[FWM] Game of Ponies

[MCerberus]

Riposte, meanwhile, is not squeamish about corpses, for obvious reasons. While Moonshine is going after some sort of escalation of murder theory, the hippogriff is starting to think it's information that was meant to be destroyed. There's a question that can confirm this.

"Was anything else burnt?"

[Grif]

Riposte, meanwhile, is not squeamish about corpses, for obvious reasons. While Moonshine is going after some sort of escalation of murder theory, the hippogriff is starting to think it's information that was meant to be destroyed. There's a question that can confirm this.

"Was anything else burnt?"

"Not at all," the detective answered.

[MCerberus]

"Not at all," the detective answered.

"Then the whatever was on the paper was meant to be kept silent."

Riposte takes a moment to think.
"Whoever did the killing may be thinking rationally. An actually scary thought."

[Kelvin360]

"Rationally? Perhaps. But not rationally enough to note that the best laid plans of mice and ponies often go awry. The blacksmith's body looks as though it was mutilated slowly, almost ritualistically, but his wife was killed in a fairly standard fashion and the note wasn't given a closer eye as it burned. Something caused the job to be rushed. And that means the assailant has holes in their planning, however minute.

I'm hesitant to place words in your beak, but it sounds hauntingly as though you are suggesting we leave the message alone. For the purposes of absolute secrecy? 'Leave it alone' is a thought that, historically, aids only a perpetrator."

[TheAmishPirate]

Spoiler: OOC

Show

I had to read up to ensure that I didn't miss any details. Kudos for reminding me that that section of history remained unfilled as of yet. I actually found a lengthy draft in my old folders as well. Some of that may appear here.

Dusty Covers blinked; he hadn't expected that question. He suddenly felt like he was being tested. "Ah, miss, that's not quite my purview, but from what I remember of my studies, there was some sort of turmoil in the Griffon Empire. The Last King had accused Equestria of poisoning his predecessor, and the griffons were being increasingly anti-Equestrian. They even sent a list of ridiculous demands. I believed that war was inevitable at that stage."

"At any rate, I believe I have a message. Princess Luna requests your presence at her court at your leisure."

"Is that so..." The unicorn hummed to herself, lost in some secret thought. "The book seems to imply that the griffon's accusation was false, but never outright states as much. And with just a quick war, Equestria's borders grew larger and safer. What say you, sir? Did the princesses poison the troublesome griffon king?" she asked curiously.

[Grif]

"Then the whatever was on the paper was meant to be kept silent."

Riposte takes a moment to think.
"Whoever did the killing may be thinking rationally. An actually scary thought."

"Rationally? Perhaps. But not rationally enough to note that the best laid plans of mice and ponies often go awry. The blacksmith's body looks as though it was mutilated slowly, almost ritualistically, but his wife was killed in a fairly standard fashion and the note wasn't given a closer eye as it burned. Something caused the job to be rushed. And that means the assailant has holes in their planning, however minute.

I'm hesitant to place words in your beak, but it sounds hauntingly as though you are suggesting we leave the message alone. For the purposes of absolute secrecy? 'Leave it alone' is a thought that, historically, aids only a perpetrator."

The detective coughed. "So what are you suggestin' we do, ma'am?"

"Is that so..." The unicorn hummed to herself, lost in some secret thought. "The book seems to imply that the griffon's accusation was false, but never outright states as much. And with just a quick war, Equestria's borders grew larger and safer. What say you, sir? Did the princesses poison the troublesome griffon king?" she asked curiously.

Dusty Covers looked slightly incredulous at the question. But his voice was firm when he spoke, "Absolutely not, Miss Eclipse. The Princesses would never do such a... such a heinous thing." He paused fractionally, before continuing in a more uncertainly. "At least... not back then." He cleared his throat and pushed up his spectacles again. "I wouldn't keep the Princess waiting if I were you, Miss."

