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The Frozen North: All Aboard!
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Train travel is a staple of Northern life. It is the safest, though not always fastest, way of moving between the Five Cities and their outlying settlements. The great, steel behemoths of the Pre-War rumble along the ancient tracks, carrying ponies and supplies for a reasonable price. The train-ponies take pride in their work, and some who are born into it live their whole lives on the tracks. Yet for the rest of the Frozen North, the trains are merely effective transports, which they use for all manner of reasons.
“All aboard!” the conductor calls gruffly. The platform of the Rainbow Resort is almost deserted at this hour. The sun has set, so it is very, very cold, and the only light is from the lights softly flickering above. The conductor’s call signals that, if you aren’t already onboard, now is a good time. The train keeps its own time, and the ponies are all too ready to leave any stragglers out in the cold wind and darkness.
The rumble of the engine grows louder as it prepares to leave the station. Within five minutes, the Rainbow Resort, and everything that kept you there, will be left behind. For some, this is a welcome change. For others, it is difficult. Perhaps it is nothing special at all.
In addition to the five that will become the focus of this story, six people of different species shuffle aboard, bearing bags and other luggage with them. This particular train consists merely of a single engine, a passenger car, and a luggage car, which is fairly standard for a Northern train. It is expensive to keep the cars and engines maintained, after all. Inside the passenger car, another conductor stands guard, eyeing each passenger with an appraising eye, always on the lookout for trouble.
Spoiler
Show
Alright everyone! Here we are, setting off on a new adventure. Time to give us those character descriptions and inner monologues as you get a chance to meet each other and a few NPCs. You'll all be in the same traincar, so that'll be fun. Just watch the tracks ahead.
Yes, there are several jokes to be made about railroading here, and I see the irony of starting a sandbox game on a train.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Doc stood on the station platform with a pensive look on his face and a train ticket folded under his scarf. Was this it? Just like that he was going to... oh heck, why shouldn't he run? She's dead, it's all gone, and Doc has no clues as to who done it. Get out and regroup elsewhere. He sighed, for Doc had no plan of action here and no friends he could turn to. He was far from home. Up a frozen creek and... well a paddle wouldn't help in a frozen creek, right?
Doc needed more relatable metaphors.
He walked up to the conductor and handed over his ticket to get hole-punched or whatever they did. Once accepted, Doc stepped on board and looked for a quiet seat somewhere. He sat down and felt the outside of his pack. He had some food, medical equipment, weapons that were wrapped up in a blanket... was this all he had right now? Damn, life came at you fast. He stuffed the gear under his seat and then wiped his blanket on the end of his scarf. He watched others climb on board.
Wait, what if one of them was responsible for the night before?
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
A charcoal pony in a matching khaki ushanka hat and overcoat ignores any offers of help with a rather large all black case carried diagonally across her back on her way to the train.
Not that many ponies offered a hoof in the first place. And she was thankful for it.
Really, Pepper Burst wanted to hide the fact she had wings folded up under the sleeping back draped across her back under the case. A casual observer would assume she was padding her back against the weight of her luggage, but it was all just a quick and cheap attempt to be more incognito. It seemed to have worked as she trotted on board the train without looking back, her expression a deadpan affair. Of course, anybody on board would realize she was a pegasus the moment she unloaded her cargo, but she cared more about having a (mobile) place to hole up in more than that particular recognition. The trains always leave on time, she told herself. The resort security wouldn't get here soon enough to tamper with that.
Of course, the deadpan but silently fretting pegasi doesn't realize she didn't bother to put her luggage into storage. It's now sitting next to her as if it were her traveling companion in the seat to her left. With the sleeping bag slipping, she twitches her wings but keeps them folded as she slouches down in her seat, forelegs stuffed in pockets, eyes dimly studying the carpet patterns rather than dart around suspiciously.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
tonberryking
It seemed to have worked as she trotted on board the train without looking back, her expression a deadpan affair.
Doc glanced in her direction as she boarded. A charcoal mare, carrying lots of stuff. >.>
'Hmm, she's carrying a bit much if she were an assassin,' Doc thought to himself. 'Assuming whoever they were wanted to off me. They probably didn't or I'd be dead. Maybe they just wanted to drive me out of town? Reckon they might want to send someone to watch me in case I double back... nah, she's probably just a passenger. Kinda cute one. Wait, focus dummy. You're trying to keep your wits about you, not check out the passengers like that. Shoot, quit staring!'
He turned away from looking at the new passenger and instead pretended to fiddle with his jacket, ensure his pockets were secure.
Quote:
Of course, anybody on board would realize she was a pegasus the moment she unloaded her cargo
Second glance. 'Pegasus? Last night's incident was a... earth pony, wasn't it?' Doc thought to himself. 'Maybe you should introduce yourself? You could figure out her motivations if you talk to her. Yeah, that might help whittle down potential pasengers top be antagonists. Good plan.'
Doc cleared his throat. "Evening. You look loaded for a long adventure."
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Two heavily clothed ponies stand on the station platform a comfortable distance away from the train. Not a single hair or eye exposed to the night air underneath the layers and layers. Their eyes covered by protective goggles. The short red jacket pony has a walking stick and a loaded backpack. The larger green jacket pony has a heavily stylized carved stone staff. The staff wouldn't be out-of-place at the prestigious local magic school. The two mares have been making quiet chit-chat since they've arrived. The conductor's final call causes a puff of condensation to billow up from the red pony.
Rime Verse, the short red pony, says apologetically, "I have to go or I'll miss my train."
The green pony convincingly says, "You should stay. There is plenty for you here."
"You know I can't. If I don't leave now I'll never get another chance."
"You can. I could really use your help."
Rime sorrily says, "I have to go." She looks towards the train.
The green pony steps forward and hugs the smaller red pony. "I love you."
A light blue magic holds the red pony's stick. Rime hugs the pony back. "I love you."
"You stay safe out there and make sure to come back to us."
"There isn't anything out there that I can't handle. You keep Dad and Mom out of trouble. I'll send mail."
The hug pulls apart. Rime grabs her walking stick out of the air.
