[FWM] Backstage: CUT!

[Kelvin360]

Blades perked up a bit more. Apparently, that was a good thing to say around her. "'Bout time ya figured that out. Ya've still gotta learn to do things right even if ya've got a few extra things stickin' out of ya. With a lot of unicorns, ya wouldn't believe they could even walk without their spells!"

Blades gave Starbeam a sniff as the wounds appeared. "Huh! Ya've really been through a lot. Reminds me of when 'Vadraa met that nasty wolf. Like I said, armour's a good idea. Maybe I could make ya a special deal?"

She gives Blades an apprehensive glance. "I...haven't met a smith before that could design what I have in mind. It would have to be extremely lightweight, and thin, but still capable of withstanding blows ranging from swords to boulders."

"And if it also resisted magic like dragonhide?"

She blinks. "That would be more than ideal."

"Could give us a chance to experiment with that shimmerstuff, boss. Either way, sounds to me like she's challenging your ability to make armor. Which...clearly she needs to see some of your work. Clog the neighsayer part of her head right up."

"A knife..."

Flare concentrated hard, then drew a chunk of rock from the ground. She used her power to shape it into a crude knife, then set about carving the head.

A few seconds later, there was a tailless snowpony with a very lopsided face standing with them.

"I think she's smiling. Or is that a smirk? I think it means the same thing either way. It needs a tail next...let's make it long enough to touch the ground, more like a rainbow, so it has more support."




[Meanwhile, A Short Time Later]

"And what exactly might you intend to reference with that?" came a voice from behind Staccata. By pure luck, the trio had arrived just in time to hear her last comment about "self-righteous paladins", which Blueshield obviously was not ecstatic about.

She took a seat near the guards. "I came as soon as my patrol was finished, per my word. And I see you have found a companion in the meantime." She gave Staccata a wary look.

Snowstorm stays with the trio, but doesn't say anything quite yet, aside from a brief knowing glance at Tyrol. Whether because she wants to see how awry this can go or...yeah, it's probably that.

[MCerberus]

[Meanwhile, A Short Time Later]

"And what exactly might you intend to reference with that?" came a voice from behind Staccata. By pure luck, the trio had arrived just in time to hear her last comment about "self-righteous paladins", which Blueshield obviously was not ecstatic about.

She took a seat near the guards. "I came as soon as my patrol was finished, per my word. And I see you have found a companion in the meantime." She gave Staccata a wary look.

Snowstorm stays with the trio, but doesn't say anything quite yet, aside from a brief knowing glance at Tyrol. Whether because she wants to see how awry this can go or...yeah, it's probably that.

Oh wonderful, the paladin seems to go with the 'let Staccata make passive-aggressive jabs at leisure' plan. "I'm simply referencing observed behavior. What's worse is the tendency to overreact due to lack of humor."

After Tyrol sets up her official cover or whatever he wants to reveal she continues, "Among other things, since this whole area is a black hole of communication."

[Benson]

@Sandy and Night Jewel

"Splendid!" Prompter pressed her hooves together and broadly smiled. "I bet you both would look lovely in ushers' vest, come now...let is go get you both one!" She abruptly turned and happily pranced away expecting the two to follow.
====

Bar... wench-y? The tips of Silverpine ears suddenly burned at the mental image of Gear... nevermind. Cough. "Ah... yes. Costume. Of course. Let's go," he said hurriedly trying to sound too embarrassed.

She knowingly smirked and bumped his flank with hers. "I know you were thinking something naughty~" She sing song-ly teased and then bounded into the rows of costumes where they had chosen Silverpine's.

"With you, it's already wonderful..." Icy said softly as she kissed her love, with a small smile, then laid back against the seat for the ride, laying a hoof on his.

The ride would be pleasant, as pleasant as the two would allow. Fox would take on the role of the romance novel lover, ravishing his lady with affection, gentle caresses of her hoof, tender kisses, playful flirtations, and more kisses.

"You know....who would have thought that from the way the two of us met, we would end up like this?" He lightly chuckled, pulling back a little from brushing his muzzle against her cheek, and made some small talk.

[TheAmishPirate]

@Sandy and Night Jewel

"Splendid!" Prompter pressed her hooves together and broadly smiled. "I bet you both would look lovely in ushers' vest, come now...let is go get you both one!" She abruptly turned and happily pranced away expecting the two to follow.