[MCerberus]

The detective coughed. "So what are you suggestin' we do, ma'am?"

"Not at all," the hippogriff responds to Moonshine about leaving the message alone. Whatever is going on with it is likely at the center of the mess. Lots of convenient distractions on top of it though. "We ensure the evidence gets to a discreet researcher at the library, and then I'll see about getting more appropriate resources available."

[TheAmishPirate]

Dusty Covers looked slightly incredulous at the question. But his voice was firm when he spoke, "Absolutely not, Miss Eclipse. The Princesses would never do such a... such a heinous thing." He paused fractionally, before continuing in a more uncertainly. "At least... not back then." He cleared his throat and pushed up his spectacles again. "I wouldn't keep the Princess waiting if I were you, Miss."

"No. Princesses do not care much for waiting." Solar Eclipse said quietly, closing and replacing her book. The mare offered no more questions, nor much else beyond short pleasantries as they headed out of the library.

[Kelvin360]

"Not at all," the hippogriff responds to Moonshine about leaving the message alone. Whatever is going on with it is likely at the center of the mess. Lots of convenient distractions on top of it though. "We ensure the evidence gets to a discreet researcher at the library, and then I'll see about getting more appropriate resources available."

"Who were you planning on setting to guard them?" There wasn't a doubt in her mind that Riposte had planned for this the moment it was mentioned, and she wanted to be in the loop. "When you investigate Iron Worth's records of transaction, Detective, I humbly request for a copy. It may give me something to do." The 'me', naturally, being shorthand for 'Lunatic spymasters', but Riposte might be the only other individual in the room to catch on to that subtext.

[Grif]

"No. Princesses do not care much for waiting." Solar Eclipse said quietly, closing and replacing her book. The mare offered no more questions, nor much else beyond short pleasantries as they headed out of the library.

Outside, a lone royal guard stood by the large double doors of the library. The guard stirred as the pair emerged from the doors, and gave a bow. "My lady. I'm to take you to the Solar Conservatory. The Princess awaits there."

Dusty Covers let out a visible sigh of relief, and nodded at Solar Eclipse. "Well, Ms Eclipse. This is where we must part. I wish you luck for your audience. No doubt the Princess has something of import to discuss with one as knowledgeable as you." The librarian actually only knew Solar Eclipse for a few months, if that, but breadth and scope of her knowledge astounded the crusty librarian time and again. He offered her a bow, then shuffled back into the library.

"Miss. Shall we?" the guard said, once Dusty Covers was gone.

"Who were you planning on setting to guard them?" There wasn't a doubt in her mind that Riposte had planned for this the moment it was mentioned, and she wanted to be in the loop. "When you investigate Iron Worth's records of transaction, Detective, I humbly request for a copy. It may give me something to do." The 'me', naturally, being shorthand for 'Lunatic spymasters', but Riposte might be the only other individual in the room to catch on to that subtext.

"As you wish, ma'am," the detective replied turning again to study the crime scene. "It should be done by the night, if not sooner. I'll pass it on to... ah... one of your house paladins, if that's okay?" He presumed the first question was directed at Riposte rather than him, since they seem to be planning to be taking charge of that particular bit of evidence.

[MCerberus]

"Who were you planning on setting to guard them?" There wasn't a doubt in her mind that Riposte had planned for this the moment it was mentioned, and she wanted to be in the loop. "When you investigate Iron Worth's records of transaction, Detective, I humbly request for a copy. It may give me something to do." The 'me', naturally, being shorthand for 'Lunatic spymasters', but Riposte might be the only other individual in the room to catch on to that subtext.

That's a rather good assumption these days. Although certain factions in the guard have different methodologies, this generation of griffons and the Lunatics have had to work together. With Solari guards and intelligence either gone noble or disbanded, the Oathguard is stuck acting as a foil to the cloak-and-dagger stuff occasionally. As much as the individual faction of the inner-guard is a bit zealous, there was never any doubt that this would involve them. Riposte wouldn't be here if it didn't reach that level. "Of course it would behoof us to guard any civilian experts with any necessary precautions while other avenues are explored."