The green pony teases, "I somehow don't doubt that you'll fill up our mailbox." She raises her head toward the train. "Go on."
Rime turns toward the train and walks with her stick. She looks back. "Good luck."
The two part while waving goodbye.
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Rime hurries along before she misses the adventure. If the conductor asks her to show her ticket she will; otherwise, she will board the train. Underneath the better lighting, she is wearing arctic clothes. She has a nice warm poofy red jacket on. Rubber Boots. Clear goggles. A scarf. Her hood rim is fuzzy. Her walking stick isn't some piece of trash she picked up off the floor but it isn't anything special.
She looks towards the rumbling engine as if it is interesting. The seats in front of her seem to give her pause and she looks around. She decides to sit at one of the double seats and saves the second seat with her stuff so no one can sit next to her. She pulls back her hood, takes her goggles off, and unwraps her scarf. She is a unicorn. Her coat is white. Her mane is black. Her eyes are a light blue, almost a shade of gray.
Her horn lights up and her tugs the rubber boots off her forelegs. Then, she pulls off the shoes underneath that. Then, one of her hoof warmers. Rime begins looking around the cabin and taking note of every pony. Very literally as she pulls out a book and pen from her bag with magic. She begins writing down everything as she looks around the room. Her staff in hoof while she levitates her writing instruments. She waits for the conductor to take away her bag.
Doc catches Rime's eye when he speaks. She watches him and takes notes. The pony he is talking to gains her attention as well. She looks Pepper Burst over and writes down some information.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Elbeyon
Doc catches Rime's eye when he speaks. She watches him and takes notes. The pony he is talking to gains her attention as well. She looks Pepper Burst over and writes down some information.
"Uh, howdy?" Doc says, with some hesitation.
'She's taking notes? Why? Is she a spy? Reporter?' doc thinks to himself. 'Wait, maybe she's an investigator; I left the fire and didn't report it. Aww horseapples. Did I break the law leaving the crime scene? Or maybe, i'm a suspect? Why would the town suspect... but I'm new? Craaaap, and she's cute too. Buh, look away. It's gonna be fine. Just.... be smooth.'
He glances back, to check if she answers.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Pepper's green eyes twitch at Doc using the term "loaded", bringing her head up slowly. Up close, she has a faint, lighter blue sock about her face that stands out from the dark gray of her hide but her dour expression mars the effect.
"No, I'm just headed to the next town over because I like their grocery store better than the one across the block." she drawls, not feeling flattered by Doc's small talk, but at least unwilling to tell him to go screw. "Like my shopping cart?"
She finally removes the sleeping bag and bundles it around her ominous black case, as if it were cold, flexing her wings only slightly before leaning back in the seat, wishing the train would start already. It takes a moment before she realizes Doc may still be standing nearby. "And is bird watching a hobby of yours? You seem pretty good at it."
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Rime transcribes what Doc said. Her magic hastily writing. "Hello, fellow passenger." Is he trying to brush her off? Her eyes narrow on him when he looks away and glances back. "It's a cold dark night to be traveling so lightly. You must have a story. What is your name? Do you often travel?"
She keeps an eye on the passengers as they move around and notes what they are doing, especially if they draw near. She isn't letting anyone sit with her. Her focus switches to Doc or Pepper when they talk. Pepper's shopping lines get filed into her journal. Her eyes focus in on the shopping cart when attention is drawn to it. Very interesting. She looks back to Pepper as she questions Doc.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
tonberryking
"And is bird watching a hobby of yours? You seem pretty good at it."
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Elbeyon
"It's a cold dark night to be traveling so lightly. You must have a story. What is your name? Do you often travel?"
"Ah, no, no... I'm just a bit perceptive," he answers, a sheepish expression on his face now. He looks away a moment to scratch behind his head. "Sorry for bein' rude there. Call me Doc, since I'm a doctor by trade and my friends back home aren't all that imaginative with nicknames."
He lifts a flap in his bundle to expose the medical symbol on the doctor's bag he has. He looks to the unicorn, replying, "I'm just traveling a bit, offering my services. Not much of a story really; I just go around and heal anyone who's got some caps for it. I make enough to get by."
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
The conductor accepts everyone's tickets with a businesslike nod and ushers them towards their seats. "We'll be leaving shortly," he says, "Pillows and blankets will be provided for those who wish to sleep. The train will be travelling overnight, after all. Additionally, there are beds available, for an extra fifty caps."
The other seats begin to fill up with the other passengers. Towards the middle is an elderly unicorn with a well-kept mustache and an old-fashioned overcoat that has a single rip along the shoulder. He seems content to stare out the window for now. A little further up are two mares, a mother and her daughter, who are wrapped in coats and scarves. At the very back is a griffon ghoul, covering most of his form in a grey-white cloak, one that would blend well into the snow. At the very front is a young, fresh eyed colt with the biggest smile and shining eyes. He grips the seat's hoofrests and seems on the edge of squealing in excitement. And last is a a well-suited mare wearing a derby and sporting a jagged red line, like that on a business chart, as her cutie mark.
"This is my first train ride!" the colt declares to everyone, "I'm so excited! There's no way I can sleep!"
"Well," the ghoul mutters from the back, "There goes any hope of the rest of us sleeping."
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
An angry mare wielding a rifle, looked around with shifty eyes.
'Where is the damn house wrecker?! I want her head on stuffed on my wall! Anypony!?"
She smelled the samned sugar powder and mint, but couldn't find the wretched thief!
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Trotting so softly, that might as well, floating, was a reindeer.
A rare sight already, but her beauty was something beyond. Her coat was white as snow, and soft as dreams, with blue and silver patterns, and majestic antlers. Her limbs slim, long and elegant, and wore striped socks om her hind legs, and as she went into the train car everypony can smell sugar powder and mint. She wink at the conductor, naturally giving a random piece of paper.
This reindeer has an accent, that make her even more diffrent in the scene.
"The ticket quality isn't what it used to be. But at least the company k'here is!" she said cheerfully, and shamelessly added a peck, and with no luggage at all bounced cheerfully to take a seat.