Sandy trotted along, vaguely realizing he couldn't quite recall this little filly's name. And that he still hadn't the slightest clue why she seemed so intent on saying...things to him. Things that ended in more confusion and failed wiring.

[Grif]

She knowingly smirked and bumped his flank with hers. "I know you were thinking something naughty~" She sing song-ly teased and then bounded into the rows of costumes where they had chosen Silverpine's.

There was naught Silverpine could respond to that but a helpless, embarrassed splutter of apology.

Well, at least he would try to be helpful with picking out her costume though his cheeks stayed mysteriously flushed throughout.

The ride would be pleasant, as pleasant as the two would allow. Fox would take on the role of the romance novel lover, ravishing his lady with affection, gentle caresses of her hoof, tender kisses, playful flirtations, and more kisses.

"You know....who would have thought that from the way the two of us met, we would end up like this?" He lightly chuckled, pulling back a little from brushing his muzzle against her cheek, and made some small talk.

And Icy would enjoy every second of those flirtations. "Mmm, well, you know what they say, truth's often stranger than fiction~" Icy replied, leaning in to nuzzle him tenderly.

[PurityIcekiller]

She gives Blades an apprehensive glance. "I...haven't met a smith before that could design what I have in mind. It would have to be extremely lightweight, and thin, but still capable of withstanding blows ranging from swords to boulders."

"And if it also resisted magic like dragonhide?"

She blinks. "That would be more than ideal."

"Could give us a chance to experiment with that shimmerstuff, boss. Either way, sounds to me like she's challenging your ability to make armor. Which...clearly she needs to see some of your work. Clog the neighsayer part of her head right up."

"If ya think I can't make something light 'n tough..." Blades gave her chestplate a tap. "Well, this here's light enough to swim in, but tough enough to stop spears, 'n padded to soften blunt hits too. 'N that's not even the magic stuff!"

She paused to think. "I don't use that shimmerite a lot. It acts funny, 'specially in weapons. Still, I reckon ya'll make it work. What do ya say? Want to come back to the shop 'n have a look?"

"I think she's smiling. Or is that a smirk? I think it means the same thing either way. It needs a tail next...let's make it long enough to touch the ground, more like a rainbow, so it has more support."

Flare glanced backwards, then nodded. "That sounds easy enough."

Surprisingly, Flare didn't botch the shape of the tail. With Arvadraa's help, it came out looking quite good. She finished it off by carving lines leading from the dock to the ground.

She took a moment to look over their creation. "...I see. It is a good form. But it looks lonely. Shall we make another?"

Well, that was awkward. Fortunately, Lemongrass, perked up immediately at the sight of Blueshield and her entourage. "Awwright! You came! Barkeep, a round of cider for them on me!" He flashed Tyrol a look of triumph, and grinned. "Looks like somepony was wrong."

"A commitment is a commitment. I do not discard them easily." Blueshield nodded. "It brings positive emotional responses to me as well that we have rendezvoused successfully."

As the guard ordered drinks, however, she got a bit more sceptical. "You are quite certain that the cider served here is non-alcoholic, I hope."

Tyrol just shook his head, and focused on Blueshield instead. "Knight-Commander Blueshield, I don't believe you met her yet. This is Staccata. She... ah, specialises in intelligence gathering." Technically true, the last bit. Though Tyrol was never really certain where she got her "information".

Oh wonderful, the paladin seems to go with the 'let Staccata make passive-aggressive jabs at leisure' plan. "I'm simply referencing observed behavior. What's worse is the tendency to overreact due to lack of humor."

After Tyrol sets up her official cover or whatever he wants to reveal she continues, "Among other things, since this whole area is a black hole of communication."

"Ah, good. It is quite wise of you to pay attention to goings-on. Far too few ponies these days have any concern with current affairs."

Well, that awkwardness was dealt with.

"I am unsure if you have yet become acquainted with Miss Snowstorm or Mr. Prose. Perhaps they could introduce themselves?"

Sandy coughed awkwardly and tried to keep from turning completely red.

He succeeded, in that his cheeks and eartips only turned a deep scarlet instead of a glowing, neon red.

"Splendid!" Prompter pressed her hooves together and broadly smiled. "I bet you both would look lovely in ushers' vest, come now...let is go get you both one!" She abruptly turned and happily pranced away expecting the two to follow.

Sandy trotted along, vaguely realizing he couldn't quite recall this little filly's name. And that he still hadn't the slightest clue why she seemed so intent on saying...things to him. Things that ended in more confusion and failed wiring.

