>>549088
The hallway is quite dark except for the area surrounding the party. Everywhere they go is up. Will you follow ahead or behind the main group?
>>549089
>>549090
>>549092
The rain has picked up, and it's storming loudly outside.
http://www.rainymood.com/
Relentless sheets of rain pound against the flagstones outside. A slim trickle of rainwater, in from the windows, snakes its way past you toward the main door. With each second, another rumble of thunder echos through these halls.
You're coming into a larger room now, where your lights do not cover the entire room. Two suits of armor flank the entrance to this great hall, and you can faintly make out the outline of a mezzanine above.
You're all tracking mud inside. Notably the castle is relatively clean of dust.
The hallway is quite dark except for the area surrounding the party. Everywhere they go is up. Will you follow ahead or behind the main group?
>>549089
>>549090
>>549092
The rain has picked up, and it's storming loudly outside.
http://www.rainymood.com/
Relentless sheets of rain pound against the flagstones outside. A slim trickle of rainwater, in from the windows, snakes its way past you toward the main door. With each second, another rumble of thunder echos through these halls.
You're coming into a larger room now, where your lights do not cover the entire room. Two suits of armor flank the entrance to this great hall, and you can faintly make out the outline of a mezzanine above.
You're all tracking mud inside. Notably the castle is relatively clean of dust.
>>549095
It's too dark without a light to do anything but feel your way through the main hall. There must be a stairway somewhere, but glancing over to the main group keeps your eyes unadjusted to the dark.
>>549097
Simple iron, and the way it's designed doesn't seem too useful for battle. Clearly more decorative than useful.
>>549098
You identify the metal as dark iron, a form of crude iron typically purified with jet to create steel.
>>549099
You head up to the second floor, leaving the party behind. The room is still too dark to see everything, and you narrowly avoid banging your head on a doused chandelier. A faint light down the hall indicates that this floor must loop around to reach the second set of windows/arrow slits that you could see from the ground.
>>549100
You bang your head on the chandelier while following Light Heart.
>>549101
Interestingly, there is no rug – normally this is where one would be. This place is pretty stripped.
It's too dark without a light to do anything but feel your way through the main hall. There must be a stairway somewhere, but glancing over to the main group keeps your eyes unadjusted to the dark.
>>549097
Simple iron, and the way it's designed doesn't seem too useful for battle. Clearly more decorative than useful.
>>549098
You identify the metal as dark iron, a form of crude iron typically purified with jet to create steel.
>>549099
You head up to the second floor, leaving the party behind. The room is still too dark to see everything, and you narrowly avoid banging your head on a doused chandelier. A faint light down the hall indicates that this floor must loop around to reach the second set of windows/arrow slits that you could see from the ground.
>>549100
You bang your head on the chandelier while following Light Heart.
>>549101
Interestingly, there is no rug – normally this is where one would be. This place is pretty stripped.
>>549129
>>549130
You pass another window and get a bit of rainwater on your mane. The trickle of water is stronger here, as it snakes down through the main hall in search of an escape, the whole castle lacking any type of storm drain. Up ahead there is a heavy-looking door with a slight stone threshold. There is a handle on it, but no lock.
>>549131
You arrive at the door ahead of everyone else, but as they approach your position your stealth is broken by the light. It's a narrow hallway cast in darkness and you're standing next to a lantern and a torch. Move thirty feet back into the darkness of the hallway?
>>549130
You pass another window and get a bit of rainwater on your mane. The trickle of water is stronger here, as it snakes down through the main hall in search of an escape, the whole castle lacking any type of storm drain. Up ahead there is a heavy-looking door with a slight stone threshold. There is a handle on it, but no lock.
>>549131
You arrive at the door ahead of everyone else, but as they approach your position your stealth is broken by the light. It's a narrow hallway cast in darkness and you're standing next to a lantern and a torch. Move thirty feet back into the darkness of the hallway?
>>549136
>>549135
>>549134
This is a fairly narrow room, but it goes on for a long way. The furniture is still here, making it the least-evacuated room. The floor here is completely wet, soaking your hooves, and there's an awful stench. Little rainbow patterns play about in the liquid beneath you as you hoist your lantern and torch by. A series of rough wooden bunk beds and nightstands, but that's about it. Not exactly comfortable living conditions. No immediate signs of danger, but the room seems to stretch on deep into the dark – there is no natural light here, no windows to the outside. At the end of the room, you can see something shiny reflecting the light of your lamps.
>>549135
>>549134
This is a fairly narrow room, but it goes on for a long way. The furniture is still here, making it the least-evacuated room. The floor here is completely wet, soaking your hooves, and there's an awful stench. Little rainbow patterns play about in the liquid beneath you as you hoist your lantern and torch by. A series of rough wooden bunk beds and nightstands, but that's about it. Not exactly comfortable living conditions. No immediate signs of danger, but the room seems to stretch on deep into the dark – there is no natural light here, no windows to the outside. At the end of the room, you can see something shiny reflecting the light of your lamps.
>>549152
Zoom! You take off out of the door!
>>549153
>>549151
>>549149
>>549148
>>549150
>>549154
In perhaps the most successful implementation of an oil trap of all time, none of you get out the door before the inferno spreads.
Hircus and HP, trying to stick to the shadows up above, get it worst – there's nowhere to escape to from their post. Flowing gets it just as bad at the head of the party with so many bodies blocking his way.
Everyone but Emrille is on fire. HP, Hircus, and Flowing are too injured from the ignition to move.
Zoom! You take off out of the door!
>>549153
>>549151
>>549149
>>549148
>>549150
>>549154
In perhaps the most successful implementation of an oil trap of all time, none of you get out the door before the inferno spreads.
Hircus and HP, trying to stick to the shadows up above, get it worst – there's nowhere to escape to from their post. Flowing gets it just as bad at the head of the party with so many bodies blocking his way.
Everyone but Emrille is on fire. HP, Hircus, and Flowing are too injured from the ignition to move.
>>549159
You run out of the room and to the window. Not a lot of rain is coming in from the outside, but it's better than nothing.
>>549162
>>549163
Wark and Tela retreat to the great hall where a puddle of water is collecting and roll there, putting themselves out. Rosemary tries her luck with the window like Selena but it's not doing much for her.
>>549164
>>549161
The two of you continue to cook to death with no one helping you.
>>549160
In a highly improbably turn of events, you're able to create a bullet hole in the wall instead of setting off a ricochet almost certain to kill an ally. The tiny hole isn't really doing much for rainwater though.
>>549162
You exacerbate the situation by having an on-fire heart attack.
You run out of the room and to the window. Not a lot of rain is coming in from the outside, but it's better than nothing.
>>549162
>>549163
Wark and Tela retreat to the great hall where a puddle of water is collecting and roll there, putting themselves out. Rosemary tries her luck with the window like Selena but it's not doing much for her.
>>549164
>>549161
The two of you continue to cook to death with no one helping you.
>>549160
In a highly improbably turn of events, you're able to create a bullet hole in the wall instead of setting off a ricochet almost certain to kill an ally. The tiny hole isn't really doing much for rainwater though.
>>549162
You exacerbate the situation by having an on-fire heart attack.
>>549168
There are bars on this window!
You fly through the main hall out into the entrance hall, then the streets, and roll in the water.
>>549167
The room is much cooler now, but it begins to quickly heat back up as the fire continues.
Ice Shot was a good strategy back in the bank where you were endangered by the TEMPERATURE, but here the temperature isn't so much killing you as the actual fire.
>>549166
>>549169
You need immediate medical attention.
Wark drags out Flowing, but he's still on fire.
Tela teleports Hircus into the rain outside. At least he's out now.
Rosemary helps you with your pill, but both of you are still on fire. You both need medical attention.
There are bars on this window!
You fly through the main hall out into the entrance hall, then the streets, and roll in the water.
>>549167
The room is much cooler now, but it begins to quickly heat back up as the fire continues.
Ice Shot was a good strategy back in the bank where you were endangered by the TEMPERATURE, but here the temperature isn't so much killing you as the actual fire.
>>549166
>>549169
You need immediate medical attention.
Wark drags out Flowing, but he's still on fire.
Tela teleports Hircus into the rain outside. At least he's out now.
Rosemary helps you with your pill, but both of you are still on fire. You both need medical attention.
>>549174
Sploosh! You put out Flowing with water from your hat.
>>549175
Selena put you out, but now you're standing again.
>>549178
Wark goes back in and pulls her out like some kind of fire-fighter hero. What a good donkey.
Even your pitiful attempt at putting yourself out is passable out here in the drenching rain.
>>549179
You don't think fucking anyone will put them out. Their crotches aren't on fire, it's mostly the mane.
It looks like everyone is out now, just badly injured.
Sploosh! You put out Flowing with water from your hat.
>>549175
Selena put you out, but now you're standing again.
>>549178
Wark goes back in and pulls her out like some kind of fire-fighter hero. What a good donkey.
Even your pitiful attempt at putting yourself out is passable out here in the drenching rain.
>>549179
You don't think fucking anyone will put them out. Their crotches aren't on fire, it's mostly the mane.
It looks like everyone is out now, just badly injured.
>>549262
>>549265
>>549266
>>549267
>>549270
You open the doors and find an aging Neighponese pony inside. His reflexes aren't what they used to be, but as soon as you enter, he pulls a string attached to a cannon aimed at the door!
Everyone but Selena and Light Heart's Minions are able to leap out of the way in time. All four of them get blasted out of the room. The recoil from the cannon makes the old pony collapse on the floor and start bleeding. His breathing is ragged.
>>549265
>>549266
>>549267
>>549270
You open the doors and find an aging Neighponese pony inside. His reflexes aren't what they used to be, but as soon as you enter, he pulls a string attached to a cannon aimed at the door!
Everyone but Selena and Light Heart's Minions are able to leap out of the way in time. All four of them get blasted out of the room. The recoil from the cannon makes the old pony collapse on the floor and start bleeding. His breathing is ragged.