"Why to sleep, when we can make this into a FESTIVAL?! A FESTIVAL OF THE FIRST TRAIN OF....' the reindeer happily agreed with the colt, amd looked at him, expecting him to give her his name.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Miltonian
"This is my first train ride!" the colt declares to everyone, "I'm so excited! There's no way I can sleep!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by
igordragonian
"Why to sleep, when we can make this into a FESTIVAL?!' the reindeer happily agreed with the colt.
Doc glanced over at the colt, then the reindeer, then to the reindeer again, and finally closed his eyes a moment to blink. Oookay, d-did Doc commit some kind of atrocity and the cosmos was punishing him for it? He chanced a peek out of the corner of his eye again. Yep, that reindeer was real.
He was thinking he'd agree with the ghoul in the back. No one is sleeping tonight.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
The conductor makes as if to challenge Oddy, but cannot get the words out before she plants a peck on his cheek. His face brightens considerably and he forgets exactly what he was going to say. She gets on the train with no problem whatsoever, and the conductor's eyes follow her 'bouncing' with a stunned expression. He shakes his head and mutters to himself, "Uh, yeah. Tickets sure have...declined in..." He gulps and stares after her. "...Quality."
The colt blinks several times and gasps as Oddy approaches him. A massive smile comes across his face. "A FESTIVAL?!" he repeats, "Ooh! Ooh! What sort of festival?" He gasps. "A train festival!"
Pretty much everyone's eyes are on Oddy at the moment. The business-mare's eyes, however, are especially keen. They seem to be sizing her up.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
"EXACTLY!" the Oddy said happily, bouncing, without her slitted hooves touching the floor.
"Come on everypony and deer!" she turn.
"Wouldn't you wish, your first train ride was a festival too?! If only each of us would give or do a single thing, this will be a festival! Who can sing? Who can play an instr'ument?" she bounce toward every passenger.
To Rime she point at her horn with a gasp of awe. "You are an unicorn! And a very lovely one! You must k'have some SPECTACULAR spells to show off!"
"Maybe YOU k'have a snack?' she point at Doc.
And then to Pepper. "YOU might have accesories! Come on! Don't be shy!'
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
igordragonian
"Maybe YOU k'have a snack?' she point at Doc.
Doc's ears shoot up straight when she points to him. "Uh...no, no thanks. I reckon maybe we should keep the rukus down? You know, on account that it's getting late and some folks might want to sleep?"
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Of course it might be seen as shy if a pony covers her face with her hat, but Pepper seems ready to somehow cram her entire body into it from how hard the motion is. Or shove a pillow between her ears if she ever gets one; the train can't take off fast enough for her sake.
"Fresh out of favors, snow ball," she says to Oddy, desperately looking like she wants no further attention brought to herself. "I'm just trying to get through this train ride and then I've got work to do..."
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
DigoDragon
Doc's ears shoot up straight when she points to him. "Uh...no, no thanks. I reckon maybe we should keep the rukus down? You know, on account that it's getting late and some folks might want to sleep?"
"Ho ho ho! Aren't you thd nail of the party! K'here!" the reindeer pushed a colorful wrapped gift to the Earth Pony hooves
Where did she pulled it from... she doesn't carry bags, and doesn't really wear anything besidd long triped socks.
"Come on!" she grabbed his cheeks and pushed him to look at the colt. "Don't you wish this colt have an AMAZING festival, with random people happy around him?' and she ruffled his mabe and cooed. 'It will make ME happy. And when I am happy.. I more.. aporachable. You know?' she wishpered softly into his ears, and then hopped back to convince the next festival challenged.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
tonberryking
Of course it might be seen as shy if a pony covers her face with her hat, but Pepper seems ready to somehow cram her entire body into it from how hard the motion is. Or shove a pillow between her ears if she ever gets one; the train can't take off fast enough for her sake.
"Fresh out of favors, snow ball," she says to Oddy, desperately looking like she wants no further attention brought to herself. "I'm just trying to get through this train ride and then I've got work to do..."
Well, resisting Oddy is exactly the way to bring attention! So it's a success if this what Pepper wanted!
"Wow, then! Aren't you lucky!' the "snowball' reindeer hugged the charocal pony.
'It is a holiday miracle! What are you working at? When were the last time, you SANG in work? Please! Tell us!"
She sat on her hind legs, with wide admiring eyes.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
igordragonian
[COLOR="#008080"]"Come on!" she grabbed his cheeks and pushed him to look at the colt. "Don't you wish this colt have an AMAZING festival, with random people happy around him?' and she ruffled his mane and cooed. 'It will make ME happy. And when I am happy.. I more.. approachable. You know?' she whispered softly into his ears, and then hopped back to convince the next festival challenged.
"Uhh..." Doc blushed a little, but he didn't debate the question. Instead he debated the merit of renting one of those beds in the other car for ten caps. He looked down at the gift he was given, one hoof unconsciously straightened out his mane again. Doc shook the gift a little and listened.
A gift from a very beautiful and overly friendly reindeer? Oh yeah, she was dangerous. He slowly unwrapped the gift and took a peek inside.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
It's a plushie of herself!
(Well th3 doll's antlers are golden instead of silver for some reason)
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Pepper's eyes bulge as she tries to ward off the hug, thrashing in Oddy's grip.
"Cease and desist!" she growls, perhaps in vain, and it takes all of her mental strength not to say she's going into the "venison" business (as threatening a passenger no matter how deserving probably constitutes getting thrown off the train...) before sourly smoldering at the reindeer. Horseapples, but she'll need to actually give this cretin an answer. "I'm going... into bounty hunting. Not much singing there." she says flatly, hoping it will scare her off or at least hold little interest to this party maniac.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
The colt, for his part, is enjoying being shoved in people's faces and generally having a fuss made over him. This is all very exciting for him! "I'm Two Bit, by the way," he tells everyone, "It's nice to meet you all. Have you been on trains before?"
The mustachioed stallion gets up and walks towards the conductor. "So how much for one of those beds, young stallion?"
