Next, if we do accept, what exactly would you require from us? And lastly, how much time are you willing to give us to mull this over?"
Dusk then casts a curios gaze over his companions. "Do you three have anything to add? Any more questions you want answered that I didn't ask? Or do you already have your answer for the Elder?" He unknowingly tilted his head to the side slightly as his curious gaze continued to stare at them.
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Post by Julius Softpaw on Aug 16, 2014 13:03:26 GMT -5
Julius mulled over the elder's proposition, obviously weighing the pros and cons. He stopped, however, when he saw what Dusk was doing. "I must look to the health and guidance of my troop, before I can give a definite answer." He then gave a small smirk. "But, on a more personal topic, how much would this pay? No disrespect meant, of course, but you are not doing a very good job of convincing me. I can't eat and spend honor and justice."
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Post by Lucky Charm on Aug 17, 2014 2:54:58 GMT -5
As Camembert went on Lucky finally dared to breathe again. He didn't so much mind the barrage of insults, he'd take a blow to his pride over a blow from an angry earth elemental any day. He honestly still wasn't sure what was going on, but it sounded to him like the elder was basically going to initiate them into the order on a probationary basis, more like owing them one than really being a member.
Lucky found he could live with that, but now he didn't seem to be in immediate danger of becoming a smear on the wall questions were indeed rising. The practical ones Dusk and Julius seemed happy to bring up while he mulled the matter over, but the Pegasus threw in his two bits shortly after. "Honor and justice sound good to me, honestly. I knew Shoal wasn't being honest, but I came here on a diplomatic mission. But so far we don't really know a lot about what we'd be fighting - or ideally not fighting - for."
He took a moment to avail himself of the newly-arrived refreshments. Years of living on the road had taught him to eat when he could, because there was no telling when he'd end up without the option. "So I guess that's my question," he continued. "Aside from keeping Rocky here a secret, what exactly is all this? Why are the stakes so high? What exactly are we getting ourselves into?" He grinned a little. "I'm trying to break a bad habit of making reckless, ignorant decisions."
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Kelp Cutter
Kelpie
New Kelpie
"No time for idlin'. Adventure awaits!"
Posts: 35
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Post by Kelp Cutter on Aug 18, 2014 22:56:41 GMT -5
Kelp had to glare at Dusk for telling him to put away his sword. The purple pegasus was playing it too cool for his own good. That or he'd forgotten that Camembert had trapped them down here with a highly dangerous earth elemental. This was more than enough reason for Kelp to keep his sword clenched firmly in his mouth.
"No questions. Not interest'd."
The hippocamp's three 'compatriots' seemed all too eager to leave their guard down and take Camembert's word as fact. Not Kelp. Everything about this unicorn gave reason not to trust. The dumb smirk, the condescending tone, the overtly theatrical choice of words; this guy wasn't trying to make friends with them. He was trying to recruit them, into his cult.
Plus there was the whole 'no fame' thing. Even if Camembert could be trusted, that alone was a deal breaker.
So no, Kelp wasn't going to put away his sword. He also wasn't going to sit down and relax, enter any sort of binding contract with Camembert, and he certainly wasn't going to drink any of that tea!
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Post by Stygg Whitefeather on Sept 4, 2014 15:41:42 GMT -5
Camembert's gaze fell upon Kelp Cutter after he had spoken is resolve; a certain sadness came over the old stallion, as if disappointed that the Kelpie was uninterested in the offer. Although, the kelpie certainly wasn't a typical candidate, he showed a certain promise which may have led him to become a knight one day. Sadly, his decision sealed his fate.