Night Jewel grinned and followed. She had a feeling this would be fun, especially with an easily-teased colt about.

[Benson]

There was naught Silverpine could respond to that but a helpless, embarrassed splutter of apology.

Well, at least he would try to be helpful with picking out her costume though his cheeks stayed mysteriously flushed throughout.

Gearstride popped out of the rows of clothes dressed in a raggedy milk maid costume, with appropriate smudges where they ought to be. "Ooooh, I feel rather peasant-y!" She amusingly laughed as she modeled her peasant wear for Silverpine.

And Icy would enjoy every second of those flirtations. "Mmm, well, you know what they say, truth's often stranger than fiction~" Icy replied, leaning in to nuzzle him tenderly.

More kisses. "Mmm....hey....what are your thoughts on moving in together at some soonish point? I mean...well uh I mean...we do have a baby on the way and uh, well I do like the thought of waking up every morning to the mare I love." He asked, holding one of her forehooves in between his and massaging it a little, looking at her, waiting for an answer.

Sandy trotted along, vaguely realizing he couldn't quite recall this little filly's name. And that he still hadn't the slightest clue why she seemed so intent on saying...things to him. Things that ended in more confusion and failed wiring.

Night Jewel grinned and followed. She had a feeling this would be fun, especially with an easily-teased colt about.

The three actually wouldn't be too far from the ward robe area where the actors and extras would be getting their costumes from. Prompter walked up to a box which contained several nicely folded red usher vests.

She glanced at Sandy and wrinkled her muzzle in observation. "Small is our smallest size, for fillies, the we don't have a small for stallions, you'll be okay with that right?"

[TheAmishPirate]

The three actually wouldn't be too far from the ward robe area where the actors and extras would be getting their costumes from. Prompter walked up to a box which contained several nicely folded red usher vests.

She glanced at Sandy and wrinkled her muzzle in observation. "Small is our smallest size, for fillies, the we don't have a small for stallions, you'll be okay with that right?"

"Heh heh, t'ain't no worry, ma'am." Sandy awkwardly chuckled and kicked at the ground. "It's, uh, not that uncommon not t'have things in m'size. I've gotten used t'it."

[Grif]

Gearstride popped out of the rows of clothes dressed in a raggedy milk maid costume, with appropriate smudges where they ought to be. "Ooooh, I feel rather peasant-y!" She amusingly laughed as she modeled her peasant wear for Silverpine.

"Heh, one would think you're born a peasant," Silverpine said half-jokingly, his eyes taking in Gearstride's new outfit. "You look lovely," he added quietly, as he went up to give her a playful nuzzle.

More kisses. "Mmm....hey....what are your thoughts on moving in together at some soonish point? I mean...well uh I mean...we do have a baby on the way and uh, well I do like the thought of waking up every morning to the mare I love." He asked, holding one of her forehooves in between his and massaging it a little, looking at her, waiting for an answer.

Icy had to chuckle. The poor stallion, normally so suave, reduced to a somewhat stammering mess every time he tries to bring up something dear to his heart. She thought it cute. "I certainly could see the appeal... Well, there's the age old question. My place or your place?" Tricky question. One of the main reasons Icy liked staying alone was that she had a lot of rooms for her eccentric hobbies. Like Ponyhammer.

[Benson]

Icy had to chuckle. The poor stallion, normally so suave, reduced to a somewhat stammering mess every time he tries to bring up something dear to his heart. She thought it cute. "I certainly could see the appeal... Well, there's the age old question. My place or your place?" Tricky question. One of the main reasons Icy liked staying alone was that she had a lot of rooms for her eccentric hobbies. Like Ponyhammer.

"Uh well, I had initially thought my place, it /does/ have that lived in appeal...but due to your question..which implies you are considering your place...it leaves me.......conflicted now," The formally suave stallion puffed his cheeks in uncertainty.

[HalfTangible]

Yes. Star replied, smiling back. Come on out of the booth.

So yeah, Star and Esmeralda switched. 'course, Hot pony kisses ensued mid-switch because they're Es and Star, but eventually the black pegasus was in the booth, his own eyes out of focus.

...Whoa. He whistled, jaw hanging open a bit. No wonder. This is... ow...

[Grif]

So yeah, Star and Esmeralda switched. 'course, Hot pony kisses ensued mid-switch because they're Es and Star, but eventually the black pegasus was in the booth, his own eyes out of focus.

...Whoa. He whistled, jaw hanging open a bit. No wonder. This is... ow...