"Uh..." the conductor manages to pry his eyes away from Oddy's form long enough to pay attention to the other passenger, "fifty caps, sir."
The stallion grumbles and begins digging through his saddlebags. Meanwhile, the suited mare is chuckling quietly and watches Oddy with a bemused expression.
With a lurch, the train begins to pull out from the station. They are on their way now. "Well," the griffon ghoul mutters from the back, "If I'm going to be stuck here with all this, then I'm at least gonna enjoy myself." He begins digging through his bag and pulls out flask. His eyes light up at the mention of bounty hunting. He holds up the flask towards Pepper. "Hey! A comrade in arms. Want some? It's good stuff. Even works on ghouls."
The mother looks at him with disapproving eyes while the daughter's eyes are fixed in awe on Oddy.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Sensing hostile feelings, Doc gets up and tries to mediate between the charcoal pegasus and the reindeer. "Ah, excuse me, miss reindeer, but maybe you're getting a bit too familiar with everyone here. I'm sure most of us enjoy a gift and a little celebration, but some of us have had a rough few days and just want a quiet trip. How about we compromise? Keep the party at the front end of the car there and the rest who need a little space stick to here in the back area?"
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
tonberryking
Pepper's eyes bulge as she tries to ward off the hug, thrashing in Oddy's grip.
"Cease and desist!" she growls, perhaps in vain, and it takes all of her mental strength not to say she's going into the "venison" business (as threatening a passenger no matter how deserving probably constitutes getting thrown off the train...) before sourly smoldering at the reindeer. Horseapples, but she'll need to actually give this cretin an answer. "I'm going... into bounty hunting. Not much singing there." she says flatly, hoping it will scare her off or at least hold little interest to this party maniac.
The reindeer doesn't seems phased. Though, she does make a mental note, that, this charocal gruff pony might hunt for her.
Oh well. Just more fun and shengians! At least Oddy hasn't seduced her husband.
She think.
She let go of the hug, and instead, try to drag her into a dance.
"What about a victory dance? I also know few victory songs-" she pauss tapping her beautiful chin.
"We are the champions, my friends
And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end
We are the champions
We are the champions
No time for losers
'Cause we are the champions of the woOoOrld!!!"
She pause and give Pepper a mint candy.
"This I would sing, if I were a bounty huntress!'
Oddy gasp, cheerfully, hugging both the griffon ghoul and Pepper.
'You have your own sub party INSIDE the BIGGEST TWO BIT TRAIN FESTIVAL EVERRR!"
She give both bounty hunters, colorful plastic cups, for their drinks and a party hats for both.
This seemed to be her kind of compromise, and she dragged Doc into the middle of the chaos she cheerfully have created
She give Two Bit a hug, and a wrapped gift- inside a wooden train toy, and for the little filly another gift of a "barbie bambi'- pretty plastic reindeer doll, who happens to be white with golden antlers, and have set of few dresses.
To the mare in suite, another gift with a colorful notebook.
She jump and dance around with closed eyes from pleasure.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Rime’s magic unbuttons her jacket pocket and she passes the conductor her ticket. “I would like my pillows and blankets prepared and my luggage brought to my bed.” She grabs fifty caps and hovers it to the conductor accepting payment. “Do you have private rooms available?”
Rime looks over the shown off medical bag. She smirks. “A doctor called Doc. How fitting yet questionable acceptable. A doctor that travels. You must never run out of business.” She has little doubt that a doctor would be able to make caps. “I imagine you would.”
Her light blue magic holds her pen/journal still. “I am Rime Verse. You may have heard of my family and I. Now that I’ve graduated I’m traveling around writing. You wouldn’t have happen to run into any big stories have you?”
There are so many interesting passengers. The train is packed with all walks. She hasn’t seen such a diverse crowd in a long time. Leaving was definitely the right choice. She never had a doubt. There is so much out here for her.
Out of the corner of her eye she first glances the reindeer. Her attention captured. She looks at the most beautiful person she has ever seen in her life. The only thing that could compare is her teacher under the effects of a beauty spell. She isn’t detecting that type of magical aura on the reindeer. Her beauty appears real if not natural.
A festival so late and on a train? How absurd. Still, a small gathering with the reindeer would make a good holiday story. The colt and reindeer are in high enough spirits.
Oddy has Rime’s full attention when she points at her horn. “Why thank you for noticing.” Rime straightens up as her ego is stoked. “I do know magic.” Not every unicorn knows spells. “I normally wouldn’t use my magic for tricks and fillies. I may perhaps…” She is convinced. “do a simple thing for the festival.” Why did she agree to help? Now is a better time to document her travels than helping put together a party.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Friggin handlers. Roxy grumbles as she heads towards the exit of the baggage car. Getting all huffy when she wanted to make sure her back, while not as packed as some, was properly situated. Her eyes lingered on other bags here and there... Fingers twitchy as is they wanted to undo the fastenings. It would be so easy to go through some of them, if not for the watchful eyes of that one griffon. Spoil sports the lot of them. There was even a bag that seemed to be stuffed with a great many long objects that seemed just utterly delectable.
The sand dog reaches the door goes through, momentarily between cars as the train starts to make its departure. Great Roxy had spent longer than she meant to which meant all the good seats were probably taken. Grumbling anew she opens the last door to... Chaos. The center of it all may not have been pink and dealing out cream pies to everyone but the amount of attention on the reindeer still had Roxy having mild flashbacks to yesterday.
"...Whats all this then?" Roxy stands perplexed, wearing clothing that seemed ill suited to the cold yet unbothered by the cold she was probably letting into the car while she's in the doorway.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Pepper puts up a fight this time, grabbing onto the arm of her seat with her forelegs and refuses to be completely pulled into a dance even as Oddy tugs and tugs. The fact the train is moving is the only thing keeping her from going ballistic.
"Nope! No, no no! I'm fine! Having a shot of whiskey's my idea of a party right now, I'll sit th-this dance out! Now get off me!" She's interrupted by the peppermint assault and a second hug, but manages to get free, shoving Oddy away and crumpling into her seat with an angry huff.
