|
Post by Selenia on Oct 23, 2014 15:24:05 GMT -5
Selenia strode through the streets of the once-gleaming capital city of Canterlot. The cleaning crews had worked overtime it seemed, as very little rubble still cluttered the main boulevards, only the largest chunks of structures; massive sections of colonnade facade and sections of collapsed towers, clearly immovable even by a small team of unicorns remained. On top of that, tents for the refugees had slowly crawled into the streets as well, lining the edges like market stalls.
Everything had become so... Stagnant. The cleanup effort had blown through and moved on to different segments of the city, and the medical and supply tents were still in place where they had been since the start. The only ponies nearby could be seen outside their tents, either biding their time with friends, reading, or just doing nothing in general. Selenia just sighed openly. Canterlot was a place of life and beauty, full of happy ponies and history, the unceasing bustle of metropolitan life. But now, it just felt dead, gutted by the war and the sky titan. It was lousy luck for sure that the last Selenia would probably see of her hometown would be of it in such a state. She didn't even want to think of what might have happened to her library.
Nevertheless, as much as Selenia wanted to just stop and take a break, the clock was ticking against her. She had an unknown amount of time before she was teleported off to her doom, as Red had been so keen to put it; to fight for her life in a deadly, inescapable labyrinth where she would have to kill or be killed. Even after the encouragement from her recently reappointed mentor, she still felt underprepared. How does one prepare for such a thing, anyways? The choice of becoming a murderer or a corpse? She shook her head. She needed to find Klepto.
Klepto Moonlit, the curious and curiously skilled burglar pony that she had delved into Equiterian ruins in the Griffon Kingdom with. He had proven to be uncannily knowledgable on a few specific topics. She needed his expertise right about now, so she had called up Feathermain the shopkeep, her only contact in all of Royal Rocks, to ask about his whereabouts. The good natured griffon had passed her request along, and informed Selenia that Klepto would be on an airship to Canterlot, scheduled to arrive sometime today. She wasn't expecting to get any useful items of questionable legality off him, no way, but she could at least get some advice from a good source on how to handle stealth, subversion, and combat from a solo perspective.
Now the only trick was to hunt him down...
|
|
|
Post by Klepto Moonlit on Oct 26, 2014 22:56:45 GMT -5
"It's a heckuva lot less stressful looking for loot when the house is leveled," Klepto thought, chucking aside a chunk of ceiling. "But it sucks most of the fun out of it." The thief spotted something in the pile he was standing on, working his way to it until he had revealed what may or may not have at one point resembled a music box. "The goods also tend to be less smashed."
Klepto had always wanted to visit Canterlot, but now that he was here... it left a lot to be desired. He hadn't been expecting fanfare or balloons, but some standing buildings would have been nice. The papers weren't exaggerating when they'd said the city had taken a beating. Maybe all the better a reason for him to have stayed in the Griffon Kingdom. At least he had slept through that war.
But all things considered, this had actually turned out to be good timing. His last heist had a disappointingly low payout considering all the effort that went into it. Digging through toppled buildings wasn't nearly as exciting, but if he could find just a few good, undamaged items, he could easily make up for his previous endeavor's shortcomings. And Canterlot had been a ritzy city after all. This was probably the best place to find good, undamaged items in an incredibly damaged city.
The thief glanced up at his surroundings, scanning the vicinity. One of the few things he needed concern himself with was a wandering civilian who might tattle on him. Hopefully they would all stick to roasting marshmallows within their tents.
Turning behind him, however, Klepto did manage to spot a civilian wandering her way down the street. The thief squinted at the approaching black splot, finally recognizing who it was as she became closer closer. He hadn't seen Selenia in... well, a while. Long enough at least, to warrant paying a visit from Trottingham. She was the reason he was here after all. Getting to scour through demolished residencies was a bonus.
The thief hopped down from his pile of refuse, looking to intercept the unicorn as she passed. Stopping right outside the ruins' perimeter, the thief popped his head out from the remains of a toppled wall just as Selenia had passed him. "Looking for someone?" he called from behind her. "I heard a rather dashing thief was due in Canterlot any day now. Though that's just a rumor."
|
|
Sturmrufer
Griffons
New Griffon
"Having fun, are we?"