>>549290
You were hit by a direct blast from a cannon.
>>549291
They've been disabled by the cannon blast. You expect them to treat themselves when they've been hit by a cannon?
>>549289
He doesn't react.
>>549288
She needs attention from a medical specialist. Maybe they have medical supplies in the storage room.
You were hit by a direct blast from a cannon.
>>549291
They've been disabled by the cannon blast. You expect them to treat themselves when they've been hit by a cannon?
>>549289
He doesn't react.
>>549288
She needs attention from a medical specialist. Maybe they have medical supplies in the storage room.
>>549296
You identify the symptoms of cardiac arrest. You need to perform CPR in order to keep him alive. You need to be gentle enough to not crack his remaining ribs, though.
>>549301
>>549305
The two of you trip over each other and end up in a compromising position on the floor.
>>549303
You burst through the door without even considering there might be traps in here!
Fortunately for you there aren't. This place is a mess from the evacuation. You do find a shelf labeled "medicine", but it's all jumped up… you do spot splints, a sewing kit, and some clumps of red moss, though.
You identify the symptoms of cardiac arrest. You need to perform CPR in order to keep him alive. You need to be gentle enough to not crack his remaining ribs, though.
>>549301
>>549305
The two of you trip over each other and end up in a compromising position on the floor.
>>549303
You burst through the door without even considering there might be traps in here!
Fortunately for you there aren't. This place is a mess from the evacuation. You do find a shelf labeled "medicine", but it's all jumped up… you do spot splints, a sewing kit, and some clumps of red moss, though.
>>549362
Probably. You're not a doctor. Of course, you have seen this before.
>>549363
>>549364
"First, you need to splint the injury and apply the red moss clumps to stop the bleeding… Then bandage it with something… to keep the splint in place… if you have adrenaline… do you have chocolate? Chocolate raises adrenaline levels which will help keep her conscious."
>>549365
That took you a long time to figure out. He's still badly injured and unconscious.
Probably. You're not a doctor. Of course, you have seen this before.
>>549363
>>549364
"First, you need to splint the injury and apply the red moss clumps to stop the bleeding… Then bandage it with something… to keep the splint in place… if you have adrenaline… do you have chocolate? Chocolate raises adrenaline levels which will help keep her conscious."
>>549365
That took you a long time to figure out. He's still badly injured and unconscious.
>>549415
And a coffee brewer.
>>549418
"Give me a p-"
>>549415
Chip has a helmet, right?
Take that one.
Fill it with water from outside by standing by a window.
Then, assume I asked Emrille who's currently busy playing videogames to fire shot some wood over which I laid the veggies to act as catch, and put the thing to boil.
And a coffee brewer.
>>549418
"Give me a p-"
>>549415
Chip has a helmet, right?
Take that one.
Fill it with water from outside by standing by a window.
Then, assume I asked Emrille who's currently busy playing videogames to fire shot some wood over which I laid the veggies to act as catch, and put the thing to boil.
>>549580
There are two cannons for three cannon windows. The third one left tracks as it was wheeled away – a chip on the stairs down. Glancing down at the first floor you notice bruising on the wall you didn't see before. Someone must have pushed a cannon dow– oh wait you know what happened.
>>549577
"Sure! I need somewhere clean, though! Put him on ice and I can take him back to the ships!"
There are two cannons for three cannon windows. The third one left tracks as it was wheeled away – a chip on the stairs down. Glancing down at the first floor you notice bruising on the wall you didn't see before. Someone must have pushed a cannon dow– oh wait you know what happened.
>>549577
"Sure! I need somewhere clean, though! Put him on ice and I can take him back to the ships!"
>>549605
No illusory walls here – you do find an unhidden passageway, though. Halfway up the stairs there's a great iron door that hangs ajar. It leads out to the top of the cliff. You investigate further up to the top of the tower at the top of the stairs and find a flagpole. This would be a great place to hang an Awa banner to indicate the city has been secured.
>>549613
"Well, okay, but brainectomies don't wait forever!"
>>549602
You fill it and wait patiently.
No illusory walls here – you do find an unhidden passageway, though. Halfway up the stairs there's a great iron door that hangs ajar. It leads out to the top of the cliff. You investigate further up to the top of the tower at the top of the stairs and find a flagpole. This would be a great place to hang an Awa banner to indicate the city has been secured.
>>549613
"Well, okay, but brainectomies don't wait forever!"
>>549602
You fill it and wait patiently.
>>549751
"Yes – and the scribe is taking note of how many ships we sink for our payout. It would be inefficient to sail back to Awa in between every victory, don't you think?"
>>549754
Wark and Rosemary both nuzzle you affectionately and stick very close to you.
>>549752
You did indeed! Imagine the luck? He's sitting around nearby with a bucket full of beers.
>>549756
>>549757
Flowing is right. HP is somewhere "clean" helping treat him.
"Yes – and the scribe is taking note of how many ships we sink for our payout. It would be inefficient to sail back to Awa in between every victory, don't you think?"
>>549754
Wark and Rosemary both nuzzle you affectionately and stick very close to you.
>>549752
You did indeed! Imagine the luck? He's sitting around nearby with a bucket full of beers.
>>549756
>>549757
Flowing is right. HP is somewhere "clean" helping treat him.
>>549762
You spend time searching (8) for HP and track rumors to a strange white door aboard the black ship of the Darklantern.
>>549764
"No, would you imagine the luck? I was just thinking I needed to get some booze for tonight and this fell out of the crow's nest."
>>549763
"That's right. Most of it will go towards restoring the fleet, but you'll still get a big cut, don't worry."
>>549769
"Yes! We should~"
"Aye… ye were quite tha leader taday wern'cha?" He playfully bumps you oh so slightly.
>>549771
"It's by number of vessels, or value of vessel if taken without sinking."
>>549773
Diamond Luck is nearby appraising wounds. He might be able to treat you. He's the one you met at night in the crow's nest.
>>549776
No prob!
You spend time searching (8) for HP and track rumors to a strange white door aboard the black ship of the Darklantern.
>>549764
"No, would you imagine the luck? I was just thinking I needed to get some booze for tonight and this fell out of the crow's nest."
>>549763
"That's right. Most of it will go towards restoring the fleet, but you'll still get a big cut, don't worry."
>>549769
"Yes! We should~"
"Aye… ye were quite tha leader taday wern'cha?" He playfully bumps you oh so slightly.
>>549771
"It's by number of vessels, or value of vessel if taken without sinking."
>>549773
Diamond Luck is nearby appraising wounds. He might be able to treat you. He's the one you met at night in the crow's nest.
>>549776
No prob!
>>549782
"No one, I checked first thing."
>>549783
"Hey, it's my job. I'm sure you don't meet most people you're supposed to do your job to under good circumstances, right?"
You think back to all those places you've robbed.
He takes a look at your burns. "I can treat this with aloe. Very easy fix, you'll be up to snuff in no time."
>>549784
"Sure! Comon in!"
You open the door and to your amazement, behind it is an entire MANSION!
>>549785
"Well, I knew that much would cheer you up."
>>549788
"Right. Though sinking either would be less than capturing either."
>>549786
You arrive at your room. Grey has Adel and Lilly in her lap, and she's brushing their hair.
Red and Felix are playing chase on the floor.
"No one, I checked first thing."
>>549783
"Hey, it's my job. I'm sure you don't meet most people you're supposed to do your job to under good circumstances, right?"
You think back to all those places you've robbed.
He takes a look at your burns. "I can treat this with aloe. Very easy fix, you'll be up to snuff in no time."
>>549784
"Sure! Comon in!"
You open the door and to your amazement, behind it is an entire MANSION!
>>549785
"Well, I knew that much would cheer you up."
>>549788
"Right. Though sinking either would be less than capturing either."
>>549786
You arrive at your room. Grey has Adel and Lilly in her lap, and she's brushing their hair.
Red and Felix are playing chase on the floor.
>>549793
She's right in front of you in the main hall.
"Come on over!"
>>549794
"Yes, that's why it's deadly important that we don't mess this mission up. We play very strict to their rules and do whatever they want so we can get the gold. Then we can go back to pillaging in earnest."
>>549797
"Victory! A good thing to drink to."
He takes a big gulp. "Hey – I've heard rumors that you're quire the casanova, aren't you? You like the hens, eh? They certainly have an interesting feel to them."
>>549798
"Eh, we all slip up. The trick is to know when to hold em and when to fold em."
He slathers some cream on you. "Let that dry – try not to wipe it off or stick your hooves in your mouth or eyes after touching it. You'll be fine."
>>549799
"Yep! Sure did!"
Adel coos softly, and Lilly giggles excitedly at you. While Rosemary says glued to your side and nuzzles on you, Wark cheerfully approaches and gathers the three of them up in a big hug. "How are my favorite li'l girls? Didja miss me? Ah missed ya a whole bunch out there taday."
Grey laughs in return. "Daddy you weren't gone that long!"
Even Red comes over. "Oi, you sentimental old fart! Gonna pay homage yet?"
Wark smiles at her and ruffles her mane. "How's 'bout a ride fittin' a king?"
She nods approvingly and he places her on his head.
It seems that barring any intervention, Wark is starting to consider all four of your daughters to be his daughters – and that they perceive him as their father figure in return. If you're not okay with that, you'll need to intervene at some point…
Meanwhile Rosemary is snuggling closer and closer to you amorously. She gently picks out feathers from your wings, preening you – it feels heavenly. She whispers through the spares: "I'm going to make you feel all better tonight~. I have just the prescription~."
>>549802
"It's a big risk. Frankly, I consider it an optional objective. Our biggest problem is a lack of crew and engineering corps. Capturing ships will be infinitely easier after we're better funded."
She's right in front of you in the main hall.
"Come on over!"
>>549794
"Yes, that's why it's deadly important that we don't mess this mission up. We play very strict to their rules and do whatever they want so we can get the gold. Then we can go back to pillaging in earnest."
>>549797
"Victory! A good thing to drink to."