"This had better be loaded..." she mutters to the ghoul griffon, reaching for the flask if it's still being offered and pouring herself a generous shot into the provided cup. She turns in her seat to look at the living impaired creature. "If you're a bounty hunter what were you doing in the Resort? Vacationing?
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
The griffon ghoul smells of death and decay up close. That's not unexpected, though. All ghouls do. His cloak, mercifully, keeps most of the smell from wafting over the room. Perhaps it is enchanted. Only one person in the room at the moment can tell.
He chuckles. "Heh. A hug. That's a first." He takes another sip from his flask. He slowly removes the party hat, however, and sets it aside. It looked very out of place on his skull-like visage anyway. With a nod, he pours Pepper some. "Let's move back a bit. Give Ms. Bouncy here some room to show off her flank." Of all the males in the room, he is the one that seems least affected by Oddy's stunning looks. "Nah. I don't do vacations," he says in answer to Pepper's question, "I do, however, find that clients are much more willing to pay in full when you show up in person and well-armed." He extends a claw to shake. "Name's Quoth."
As for the drink, it is almost strong enough to be classified as paint stripper.
And so, Oddy and the many members of the car's passenger list that HAVEN'T managed to escape her orbit have a space in the middle of the car to set up their party. The mustachioed stallion has escaped to one of the beds upstairs on the car's second level. The mother and daughter, with varying degrees of eagerness, are following Oddy's leave. Two Bit is having the time of his life. The businessmare is watching all this as the gears inside her head whir and turn over. The Conductor...is watching Oddy jump around with barely concealed glee.
When Roxy enters, Quoth raises his flask. "Heh. Can't you see? We're having a party!" He seems sarcastically amused at the prospect. "Want to try your luck at holding the reindeer's attention long enough to try something? Seems to be a line forming."
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
igordragonian
This seemed to be her kind of compromise, and she dragged Doc into the middle of the chaos she cheerfully have created
She jump and dance around with closed eyes from pleasure.
"Now hold up there, miss," Doc calls out to the reindeer. "If you're wanting to dance with me around, then we're gonna do this proper."
Doc opens a flap in his pack and pulls out a small transistor radio. He turns it out and tries to find a proper slow song.
"Come here, let me show you how we dance in Manehattan." He holds out a hoof to invite the reindeer to join.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
If Rime's luggage has been moved to her room, she will lay on double seat instead of sitting. She watches the people around her get up and leave. She seems content to sit by herself and observe the car. A few moments pass before she shifts to sit. The car is too warm for her two jackets. She peels the layers off and folds them into a pile. She removes her red jacket, the warm black vest underneath, her second pair of blue pants, and her black rubber boots. That leaves her wearing her pictured scarf, blue shirt & pants, and blue shoes. If anypony took her stuff to her room, she asks the same pony to take her clothes to her room as well.
Everything sorted one way or another, she stands up and approaches the businessmare. She takes the closest open seat next to her. "Hello." She gives the mare a small smile. "I haven't heard your name yet." She looks her over and the colorful book she was gifted. Doc put on the Neo-Classical Station? A treat in the cold night. Her posture lightens up under the music.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Doc tunes up the radio, bringing up the Neo-Classical Station. The song is already in progress, but it does seem to be a ballroom song of some kind. Good for dancing! The exact name of this genre of music is lost knowledge to most Wastelanders. Is it a Waltz? A Salsa? Are those even different things? Who really knows? Point is, the music is live and it's time to dance.
Two Bit looks between them. "Oh! My parents do this all the time at parties!"
Rime's stuff gets transported downstairs to her private bed. There are only two of those left, thanks to her and the stallion. However, she has other things on her mind. The business mare looks up as she approaches. Her smile is matched with a wider, brighter one full of clean, white teeth. "Hey there! Name's Opportunity, Golden Opportunity, and I'm knocking!" She makes a rapping motion with her hoof, as if hitting an invisible door, and chuckles. "And let's see! You're one of those students, right?"
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
From the looks of things, Pepper probably needed a stiff drink. She takes a generous first sip but otherwise nurses it with some measure of discipline, not minding the smell apparently of a nearby ghoul. Based on the raiders she'd fought in the past, BO can be worse on an alive creature than a dead one--it just depends on how hard they try.
"Call me... Glint. Glint Eastwind." she says hastily, nudge-shaking the claw with her free hoof before pulling off the party hat stuck to her actual hat.
"I'm new the the bounty scene; kinda figured--hoped-- that it was mostly checking wanted posters and following leads..."
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Rime chuckles. Her smile a little fuller. She shifts her staff to her shoed hoof and reaches out to shake hoofs. Her book and pen floating at her side. "I am Rime Verse." She takes a proper seat with her walking stick in hoof. "You may have heard of me."
Her book floats down so she can see as she writes. "Oh? Do I look like a student?" She looks herself over and ends with her eyes on her staff. "I am no longer a Rainbow Falls School of Arcane Sciences student. I graduated. Top of my class. I am an alumni now." There is pride in her voice. "How about you? What brings you to traveling by train in the middle of the night?" Could it be opportunity? Rime is braced for the answer.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
"Huh... Not even a minute into the trip and already prancing about? That's gotta be a record somewhere in there." The sand dog says with a bark like chuckle. Well at least this looked like it was going to be less messy than the last "party" that popped up around her. Roxy finally steps fully into the car and closes the door behind her, then leans against the side of Quoth's seat. The smell pricks at her snout a bit but hey, sometimes you did up worse smelling things.
"Ah bounty hunting... The time honored tradition of legally knocking some sense into, or out of, somebody."
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Quoth's face brightens. "Glint Eastwood! Like the old movies. I like that. It's a good one." He chuckles. "Picked up the name 'Quoth' as some sorta marketing deal. Supposed to make me sound more intimidating and competent. Quoth the Griffon, something or the other. Reference to some Pre-War poem. Pony who thought of it for me was very impressed with himself, I'll tell you that." He sips his drink. "Told me I needed a dark cloak to go with it, but black sticks out too much in the snow."