(I honestly thought I had replied to this. My bad. Do poke me if I seem to have forgotten.)

Esmeralda took some moments to readjust to just having one body again. Shame... just as she was starting to enjoy the feeling of moving a 50-ton behemoth. Though she did feel a little fuzzy towards the end...

"Star, you okay there?" Esmeralda said, on hearing the small ow.

"Uh well, I had initially thought my place, it /does/ have that lived in appeal...but due to your question..which implies you are considering your place...it leaves me.......conflicted now," The formally suave stallion puffed his cheeks in uncertainty.

Icy just rolled her eyes playfully. "Silly colt. I have my reasons for preferring my own abode, but that doesn't mean I'm inordinately attached to the place." She sighed and leaned in on his shoulder. "I'll make the arrangements if you really like to have me over."

[MCerberus]

"Ah, good. It is quite wise of you to pay attention to goings-on. Far too few ponies these days have any concern with current affairs."

Well, that awkwardness was dealt with.

"I am unsure if you have yet become acquainted with Miss Snowstorm or Mr. Prose. Perhaps they could introduce themselves?"

Staccata takes a sip of tea before responding. The mare glances over the pair. "I believe I haven't had the pleasure"

Yah, that same flat tone of voice.

[Benson]

Icy just rolled her eyes playfully. "Silly colt. I have my reasons for preferring my own abode, but that doesn't mean I'm inordinately attached to the place." She sighed and leaned in on his shoulder. "I'll make the arrangements if you really like to have me over."

"I would love to have you live with me," He unpuffed his cheeks, trying to regain some semblance of cool, but twas too late, it could not be unseen. "If you want a colt cave...or..filly fen I guess...is that what one would call it? Ya know, like how I have my personal study filled with my dude stuffs....I would have an additional room built for you, whatever you want babe."

[Grif]

"I would love to have you live with me," He unpuffed his cheeks, trying to regain some semblance of cool, but twas too late, it could not be unseen. "If you want a colt cave...or..filly fen I guess...is that what one would call it? Ya know, like how I have my personal study filled with my dude stuffs....I would have an additional room built for you, whatever you want babe."

Icy laughed, her soft voice resonating throughout the carriage. "You're too kind, Fox. Though I never have actually heard it referred to as 'filly fen'." She leaned in to kiss him on the muzzle. "In any case, I look forward to our stay together then." Was that a coy yes?

[Kelvin360]

"If ya think I can't make something light 'n tough..." Blades gave her chestplate a tap. "Well, this here's light enough to swim in, but tough enough to stop spears, 'n padded to soften blunt hits too. 'N that's not even the magic stuff!"

She paused to think. "I don't use that shimmerite a lot. It acts funny, 'specially in weapons. Still, I reckon ya'll make it work. What do ya say? Want to come back to the shop 'n have a look?"

"I'd quite enjoy seeing your work. But let's do so later. Right now, we have a whole day to enjoy."

"Enjoy in the cold, sure..."

Flare glanced backwards, then nodded. "That sounds easy enough."

Surprisingly, Flare didn't botch the shape of the tail. With Arvadraa's help, it came out looking quite good. She finished it off by carving lines leading from the dock to the ground.

She took a moment to look over their creation. "...I see. It is a good form. But it looks lonely. Shall we make another?"

Arvadraa tilts her head. "Yes, that sounds...right. You're quite good at forming the tails. Should we start there after the body, then move to the head?"

"Ah, good. It is quite wise of you to pay attention to goings-on. Far too few ponies these days have any concern with current affairs."

Well, that awkwardness was dealt with.

"I am unsure if you have yet become acquainted with Miss Snowstorm or Mr. Prose. Perhaps they could introduce themselves?"

Snowstorm gives Staccata the crooked grin that seems to be her custom. "Snowstorm, airspace deployment. It's good to meet you." She procures some cider and relaxes for a moment, drinking.

[Lycan 01]

[Purple Prose, at Tavern with Snowstorm, Blueshield, and various other ponies]

Prose shrugs aloofly when it's suggested he make introductions. "Name's Purple Prose. Poet, retired Lunar Guard, and coffee lover extraordinaire," he observes nonchalantly. "And who all do I have the pleasure of speaking with?"

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I'm not entirely sure who all is there, and it's a little hard to keep up with all the small details scattered around so many posts. @_@

[Benson]

Icy laughed, her soft voice resonating throughout the carriage. "You're too kind, Fox. Though I never have actually heard it referred to as 'filly fen'." She leaned in to kiss him on the muzzle. "In any case, I look forward to our stay together then." Was that a coy yes?