He takes a big gulp. "Hey – I've heard rumors that you're quire the casanova, aren't you? You like the hens, eh? They certainly have an interesting feel to them."
>>549798
"Eh, we all slip up. The trick is to know when to hold em and when to fold em."
He slathers some cream on you. "Let that dry – try not to wipe it off or stick your hooves in your mouth or eyes after touching it. You'll be fine."
>>549799
"Yep! Sure did!"
Adel coos softly, and Lilly giggles excitedly at you. While Rosemary says glued to your side and nuzzles on you, Wark cheerfully approaches and gathers the three of them up in a big hug. "How are my favorite li'l girls? Didja miss me? Ah missed ya a whole bunch out there taday."
Grey laughs in return. "Daddy you weren't gone that long!"
Even Red comes over. "Oi, you sentimental old fart! Gonna pay homage yet?"
Wark smiles at her and ruffles her mane. "How's 'bout a ride fittin' a king?"
She nods approvingly and he places her on his head.
It seems that barring any intervention, Wark is starting to consider all four of your daughters to be his daughters – and that they perceive him as their father figure in return. If you're not okay with that, you'll need to intervene at some point…
Meanwhile Rosemary is snuggling closer and closer to you amorously. She gently picks out feathers from your wings, preening you – it feels heavenly. She whispers through the spares: "I'm going to make you feel all better tonight~. I have just the prescription~."
>>549802
"It's a big risk. Frankly, I consider it an optional objective. Our biggest problem is a lack of crew and engineering corps. Capturing ships will be infinitely easier after we're better funded."
>>549807
The old pony's head has been… sawed off! His brain is there, exposed!
"Yes… see how his brain is swelling? This is due to external trauma and constrictions on the bloodstreams. Help me open up his blood flow to get things pumping again."
>>549810
"I don't think we have any, to be honest. Well, except for you. Why?"
>>549813
"Good. I'm glad you've grown more responsible in these months."
He gives you a fatherly smile. "I might even say I'm proud of you."
The old pony's head has been… sawed off! His brain is there, exposed!
"Yes… see how his brain is swelling? This is due to external trauma and constrictions on the bloodstreams. Help me open up his blood flow to get things pumping again."
>>549810
"I don't think we have any, to be honest. Well, except for you. Why?"
>>549813
"Good. I'm glad you've grown more responsible in these months."
He gives you a fatherly smile. "I might even say I'm proud of you."
>>549825
"Yes."
It catches you off guard when he actually gives you a hug. You don't think you've ever seen the professional Abilio ever show that kind of affection to anyone but Cloudy.
"And at this rate, one day I think you'd make a good captain. Maybe commodore."
>>549827
"Yes, but we're okay for short periods."
You need to heal the swollen areas surrounding the vessels so they have less pressure on them.
>>549828
"Good. I'll keep it in mind."
>>549829
"Very interesting… you know I had heard stories of a goat… well, I assumed it was either you or just dumb rumors."
>>549830
He downs a beer with practiced ease.
"Sure did. You apparently stormed her castle before she could even put on any moves in reply. Which was quite wise. Did you know, I've heard it said there are three kinds of ponies. Treating them how they want to be treated is the key to good relationships."
>>549831
Wark breaks away from his play to mention to you, "I talked to Ciddir about some cribs, and he's working on them. I also found out that your friend Miss Doily has experience babysitting. And I thought I'd let you know that I started teaching Red and Grey recently."
Geez he sure does a lot of stuff for your little family.
"I'm so excited I might burst~!! I can't wait I can't wait! M-maybe you could give me a preview?"
"Yes."
It catches you off guard when he actually gives you a hug. You don't think you've ever seen the professional Abilio ever show that kind of affection to anyone but Cloudy.
"And at this rate, one day I think you'd make a good captain. Maybe commodore."
>>549827
"Yes, but we're okay for short periods."
You need to heal the swollen areas surrounding the vessels so they have less pressure on them.
>>549828
"Good. I'll keep it in mind."
>>549829
"Very interesting… you know I had heard stories of a goat… well, I assumed it was either you or just dumb rumors."
>>549830
He downs a beer with practiced ease.
"Sure did. You apparently stormed her castle before she could even put on any moves in reply. Which was quite wise. Did you know, I've heard it said there are three kinds of ponies. Treating them how they want to be treated is the key to good relationships."
>>549831
Wark breaks away from his play to mention to you, "I talked to Ciddir about some cribs, and he's working on them. I also found out that your friend Miss Doily has experience babysitting. And I thought I'd let you know that I started teaching Red and Grey recently."
Geez he sure does a lot of stuff for your little family.
"I'm so excited I might burst~!! I can't wait I can't wait! M-maybe you could give me a preview?"
>>549837
"Ah yes, the cribs. I had thought those would have to wait for better times, but apparently not. And yes, I thought miss Doily would be an adequate guardian, that is why I invited her to come to the Sirocco."
I've been teaching them too, haven't I?
"Have some patience… I promise I will make it worth it~"
"Ah yes, the cribs. I had thought those would have to wait for better times, but apparently not. And yes, I thought miss Doily would be an adequate guardian, that is why I invited her to come to the Sirocco."
I've been teaching them too, haven't I?
"Have some patience… I promise I will make it worth it~"
>>549839
He's looking better already.
She puts his lid back on and starts to seal it. "Help me close up, and you'll be a certified brain surgeon!"
Then she pauses. "You won't actually be a surgeon, never try this without my help, okay?"
>>549840
He laughs uneasily. "Well… there's a rumor that the Darklantern might be the slightest bit haunted."
>>549841
"You know, alphas, betas, and omegas. I think you can guess what you are."
>>549844
Yes, but more in the book-learning and firearm department. You briefly wonder what Wark is teaching them.
He clears his throat. "Should I fetch her?"
There might have been a hint of ~ in his voice.
"Aww daddy, we'll miss you!
"Oh, just fer the night, ya little sugarlump. It'll bet she has all kindsa games fer you."
"Promise?"
"Promise!"
>>549845
>>549842
You don't keep it very composed and maybe your eyes water a little bit but that's probably just from the rain or saltwater in your eyes it's notreallycryingshutup! What's important is that you're excited and hopping about and wings flaring!
"Oh yes, some day. You've made so much progress already."
He's looking better already.
She puts his lid back on and starts to seal it. "Help me close up, and you'll be a certified brain surgeon!"
Then she pauses. "You won't actually be a surgeon, never try this without my help, okay?"
>>549840
He laughs uneasily. "Well… there's a rumor that the Darklantern might be the slightest bit haunted."
>>549841
"You know, alphas, betas, and omegas. I think you can guess what you are."
>>549844
Yes, but more in the book-learning and firearm department. You briefly wonder what Wark is teaching them.
He clears his throat. "Should I fetch her?"
There might have been a hint of ~ in his voice.
"Aww daddy, we'll miss you!
"Oh, just fer the night, ya little sugarlump. It'll bet she has all kindsa games fer you."
"Promise?"
"Promise!"
>>549845
>>549842
You don't keep it very composed and maybe your eyes water a little bit but that's probably just from the rain or saltwater in your eyes it's notreallycryingshutup! What's important is that you're excited and hopping about and wings flaring!
"Oh yes, some day. You've made so much progress already."
>>549859
Easy as brain surgery! You've got a knack for it.
"There! Now he just needs rest. Thanks little fae!"
>>549861
He chuckles. "I see your problem now. You were using the wrong approaches."
>>549863
"Yes. But for now, we set sail. You should get some rest – no doubt we'll encounter resistance in Shiba."
>>549862
"Ciddir? Of course, the third mate on the Sirocco. He's a bit of an odd one, isn't he?"
>>549864
"Well, we kinda know where it is, right? Down at the bottom of that bay… but I definitely share your frustrations."
She gives you a grin. "I miss having you inside me."
Easy as brain surgery! You've got a knack for it.
"There! Now he just needs rest. Thanks little fae!"
>>549861
He chuckles. "I see your problem now. You were using the wrong approaches."
>>549863
"Yes. But for now, we set sail. You should get some rest – no doubt we'll encounter resistance in Shiba."
>>549862
"Ciddir? Of course, the third mate on the Sirocco. He's a bit of an odd one, isn't he?"
>>549864
"Well, we kinda know where it is, right? Down at the bottom of that bay… but I definitely share your frustrations."
She gives you a grin. "I miss having you inside me."
>>549866
He laughs. "You really ARE an alpha, aren't you? No, no, you have to match the behavior to the woman. Listen, that first mare with the proper behavior was obviously an alpha. She wanted someone to play coy with her so she could chase you around a little. See how she was into you at the beginning but as soon as you tried to make a move she laughed you off? Those schoolgirls were betas. They enjoyed the compliments but they have too much ambition to be shared. The hen you finally bedded? She's an omega. She wants to be dominated by a confident, direct stallion."
>>549870
"I've seen you a lot lately! You sleep in Miss Heart's room!"
>>549868
She blushes. "O-oh yes. W-whatever you want me to do, I'll gladly do it. I even meant to say… I mean, I never thanked you… That is… when you first told me that you wanted to have Adel…I was worried that it would hurt our relationship… but honestly having Wark around to do all the parenting just gives us more time to be together, and I really loved having someone who understood what I was going through when I was pregnant. It just brought us closer together~. I trust you implicitly when you tell me to do something. You always know best for me."
>>549869
"Upsetting him? I don't think I've ever seen him upset. He spends most of his time confused, I think."
>>549871
"Sure, let's head to my library. Cloudy'll be upstairs.
He laughs. "You really ARE an alpha, aren't you? No, no, you have to match the behavior to the woman. Listen, that first mare with the proper behavior was obviously an alpha. She wanted someone to play coy with her so she could chase you around a little. See how she was into you at the beginning but as soon as you tried to make a move she laughed you off? Those schoolgirls were betas. They enjoyed the compliments but they have too much ambition to be shared. The hen you finally bedded? She's an omega. She wants to be dominated by a confident, direct stallion."