"Yeah. Gotta be, what, an Academy Record at least." He slides over a bit so Roxy can sit down. "Well aren't I lucky tonight," he chuckles wryly, "Got actual female company. And you all aren't staring too much at my missing bits, which is almost polite of you.
He considers Pepper and Roxy's statements for a moment. "You can get by with bounty-boards," he says, "But the steady work's in bandit hunting. You can knock over a camp of them and prove it? You get paid decently well. And, if you had a bounty on somepony in the camp, you get paid twice for the same job." He taps the side of his skeletal beak. "And that's the key. Getting paid as often and as much as possible."
By the way Opportunity's eyes light up in recognition, she has indeed heard of Rime. "Oh ho!" she says, leaning in slightly, "No simple student, then. No indeed. Both graduated and, it appears, a pony of some skill! There seem to be quite a few of those around here tonight, between you, the doctor, the bounty hunters, and our gift-giving friend over there."
She chuckles. "Oh, you know, I go where opportunity takes me. And right now, it's leading me towards Neighagara Falls."
She leans in close and whispers. "Now tell me, have you ever tried chocolate before?"
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
About time somepony recognizes her. Has everypony been living under a rock? Rime smiles at the cheer. She flatly boasts, "Rainbow Falls has no simple students. The school only accepts the best. Ordinary ponies wouldn't make it far. The competition is fierce and many fail to meet the school's standards. A lot of the students are royalty and from notable families. Families interested in continuing their success." She pauses. "Yes. Skilled..."
She looks over the people. "The group is very interesting. Very colorful. I'm not so sure about Doctor Doc, but medical skills are a sorely desired skill and much-needed. I am sure many ponies would appreciate having him around. The bounty hunters carry themselves well." She looks over to the three of them. "An odd bunch but they don't seem to know each other. There are a lot of them though." The mother and fillies don't interest her.
She looks over to the happy reindeer. She says in a disbelief, "Have you seen the reindeer?" She gives an approving look. "Pony. I've never seen anything like her."
The repeated joke has her smirk. "Do you have family there? Business?"
As the mare leans in closer yet again Rime matches her movements. She whispers, "Yes, I have had some before. It is very good. The way it melts in my mouth feels amazing."
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Oddy laugh with pleasure.
"Now this is a pony who get it!" she take Doc's hoof and dance with grace and energy of a fairy with atomic reactor.
"What is your name, sweetie?' she spin in his forelegs, trusting him to catch her before she fall
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Doc catches her, noting she's going faster than the music calls for, but he'll just go with the flow for now.
"My family calls me Vardo, but i prefer Doc to my friends," he answers. "So what do I call you, other than an atomic powered beauty?"
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Oddy giggle.
"Clever. You are only the second to come up with this.' she gotten up in a spin, and spinned Doc back.
"Doc is cathhy. Oddy Ire!' she said with a gasp
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
The music continues, shifting from the slower tune into a more energetic one that better matches the mood. Two Bit crouches down on one of the seats and begins to push his toy train along, making little 'choo-choo!' noises. Quoth's beak cracks into a smile, but he looks away and hides it behind a swig of his flask.
Opportunity nods in fervent agreement. "Oh yes. A fine establishment. Top quality. There is absolutely no competing with it." Of course, there aren't any other schools of magic around, so there literally is no competition. Lowering her voice, she says, "I've heard stories about reindeer before. I understand that they visit the Junction quite often for some reason. Never laid eyes on one myself before now." She chuckles and shakes her head. "If they all look like that, I should think they'd soon drive us pony mares out of the market."
She eyes Rime cannily. "Yes. Business," she says, "A unique opportunity has opened up down there. Tell me, have you heard of the rumors from Scav Town about the Crystal City?" While speaking, she reaches into her pocket and pulls out an unopened chocolate bar. "Oh, and I figure that a mare of your refinement would appreciate something like this. For the low price of, say, fifteen caps?"
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
igordragonian
Oddy giggle. "Clever. You are only the second to come up with this.' she gotten up in a spin, and spinned Doc back.
"Doc is cathhy. Oddy Ire!' she said with a gasp
"Oh dear?" Doc repeats as he spins and back to her. "Oddyire... That's an interesting name, though I confess you're the first reindeer I've met. What brings you onto this train?"
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
The reindeer snickered when Doc said her name. It never gotten old! It proven that at least her mother had humor, even if not much many other positive qualities
"A very angry and jealuse wife.' she said with a smile. "Thankfully she doesn't shoot as good as her husnand.' adding jokingly(?)
"And it seems that I was destined to make Two Bit happy!" and just like that, collect Two Bit with one swipe in between her antlers.
"Come on ladies!' she waved to Rime and Opuurtonitty. "We are doing a train!" and waved Doc, to hold her back.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Doc had to wonder if her answer was humor or if she was a homewrecker. With a pretty face like that, he imagined that she could get away with a lot. That made her a troublemaker and somepony he'd probably not want too close to his wallet.
Better safe than robbed.
He decided to join the train dance, but he put his hooves on her gently to be polite (and cautious). "I reckon you travel around a bit and hear a few rumors, then?" Doc asked Oddy. "Maybe you know some place looking for a trained physician?"
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"Chooo! Chooo!" she say loudly
And she look back at Doc.
"Well, anywhere
If you are looking to be paid, it's a diffrent question.' she chuckled.
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"What wouldn't I want...?"
Oh. Is-Is she thinking he wants...? Tarnation, this isn't the conversation he needs right now. Doc breaks off from the dance. "Think I'm already worn out from the dancing. T'was a lovely time, miss." He returns to his seat and slumps down into it. He lifts up the gift Oddy gave him and raises an eyebrow. He then sets it down, face down, on his backpack.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Roxy nods along. "Yep yep, black might be intimidating but I find white on white works quite well for that. They think the snow is rising up to get them." Roxy raises the arm she isn't leaning on as if to pantomime leaping out at someone with a snarl on her face before returning to that half-smirk she had been wearing before. Indeed she aught to blend in well between her white fur and the light grey to white clothing she wore.