A smooch. "Well I was just making up terms, guessing, I don't know what it would be called...BUT....that is great....I do too, mwuh!" A cheek smooch. "This is a big step for us, and I am glad I can make it with you." Oh the cheese.

[HalfTangible]

(I honestly thought I had replied to this. My bad. Do poke me if I seem to have forgotten.)

Esmeralda took some moments to readjust to just having one body again. Shame... just as she was starting to enjoy the feeling of moving a 50-ton behemoth. Though she did feel a little fuzzy towards the end...

"Star, you okay there?" Esmeralda said, on hearing the small ow.

Fine, fine... "It's just" in"tense" is all. Lone Star's voice seemed to switch back and forth between his body and the robot. Also his body seemed to have grown a maniacal grin. Now what, "dear?"

[Grif]

[Purple Prose, at Tavern with Snowstorm, Blueshield, and various other ponies]

Prose shrugs aloofly when it's suggested he make introductions. "Name's Purple Prose. Poet, retired Lunar Guard, and coffee lover extraordinaire," he observes nonchalantly. "And who all do I have the pleasure of speaking with?"

Spoiler

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I'm not entirely sure who all is there, and it's a little hard to keep up with all the small details scattered around so many posts. @_@

(As I know it, currently there's Tyrol and Lemongrass (me), Staccata (MCerberus), Blueshield (Purity), Snowstorm (Kelvin) and of course, Prose.)

Well, that was awkward. The two guards looked at each other, then at Prose. "Um... I'm Lemongrass, and this is my good friend, Tyrol. We both ah... work in the Bridle Shores Guard."

A smooch. "Well I was just making up terms, guessing, I don't know what it would be called...BUT....that is great....I do too, mwuh!" A cheek smooch. "This is a big step for us, and I am glad I can make it with you." Oh the cheese.

The cheese was probably dripping down the carriage sides by now. Icy sighed happily and leaned her head against his shoulder, resting her hoof on his, and giving it a little squeeze. "So do I, Fox. So do I~" For a moment there, she wondered if this was the time for a romantic makeout.

Fine, fine... "It's just" in"tense" is all. Lone Star's voice seemed to switch back and forth between his body and the robot. Also his body seemed to have grown a maniacal grin. Now what, "dear?"

"I'd agree it's intense," Esmeralda said, cocking an eyebrow at switching voices. "Well, we're far enough from the town to avoid any unwanted attention. Let's see what this robot is capable of." Es may or may not be sharing that same maniacal grin.

Meanwhile...

[Shell Shock & Wrench]

"Oy! I dinnae see a giant robot here, do you?" Shell Shock declared as he stood in front of the bar, looking around.

[HalfTangible]

"I'd agree it's intense," Esmeralda said, cocking an eyebrow at switching voices. "Well, we're far enough from the town to avoid any unwanted attention. Let's see what this robot is capable of." Es may or may not be sharing that same maniacal grin.

Well, weapons are still dis"abled, but..."

The robot's thrusters shot to maximum and it began to climb like a rocket.

oOOOH, decent take-off speed.

Meanwhile...

[Shell Shock & Wrench]

"Oy! I dinnae see a giant robot here, do you?" Shell Shock declared as he stood in front of the bar, looking around.

[Dumb and Slightly less dumb]

Wrench blinked twice. One, tryin' to figure it out m'self. Two, that means the bar is intact, dunno why you're disappointed.

[MCerberus]

The Tavern

"Charmed," Staccata replies to the introductions from the suddenly large crowd. "I'm Staccata, officially a licensed adventurer, but, like I said, it's getting important to deal in and find information here."

The mare takes another drink. "But with all the conflict it seems more like foalsitting the contacts at times."

[PurityIcekiller]

"I'd quite enjoy seeing your work. But let's do so later. Right now, we have a whole day to enjoy."

"Enjoy in the cold, sure..."

"Oh, all right."

Blades gave a glance around, thinking, then remembered. "Right! So what were ya sayin'? Ya did that magic cutty-thingy 'n then what?"

Arvadraa tilts her head. "Yes, that sounds...right. You're quite good at forming the tails. Should we start there after the body, then move to the head?"

"The tail is a simpler form. It is natural that I would find it less difficult. But it could be done first."

With help from Arvadraa, Flare set up another base body facing the existing snowpony. However, she paused before adding the tail.