>>549870
"I've seen you a lot lately! You sleep in Miss Heart's room!"
>>549868
She blushes. "O-oh yes. W-whatever you want me to do, I'll gladly do it. I even meant to say… I mean, I never thanked you… That is… when you first told me that you wanted to have Adel…I was worried that it would hurt our relationship… but honestly having Wark around to do all the parenting just gives us more time to be together, and I really loved having someone who understood what I was going through when I was pregnant. It just brought us closer together~. I trust you implicitly when you tell me to do something. You always know best for me."
>>549869
"Upsetting him? I don't think I've ever seen him upset. He spends most of his time confused, I think."
>>549871
"Sure, let's head to my library. Cloudy'll be upstairs.
>>549878
She's up in their cabin proper.
"Oh, good evening Emrille."
>>549877
"Well, you may have noticed he's a deer. He always says how our brains are built differently. He thinks in a different way. Also, he's spent basically his entire life in a secluded village on a distant island outside of pony culture. He's an odd one."
>>549879
She kisses you right on the lips. "Thanks~"
Wark pops his head in. "Dropped off the kids."
>>549881
"She's really nice! I've worked with her for a while now!"
>>549883
"Oh, boy, you're going to start asking me about work. Alright, yes, I mean, everyone wants to know, so we may as well get it out of the way. Is there anything specific you wanted to know right off the top?"
He stands up and grabs his bucket. "This may get a bit graphic and I don't want those kids to walk by, so let's head back to my quarters."
She's up in their cabin proper.
"Oh, good evening Emrille."
>>549877
"Well, you may have noticed he's a deer. He always says how our brains are built differently. He thinks in a different way. Also, he's spent basically his entire life in a secluded village on a distant island outside of pony culture. He's an odd one."
>>549879
She kisses you right on the lips. "Thanks~"
Wark pops his head in. "Dropped off the kids."
>>549881
"She's really nice! I've worked with her for a while now!"
>>549883
"Oh, boy, you're going to start asking me about work. Alright, yes, I mean, everyone wants to know, so we may as well get it out of the way. Is there anything specific you wanted to know right off the top?"
He stands up and grabs his bucket. "This may get a bit graphic and I don't want those kids to walk by, so let's head back to my quarters."
>>549873
Once they're gone, start pacing around.
"I've been wondering about something… I know this is going to make me sound like an ungrateful cunt but it's bothering me. Why wasn't I ever assigned as an officer? I mean… I'm competent, right? Maybe not as competent as some of the other officers, but still…"
Once they're gone, start pacing around.
"I've been wondering about something… I know this is going to make me sound like an ungrateful cunt but it's bothering me. Why wasn't I ever assigned as an officer? I mean… I'm competent, right? Maybe not as competent as some of the other officers, but still…"
>>549886
"It was just a matter of seniority. You've been with us a long time, but you haven't actually been a real member of the fleet until about a year ago. Frankly, when it comes to paperwork you're probably more competent than Emrille."
>>549887
"Just working with the sea charts to get to Shiba."
>>549888
"Iunno. The only one I've ever seen visit him are that horn-dog Chip and that… pretty young thing Selena. I wouldn't be surprised if he was with one of the two."
>>549889
"Sure! Should I… invite her back?"
>>549890
"Oh, no, I'm aware that's what you wanted. This may seem crazy prudish for a stallion in my line of work but I don't even like to talk about sex in public."
He gives you a bemused smile. "Don't worry, I'm straight."
>>549891
"Yep! But then I have to say yep because that would be totally a betrayal of employer if I talked bad about her! But there's not much to talk bad about so you're still right!"
"It was just a matter of seniority. You've been with us a long time, but you haven't actually been a real member of the fleet until about a year ago. Frankly, when it comes to paperwork you're probably more competent than Emrille."
>>549887
"Just working with the sea charts to get to Shiba."
>>549888
"Iunno. The only one I've ever seen visit him are that horn-dog Chip and that… pretty young thing Selena. I wouldn't be surprised if he was with one of the two."
>>549889
"Sure! Should I… invite her back?"
>>549890
"Oh, no, I'm aware that's what you wanted. This may seem crazy prudish for a stallion in my line of work but I don't even like to talk about sex in public."
He gives you a bemused smile. "Don't worry, I'm straight."
>>549891
"Yep! But then I have to say yep because that would be totally a betrayal of employer if I talked bad about her! But there's not much to talk bad about so you're still right!"
>>549894
You head on back to his room and he opens the windows to air out the thick scents inside, no doubt for seducing mares. Even you think they smell intoxicating.
"Well, like I said, do you have any specific questions, or should I just pick something at random?"
>>549895
Itztli is nearby on the guard rails.
>>549896
"Oh, gosh… alright!"
>>549897
"He seems pretty nice! He acts a lot younger than he is, though!"
>>549898
You can definitely tell she's working on something to do with distance on that map. She's using a compass and a scribe's compass.
You head on back to his room and he opens the windows to air out the thick scents inside, no doubt for seducing mares. Even you think they smell intoxicating.
"Well, like I said, do you have any specific questions, or should I just pick something at random?"
>>549895
Itztli is nearby on the guard rails.
>>549896
"Oh, gosh… alright!"
>>549897
"He seems pretty nice! He acts a lot younger than he is, though!"
>>549898
You can definitely tell she's working on something to do with distance on that map. She's using a compass and a scribe's compass.
>>549900
"Actually, I got it off some gypsy trader. The pot never seems to run out of smell. Pretty lucky to run into someone with one of those."
>>549901
"What kind of choices? Like being with Emrille…? Working for the fleet?"
>>549902
She giggles. "Yes, both math and shit."
>>549903
"OF COURSE I DO WHAT DO I LOOK LIKE A RABBIT THAT DOES NOT KNOW ABOUT GHOSTS?"
>>549904
"Aye, started teachin' em how ta wear armor and wield a weapon. Jus' in case o'course. Grey has a real talent fer retaliatary strikes, 'n Red moves surprisin'ly well in heavy armor."
>>549905
She giggles. "You sure took a shine to him fast!"
"Actually, I got it off some gypsy trader. The pot never seems to run out of smell. Pretty lucky to run into someone with one of those."
>>549901
"What kind of choices? Like being with Emrille…? Working for the fleet?"
>>549902
She giggles. "Yes, both math and shit."
>>549903
"OF COURSE I DO WHAT DO I LOOK LIKE A RABBIT THAT DOES NOT KNOW ABOUT GHOSTS?"
>>549904
"Aye, started teachin' em how ta wear armor and wield a weapon. Jus' in case o'course. Grey has a real talent fer retaliatary strikes, 'n Red moves surprisin'ly well in heavy armor."
>>549905
She giggles. "You sure took a shine to him fast!"
>>549911
"Sometimes work is boring, you know."
>>549913
"I see that way you look at him! A Laughter priestess always knows! And I'm practically a priestess!"
>>549915
"IT IS THE HARBINGER OF MUCH CHAOS I AM PLEASED BY ITS PRESENCE IT HAS MADE MY STAY HERE ON THE DARKLANTERN MUCH MORE AMUSING AND BEARABLE."
>>549917
"Y'know… since tha kids and Rosemary are out fer an hour er two…"
He approaches and gives you a sincere, deeply affectionate nuzzle that lasts several seconds. The kind that he only ever gives you in private when he's not pretending to be stoic all day.
"I dun s'pose I need ta remind ya how beautiful you are, how soft your mane is… but I migh' anyway. I am known ta be a little bit of a rogue wit such things."
>>549918
"Let's see… what do they always want to know. Numbers? Actually, I set a record for myself the other night. That was… eight at once? I don't know how the daimyo expected old Abilio to get through that. Honestly the really exhausting part was keeping them from messing up my costume."
>>549920
"Oh, I know. I don't think she ever really connected with a family before and she's… looking for that connection somewhere. First with Spring. Maybe now here."
"Sometimes work is boring, you know."
>>549913
"I see that way you look at him! A Laughter priestess always knows! And I'm practically a priestess!"
>>549915
"IT IS THE HARBINGER OF MUCH CHAOS I AM PLEASED BY ITS PRESENCE IT HAS MADE MY STAY HERE ON THE DARKLANTERN MUCH MORE AMUSING AND BEARABLE."
>>549917
"Y'know… since tha kids and Rosemary are out fer an hour er two…"
He approaches and gives you a sincere, deeply affectionate nuzzle that lasts several seconds. The kind that he only ever gives you in private when he's not pretending to be stoic all day.
"I dun s'pose I need ta remind ya how beautiful you are, how soft your mane is… but I migh' anyway. I am known ta be a little bit of a rogue wit such things."
>>549918
"Let's see… what do they always want to know. Numbers? Actually, I set a record for myself the other night. That was… eight at once? I don't know how the daimyo expected old Abilio to get through that. Honestly the really exhausting part was keeping them from messing up my costume."
>>549920
"Oh, I know. I don't think she ever really connected with a family before and she's… looking for that connection somewhere. First with Spring. Maybe now here."
>>549923
"Reading maps is kind of boring for me. I like to actually make new ones. There's a certain beauty of self-expression."
>>549924
"Neh. Just remindin' ya why ya make ma heart race… why I want ta keep ya safe."
He draws in closer and gives you a long, loving neck-hug.
>>549925
"NOT IF YOU PLAN TO GET RID OF IT THIS GHOST IS A USEFUL AGENT OF CHAOS BUT PERHAPS I COULD MEDIATE A CLASH AGREEMENT BETWEEN YOU THAT WE MAY ALL WORK TOWARD CHAOS TOGETHER."
"Reading maps is kind of boring for me. I like to actually make new ones. There's a certain beauty of self-expression."
>>549924
"Neh. Just remindin' ya why ya make ma heart race… why I want ta keep ya safe."
He draws in closer and gives you a long, loving neck-hug.