”I'm sorry to hear that, Kelp Cutter. Perhaps another time then?” Said the stallion, his horn aglow. ”And I regret, your aggression leads me to believe that there is only one solution for you; I'm sorry, I mean you no malice.” Before the Kelpie could react, a brilliant white light enveloped him. It is disorientating brightness made it impossible to react or lash out. As suddenly it as it came, it washed away as a terribly cold, icy wet world washed around the kelpie. He would found himself deep within a dark watery void, weaponless, with a broken light shining through the darkness in split rays. Rising to the surface, Kelp Cutter found himself trapped, with frost lined heavy iron bars preventing him from surfacing, only just able to get his head above the terribly freezing water. Waiting for him at the surface was another of the Order’s minions – a heavily armored pony, a stallion by their build and size, whose armor was embossed with the same symbol on the temple walls. They stepped forward, each slam of their hooves against the iron grate sent a rain of frost onto Kelp Cutter’s face. The stallion leaned down close, a puff of frost exuding through the slits in their great helm. ”Cool off in here for a while as you consider the offer. Just don’t take too long, the water is already beginning to freeze.” Spoke the knight with misty words. --- As Camembert's horn glow faded, he spoke once more, ”Your associate is safe, for now. I feared he would become violent, so I gave him a chance to cool-off.” So he spoke, solemnly. ”Now for your questions, one last time. We are an ancient order, built upon secrecy and clandestine practices. Try as you might to tape over your own cutie mark but our ponies will know and we will find you and punish you according to our laws. Never may you conceal yourself from the light of your brothers and sisters nor shall you ever feel the need to do so.” He spoke sternly, with authority and sincerity. Like a father to an ignorant foal.
The stallion then addressed the griffon, ”No pay, however, we take care of our own. Ask, and you shall receive. That said, nothing will prevent you from pursuing your own means and with acceptance into our Order, you may find it behooves such monetary endeavors.” So he spoke.
Lastly, he turned to the green pegasus, the one he seemed to take the most fondly too for he asked the most sensible questions. ”How good of you to ask. Rock Rhino here is just one of our many secrets. We hide and protect other elementals, ensuring that when the day arrives, they are ready and able to protect Ponies, Griffons, Diamond Dogs, and all noble and enlightened creatures of this earth from the forces that wish them harm. We have existed solely for this task and will carry it out till the bitter end. We are an ancient order, existing beyond the veil of society, yet never beyond sight of those we protect. You have met us before and never known it, but know you will be brought into the light, and see the world for what it truly is.”
”Due to the nature of this, I cannot allow you much time to reflect on the decision. Decide now, and I may begin. Otherwise we must remove you from this chamber. Just as had happened with your associate. Consider, without the oath and commitment, you will not be allowed to leave as you already know too much.” Camembert waited for a few moments so they may consider the offer.
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Dusk Wing
Disciple Pony
You can always trust me to be untrustworthy.
Posts: 64
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Post by Dusk Wing on Sept 6, 2014 13:49:46 GMT -5
With wide-eyed shock, Dusk Wing watched as Kelp Cutter disappeared, along with any hope he had of taking a third option. Though, his shock quickly turned to frustration. Frustration that the kelpie was to shortsighted and impatient to trust his companions. As well as frustration that Kelp Cutter's outburst had made the situation even worse than it already was.
Yet, Dusk closed his eyes and managed to adopt a calm expression so as to hide his thoughts from Camembert. He listened to what the Elder was saying in response to their questions. What he noticed is that the Elder kept from going into too much detail, keeping his answers somewhat vague. Even going so far as to skip answering questions that would require an in depth answer. And that's when he realized what Camembert was doing.
The old coot is clever. Presenting us with a false dilemma, then using vague answers to pique our interest and get us to choose the only option presented that will get us out of this place alive. While I don't exactly find the thought of permanently giving my loyalty to someone appealing, it could prove to be advantageous in the long run. Dusk mulled this over in his head for a bit weighing the pros and cons.
"We don't exactly have much of a choice now." With his answer in mind, Dusk opens his eyes and focuses his gaze on the elemental. "I'm interested to know what the creatures of this world need protecting from." He states, shifting his gaze to the Elder. "But that's what you were going for isn't it?"
Standing up, Dusk walks up to Camembert, confidence on his face. "The only option that will get us out of here alive is to accept. And so I will. However, I must ask if all the members of this order must know how to fight? For I am... lacking in that field." The corners of his mouth turn up in a devilish smirk.
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Post by Julius Softpaw on Sept 6, 2014 17:39:42 GMT -5
Julius watched as Kelp was sent away, a scowl on his face. "I bloody well knew it." He turned to face the Elder. "It's not as if we really have a bloody choice, now do we? That said, however, I do require compensation for my late contract, hm? Be it money, weapons or armor, I care not. It must be something I can use, though." As he watched the Elder, he reached under his wing to scratch at an old scar. While he did that, however, he quietly unbuttoned the strap holding his pistol, leaving it ready to pull out at any moment, should the need arise. He severely hoped it would not.