Posts: 30
|
Post by Sturmrufer on Oct 31, 2014 5:39:00 GMT -5
Sturm was on his off time, but with little to do he found himself wondering around the city, doing small tasks and helping out where he could. It was hard work, but it felt good to help rebuild the city his kind had a part in destroying. While he himself had no part in it, the lack of smiling faces dampened his spirits. Walking along the dust filled streets, he wondered how their visit would have been different had the city been whole. On better terms, hopefully. But that thinking was for later. Right now, he was hungry, and needed something to fill his belly. Hustling, he caught up to the red-maned mare in front of him. "Excuse me, ma'am, but would you know of some place around here that has fish? I'm, not from around here."
|
|
|
Post by Selenia on Nov 2, 2014 13:18:28 GMT -5
Selenia was beginning to think her search was futile. A watched pot never boils after all, and she figured that Klepto was the kind of pony who was found only when he wanted to be, so she relented to just walking around the streets aimlessly until that happened, it's not like she had any other priorities, anyways.
And, as fate would have it, a familiar voice chose that very moment to call out from a nearby building. Selenia turned and saw none other than Klepto himself, poking his head out from a destroyed wall. His wisecracking was present as ever, which gave Selenia reason to smile. "Klepto!" She trotted over to him and looked him over. "You seem to be well enough intact. The bolt scar healing okay?" She lightly tapped her neck in the spot where the Rainlock Guard crossbow had pierced him back in Royal Rocks. "Agh, nevermind that. Thanks for coming on such short notice, and from Feathermain no less." She patted him on the back, good to finally see a familiar face.
"I didn't give him any of the details, however, so you're probably wondering why I requested your presence here. You see, I'm in a bit of a pickle-" Selenia was lightly interrupted by another call, this one from behind her. It was a griffon, a striking grey and navy blue griffon clad in a military cuirass. Selenia straightened her posture. Red might have needed to talk to her more and sent a quick messenger, or she might be in trouble for whatever reason. She was a medical 'anomaly' if Retort's excitement and Dr. Silverlake's reports were any judge, but she didn't have time for any more official business. She anticipated the formal address, but it never came.
The poor griffon just wanted some fish. She took a breath and her body slacked a bit, her face falling into a relieved smile. "The most likely place you could find fish would be the airship docks and wholesale district near said docks. They're both on the far side of the city, away from the residential district. Im not sure you'll find any, though, we ponies don't eat meat and even then I haven't seen the damage to those areas yet, but they're still your best bet. If not, just ask someone staffing a supply tent; we've got a lot more griffon military like you in the city right now, and they're getting rations from somewhere."
|
|
|
Post by Klepto Moonlit on Nov 2, 2014 14:15:54 GMT -5
"A few weeks in a coma tends to take care of those sort of things," Klepto answered, pulling back his vest a little to give a better look at the scar. "Though I think I owe you some sorta thanks for me bein' here. I'm a bit fuzzy on the details, but I know a Rainlock dropped me off at the hospital; and that if they'd had it their way, I would've been dead on Feathermain's floor."
"But hey, thanks for invitin' me," he continued, hopping onto the crumbled wall, then onto the grass next to Selenia. "Always wanted to see Canterlot, as well as see you again. At least one of those two is meeting expectations."
Their conversation was interrupted by an approaching griffon, inquiring about fish. He looked like the military-sort, probably one of the griffons serving under the fleet in the city. "Yeah, don't think Canterlot has any fish restaurants. Or any restaurants at the moment. If you're lookin' for something other than what they've got at the mess hall, you're probably out of luck."
|
|
Sturmrufer
Griffons
New Griffon
"Having fun, are we?"