"Perhaps we could try a shorter tail supported by the legs? It would add distinction. Or could we make a split tail stay on somehow?"

The three actually wouldn't be too far from the ward robe area where the actors and extras would be getting their costumes from. Prompter walked up to a box which contained several nicely folded red usher vests.

Night Jewel took a vest and slipped it on. It fit surprisingly well given the size variances in still-growing ponies like her. "Ah, red is a good colour for me. Not bad luck in a theatre, either, even if it's not good in more dangerous circumstances."

She glanced at Sandy and wrinkled her muzzle in observation. "Small is our smallest size, for fillies, the we don't have a small for stallions, you'll be okay with that right?"

"Heh heh, t'ain't no worry, ma'am." Sandy awkwardly chuckled and kicked at the ground. "It's, uh, not that uncommon not t'have things in m'size. I've gotten used t'it."

"I'm sure it won't be too serious a problem if his clothes are a little loose. Maybe one of the filly sizes would fit?"

"Charmed," Staccata replies to the introductions from the suddenly large crowd. "I'm Staccata, officially a licensed adventurer, but, like I said, it's getting important to deal in and find information here."

The mare takes another drink. "But with all the conflict it seems more like foalsitting the contacts at times."

"Ah, yes. Having to play moderator and parental figure to ponies who think they know far better than they do." Blueshield sighed. "You have my sympathy, Miss Staccata."

She took a sniff of her drink. "This had better be non-alcoholic. I cannot take responsibility for any actions I might perform should I be unwittingly and unwillingly intoxicated."

[Benson]

"Heh, one would think you're born a peasant," Silverpine said half-jokingly, his eyes taking in Gearstride's new outfit. "You look lovely," he added quietly, as he went up to give her a playful nuzzle.

"Hahah, yer just a flatterer, now come my pox ridden peasant beau let us go join the others, I am still a little lost about this, unsure of what really we are to be doing," Gearstride said and returned his nuzzle with one of her own.

"Heh heh, t'ain't no worry, ma'am." Sandy awkwardly chuckled and kicked at the ground. "It's, uh, not that uncommon not t'have things in m'size. I've gotten used t'it."

Night Jewel took a vest and slipped it on. It fit surprisingly well given the size variances in still-growing ponies like her. "Ah, red is a good colour for me. Not bad luck in a theatre, either, even if it's not good in more dangerous circumstances."

"I'm sure it won't be too serious a problem if his clothes are a little loose. Maybe one of the filly sizes would fit?"

"That is what I am kinda suggesting," Prompter said sheepishly and looked at Sandy for his say so.

The cheese was probably dripping down the carriage sides by now. Icy sighed happily and leaned her head against his shoulder, resting her hoof on his, and giving it a little squeeze. "So do I, Fox. So do I~" For a moment there, she wondered if this was the time for a romantic makeout.

Kissu, kissu kissu.
--

The pair, some time later would find that their carriage ride would take them out towards the east gate and into the outskirts of the town limits. Past a wintery wonderland they would go, icicles forming down the limbs of trees, like icy wind chimes.

"Mmmm my love, you make me want to recite bad cheesy poetry, oh what you do to me," He chuckled during a smooch.

[TheAmishPirate]

"That is what I am kinda suggesting," Prompter said sheepishly and looked at Sandy for his say so.

"T'ain't no problem, Miss Prompter, so long as it fits. Sandy nodded and started helping her root around for a vest in his size.

[Lycan 01]

[Bar Shenanigans]

The Tavern

"Charmed," Staccata replies to the introductions from the suddenly large crowd. "I'm Staccata, officially a licensed adventurer, but, like I said, it's getting important to deal in and find information here."

The mare takes another drink. "But with all the conflict it seems more like foalsitting the contacts at times."

"Ah, yes. Having to play moderator and parental figure to ponies who think they know far better than they do." Blueshield sighed. "You have my sympathy, Miss Staccata."

She took a sniff of her drink. "This had better be non-alcoholic. I cannot take responsibility for any actions I might perform should I be unwittingly and unwillingly intoxicated."

Prose lets out a sharp, barking laugh of mirthful amusement. "Oh, nothing beats 'foalsitting.' Especially when it's a frumpy noble who thinks they know how to do your job better than you do."