Read: 'Probably the shadowbolts, at which point they may do whatever their plan is involving keeping an eye on. Also probably going to end up busting skulls in the meantime'.

"We can discuss strategy in this while letting the investigators work without us getting in the way"

[Kelvin360]

"As you wish, ma'am," the detective replied turning again to study the crime scene. "It should be done by the night, if not sooner. I'll pass it on to... ah... one of your house paladins, if that's okay?" He presumed the first question was directed at Riposte rather than him, since they seem to be planning to be taking charge of that particular bit of evidence.

Moonshine graciously overlooks the common mistaken assumption that Lunatic is, itself, an order, although there is a slightly pitying flash in her eye regarding the state of theo-political education nonetheless. "Onyx Starlight or one of his associates on the Honor Guard will be suitable. They have easy access to myself and the Oathguard for further delivery."

That's a rather good assumption these days. Although certain factions in the guard have different methodologies, this generation of griffons and the Lunatics have had to work together. With Solari guards and intelligence either gone noble or disbanded, the Oathguard is stuck acting as a foil to the cloak-and-dagger stuff occasionally. As much as the individual faction of the inner-guard is a bit zealous, there was never any doubt that this would involve them. Riposte wouldn't be here if it didn't reach that level. "Of course it would behoof us to guard any civilian experts with any necessary precautions while other avenues are explored."

Read: 'Probably the shadowbolts, at which point they may do whatever their plan is involving keeping an eye on. Also probably going to end up busting skulls in the meantime'.

"We can discuss strategy in this while letting the investigators work without us getting in the way"

"Indeed. Thank you for your time and consideration, Detective. Moon bless." She bows her head courteously to the officer before following in Riposte's hoofsteps or wingtrails, whichever or wherever those might be.

[MCerberus]

Moonshine graciously overlooks the common mistaken assumption that Lunatic is, itself, an order, although there is a slightly pitying flash in her eye regarding the state of theo-political education nonetheless. "Onyx Starlight or one of his associates on the Honor Guard will be suitable. They have easy access to myself and the Oathguard for further delivery."



"Indeed. Thank you for your time and consideration, Detective. Moon bless." She bows her head courteously to the officer before following in Riposte's hoofsteps or wingtrails, whichever or wherever those might be.

Well, you know, hippogrif, so she has both of those.

"Officer," Riposte says giving a small bow in respect before they leave.

Obviously there was more to talk about at the moment, on the scheming side of things. However, they just came from the crime scene and are both very conspicuous. They have to wait until they're in a better location before continuing to talk shop. Plus they can see if there's somepony following along...

"The Leather Wing is closer than the castle if you wish to speak immediately." That establishment being run by a retired agent where it can be safe to speak.

[TheAmishPirate]

Outside, a lone royal guard stood by the large double doors of the library. The guard stirred as the pair emerged from the doors, and gave a bow. "My lady. I'm to take you to the Solar Conservatory. The Princess awaits there."

Dusty Covers let out a visible sigh of relief, and nodded at Solar Eclipse. "Well, Ms Eclipse. This is where we must part. I wish you luck for your audience. No doubt the Princess has something of import to discuss with one as knowledgeable as you." The librarian actually only knew Solar Eclipse for a few months, if that, but breadth and scope of her knowledge astounded the crusty librarian time and again. He offered her a bow, then shuffled back into the library.

"Miss. Shall we?" the guard said, once Dusty Covers was gone.

Solar Eclipse gave a delicate bow in return. "Goodbye, sir. I shall see you at the library."

To the guard she simply nodded, stepping alongside her new escort.

(Sorry for the delay, been a crazy week)

[Grif]

Solar Eclipse gave a delicate bow in return. "Goodbye, sir. I shall see you at the library."