The sand dog was taking a little bit of a liking to this fellow, little to well spoken, but seemed to have good advice. Now if only he'd share some of that booze... Doc's hurried move for his seat catches Roxy's eye and she looks up. Was that the hint of a blush?
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Pepper wishes suddenly she'd thought of a better pseudonym. Still nursing her drink, and trying hard not to cough when she takes too big of a sip, her tolerance for the atmosphere has improved with the train actually being in motion. She also takes mental notes on the advice this 'dark' bird gives, but her police training and general paranoia seems to be going off. it's probably not as easy as he's making it sound...
In fact, she calls him out on it:
"It all sounds easier said than done," she grunts, before nudging Quoth and trying to get him to offer a swig to the Sand dog, "I've worked with groups before and sometimes you only win if you have more guns than the other pony."
"Maybe it's this turpentine you're serving us talking, but do you do anything else aside from wipe out bandits? Doesn't seem like a beginner's task."
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Rime's book floats closer to Opportunity so that Rime can see and write. A large portion of Rime's view taken up by Golden Opportunity. The pen on paper softly scratches letters into the pages as they talk. "What reason would they have for visiting the Junction so often? How very interesting. I'll have to keep an ear out for anymore news. I've seen reindeer several times during my years at school. Their ability to fly is a very discussed topic. It is a curious ability under close inspection." Rime doesn't need to take another look at Oddy since the mare is practically burned into her mind but she does anyway. "Believe me, they don't all look as fine as her." She chuckles at Opportunity's joke. "A few stallions would be out of luck as well." Rime gives Opportunity a testing glance.
She nods along to Opportunity's traveling reasons for now but might want to revisit the topic latter. A weaker smirk shows this time for the name pun but an acknowledging smirk nonetheless. She answers her Scav town question, "I've never been there myself. The rumors are persistent." Rime eyes the bar. Is this were all that acknowledgement was leading? "There are many mares with a weakness for sweets." Rime gives her a business-like smile. "Fifteen is too much. It is a festival. Why not give me a festival discount? Those don't come up too often." Rime genuinely smiles at her. She digs into her pocket and holds up a single wrapped candy. A light magical aura shines off the candy "I'll even throw in one of my special candies since this is a festival." She looks towards Oddy when she calls the two of them then looks back. "How about it? Would you like to dance with me?"
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
When Oddy snatches up Two Bit, Quoth half-rises from his seat for a moment. However, the colt giggles and laughs, delighted. He sits back down, eyeing Oddy with a wary gaze, but sitting still for now. The young colt slides down the reindeer's neck and straddles the back of her neck with his hind legs while holding onto her horns with his forelegs. He points dramatically forward. "Choo-choo!" he repeats, giggling.
The ghoul returns his attention to his companions. He grins at Pepper. "Well see, that's why a lot of ponies end up dead. They charge in, guns blazing, and confront the problem head on. Me? I take a different approach. For one, I'm not so good with a gun. The one eye puts the kibosh on that. Gotta get close before I can shoot someone reliably. So what I do is hole up somewhere nearby, sneak up on 'em one at a time, and it's over before they look up. It can take a few days of stalking, but so long as I pick my spot well and have enough stuff to keep me awake, I can clear a small camp by myself." His grin turns a little vicious. "Towards the end, they get all paranoid and sometimes start shooting each other."
"Pfft. Course I do. Bandit hunting is good pay, but it's bad for the nerves. Gotta keep alert every moment so they don't get the jump on you." He nods towards Two-Bit. "Right now, I'm being very well-paid to escort that little tyke down to his parents in Neighagara Falls." He eyes Oddy once more, keen eyes searching for any sign of ill will. "Very well paid..."
Opportunity glances back over at Oddy as well, but for a different reason than Quoth. She chuckles wryly. "Rime, if that doe wanted, she could have every pony this side of paradise bowing down to her. Face that launched a thousand boats, or something like that." Her eyes linger for a moment, focusing here and there as she reviews what she noticed earlier. She takes a sharp breath and looks away, cheeks blushing slightly. "Yep! Not much more to add to that."
Her smile widens at Rime's response. "Ah, of course, of course." She chuckles and taps the side of her nose. "I see you are savvy as well as well-educated. Let's go with 9 caps, then. I am sure you'll find that price more than fair." She gladly accepts the candy and tucks it away for now with a wink.
"I don't want to spread too much misinformation," she continues, "But they say that the city is starting to 'wake up', whatever that means. Practically speaking, a lot of old, sealed up ruins have suddenly opened up. I heard of a report about some military depots appearing around Neighagara Falls, right near the border with Equestria. I'm headed down there to get in on that action. Aaaand I wouldn't mind picking up a small team to help do the heavy lifting. And, of course, the administration."
She laughs and rises. "Well, why not? Let's dance!"
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
She blow a kiss toward Doc.
"Of course, Dockie sweetie
" she said soothingly.
Oddy's mother blamed her for having thrill at poking hornet nests.
It wasn't the exact truth.
Ironicly, Oddy yearned for honesty. She wanted to see creatures and scenes for what they realpy are, for better and ill.
For example, she felt that in the essence, such excitment for a foal, should be a celebration. By her action she simpy peeled one layer of the honest reality.
Such behavior was also a test for the virtue of ponies, she didn't wanted to force ponies to celebrate, just to take out the silly restraints.
Sometimes, she helped villans to discover the good inside of them and sometimes...
Eh. She managed to turn a normal housewife, into a head huntress.
Her ears perked as she collected an intresting intel.
She noticed Oppuprtinity reaction to her and a little bit leaned back into her.
She led the train in circles, already seeing the potentiap benefits of her kindness.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Doc blushed a bit at the blown kiss toward him. Maybe if it were a different day, one where he hadn't lost Lin and his dream. Sigh...
He knew he'd get over it with some time. He just needed a couple days to mourn and figure out a plan b. Doc pulled out his canteen from the pack pocket and sipped from it as he looked out the train car window. Suppose he could go back to the institute? Nah, there wasn't work to be had there. More likely, his prospect was to go to one of the small towns and peddle drugs n' band-aids for caps. Again.