Prose saunters around a bit, a wing pressed to his chest as he assumed a posh, foppish pose, and his voice takes on a mock-aristocratic tone. "I say, you ruffians have no manners, pushing me around like that while those griffon mercenaries attempted to lop my empty little head off. I am ~so~ writing a letter of complaint to your commanding officer. And if you must bleed from your injuries, don't you ~dare~ drip it on my new rug that's totally not contraband from Zebrica," he says with a roll of his eye.

[Kelvin360]

"Oh, all right."

Blades gave a glance around, thinking, then remembered. "Right! So what were ya sayin'? Ya did that magic cutty-thingy 'n then what?"

"There isn't much afterward, but I'll go on."

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He managed to spot my attack coming - superior reflexes, I supposed - and avoided a more serious injury than a simple gash. He swung at me, but I was already rolling. I disengaged Aurora so as to free up more room for concentration and flung one of the falling boulders at him.

I made sure that the stone wasn't encased in magic before it impacted. His armor would have deflected the worst of it just on account of it being imbued. Nevertheless, he mimicked my tactic and spun to the side. Taylor was already in motion, and the two of them ended up in a brief, if violent, wrestling match.

I shouldn't have to say who had the upper hoof, but as a move in the game of distractions this had become, Taylor's served its purpose. He took a glancing blow to the side and disengaged, and I charged again, keeping the melee portion of our duel far enough away that I wouldn't get my head cut off. It wasn't easy, given the reach of his chosen weapon, and my capability (which wasn't great to begin with) suffered accordingly.

It was only after the first few seconds that I realized I was playing his game. He was backpedaling towards his escape route. Taylor was ready to intercept him, but there was no way I could render any assistance. So I backed away and 'sheathed' Aurora once more.

Zaros didn't question his chances and cartwheeled over Taylor's mace, coming dangerously close to decapitating him in the process. He landed in a roll and made for his tunnel.

He rebounded off of a forcefield that I had set up. His armor's abilities added to his inertia, and the result was actually quite amusing. It looked as though he had run facefirst into a vertical trampoline. However, that was among my last hurrah's, and the field dissipated after the impact.

Taylor's shield caught him in the neck, and was followed by an overhead slash, but Zaros blocked it and rushed him, knocking the wind from him. With Taylor on his back and the kinetic barrier expired, I had only a second to act, and so I did what I suppose comes naturally to Stellar and I; I lifted something heavy.

A boulder, to be specific. This time I didn't have the facilities to deactivate the magical properties before it made contact, but his armor pushed him further, as opposed to resisting the movement.

He soared through the air for a second time, much less gracefully. He hit the upper lip of the tunnel headfirst and rolled deeper inside. All was quiet.

Taylor rolled to a standing position and approached, as did I. Neither of us said a word to each other, even though I knew I should say something. A notification, perhaps, or an apology. He might not have heard the telltale snap, but I had.

"Enough games. We'll put you under if we have to." Halfway through the sentence, his tone changed from anger to desperation.

"Show yourself, Zaros.

Zaros?

...Dawnstrider?"

"I think it was that day. Zaros...he never gave our combined threat much credence, I think. He hated Taylor, he respected Moonlight, and he definitely tried to avoid Moonshine. But he never really feared any of us until I killed him. Whether any of it was worth it or justified simply isn't for me to say."

"I can say it. Worth it. Justified. Moving on."

"The tail is a simpler form. It is natural that I would find it less difficult. But it could be done first."

With help from Arvadraa, Flare set up another base body facing the existing snowpony. However, she paused before adding the tail.

"Perhaps we could try a shorter tail supported by the legs? It would add distinction. Or could we make a split tail stay on somehow?"

"We could...try wrapping it around a hind leg? Like a vine?"

"Ah, yes. Having to play moderator and parental figure to ponies who think they know far better than they do." Blueshield sighed. "You have my sympathy, Miss Staccata."

She took a sniff of her drink. "This had better be non-alcoholic. I cannot take responsibility for any actions I might perform should I be unwittingly and unwillingly intoxicated."

"If I can ask, Commander, what sorts of occasions do you usually drink during, if any?"

[Grif]

(I'll try to collate all the relevant responses in this particular scene to help ease matters.)

The Tavern

"Charmed," Staccata replies to the introductions from the suddenly large crowd. "I'm Staccata, officially a licensed adventurer, but, like I said, it's getting important to deal in and find information here."

The mare takes another drink. "But with all the conflict it seems more like foalsitting the contacts at times."

"Ah, yes. Having to play moderator and parental figure to ponies who think they know far better than they do." Blueshield sighed. "You have my sympathy, Miss Staccata."