To the guard she simply nodded, stepping alongside her new escort.

(Sorry for the delay, been a crazy week)

(It's fine. )

It was quite some distance away to the Conservatory, once named after the now-deposed Princess Celestia. The guard led the unicorn through the maze of corridors that made up the Royal Palace, which seemed rather deserted at this time of the day. Perhaps some important function was going on elsewhere. The guard offered no comments either way, and led the way in wary silence, punctuated only by the clip-clop of their shod hooves on the stone floorings.

The guard finally comes to a stop outside a large, two-sided door, painted a golden yellow, with an inlaid stylised symbol of the sun. The Solar Conservatory. On each side of the door, already, two of the Princess' Honor Guard was stationed outside, staring blankly ahead. They saluted the guard that escorted Solar Eclipse, who saluted back, before glancing again at the off-white unicorn. "The Princess awaits." He bows and retreated from the scene.

[Kelvin360]

Well, you know, hippogrif, so she has both of those.

"Officer," Riposte says giving a small bow in respect before they leave.

Obviously there was more to talk about at the moment, on the scheming side of things. However, they just came from the crime scene and are both very conspicuous. They have to wait until they're in a better location before continuing to talk shop. Plus they can see if there's somepony following along...

"The Leather Wing is closer than the castle if you wish to speak immediately." That establishment being run by a retired agent where it can be safe to speak.

Tough choice, but on both instinct and logic, Moonshine would prefer to be under a heavier guard than one innkeeper for this matter. "I take no issue with a longer walk. Our respective contacts are more likely to be on castle grounds, as well."

[MCerberus]

Tough choice, but on both instinct and logic, Moonshine would prefer to be under a heavier guard than one innkeeper for this matter. "I take no issue with a longer walk. Our respective contacts are more likely to be on castle grounds, as well."

Riposte then starts walking a path she's comfortable with. Main roads, busy and with traffic. For one murderer, it would make following them more dangerous while the two of them wouldn't appear to be doing anything unusual.

"In the meantime then we can make small talk." The hippogriff isn't making too much eye contact, still looking around at potential threats in the city. "I'm surprised you're still active. At this point, I was a paranoid mess not wanting to leave the nest."

[Kelvin360]

Riposte then starts walking a path she's comfortable with. Main roads, busy and with traffic. For one murderer, it would make following them more dangerous while the two of them wouldn't appear to be doing anything unusual.

"In the meantime then we can make small talk." The hippogriff isn't making too much eye contact, still looking around at potential threats in the city. "I'm surprised you're still active. At this point, I was a paranoid mess not wanting to leave the nest."

"It has occurred to me that, ironically, it would be responsible to abdicate my duties for the next few months. It is true that, in comparison to my standard, I have been very reclusive. Yet...I have a responsibility to Equestria as much as to my foal, and rather more than to myself. I have faith that these paths I take will allow me to keep us out of absolute dangers while also allowing me to attend to the greater good." A pause. "Which is not to say that my instincts are not instructing me rather firmly to remain indoors under three layers of blankets with a cup of tea and back issues of Maternity Monthly. Mind you, if I sound sycophantic and/or selfish, do inform me; I'm new at this."

[TheAmishPirate]

(It's fine. )

It was quite some distance away to the Conservatory, once named after the now-deposed Princess Celestia. The guard led the unicorn through the maze of corridors that made up the Royal Palace, which seemed rather deserted at this time of the day. Perhaps some important function was going on elsewhere. The guard offered no comments either way, and led the way in wary silence, punctuated only by the clip-clop of their shod hooves on the stone floorings.

The guard finally comes to a stop outside a large, two-sided door, painted a golden yellow, with an inlaid stylised symbol of the sun. The Solar Conservatory. On each side of the door, already, two of the Princess' Honor Guard was stationed outside, staring blankly ahead. They saluted the guard that escorted Solar Eclipse, who saluted back, before glancing again at the off-white unicorn. "The Princess awaits." He bows and retreated from the scene.