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Post by Lucky Charm on Sept 6, 2014 20:47:09 GMT -5
Lucky made no attempt to disguise his concern for Kelp Cutter as the kelpie vanished. Camembert's reassurance that he was 'cooling off' somehow did not at all reassure. Still, he could sort of understand it. Kelp was going for his sword. Even if Lucky thought teleporting him away was an overreaction it wasn't totally unwarranted.
None of which changed the fact that they were basically being bullied into joining an order that was almost certainly some kind of cult on threat of lifelong imprisonment and only the elder's word that 'lifelong' was very long at all, not to mention his answers to many of the more important questions being subjective at best and buzzword salads at worst. Considering all of this there was only one thing for a pony of Lucky Charm's caliber to do:
"I'm in," said the pegasus. His face and voice revealed nothing of his doubts, though he may have hesitated a moment too long while his companions spoke. He didn't think the elder would read too much into it; it was a big decision, after all. Either way, he was sincere in his intent, if only because lifetime imprisonment would last about as long as it took him to attempt an escape and probably freeze to death or something.
"I still hope to know more before all is said and done," he continued, "but I know which way I'm going. I only ask one thing before we get started: Don't be too hard on Kelp. He's stubborn, hard-headed and paranoid, but he's a good kelpie. He just doesn't want to get tricked into doing something wrong." He let it go without saying that he didn't believe Camembert would do that. He did, of course, but an unspoken denial went down much easier.
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Kelp Cutter
Kelpie
New Kelpie
"No time for idlin'. Adventure awaits!"
Posts: 35
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Post by Kelp Cutter on Sept 20, 2014 11:19:48 GMT -5
Kelp kept his eyes locked on Camembert, though they softened in surprise at the sight of his horn lighting up. Before Kelp could even say anything, he was flashed into the cold, black water of another room. The kelpie gasped in surprise at the shock of the cold water against his skin, coughing out a mouthful of water as his body naturally adjusted to its new surrounding. Kelp blinked and looked around the darkness as his gills opened up. His legs had soon faded away into a set of tentacles, turning into something that much more resembled a hippocampus than the mimicry of a land pony.
His body was built to survive underwater, but that didn't mean he appreciated it when someone just teleported him into a dark, underwater chamber. With the only light coming from above him, Kelp surfaced to the sight of iron bars, blocking him from being able to pull himself up out of the water. The soggy, sword-stolen kelpie looked over at the armored pony addressing him.
"Gimme my sword back!" he commanded, with all the authority of someone who was not trapped beneath a row of iron bars. "And let me outta here! I ain't joinin' your cult, and you got no right keepin' me here. Only reason I came was to deliver that stupid dee-bar so your boss could talk t' Shoal. Imprisonin' the messenger is diplomatic outrage!"
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Post by Stygg Whitefeather on Sept 29, 2014 14:54:38 GMT -5
The armored knight slammed a forehoof against the grate, rattling the whole thing with such force that the iron bent inward a tiny fraction. ”Diplomatic? Oh, you ignorant little carp, the Griffon crown won’t even know you were here. So, while you slowly freeze, ponder that and this. The ambassador cannot help you, the griffons cannot help you and your so-called associates aren’t coming. I’ll be back later, if you’re still alive at that time we can discuss your options further.” The knight pony turned, walking away towards the door. Each steep of his heavy, armored hooves reverberating a terrible sound against the grate till his reached the door, opened it, stepped through and slammed it shut behind him – blowing out the light from the torch and plunging Kelp Cutter into a deep, cold dark. Kelp was now completely alone as the water was growing colder. --- Camembert was once more enjoying another cup of tea, which sat gently cradled in his hooves as he sat and listened to the three remaining candidates. Softly nodding as he took in their questions, though underneath his calm demure appearance, he grew anxious and frustrated with them. This had taken longer than he anticipated and their time-frame was nearly up before they would be interrupted. ”I’ll make this quick, you all have a choice in this, though consider the alternative option – Kelp has. As for your next concern, no, very few of us ‘fight’. We have our knights. There’s a part and purpose for all in our Order.”