She took a sniff of her drink. "This had better be non-alcoholic. I cannot take responsibility for any actions I might perform should I be unwittingly and unwillingly intoxicated."

[Bar Shenanigans]
Prose lets out a sharp, barking laugh of mirthful amusement. "Oh, nothing beats 'foalsitting.' Especially when it's a frumpy noble who thinks they know how to do your job better than you do."
Prose saunters around a bit, a wing pressed to his chest as he assumed a posh, foppish pose, and his voice takes on a mock-aristocratic tone. "I say, you ruffians have no manners, pushing me around like that while those griffon mercenaries attempted to lop my empty little head off. I am ~so~ writing a letter of complaint to your commanding officer. And if you must bleed from your injuries, don't you ~dare~ drip it on my new rug that's totally not contraband from Zebrica," he says with a roll of his eye.

"If I can ask, Commander, what sorts of occasions do you usually drink during, if any?"

Lemongrass just grinned at Blueshield. "Oh, don't you worry there, Knight-Commander. I got you the non-alcoholic version. Though if you want to try... it's really the superior version, the real thing." Of course Tyrol facehoofing behind him was just icing on the cake.

Prose's little story got a racous laugh from both of the guards. "Sounds like nobles alright. Lucky for us, we don't get so many of them... Not since Captain booted out the last one for being a fop."

"Second last. Last one was that general or somesuch." (See Orzel's Flamestrong arc.)

"Oh right. Quite the character, that one." Another chuckle.

"Hahah, yer just a flatterer, now come my pox ridden peasant beau let us go join the others, I am still a little lost about this, unsure of what really we are to be doing," Gearstride said and returned his nuzzle with one of her own.

And so Silverpine and Gearstride attempted to find their place amidst the busy sets. How unfortunate that Silverpine himself had not much of a clue as to where they were supposed to go, though he would be on the lookout for any place where similarly dressed actors might be congregating.

Kissu, kissu kissu.
--

The pair, some time later would find that their carriage ride would take them out towards the east gate and into the outskirts of the town limits. Past a wintery wonderland they would go, icicles forming down the limbs of trees, like icy wind chimes.

"Mmmm my love, you make me want to recite bad cheesy poetry, oh what you do to me," He chuckled during a smooch.

"Oh, you knave. You say that for everything I do~" Icy giggled as she returned the smooch softly, all the while enjoying the steady rocking of the carriage, the beautiful scenic view and of course, the presence of her coltfriend.

Well, weapons are still dis"abled, but..."

The robot's thrusters shot to maximum and it began to climb like a rocket.

oOOOH, decent take-off speed.

"I already like whatever you're thinking!" Esmeralda hollered, as she clung to the console next to her. "Let's see how high we can go!"

[Dumb and Slightly less dumb]

Wrench blinked twice. One, tryin' to figure it out m'self. Two, that means the bar is intact, dunno why you're disappointed.

Shell Shock looked at the bar longingly again. "Mebbe yer locator thingamajig is broke. Ey, since we're here, let's grab some sweet Scoltish whisky!"

[HalfTangible]

"I already like whatever you're thinking!" Esmeralda hollered, as she clung to the console next to her. "Let's see how high we can go!"

"Climbing" The machine's voice called out, Lone Star's grin growing crazier by the second. "1000 feet. 3000 feet. 6000 feet..."

THIS IS AWESOOOOME!!!!

Shell Shock looked at the bar longingly again. "Mebbe yer locator thingamajig is broke. Ey, since we're here, let's grab some sweet Scoltish whisky!"

Wrench sighed and rubbed his forehead. ...I'll buy. Gimme a bit to recalibrate my locator.

Good thing they weren't on the other side of the bar, or they might have seen the smoke trail.

[Benson]

"T'ain't no problem, Miss Prompter, so long as it fits. Sandy nodded and started helping her root around for a vest in his size.

Sandy would come to find one, in his size, filly equivalent.

[I]
"Oh, you knave. You say that for everything I do~" Icy giggled as she returned the smooch softly, all the while enjoying the steady rocking of the carriage, the beautiful scenic view and of course, the presence of her coltfriend.

"There is just something vexing about you that drives me to cheese. Is it your crisp, keen blue eyes? Or something else I cannot surmise? You can be as harsh as a blizzard, yet gentle like falling snowflake, either way you make my heart ache." Fox then grinned all proud and derpy like. "Not a bad start eh?"