Posts: 30
|
Post by Sturmrufer on Nov 2, 2014 15:34:55 GMT -5
"Thanks, I thought as much. Wish there was, but you take what you get, I suppose." Sturm replied. "It's just that the rations we get are undeniably bland, you know?" He looked at them both, realizing he hadn't acquainted himself. "Oh, where are my manners? I am Cadet Sturmrufer, serving in the 6th. Part of Lady Whitefeather's delegation party." Finishing his introduction, he was amazed that they hadn't said anything about his extra talons. Usually that was one of the first things people brought up. Although strange, he wasn't about to complain. "And you are? I don't think we've met before."
|
|
|
Post by Selenia on Nov 5, 2014 15:28:18 GMT -5
Selenia nodded sagely as Sturm went on about the rations. Times were getting tougher and there was no end in sight. At least Selenia had a clear and concrete objective to drive her, otherwise she'd have no clue what to do with herself what with all that had happened. She perked up when he began introducing himself, though. No reason to be impolite. A cadet from the delegation, eh? He'd have some grass behind his auricular feathers for sure, but he'd have the chance to see a great many places during his service. Selenia had cherished the precious little travel she had been able to do. Compounded by books, of course, her desire to see the world, her world, had always been strong from a very early age.
"I'm Selenia, mage and student of Royal Advisor RedCharge. I was born and raised right here in Canterlot, but I've been to the Griffon Kingdom once before, your country's got the most breathtaking mountains I've ever seen." She smiled and held out a hoof. Not exactly matching for a bump, but Sturm could shake it if he so deigned. "So since you're part of Whitefeather's delegation... Have you travelled anywhere particularly interesting?"
|
|
|
Post by Klepto Moonlit on Nov 6, 2014 21:29:50 GMT -5
"Klepto Moonlit," the thief said, extending his hoof for-the-shaking as well. "I'm in the resale business."
"Part of the griffon entourage, eh? Must be exciting. I was on the same trip as Selenia to the Griffon Kingdom, but uh... let's just say my stay was extended. Apparently there was this big battle or somethin' that happened while I was there, but I must've missed it."
"Also, you never told me you were in with the top brass," Klepto said, turning to Selenia. "At least I don't think you did. Did you?"
|
|
Sturmrufer
Griffons
New Griffon
"Having fun, are we?"
Posts: 30
|
Post by Sturmrufer on Nov 12, 2014 19:35:52 GMT -5
Exciting, and interesting to be sure.” Sturm replied. “I have to say however, that the most interesting has been here, in Canterlot. While a lot is gone, I have still never met or seen a more friendly community. The way people are working together, helping each other, is heartwarming.” He looked at Klepto, suddenly studying him. “Say,I think I might have seen you before. In the Rocks, perhaps? You seem quite familiar.”
|
|
|
Post by Selenia on Nov 15, 2014 9:24:51 GMT -5
Selenia nodded sagely in turn with Sturm's reply. Ponies were a stubborn and hearty race, and a catastrophe such as losing their capital only proved it. She sheepishly scratched the back of her neck with Klepto's inquiry, however. "No, you wouldn't have heard of it, Klepto. Officially, it's pretty recent and a bit of a long story. I'm not so much in the upper echelon as much as I am learning from it. Red-er, Royal Advisor RedCharge sought me out after the whole Eclipse fiasco. Apparently, he had been keeping tabs on me since I was such a stubborn and repetitive thorn in his and the Cult's sides. Once everything had settled, he offered me the opportunity to learn magic as his student, something I couldn't pass up. So, here I am."
Selenia pondered elaborating on the specifics that followed, those of her upcoming 'mission' and getting down to business with Klepto, but she held her tongue. It was privileged information. It wasn't like anypony would be able to stop her from going to the maze, but still. Elucidating the whole might not be wisest course of action. She had to think on it for a little longer before making a decision, but her time was still ticking away.
|
|
|
Post by Klepto Moonlit on Nov 15, 2014 15:57:28 GMT -5
"Huh?" Klepo spoke after Sturmrufer mentioned having seen him before. "I mean, I was in Canterlot for a while I guess. Not really out on the streets for a lot of that though. Any pony in a city full'a griffons is gonna stick out though." The earth pony tapped his hoof to his chin, trying to think of another explanation until a thought occurred to him. "Shoot, I wasn't in the paper was I?" he asked, looking between Sturmrufer and Selenia. "I thought Rainlock had tried to keep that whole thing 'hush hush'."