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Pepper arches an eyebrow, looking over at the little colt. "Kid's got some VIP parents, huh?" she rubs her chin with the underside of her hoof.
"Don't suppose you know of anypony at our destination who's always looking for work, do you?"
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Rime puts a hoof to her mouth and chuckles at Opportunity's praise of Oddy. "I think you are right about that. She would leave many mares speechless." She lightly laughs.
The ego stroking is doing wonders for Rime's coat. Charmed Rime happily says, "Like recognizes like." Her light blue magic surrounds nine caps in her pocket and retrieves it for Golden Opportunity. "Nine caps is very acceptable." Rime will give Golden the caps and tuck the bar away on one of her outer pockets so her body heat doesn't melt it. She smiles as the candy is taken. "You will want to eat that candy in the next twenty-four hours." She hints at an unknown but she looks like she doesn't want to go into details.
She hushes her voice and whispers, "A city waking up is a new rumor to me. Sealed ruins would be like stable treasure." Her eyes light up at the prospect. "Places that sound ripe for looting. I wouldn't be surprised when the news gets out it spreads like wildfire and there was a rush. Oh, the adventures ponies will have and tell for generations." She nods and hms along to the military deports around Neighagara Falls. "That sounds like opportunity." She smirks when she hears Golden Opportunity is scouting people. "You have my interest. The ponies you mentioned earlier." She comments, "They do seem like good candidates."
Rime raises alongside her. "Exactly. Let's dance!" She snaps her book closed and rests it on her chair. She uses two instances of telekinesis to quickly remove her winter clothes. She isn't going to dance bogged down in heavy warm clothing. At this point she only has her scarf and necklace hidden underneath. "Come on!" She trots to the train line while lightly laughing. Her puts her hoofs on the back of the last pony. She mimics Oddy without raising her voice, "Chooo! Chooo!"
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Quoth chuckles. "On the grand scale? They're a cut above the average, yeah. But they're good parents and are willing to shell out a lotta caps to keep their son here safe." To the second question, he shrugs. "I've got some contacts," he says, "At this point, I've been at this for over fifty years. Ponies tend to come to me with contracts if I can afford to stick around long enough. Still have to do some searching, but that won't help you."
Opportunity pats her pocket where the candy now sits. "I'll be sure to do that." The seven caps go into a different pocket. "Indeed." She lowers her voice. "That rush you mentioned is what I'm afraid of. Need to get there fast before everypony else loots all the best stuff. But let's continue this conversation later, hmm?"
And so, the two of them join the train dance. The teenage mare half-rises to join as well, but her mother pulls her back into her seat and whispers some harsh words to her in a low, quiet voice. The young mare's face falls and she looks down. The older mare resumes looking around with a vaguely disapproving look at everyone and everything. At least Two Bit is having a lot of fun!
The train has been moving for a bit now. Between Oddy's antics and Quoth's long speeches, a good amount of time has passed. They are a good ways out from the Resort now, heading south and west towards Neighagara Falls. As Doc looks out, he catches glimpses of a massive city down below and in the distance through the falling curtains of snow. It is silent and dark, but still has the ragged remains of its grandeur and a hushed sense of awe. The Crystal City sleeps.
Yet as he watches, something else catches his eye. A bright light, descending from up above. Descending quite fast, actually. And headed this way. It's getting closer. Actually, 'plummeting at extreme speeds' is a more accurate description of what's going on. And is that a pony in the middle, tumbling over and over themselves? Oh Sun and Moon, they very well could hit the train!
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Miltonian
Yet as he watches, something else catches his eye. A bright light, descending from up above. Descending quite fast, actually. And headed this way. It's getting closer. Actually, 'plummeting at extreme speeds' is a more accurate description of what's going on. And is that a pony in the middle, tumbling over and over themselves? Oh Sun and Moon, they very well could hit the train!
Doc's brow furls as the object comes closer. Seriously, wut? He gets up and turns to all the passengers.
"Y'all will want to get down and hold onto your butts! Something fast is aiming to hit us!"
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Oddy's eyes widen.
She grab Two Bit with one foreleg, jumping and covering him and with her second foreleg grab the pony behind her- (Opportunity? Rime?)
To fall on the floor as well.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Rime agrees with a whisper, "Fine idea. We can continue this conversation when we are ready."
She joins Oddy's small dance party as the second pony in the conga line. A light pink blush coloring her cheeks as they dance.
Rime echoes Doc's call with a shout, "Incoming!" She adds which side Doc was watching.
(Rime was the one behind Oddy)
Rime is getting pulled to the floor one way or another by Oddy. She might as well try to shield Golden as well. She tries to protect her with her body from the unknown incoming danger.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Doc grabbed his shield from under the chair and dove over the seats to protect the mother and daughter from possible shrapnel if the object smashes the windows.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Sadly, Pepper doesn't have the same altruistic impulses as some of the others. The two non-ponies are professionals; they can fend for themselves. She hits the deck and then, perhaps shockingly, pulls her heavy case down over her as a barrier.
On the other hoof, if either of both of her drinking buddies try to find shelter, she may well pull the closest down with her, once she's situated.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
"You've got more patience than me." Roxy snorts. "Then again I usually just dig deep enough to let my buddies in quietlike for the rest for that sort of thing." Buddies that Roxy didn't have access to just this moment which puts a brief damper on her mood. Still hard to stay down with all the upbeat commotion in the cabin. Well off parents hiring a ghoul griffon... Well seemed like said parents had a good eye if Quoth's demeanor was anything to go by.
When the call goes out Roxy follows Pepper's example and leaves the two to fend for themselves. Diving for a spot along the wall most likely to be hit, hopefully avoiding soon to be broken glass, and far enough away to be free of danger. Curling into a ball as only a dog can do to present as small of a target.
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Re: The Frozen North: All Aboard!
Rime's horn flares to life and brightly glows light blue. Magical energy radiates around her horn. Her iris grow larger with a creeping metallic color. The color quickly being replaced with a gray. The magic spreads away from her face and down her neck. Her mane and scarf transform to match her new coat. She shields Golden with her metal body.