Solar Eclipse maintained her silence the whole way there. She bowed to her escort, and - with nary a glance to the powerful Honor Guards - opened the doors and entered the Solar Conservatory.

[MCerberus]

"It has occurred to me that, ironically, it would be responsible to abdicate my duties for the next few months. It is true that, in comparison to my standard, I have been very reclusive. Yet...I have a responsibility to Equestria as much as to my foal, and rather more than to myself. I have faith that these paths I take will allow me to keep us out of absolute dangers while also allowing me to attend to the greater good." A pause. "Which is not to say that my instincts are not instructing me rather firmly to remain indoors under three layers of blankets with a cup of tea and back issues of Maternity Monthly. Mind you, if I sound sycophantic and/or selfish, do inform me; I'm new at this."

"I did not mean to apply anything, if you feel insulted," Riposte replies still keeping eyes front as they make their way. "But there are still choices to be made keeping the balance. Idealism and duty over family cost my cubs their father, so my view could be seen as biased in a small way."

[Grif]

Solar Eclipse maintained her silence the whole way there. She bowed to her escort, and - with nary a glance to the powerful Honor Guards - opened the doors and entered the Solar Conservatory.

The door swung shut behind the mare as soon as she entered fully. Flowers, of various shades of white and yellow, grew everywhere: the walls, in carefully arranged rows, and hanging from the ceilings. The scent of spring flowers filled the air, a pleasant aroma that seemed almost designed to evoke a sense of peacefulness. Large, transparent windows set in regular intervals high in the walls provided allowed generous amount of sunlight to pour into the room.

And at the end of the room, facing a large balcony, sat the Princess herself, staring out at the view of the city down below, sipping a cup of tea, her sparkling mane shimmering softly in the sunlight. The princess turned as soon as she heard the door shut, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "Ah, good, you have arrived." A silver shod hoof indicated the empty seat on the opposite side. A pot of gently steaming tea, and an empty cup lay on the table beside. "Please, do join me for tea."

[Kelvin360]

"I did not mean to apply anything, if you feel insulted," Riposte replies still keeping eyes front as they make their way. "But there are still choices to be made keeping the balance. Idealism and duty over family cost my cubs their father, so my view could be seen as biased in a small way."

"I did not mean to imply that I was insulted. I am aware that I have a tendency to...carry on. But...my family is my duty. If given the choice between them and others, or even between them and the Code...I am unsure what I would choose. It frightens me. I have been taught for most of my life that pursuit of the Code is equal to the cause of good and right in the world, even that they are one in the same, but I cannot then reconcile that this pursuit might force me to abandon those I love, even in small ways. It is maddening." She takes a deep breath. "You see what I mean about carrying on. I did not intend to drown you in a flood of my personal concerns."

[MCerberus]

"I did not mean to imply that I was insulted. I am aware that I have a tendency to...carry on. But...my family is my duty. If given the choice between them and others, or even between them and the Code...I am unsure what I would choose. It frightens me. I have been taught for most of my life that pursuit of the Code is equal to the cause of good and right in the world, even that they are one in the same, but I cannot then reconcile that this pursuit might force me to abandon those I love, even in small ways. It is maddening." She takes a deep breath. "You see what I mean about carrying on. I did not intend to drown you in a flood of my personal concerns."

Ponies... always so... results oriented. No matter how long Riposte is in the mainland, some things still seem a little odd. Although it seems that a little cross-cultural wisdom is just what's called for. "I can't say what's right for you or your family. I do know you're going to try your best to figure it out, and that's all you can be judged by."

Presumably they're getting close to the castle.

[TheAmishPirate]

The door swung shut behind the mare as soon as she entered fully. Flowers, of various shades of white and yellow, grew everywhere: the walls, in carefully arranged rows, and hanging from the ceilings. The scent of spring flowers filled the air, a pleasant aroma that seemed almost designed to evoke a sense of peacefulness. Large, transparent windows set in regular intervals high in the walls provided allowed generous amount of sunlight to pour into the room.