As Julius motioned to scratch, Camembert’s eyes fell upon him but, he quickly diverted his attention to Lucky. ”Good, you’re all in.” He said with a smile, ”As for Kelp, we will only be as hard on him as he is on himself. In the end though, we must protect ourselves in order to fulfill our duty. Whatever the cost.” He sat the cup down on the table, then with a burst of magic from his horn, the table and everything on it was gone.
”Once you complete this oath, for all intensive purposes you will be part of our Order with all the benefits and privileges thereof and with it, sacrifices too.” He paused, ” If your conviction is true and your duty is to all noble creatures, then speak sincerely and declare, upon your honor, and of your own free will and accord that you, a blind candidate seeks the rights, lights and benefits of the Trotonic Order and in presence of this Element and this temple, do hereby and sincerely promise that I will always conceal the hidden principles or hereafter instructed arts from any pony, griffon, kelpie, or otherwise intelligent creature, unless they be a trusted member of the Order, and only after due trial and examination. Furthermore, I swear that I will not imbue, write or speak legibly the fairest hint of the secrets of this order in any form. To all of this, I solemnly swear, without vacillation or reservation; binding myself to no less than a penalty of having my horn cut from its roots, or my wings ripped from my barrel, or hooves sheered from the cannon, and body buried to its neck in the desert so I may be pecked by carrion birds should I divulge or violate this oath and obligation.”
As he spoke, a low chanting begun around them, as faint lights begun to emerge from all side, casting long shadows upon rows of hooded ponies just at the border where light and darkness met.
”In token of your sincerity, prostrate yourself before Rock Rhino as, you may receive the blessing unbound and without trepidation or subterfuge. And excepted from there may then receive the sign of our Order.”
As the trio did what they were instructed, Rock Rhino responded in kind with a bow as his horn glowed white and its light fell upon the three with the warmth and radiance of a god. Their bones suddenly, and without warning, felt harder, their muscles stiff and thick, and their skin like leather, before dissipating and once more resuming their normal composition. They, however, would feel different. Sturdier, hardened against the world, like the rocks of the earth. They’d feel like they could go a round with an Ursa and come out no worse for wear, though perhaps the more acute among them may notice the blessing seemed delicate, as if it could dispel on a whim from the right pony or creature. Perhaps a precaution in-place should they fail to oblige their oath.
As the blessing’s light faded, Camembert once more addressed the group. ”As a final token of your sincerity and as my gift to you, let me present to you that which planned to deceive you.” As he spoke, a door at the far end of the chamber swung open and a bound and beaten bundle that was once a griffon was tossed inside, who was followed by a stoic grey mare with a lavender tail and mane with a simple, straight cut. She dressed not unlike members of the order, with the exception of a helmet and scraps of armor adorning her robes. The griffon was bound from the wings and limbs, like a pig for spit-roasting over a Diamond Dog fire. One eye was swollen shut and his beak cracked, he clearly had been beaten into submission. ”Perfect timing, Sister Pie.”
“You filthy little monger!” Cried the griffon, clearly Ambassador Shoal by the voice and the feathered markings of an Osprey. Camembert turned from the group, his horn striking with a glow and suddenly masking the trio in darkness from only which they could see through.
”Elder Camembert, the Ambassador.” Said the mare, monotone and seemingly disinterested. Shoal responded with a spit of blood from his beak at to the mare’s hooves, to which she responded with a sharp punch from a forehoof across his beak. He took a moment to comprise himself following the blow. “Once the Crown hears of this, you’ll all be dead, you understand, DEAD!” Shoal squawked, “I offered peace, but instead you dare harm a feather of her majesty’s crown, your order will be lucky to see the end of the week.” He threatened, though words falling on death ears. “Birdnapping and beating an ambassador of the Crown is death! DEATH, you’re all dead!”
Camembert reached out with a forehoof and took Shoal under the beak, nickering a tsk as he did. ”You’re a fool, Ambassador. We know you never wanted peace with us, because you knew we wouldn’t leave, no reason to lie about it anymore. Sending informal agents proved your intentions wholeheartedly. Besides, no griffon, nor pony will have ever known you were here. By the time your vessel would have been scheduled to dock back in Trottingham, the Golden Ursa will have sank some thirty nautical miles from this shore. All hooves drowned. For you see, a terrible squall arose in the morning, the very same one that struck your ship in the inlet. Tragic the ship was pushed off course, battered by waves and ultimately sank; and when neither griffon nor Pegasus make it to shore, you’ll be declared lost at sea, a victim of the raging storm. And when they dispatch a rescue team, all they will find is some flotsam washed against jagged rocks; by the next morning you, your ship, and everyone aboard will just have been another statistic to the dangers of the sea.”