>>549925
"NOT IF YOU PLAN TO GET RID OF IT THIS GHOST IS A USEFUL AGENT OF CHAOS BUT PERHAPS I COULD MEDIATE A CLASH AGREEMENT BETWEEN YOU THAT WE MAY ALL WORK TOWARD CHAOS TOGETHER."
>>549927
He remarks in passing while you're shaking your head, "You know, if you wanted to make your ages match, I could do that."
Then after you remark on your parents:
"I didn't know – Smitts would have, he always tracked these kinds of things. I suppose you're worried we'll come into conflict with them?"
>>549928
"Oh, just the opposite – currents, winds, stars – it's all much more graceful than boring land. And most importantly it's nice and smooth, unlike rough mountains. I hate mountain maps. They are colored to indicate height and convey no height to the blind."
He remarks in passing while you're shaking your head, "You know, if you wanted to make your ages match, I could do that."
Then after you remark on your parents:
"I didn't know – Smitts would have, he always tracked these kinds of things. I suppose you're worried we'll come into conflict with them?"
>>549928
"Oh, just the opposite – currents, winds, stars – it's all much more graceful than boring land. And most importantly it's nice and smooth, unlike rough mountains. I hate mountain maps. They are colored to indicate height and convey no height to the blind."
>>549932
"Nah… I don't mind and I seriously doubt she does as well. And… maybe a little. I mean I haven't spoken to them in over a decade. I don't even know if they're still serving and if so, where."
I frown.
"But what I'm mostly troubled about is the fact that I'm not sure I made the right call by leaving them in the first place."
"Nah… I don't mind and I seriously doubt she does as well. And… maybe a little. I mean I haven't spoken to them in over a decade. I don't even know if they're still serving and if so, where."
I frown.
"But what I'm mostly troubled about is the fact that I'm not sure I made the right call by leaving them in the first place."
>>549931
He nibbles on your ear gently, content for now with foreplay.
He chuckles amusedly at the memory. "Ye were a bit prideful back then. Not ready ta call me master."
>>549937
"I can't say as to whether or not you chose rightly, but I think it's a little silly to worry about something so old it can't be taken back. In any case, I'm trying to steer this fleet to be a more legitimate enterprise. Maybe we won't ever be hunted by Equestrians again!"
>>549939
"THAT SOUNDS LIKE A QUESTION FOR A MAGIC EXPERT NOT A CHAOS EXPERT BUT THE LOCATION I MAY BE ABLE TO HELP WITH IT PREFERS VERY DARK PLACES IN THE BUNKHOUSE AND MAY BE ATTRACTED TO AMOROUS FEELINGS I THINK IT HIDES ELSEWHERE I AM NOT CERTAIN WHERE."
>>549940
"Sure, but who would do that? There just aren't many blind ponies because ponies either get cured or die blind."
He nibbles on your ear gently, content for now with foreplay.
He chuckles amusedly at the memory. "Ye were a bit prideful back then. Not ready ta call me master."
>>549937
"I can't say as to whether or not you chose rightly, but I think it's a little silly to worry about something so old it can't be taken back. In any case, I'm trying to steer this fleet to be a more legitimate enterprise. Maybe we won't ever be hunted by Equestrians again!"
>>549939
"THAT SOUNDS LIKE A QUESTION FOR A MAGIC EXPERT NOT A CHAOS EXPERT BUT THE LOCATION I MAY BE ABLE TO HELP WITH IT PREFERS VERY DARK PLACES IN THE BUNKHOUSE AND MAY BE ATTRACTED TO AMOROUS FEELINGS I THINK IT HIDES ELSEWHERE I AM NOT CERTAIN WHERE."
>>549940
"Sure, but who would do that? There just aren't many blind ponies because ponies either get cured or die blind."
>>549946
"Law is a strange thing ta me… I've seen it close in so much over the years, making tha world seem smaller and smaller… but tha world is still large yet. Why live by tha laws of others? Except when it makes ya happy, that is."
He nudges you affectionately again before settling in on the bed.
>>549947
"Mmmmph mm."
>>549948
She blushes. "Emrille!"
>>549949
"All that means is that it's time to start planning for the future. Look ahead, not behind."
"Law is a strange thing ta me… I've seen it close in so much over the years, making tha world seem smaller and smaller… but tha world is still large yet. Why live by tha laws of others? Except when it makes ya happy, that is."
He nudges you affectionately again before settling in on the bed.
>>549947
"Mmmmph mm."
>>549948
She blushes. "Emrille!"
>>549949
"All that means is that it's time to start planning for the future. Look ahead, not behind."
>>549950
"I have no issues with law. It can be restricting, true, but also bent around into your favor. Still, the lawlessness of the fleet was rather refreshing. It still is today. You were an unknown to me, a potential threat. But since then you have proven your worth over and over again."
"I have no issues with law. It can be restricting, true, but also bent around into your favor. Still, the lawlessness of the fleet was rather refreshing. It still is today. You were an unknown to me, a potential threat. But since then you have proven your worth over and over again."
>>549951
She replies with a very lady-like, "That's not proper to speak about!"
Then adds, teasingly, "Besides, I thought you might be disgusted if I told you about how every night the commodore rails me until I can't walk and I feel bloated with his seed."
>>549952
He reclines on the bed and beckons you with a faint smile. "Ya seemed a little uptight back then. I think ye weren't used ta tha freedom yet."
>>549954
>>549953
"I'm glad to see Mister Tree was wrong about you."
She replies with a very lady-like, "That's not proper to speak about!"
Then adds, teasingly, "Besides, I thought you might be disgusted if I told you about how every night the commodore rails me until I can't walk and I feel bloated with his seed."
>>549952
He reclines on the bed and beckons you with a faint smile. "Ya seemed a little uptight back then. I think ye weren't used ta tha freedom yet."
>>549954
>>549953
"I'm glad to see Mister Tree was wrong about you."
>>549958
He gently eases you into bed alongside him, but instead of slipping in right away like most males, he takes his time and lovingly massages your wings and whispers sweet nothings in your ear. "What about Liberty Belle?"
>>549957
She gives you a smirk. "I would imagine none of them would ever believe you if you told them I said that."
>>549956
"Yes, I saw your potential right away. You have so much raw talent… and I don't mind saying you are the spitting image of your mother."
He gently eases you into bed alongside him, but instead of slipping in right away like most males, he takes his time and lovingly massages your wings and whispers sweet nothings in your ear. "What about Liberty Belle?"
>>549957
She gives you a smirk. "I would imagine none of them would ever believe you if you told them I said that."
>>549956
"Yes, I saw your potential right away. You have so much raw talent… and I don't mind saying you are the spitting image of your mother."
>>549960
"The opposite – we did study together but it WASN'T a big, fancy academy. We were apprenticed to the same mage. I knew her quite well because our class size was two. After learning from Baron Feather we parted ways and I was educated by the warlock who I consider to be my greatest influence, Artsila. After her, I continued my studies under Instructor Thatch here aboard the fleet."
>>549961
She laughs. "Certainly not."
>>549962
He moves down and works your exhausted sides. "And wha' abou' tha' pretty jenny I had a beautiful daughter with?"
"The opposite – we did study together but it WASN'T a big, fancy academy. We were apprenticed to the same mage. I knew her quite well because our class size was two. After learning from Baron Feather we parted ways and I was educated by the warlock who I consider to be my greatest influence, Artsila. After her, I continued my studies under Instructor Thatch here aboard the fleet."
>>549961
She laughs. "Certainly not."
>>549962
He moves down and works your exhausted sides. "And wha' abou' tha' pretty jenny I had a beautiful daughter with?"
>>549969
Sure! You head down into the depths of the Darklantern where he lurks.
>>549968
"Well, I did at first. But I suppose I've grown to see you in a different way."
>>549970
"Mmm.. I know ya have needs… and as lovely as Miss Rosemary is… I can give ya something she can't."
Your faint heart skips a beat as he gently inserts himself into you. After a long, exhausting day, it's blissful as your nethers tighten and moisten and you give a gentle moan as he expands to his full length and fills you entirely. Like a young jack, he begins to pump. There's a strong difference between your experiences with Rosemary and Wark. Rosemary's lovemaking is frantic, passionate, and centrally focused on carnal pelasure. Wark is slow, gentle, and filling. He's certainly the more practiced of the two, and each express love, but in such distinct ways.
>>549971
She cups her hooves around you and lifts you up to her face. "You're so cute~! I can tell by your expression how much you like him. Hey! We should raid him! Sneak into his room and watch him sleep! For fun!"
Sure! You head down into the depths of the Darklantern where he lurks.
>>549968
"Well, I did at first. But I suppose I've grown to see you in a different way."
>>549970
"Mmm.. I know ya have needs… and as lovely as Miss Rosemary is… I can give ya something she can't."
Your faint heart skips a beat as he gently inserts himself into you. After a long, exhausting day, it's blissful as your nethers tighten and moisten and you give a gentle moan as he expands to his full length and fills you entirely. Like a young jack, he begins to pump. There's a strong difference between your experiences with Rosemary and Wark. Rosemary's lovemaking is frantic, passionate, and centrally focused on carnal pelasure. Wark is slow, gentle, and filling. He's certainly the more practiced of the two, and each express love, but in such distinct ways.
>>549971
She cups her hooves around you and lifts you up to her face. "You're so cute~! I can tell by your expression how much you like him. Hey! We should raid him! Sneak into his room and watch him sleep! For fun!"
>>550001
You can't focus at a time like this! You were just asked to steal Tree-sempai's undergarments!
You gotta stop blushing first!
>>550003
"Well, if it makes you feel better, I don't think anyone has any plans to go to Great Bridle."
>>550005
What a good massage pone. Maybe you could've taken up that line of work!
You can't focus at a time like this! You were just asked to steal Tree-sempai's undergarments!
You gotta stop blushing first!
>>550003
"Well, if it makes you feel better, I don't think anyone has any plans to go to Great Bridle."
>>550005
What a good massage pone. Maybe you could've taken up that line of work!