And at the end of the room, facing a large balcony, sat the Princess herself, staring out at the view of the city down below, sipping a cup of tea, her sparkling mane shimmering softly in the sunlight. The princess turned as soon as she heard the door shut, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "Ah, good, you have arrived." A silver shod hoof indicated the empty seat on the opposite side. A pot of gently steaming tea, and an empty cup lay on the table beside. "Please, do join me for tea."

[COLOR="#ff66ff"]"Of course."[/QUOTE] Solar Eclipse ambled through the conservatory, basking in the sunlight and the pleasing aromas. She took her seat, poured herself a cup of steaming tea, and sipped. [COLOR="#ff66ff"]"Autumn Spice, is it not? I remember it as a more bitter blend."[/QUOTE] she commented.

[Kelvin360]

Ponies... always so... results oriented. No matter how long Riposte is in the mainland, some things still seem a little odd. Although it seems that a little cross-cultural wisdom is just what's called for. "I can't say what's right for you or your family. I do know you're going to try your best to figure it out, and that's all you can be judged by."

Presumably they're getting close to the castle.

"I appreciate that. The sentiment is rare." With every step they take closer to the castle, her tension appears to decrease, as though a palpable sense of home has started to come over her.

[MCerberus]

Canterlot

Riposte meanwhile, doesn't have very strong feelings towards the castle itself. Home is more the beings living there. Plus not being a pony, she always seems to get more looks than average.

"Do you plan to speak with a librarian or shall I?"

[Grif]

"Of course." Solar Eclipse ambled through the conservatory, basking in the sunlight and the pleasing aromas. She took her seat, poured herself a cup of steaming tea, and sipped. "Autumn Spice, is it not? I remember it as a more bitter blend." she commented.

"Yes. Last year's batch actually. It had been a sweet year for them," the Princess replied as she sipped her tea. She let a moment of silence fill the room, save for the distant chirping of birds. Then she spoke again. "What have you found at Stoutheart's?" she asked, in a more quiet voice. "I have read the reports, but I'd like to hear your personal observations as well."

[Kelvin360]

Canterlot

Riposte meanwhile, doesn't have very strong feelings towards the castle itself. Home is more the beings living there. Plus not being a pony, she always seems to get more looks than average.

"Do you plan to speak with a librarian or shall I?"

"I would prefer that you do so. I will have a watch assigned to us, discreetly."

[MCerberus]

"I would prefer that you do so. I will have a watch assigned to us, discreetly."

"As you wish. I'll be easy enough to find once you've selected an honorguard you can trust."

Riposte takes a minute to look towards the pathway that leads to the library instead of the living quarters and garrison. However, she stops for a moment.

"Did you collect the film from the officer, or are we going to let them develop the pictures and then collect them?"

[TheAmishPirate]

"Yes. Last year's batch actually. It had been a sweet year for them," the Princess replied as she sipped her tea. She let a moment of silence fill the room, save for the distant chirping of birds. Then she spoke again. "What have you found at Stoutheart's?" she asked, in a more quiet voice. "I have read the reports, but I'd like to hear your personal observations as well."

Solar Eclipse sipped at her tea, colecting her thoughts. "Hate and hurt in equal measure." she replied softly. "The Stouthearts still have not forgiven for the pain of the Summer. Their once-legendary hospitality is but a shell of its former self, existing in name only. They cannot walk five steps without checking for a knife in the dark, and they will not wait to strike if they think they spot one. They are so afraid of being hurt again that they hurt all around them, and themselves greatest of all."

"Still," she continued. "There are good ponies there. Ones who are as tired of the hate as I. Ones who want nothing more than to live and to care for their own and their fellow pony. But they are few, precious few, and the House is still great..." She fell silent, staring into her tea.