Camembert turned away from the pathetic sight, facing the trio masked in darkness. ”We go to great lengths to protect our own, as you can gather.”
Shoal erupted then, squawking in protest. “Where are the little bas – they couldn’t even die right!?” He protested, struggling against his binds. “You there, hiding in the darkness. You’re failures! You hear that, failures – pathetic, worthless sell-swords. Never should have trusted you to this suicide mission, fickle goons.” Directly he muttered. “Cowards; and you Julius, what kind of griffon turns their wings against their own kind? You knew what you had to do, for the Crown no less! I never should have given you that pistol, you worthless pigeon!”
Camembert’s eye-brows raised to the statement, glancing to Julius, but he did not appear surprised in the slightest. He begun to walk away as Shoal continued his rant. “I just needed a fight… and you pathetic wretches couldn’t even do that.” He snorted from his beak’s bloodied nostrils, “I’m glad you’re siding with them, because sooner or later someone will put the pieces together and like you did to me, you’ll betray these zealots too.”
Camembert stepped towards the door leading out, ”Perhaps, Ambassador, but for now loose ends need to be remedied. My new acolytes, do what you will to him. I’ll have arrangements made for wherever you may wish to go in the morning, along with a little gift – as well as some more things of the Order for you to memorize. Certainly wouldn’t want you three to be without a way to contact us in an emergency or if you need something.” He chuckled to himself, while Shoal retorted with an affirmation of the trio’s patheticness. ”And Maud, clean up the refuse that remains.”
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Dusk Wing
Disciple Pony
You can always trust me to be untrustworthy.
Posts: 64
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Post by Dusk Wing on Oct 1, 2014 15:28:13 GMT -5
After reciting the oath and receiving the elemental's blessing, Dusk was surprised at how he felt. He almost felt as if he could have taken on those thugs he encountered. Though, he didn't really want to test if he could help it. For while he felt sturdy, the blessing seemed almost like glass.
He quickly changed focus when Shoal was brought in. He listened to the exchange between the Elder and the Ambassador. Dusk was certain that his companions were getting angered by what they heard. However, he kept focused on the two conversing and so didn't check to see Julius and Lucky's expressions.
Yet what he felt wasn't anger. It was more akin to amusement than anything. Not because the situation was funny, but because it seemed as if the universe wants him dead. And when the Elder left the room, Dusk started to laugh.
He laughed for a minute, not caring what looks wee getting shot his way. When his laughter died down, he looked intently at Shoal. "I live in a city that's currently under siege. I was attacked by an entire gang that was trying to kill me. We..." He points his hoof at Julius and Lucky "nearly got trapped in a blizzard."
Walking up to Shoal he continues "If you want me dead, then you're gonna have to try harder." When he was standing right over Shoal, he looked down with a smug expression. "After all, I'm really good at getting out of bad situations." Having said all that he wanted, he turned and started to walk towards the door. "I'll let you two deal with him as you wish."
Before he gets to far, he stops and turns to look at the mare. "Maud was it? If we're gonna be leaving in the morning, then where might we be sleeping tonight?"
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Post by Julius Softpaw on Oct 1, 2014 16:13:58 GMT -5
Julius recited the oath set upon him and let out a quiet grunt at how much better he felt afterwards. He watched the exchange between Whitecap and the elder with a smirk on his beak and, after hearing Shoal's threats, gave a loud bark of laughter. He slowly walked towards Shoal until he was standing directly in front of him and tilting his head up with one finger to look him in the eye. "You'll have me dead, eh? Let me ask you a question, Whitecap: do you see these scars?" He pointed to the various scars among his feathers, particularly the one running from his ear to his throat. "Each and every one of these scars should have killed me. But here I am today. Let us just say that I am a very hard bird to kill."
Julius let Shoal's head drop as he calmly searched his clothes for any possible valuables. "You should have seen this coming, Whitecap. If not of them, then at least of me. I am a mercenary. I go where the pay is best. And, right now, the pay is quite good with these fellows."