>>550007
She gives you a little smile. "Maybe. But I bet you'd feel even better if you focused on those that you have now – like Tela. And even me. I'm here for you."
>>550008
Maybe!
>>550009
Hm… these deep breaths are making you breath in all these ugly menial smells. That helps you get more grounded because it's awful! Better go find Tree Sempai's stuff.
She gives you a little smile. "Maybe. But I bet you'd feel even better if you focused on those that you have now – like Tela. And even me. I'm here for you."
>>550008
Maybe!
>>550009
Hm… these deep breaths are making you breath in all these ugly menial smells. That helps you get more grounded because it's awful! Better go find Tree Sempai's stuff.
>>550014
You don't know if it is fortunate or unfortunate that you spot his underthings right away and fly directly into them.
But you do know that it is super unfortunate that you got stuck inside them like a net! Oh no! What if he finds you like this, all wrapped up in his underpants?! Worse yet, it smells so much like sempai!!
You don't know if it is fortunate or unfortunate that you spot his underthings right away and fly directly into them.
But you do know that it is super unfortunate that you got stuck inside them like a net! Oh no! What if he finds you like this, all wrapped up in his underpants?! Worse yet, it smells so much like sempai!!
>>550037
She shrugs. "I don't really know the specifics of how the magic works. But if you ever feel like you need that feeling of security again… Abilio can shrink you down for that night and you can snuggle up close to me again and eat dinner. I'm sure your marefriend wouldn't object. It's totally platonic, after all."
>>550038
>>550039
So many critfails! It's a good thing you aren't in combat right now.
As you attempt to back away you accidentally brush your teensy little behind against the fabric and are overwhelmed by the thought SEMPAI WORE THIS AND IT TOUCHED ME THAT'S PRACTICALLY LIKE TOUCHING HIM!
>>550040
>>550041
"Yep! I actually wanted YOUR help, though. I'm working on a prank. You remember I'm a Laughter follower, right?"
She shrugs. "I don't really know the specifics of how the magic works. But if you ever feel like you need that feeling of security again… Abilio can shrink you down for that night and you can snuggle up close to me again and eat dinner. I'm sure your marefriend wouldn't object. It's totally platonic, after all."
>>550038
>>550039
So many critfails! It's a good thing you aren't in combat right now.
As you attempt to back away you accidentally brush your teensy little behind against the fabric and are overwhelmed by the thought SEMPAI WORE THIS AND IT TOUCHED ME THAT'S PRACTICALLY LIKE TOUCHING HIM!
>>550040
>>550041
"Yep! I actually wanted YOUR help, though. I'm working on a prank. You remember I'm a Laughter follower, right?"
>>550043
"Remember how you helped with that donkey potion for Light Heart? I wanted to know if you thought you could mix up a breezie potion! But maybe you need ingredients and some kind of instructions?"
>>550046
She tuts at you amusedly. "It's okay, I know you wouldn't mean anything by it."
>>550047
You're feeling at least more composed than you were!
How long have you been standing here, anyway?
"Remember how you helped with that donkey potion for Light Heart? I wanted to know if you thought you could mix up a breezie potion! But maybe you need ingredients and some kind of instructions?"
>>550046
She tuts at you amusedly. "It's okay, I know you wouldn't mean anything by it."
>>550047
You're feeling at least more composed than you were!
How long have you been standing here, anyway?
>>550050
She rolls her whole head – rather than her blinded eyes. "Then I'd set up a crib for you next to the bed and make you watch."
>>550051
"I'm not sure! Maybe gather ingredients? Don't you eat a lot of greens?"
>>550049
"Sounds good! I have no real set date for this, so keep me posted, and I'll keep my eyes open!"
>>550052
Aha! You notice the weakness of the design – there are creases which you can fold it along!
She rolls her whole head – rather than her blinded eyes. "Then I'd set up a crib for you next to the bed and make you watch."
>>550051
"I'm not sure! Maybe gather ingredients? Don't you eat a lot of greens?"
>>550049
"Sounds good! I have no real set date for this, so keep me posted, and I'll keep my eyes open!"
>>550052
Aha! You notice the weakness of the design – there are creases which you can fold it along!
>>550068
Perfect! You meet her in the hallway!
"You got the underwear! Score!" She places you and HIS package on her back before taking you back to the mansion.
"So? Was it loads of fun? Maybe I should leave you alone with the underwear before I ask that…"
>>550069
"Alright, well, go get 'em. And remember that I'm here for you. Visit me any night – even if you just want to talk and aren't hungry."
>>550070
Nurturing Heart and Diamond Luck.
Also HP and that breezie, Manako.
>>550071
Hm… you're not having much luck on this deck, and your boner is being impatient!
Perfect! You meet her in the hallway!
"You got the underwear! Score!" She places you and HIS package on her back before taking you back to the mansion.
"So? Was it loads of fun? Maybe I should leave you alone with the underwear before I ask that…"
>>550069
"Alright, well, go get 'em. And remember that I'm here for you. Visit me any night – even if you just want to talk and aren't hungry."
>>550070
Nurturing Heart and Diamond Luck.
Also HP and that breezie, Manako.
>>550071
Hm… you're not having much luck on this deck, and your boner is being impatient!
>>550073
Nurturing Heart is an interesting case. She has a small room as a clinic and NEVER comes out of it to see anyone. And she only takes very serious injuries.
You heard that until recently she always slept with Chip since the day she joined the fleet.
>>550074
"You show her who's second mate!"
>>550075
It wasn't your best, but you were in a rush. You're relieved, now.
>>550076
"I'll tell you, but only if you keep it a secret, okay?!"
Nurturing Heart is an interesting case. She has a small room as a clinic and NEVER comes out of it to see anyone. And she only takes very serious injuries.
You heard that until recently she always slept with Chip since the day she joined the fleet.
>>550074
"You show her who's second mate!"
>>550075
It wasn't your best, but you were in a rush. You're relieved, now.
>>550076
"I'll tell you, but only if you keep it a secret, okay?!"
>>550086
Chief of Engineering, Ciddir's direct superior in that regards. When Driftwood said you spoke with the second in command, he was referring to the alternate engineering command structure, in which Ciddir is the second highest ranking.
He's doing some routine polishing on the Darklantern.
>>550087
"Hircus volunteered to sneak it to him! He's in on the prank too!"
>>550088
Well, Flowing was with him drinking booze all night and I do not know how that will turn out. ANYONE else?
Chief of Engineering, Ciddir's direct superior in that regards. When Driftwood said you spoke with the second in command, he was referring to the alternate engineering command structure, in which Ciddir is the second highest ranking.
He's doing some routine polishing on the Darklantern.
>>550087
"Hircus volunteered to sneak it to him! He's in on the prank too!"
>>550088
Well, Flowing was with him drinking booze all night and I do not know how that will turn out. ANYONE else?
>>550096
Hey! Somepony is watching you! You turn around and they duck back into the aftcastle staircase.
>>550097
Diamond Luck is on deck treating anyone who was burned with aloe.
>>550098
"Sure then. What about? Specific question? Got time. Good people."
>>550099
"We're moving on to Shiba. Expect much tougher resistance there."
>>550100
She pats you gently on the head. "That's the spirit!"
With that, she sets you and your newly claimed underwear down in her room in the mansion and curls up on her bed. "You can stay here if you like or go, but I'm beat. I gotta sleep for tomorrow!"
Hey! Somepony is watching you! You turn around and they duck back into the aftcastle staircase.
>>550097
Diamond Luck is on deck treating anyone who was burned with aloe.
>>550098
"Sure then. What about? Specific question? Got time. Good people."
>>550099
"We're moving on to Shiba. Expect much tougher resistance there."
>>550100
She pats you gently on the head. "That's the spirit!"
With that, she sets you and your newly claimed underwear down in her room in the mansion and curls up on her bed. "You can stay here if you like or go, but I'm beat. I gotta sleep for tomorrow!"
>>550102
"Oh, this is easy stuff. I already know the diagnosis before I treat. And yourself?"
>>550103
No answer! Better give chase!
>>550104
"Not really. Odd fellow. Good buck. Strange habits. Speak literally. Appreciate nature."
>>550105
The only comfy spots from your position look like on her bed with her… or sleep on sempai's underwear…
>>550106
"There's a copper mine there. We do know that it is the only place in all of Neighpon that has diamond dogs. They have a small, insular community there. Apparently they are runty but vicious."
"Oh, this is easy stuff. I already know the diagnosis before I treat. And yourself?"
>>550103
No answer! Better give chase!
>>550104
"Not really. Odd fellow. Good buck. Strange habits. Speak literally. Appreciate nature."
>>550105
The only comfy spots from your position look like on her bed with her… or sleep on sempai's underwear…
>>550106
"There's a copper mine there. We do know that it is the only place in all of Neighpon that has diamond dogs. They have a small, insular community there. Apparently they are runty but vicious."
>>550108
Aha! You catch a menial stallion hiding around the corner!
>>550109
He chuckles. "I have no doubt he did. I meant is there something I can help YOU with?"
>>550110
How rude!
"Weird plants. Weird animals. Weird stuff. All really. Fixing stuff. That too."
>>550111
"We'll have to see when we get there, but again – looting military targets is fine, but spare all the civilians."
>>550112
You stuff it under HP's mattress. No one will ever think to look there!
Aha! You catch a menial stallion hiding around the corner!
>>550109
He chuckles. "I have no doubt he did. I meant is there something I can help YOU with?"
>>550110
How rude!
"Weird plants. Weird animals. Weird stuff. All really. Fixing stuff. That too."
>>550111
"We'll have to see when we get there, but again – looting military targets is fine, but spare all the civilians."
>>550112
You stuff it under HP's mattress. No one will ever think to look there!
>>550114
"The truth is… I'm your biggest fan! The whole reason I joined this fleet is because I heard about the fearsome and beautiful pirate officer who could shoot a fly from a thousand paces!"
He puts his hooves up in the air. He's a not-terrible-looking (not that you care) orange pegasus with a blonde mane.