The thief pondered the possibility for a few moments before dismissing the thought, redirecting his attention to Selenia's new-found occupation. "Trainin' with the Royal Advisor. Man, you make it sound so... productive... Meanwhile I feel I've gotten nowhere since that stupid expedition. Look at me, I'm scrounging through rubble for left-over goodies."
"Speakin' of which, you two mind if we take this conversation into my office?" he asked, taking a few steps closer to what was left of the ruined building's doorway. "I'd like to do a little more digging while there's still daylight."
|
|
Sturmrufer
Griffons
New Griffon
"Having fun, are we?"
Posts: 30
|
Post by Sturmrufer on Nov 18, 2014 18:20:53 GMT -5
"Sounds fair to me." Sturm replied, stepping across the rubble. "But I could have sworn I have seen you in the Rocks before, not here in Canterlot." Turning to Selenia, he asked "Advisor Red Charge, eh? Sounds like a position many ponies would want. It must come with interesting stories, I would think. Care to tell me some? It be fun to hear a few."
|
|
|
Post by Selenia on Nov 19, 2014 8:46:53 GMT -5
Selenia merely nodded again in agreement with Klepto's request and followed Sturm inside. "Only exciting stories of how hard Red's kicked my flank in training," she laughed to herself. "Training with a master is in fact as hard as you would think. The homework's not fun either, though I do now know some pretty cool tricks," she just shrugged and eyed some shattered tableware and the remains of a picture frame. Her smile turned down in slight sadness as she looked around the rest of the ruined place. "I know it puts food on the table, Klepto... But do you ever feel, like, bad or anything about rummaging through somepony's broken life for your own profit?"
|
|
|
Post by Klepto Moonlit on Nov 24, 2014 0:03:28 GMT -5
"Of course I do," Klepto answered, continuing to sift through a pile of rubble. "You realize how degrading this is? I'd much rather be taking things from their non-broken, fully intact lives. There's a lot more dignity to be had there." The thief pulled out from the pile a lovely painting of a spring-time landscape, frowning at the sight of a rather ugly hole in the middle of it. "And better loot. Lot of this stuff coulda been worth somethin' under better circumstances."
The thief picked up the painting and tossed it aside, resuming his search for more valuable items. "Anyways, you were about to explain why you invited me here before Sturmrufer showed up. Think you said it had somethin' to do with a pickle." Klepto looked up at Selenia to see what she had to say before continuing. "Unless this was confidential. Like a private you-and-me type of thing."
|
|
|
Post by Selenia on Dec 6, 2014 12:18:31 GMT -5
Selenia tapped her chin in thought while glancing back and forth between Klepto and Sturm. She quite literally had nothing left to lose that hadn't been accounted for, and being vague never hurt anyone. She did really need to get the show on the road, however. Shame that she'd be dragging Klepto away from profits and possibly Sturm away from his fish. She'd thank them both properly when she came back.
"Nah Klepto, it's fine. Sturm here might actually be able to lend an extra hoof-er, claw I mean." She looked to the griffon with affirmation. "And yes, I am in a little bit of a pickle. Nothing serious, mind you, but still rather risky. My mentor will soon have me facing a reasonably challenging mission, one that pits me against an unknown number of highly skilled opponents with vicious single combat being an inevitability. You are familiar with my skill in magic, but it's my only true strength and experience. I'm woefully lacking in the physical aspect, as well as in stealth and subterfuge- which is what I know you specialize in, Klepto. As for Sturm, you're a griffon soldier, and I might be facing griffons on my mission." Her ears flattened at how insinuating that might have sounded, and quickly backpedaled, "Not anything military, I mean! Nothing unsanctioned. I may very well be facing other ponies too. Anyways, if they're not trade secrets, would it be trouble to learn your fighting styles and basic tactics, just in case?"
|
|