He let out a quiet chuckle. "The fact that I'm not going to be crushed by an angry Elemental is also an added benefit. There's no need to be too upset about this, though. This is simply the way the world works nowadays. I have no doubt in my mind that someday, somewhere, someone will betray me, or Dusk, or Lucky. Maybe even Kelp if he manages to get his temper under control. But that is then and this is now. I'm sure you lived a full and eventful life."
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Post by Lucky Charm on Oct 2, 2014 18:15:06 GMT -5
Lucky had had spells cast on him before, for one reason or another. Teleported away, made invisible, even cursed one time. That was interesting. This one was some kind of blessing, he thought - he felt strong and sturdy, and wondered just how tough he'd gotten. He'd likely have the chance to find out before too long. But he also felt the spell itself was... not fragile, exactly, but conditional. Like it could be pulled back at any given moment, and he had a sneaking suspicion who could make that call.
He was distracted from Shoal's arrival and the question of what to do with him by the mention of the Golden Ursa and its fate. Lucky bristled. Camembert had told him maybe five minutes ago that the ship was unharmed! They were just sailors hired to ferry some passengers, they did nothing wrong! For a moment Lucky's anger almost got the best of him, he almost yelled at the elder... but he stopped at the last moment. He knew what the answer would be. They knew too much, they would talk about what happened, justification after justification and all Lucky would accomplish was to look like he didn't trust his new order.
The pegasus turned to Shoal just as Julius seemed finished with him, noting distantly that he had fewer rings and obvious valuables, and glared for all the world as if he was responsible for this madness - which he sort of was. "Fine mess you've gotten everyone into," he growled. Then, seeing the state the griffon was in, the anger bled out of him. He sighed. "But it doesn't matter, does it? Hmph. Not like it's the first time someone's tried to kill me. This week."
He shook his head. Despite his newfound strength, Lucky felt tired, and not because of the walk here (that was nothing compared to his usual days). The pegasus walked over to Shoal and stuck out his hoof, waiting for the griffon to take it. "C'mon," he said. "There's too many who've been hurt already. Don't see the point in adding more."
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Post by Stygg Whitefeather on Oct 3, 2014 4:19:45 GMT -5
Maud's disinterested eyes watched as the trio weighed the situation before them, her expression unchanging, her demeanor never once altering at all to their words or actions. It was as if she was like stone, a sentinel on guard, and when she spoke, the few words she used were as static and emotionless as she appeared. ”What's the hold up? Elder Camembert wanted you to kill him, maybe it wasn't clear?” She mentioned, still monotone and completely ignoring Dusk's question. ”You'll have expectations by us, this is one of them.”
Shoal's beak grimaced as Julius said those last words, however, when Lucky had opted to trying and resolve the situation peacefully, extending a hoof of friendship, the ambassador's defeated and death awaiting pose changed suddenly to that of a griffon still with fire in their belly. Without warning, Shoal's bindings went slack as he sprung up at Lucky, grabbing his hoof and swinging him around till he had him by throat with a small, blackened knife in his talon with his other forearm wrapped tightly around his barrel, under Lucky's forearms. Surprising for a politician, the griffon had some tricks which eluded even Maud's seemingly trained eyes.
Maud never motioned, flinched or reacted to the sudden turn-about. Her only movement was the several pets with her off to Rock Rhino's agitated side. The elemential's hoof pats against the ground ceased upon the odd pony's touch. ”I forgot to check his wings. My fault.” She said as she watched, still not intervening. ”This is embarrassing.”
“Surprised? Not really one for fighting but as a delegate of the Crown, we're given some 'tricks' in case of attempted birdnappings and the like. Nifty, right?” Stated Shoal, digging the blade into Lucky's neck. It was awkward with them on their hind-legs, though the griffon maintained control over Lucky's movements, inching him back towards the door Camembert had departed through a moment ago. “But you're right, Lucky. Too many have been hurt, so why don't you say we all walk - or trot, out of here nice and friendly.” He proposed as he shuffled closer to the door. ”And once I'm back in Royal Rocks, I can deal with you all on a more... 'stately fashion'. Hate to admit it but, Loci was right, never trust grasseaters – and even more so-” His eyes fell upon Julius and narrowed. “Other griffons.”
[Admin: Kelp's being skipped and will resume with another thread]
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