>>550115
Nah, that Aloe got all over you because you were being sloppy. Looks like maybe Hircus was somewhat biased in his evaluation of your skills.
>>550116
Plenty! Hircus and Selena notable are around.
>>550117
He must be, since you're sailing.
>>550118
He laughs. "Oh, you know, we're trying for a foal."
"The truth is… I'm your biggest fan! The whole reason I joined this fleet is because I heard about the fearsome and beautiful pirate officer who could shoot a fly from a thousand paces!"
He puts his hooves up in the air. He's a not-terrible-looking (not that you care) orange pegasus with a blonde mane.
>>550115
Nah, that Aloe got all over you because you were being sloppy. Looks like maybe Hircus was somewhat biased in his evaluation of your skills.
>>550116
Plenty! Hircus and Selena notable are around.
>>550117
He must be, since you're sailing.
>>550118
He laughs. "Oh, you know, we're trying for a foal."
>>550142
"That while other shooters have to adjust for the wind, the wind adjusts for you!"
He bows at your hooves. "Please let me stay and bask in your glory."
>>550143
"I tried to make something you would find useful."
#Blood Dagger: Single; Can be consumed for health.
It looks like the blood is still alive and uncoagulated…
>>550145
"Well, I had hoped I could steer the fleet in a somewhat more legitimate direction. Maybe not cut out all the pillaging but try to stay on the down low for a while so we can recover."
"That while other shooters have to adjust for the wind, the wind adjusts for you!"
He bows at your hooves. "Please let me stay and bask in your glory."
>>550143
"I tried to make something you would find useful."
#Blood Dagger: Single; Can be consumed for health.
It looks like the blood is still alive and uncoagulated…
>>550145
"Well, I had hoped I could steer the fleet in a somewhat more legitimate direction. Maybe not cut out all the pillaging but try to stay on the down low for a while so we can recover."
>>550171
"What about me? I just told you my plans."
>>550172
He taps it with a hoof. Then he looks surprised and stares at it.
>>550174
Deep down in the dark of the hold is no place for a lone Breezie! You brave it anyway. There's a moving pile of muck down here.
>>550177
"I'm sure whatever you pick will be good enough for me!"
"What about me? I just told you my plans."
>>550172
He taps it with a hoof. Then he looks surprised and stares at it.
>>550174
Deep down in the dark of the hold is no place for a lone Breezie! You brave it anyway. There's a moving pile of muck down here.
>>550177
"I'm sure whatever you pick will be good enough for me!"
>>550182
It's blob-like and amorphous. Occasionally you think you see an appendage almost surface, then sink back inside.
"Mmmmph?"
>>550181
You head to his room where Hircus is talking to him.
>>550184
"Sure, whatever you say!"
He doesn't even care that you are totally pronouncing wimp wrong.
>>550186
He laughs. "Trying to get rid of me?"
>>550187
"It's alive."
It's blob-like and amorphous. Occasionally you think you see an appendage almost surface, then sink back inside.
"Mmmmph?"
>>550181
You head to his room where Hircus is talking to him.
>>550184
"Sure, whatever you say!"
He doesn't even care that you are totally pronouncing wimp wrong.
>>550186
He laughs. "Trying to get rid of me?"
>>550187
"It's alive."
>>550193
Rumors of a maid take you to a strange white door on the black ship of the Darklantern.
>>550194
You're not sure where his mouth IS – it's buried deep below the muck with the rest of his body. However… you are starting to decipher his patterns of mmmphing you think… if you cared to spend time studying it, you might be able to learn what he's saying.
"Mph. Mmmmph mmmph mmm mmmph mm."
>>550195
"I don't know any of those. Apples eat sunlight, though."
Rumors of a maid take you to a strange white door on the black ship of the Darklantern.
>>550194
You're not sure where his mouth IS – it's buried deep below the muck with the rest of his body. However… you are starting to decipher his patterns of mmmphing you think… if you cared to spend time studying it, you might be able to learn what he's saying.
"Mph. Mmmmph mmmph mmm mmmph mm."
>>550195
"I don't know any of those. Apples eat sunlight, though."
>>550189
I look away from him with a guilty yet comical smile.
"Nooooo~ no no no no you sly pony. If I become commodore it will be trough hard work and force of arms because I am that awesome!"
"and also I was just worried of the succession once you do get off ships one day that is why I have brought the topic and please dont kill me oh God."
I look away from him with a guilty yet comical smile.
"Nooooo~ no no no no you sly pony. If I become commodore it will be trough hard work and force of arms because I am that awesome!"
"and also I was just worried of the succession once you do get off ships one day that is why I have brought the topic and please dont kill me oh God."
>>550197
"But you said you'd let me bask!"
>>550198
There's a whole mansion in here! It's enormous!
>>550199
"Mmmmph mmmm mmmmph mmmmpph."
You're starting to pick up on sentence structure… it's not Neighponese.
It's definitely a pony churning about below there.
>>550200
"It is surprising. This would be hard to create."
>>550201
"Hmph. Well, when I do leave eventually, if September is here, she'll make a good Commodore."
"But you said you'd let me bask!"
>>550198
There's a whole mansion in here! It's enormous!
>>550199
"Mmmmph mmmm mmmmph mmmmpph."
You're starting to pick up on sentence structure… it's not Neighponese.
It's definitely a pony churning about below there.
>>550200
"It is surprising. This would be hard to create."
>>550201
"Hmph. Well, when I do leave eventually, if September is here, she'll make a good Commodore."
>>550207
"Ms. September. Well she is a hard worker I tell you and a bit cautious at that. Yes she will do. I mean think of how the crew will cause a riot if I become commodore" I smile.
"…. which I wont object."
Seeing him pout I look at him.
"Abilio my friend, dont worry. No one here is opposing your rule and your ways of doing business. You are a good leader sir and I am glad that you are willing to lead a rag tag group of misfits such as us and for me, that is good enough as it is."
"Ms. September. Well she is a hard worker I tell you and a bit cautious at that. Yes she will do. I mean think of how the crew will cause a riot if I become commodore" I smile.
"…. which I wont object."
Seeing him pout I look at him.
"Abilio my friend, dont worry. No one here is opposing your rule and your ways of doing business. You are a good leader sir and I am glad that you are willing to lead a rag tag group of misfits such as us and for me, that is good enough as it is."
>>550209
It's pretty clean, but certain sections are completely boarded up and abandoned. You hear voices from the second floor.
>>550212
"Okay, okay… but for now, I'll follow you."
>>550213
Now that you have the clues of what to look for, and based on the context of the sentence, it's easier to tell what those mumbled sounds correlated to!
"The pleasure is mine, but I'd rather languish."
It was hard to figure out his mumbling because he speaks in such esoteric phrasing!
>>550214
He smiles at you. "Me too."
>>550222
"Well, technically according to the ancient laws of the fleet any captain or my first mate could succeed me, but if I'd leave with Cloudy, that would mean September, Emrille, and Marsh. Emrille could be commodore one day, I don't think she's ready just yet, though. Same with marsh."
It's pretty clean, but certain sections are completely boarded up and abandoned. You hear voices from the second floor.
>>550212
"Okay, okay… but for now, I'll follow you."
>>550213
Now that you have the clues of what to look for, and based on the context of the sentence, it's easier to tell what those mumbled sounds correlated to!
"The pleasure is mine, but I'd rather languish."
It was hard to figure out his mumbling because he speaks in such esoteric phrasing!
>>550214
He smiles at you. "Me too."
>>550222
"Well, technically according to the ancient laws of the fleet any captain or my first mate could succeed me, but if I'd leave with Cloudy, that would mean September, Emrille, and Marsh. Emrille could be commodore one day, I don't think she's ready just yet, though. Same with marsh."
>>550225
There's a door open. All of Light Heart's kids plus Felix are being looked after in this room by Lacy Doily.
>>550226
"I heard you were the best, and I wanted to see it for myself! Say, what do you look for in a stallion?"
>>550227
He blinks in surprise. "I will. You want me to care for it for you for a long time?"
>>550229
He starts in surprise. "[p]Hmmm? A mere fae, and yet you understand me? Fascinating. I am Scarab. I am not often understood by foreigners to my oblique tongue. Do you too seek my powers of life and death?[/p]"
There's a door open. All of Light Heart's kids plus Felix are being looked after in this room by Lacy Doily.
>>550226
"I heard you were the best, and I wanted to see it for myself! Say, what do you look for in a stallion?"
>>550227
He blinks in surprise. "I will. You want me to care for it for you for a long time?"
>>550229
He starts in surprise. "[p]Hmmm? A mere fae, and yet you understand me? Fascinating. I am Scarab. I am not often understood by foreigners to my oblique tongue. Do you too seek my powers of life and death?[/p]"
>>550224
"I see, that is good to hear. At least I am in the know hows and wont be surprised once the succession came up.."
I then look at him.
"But if you do decide one day that it is time, I really would like to know Abilio. Perhaps we could share one last toast of Schnapp or rum for good health, what do you say?"
"I see, that is good to hear. At least I am in the know hows and wont be surprised once the succession came up.."
I then look at him.
"But if you do decide one day that it is time, I really would like to know Abilio. Perhaps we could share one last toast of Schnapp or rum for good health, what do you say?"
>>550246
"Mine is a self-imposed exile. But perhaps I will accept you as my pupil."
>>550247
"Perhaps. On that day, we may have something even better."
>>550249
Roll for regret! It is huge.
>>550251
He edges closer in anticipation. "Well, the stories were mostly about your amazing abilities."
>>550252
He sits down and puts a third hoof on the pile.
Roll for luck
"Mine is a self-imposed exile. But perhaps I will accept you as my pupil."
>>550247
"Perhaps. On that day, we may have something even better."
>>550249
Roll for regret! It is huge.
>>550251
He edges closer in anticipation. "Well, the stories were mostly about your amazing abilities."
>>550252
He sits down and puts a third hoof on the pile.
Roll for luck
>>550282
Tilt head "I am a fix-it breezy. I see a problem, and I just have to meddle around with it!"
The look a little sad "Its a terrible flaw really. Tree-Sempai will probably look down on me if he figures it out.. "
continue insistently "But I must know if I can help you! You help out everyone on this ship, its only fair that somepony helps you too!"
Tilt head "I am a fix-it breezy. I see a problem, and I just have to meddle around with it!"
The look a little sad "Its a terrible flaw really. Tree-Sempai will probably look down on me if he figures it out.. "
continue insistently "But I must know if I can help you! You help out everyone on this ship, its only fair that somepony helps you too!"
>>550282
Brighten up instantly. "We are friends?"
Blush and look away. "Sorry. I have… worked alone for… a very long time. I am still not good at relationships. I apologize for offending you. I just… I very, very much wish to be friends."
"And maybe something more…"
Can I try to win him over again, or has that ship sailed?
Brighten up instantly. "We are friends?"
Blush and look away. "Sorry. I have… worked alone for… a very long time. I am still not good at relationships. I apologize for offending you. I just… I very, very much wish to be friends."
"And maybe something more…"
Can I try to win him over again, or has that ship sailed?
>>550293
Alright then.
"…I was lying." Look him in the eye. "I wasn't asking you to be my friend; you are already my friend. But… I was scared that… that you would not like what I was asking. That…"
Take a deep, steadying breath.
"I am… attracted to you. I am not content with mere friendship. I want… more."
Please let the charm be with me… '1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
Alright then.
"…I was lying." Look him in the eye. "I wasn't asking you to be my friend; you are already my friend. But… I was scared that… that you would not like what I was asking. That…"
Take a deep, steadying breath.
"I am… attracted to you. I am not content with mere friendship. I want… more."
Please let the charm be with me… '1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>550294
"It aids me in my exile. Were my colloquialisms so easily deciphered I would be incapable of carrying it on here. Thus the bitter dichotomy of the dialemma, you see? So juxtaposed the choice of true isolation regarded as noble or social isolation as a wretch."
>>550295
"Thanks! I think so too!"
>>550297
He frowns and looks disappointed. "I am sorry, I would not care for the company of one who claims to care for me and lies bold-facedly the same. Please take this back."
He hoofs you the golden apple.
"It aids me in my exile. Were my colloquialisms so easily deciphered I would be incapable of carrying it on here. Thus the bitter dichotomy of the dialemma, you see? So juxtaposed the choice of true isolation regarded as noble or social isolation as a wretch."
>>550295
"Thanks! I think so too!"
>>550297
He frowns and looks disappointed. "I am sorry, I would not care for the company of one who claims to care for me and lies bold-facedly the same. Please take this back."
He hoofs you the golden apple.
>>550306
>>550304
"My apologies. Put plainly, I mean simply that if ponies communicated with me, it would not be much of an exile, would it?"
>>550308
"Hm. You pose a valid question. Haven't named him yet! Nope. Sure haven't. Tamed him two days ago. Go ahead and pet him though, I'm not just banging rocks together here: I know a thing or two about taming giant eagles. I learned two days ago."
>>550305
Yes! Remember that old mansion door that Landgrave had? Emrille salvaged it.
>>550304
"My apologies. Put plainly, I mean simply that if ponies communicated with me, it would not be much of an exile, would it?"
>>550308
"Hm. You pose a valid question. Haven't named him yet! Nope. Sure haven't. Tamed him two days ago. Go ahead and pet him though, I'm not just banging rocks together here: I know a thing or two about taming giant eagles. I learned two days ago."
>>550305
Yes! Remember that old mansion door that Landgrave had? Emrille salvaged it.
>>550315
"What do you want from me, oh pirate queen?"
>>550317
Being babysat by Doily. On the second floor by the sound of it.
>>550314
You wander off in sadness. All you have to remember him by is this fucking sweet dagger made out of your own blood.
>>550313
What a nice giant eagle. He cocks his head at you but doesn't squawk or anything.
"What do you want from me, oh pirate queen?"
>>550317
Being babysat by Doily. On the second floor by the sound of it.
>>550314
You wander off in sadness. All you have to remember him by is this fucking sweet dagger made out of your own blood.
>>550313
What a nice giant eagle. He cocks his head at you but doesn't squawk or anything.
>>550323
"Yes, well, I have a long history with animals, back when I first got involved with shower curtains more than fifteen years ago. Since that day I've been working with movers and shakers – world changers – and you know what? I think you've got what it takes. You're a world changer, too. Get mad! Get excited! You can DO this! YEAH!"
>>550321
You almost think you make out a faint smile beneath the muck.
"You may do as you please. What good is the exile of one if it hurts the other? I will remain here for if you need to speak to me. Perhaps one can still be exiled and miserable and talk to one or two."
"Yes, well, I have a long history with animals, back when I first got involved with shower curtains more than fifteen years ago. Since that day I've been working with movers and shakers – world changers – and you know what? I think you've got what it takes. You're a world changer, too. Get mad! Get excited! You can DO this! YEAH!"
>>550321
You almost think you make out a faint smile beneath the muck.
"You may do as you please. What good is the exile of one if it hurts the other? I will remain here for if you need to speak to me. Perhaps one can still be exiled and miserable and talk to one or two."
>>550330
"Alright… but we'll spend time together tomorrow!"
He heads downstairs.
>>550331
Mares up top, eh?
Well, that jenny September is at her helm.
Oh wait, there's Salty Slugs over there! He's not a mare but he sure likes the mares – he probably knows where all the action is! You thought he died or something!
>>550332
"Farewell, and please do not crack and fall. It should pain me to see your body bloodied and brought here for me to work on."
>>550333
30% damage sustained. You'll live.
"Alright… but we'll spend time together tomorrow!"
He heads downstairs.
>>550331
Mares up top, eh?
Well, that jenny September is at her helm.
Oh wait, there's Salty Slugs over there! He's not a mare but he sure likes the mares – he probably knows where all the action is! You thought he died or something!
>>550332
"Farewell, and please do not crack and fall. It should pain me to see your body bloodied and brought here for me to work on."
>>550333
30% damage sustained. You'll live.
>>550340
"YEAH! THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER! YOU'VE GOT THIS!"
>>550339
He is in his room looking confused and a little hurt. Hircus is outside bleeding himself.
>>550344
"Aha! Now here's a man by my own heart! Come here, you! Welcome punch!"
He punches you. Punch back strongly to win his respect!
>>550345
Manako drifts by.
"YEAH! THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER! YOU'VE GOT THIS!"
>>550339
He is in his room looking confused and a little hurt. Hircus is outside bleeding himself.
>>550344
"Aha! Now here's a man by my own heart! Come here, you! Welcome punch!"
He punches you. Punch back strongly to win his respect!
>>550345
Manako drifts by.
>>550350
You miss your cue entirely. You don't just miss the punch, you don't even think to take it. It's embarrassing and an awkward moment as he expects you to punch then finally just gives up waiting and continues talking. The moment is gone, nothing you can do about it now without making a bigger fool of yourself.
"Yeah… I guess."
Geez you feel terrible about this. Even he seems put out.
>>550352
"So fast! Shazam, wham! Hey, say, you want to ride along, world-changer?"
>>550353
>>550354
He… might live.
You miss your cue entirely. You don't just miss the punch, you don't even think to take it. It's embarrassing and an awkward moment as he expects you to punch then finally just gives up waiting and continues talking. The moment is gone, nothing you can do about it now without making a bigger fool of yourself.
"Yeah… I guess."
Geez you feel terrible about this. Even he seems put out.
>>550352
"So fast! Shazam, wham! Hey, say, you want to ride along, world-changer?"
>>550353
>>550354
He… might live.
>>550360
Aha! There are big leaves in Ciddir's room! You could grab one of those.
>>550361
He scoots back so you can sit up front and get the better view.
"Now you might hesitate before getting on a recently-tamed giant eagle. That's a fear reaction. Now, I'm not some science nerd expert, but I'd say anyone who calls YOU afraid is projecting. It's you and me against the world! I like your grit. Let's go!"
>>550363
"Eh, I've been leaving myself open. You know. Bachelor life. Enjoying anything and everything."
Aha! There are big leaves in Ciddir's room! You could grab one of those.
>>550361
He scoots back so you can sit up front and get the better view.
"Now you might hesitate before getting on a recently-tamed giant eagle. That's a fear reaction. Now, I'm not some science nerd expert, but I'd say anyone who calls YOU afraid is projecting. It's you and me against the world! I like your grit. Let's go!"
>>550363
"Eh, I've been leaving myself open. You know. Bachelor life. Enjoying anything and everything."
>>550394
"I'm a thief, Manako. I was taught from a young age to lie, steal, and deceive.
…because it's the only way to hide how pathetic and helpless your really are.
I'm not strong or tough. Deception is the only weapon I really have.
Something like that… You can't fix it overnight. I don't think I'll ever be able to stop. Even if I want to."
"I'm a thief, Manako. I was taught from a young age to lie, steal, and deceive.
…because it's the only way to hide how pathetic and helpless your really are.
I'm not strong or tough. Deception is the only weapon I really have.
Something like that… You can't fix it overnight. I don't think I'll ever be able to stop. Even if I want to."
>>550398
"Well.. then lets focus on the other part.. You said you only had one shot?
That's not what life is. You know how many of my inventions backfired? And.." Look ashamed. "Even my healing magic has backfired.."
And then raise a hoof in determination. "But that isn't what life is. Life isn't just one mistake and you're done. You have to keep working. Until you fix all the kinks. Keep trying until there isn't breath in your body. If there is something you want, something you care about. You just can't give up because of one mistake!"
"Do you hear me Hircus?"
"Well.. then lets focus on the other part.. You said you only had one shot?
That's not what life is. You know how many of my inventions backfired? And.." Look ashamed. "Even my healing magic has backfired.."
And then raise a hoof in determination. "But that isn't what life is. Life isn't just one mistake and you're done. You have to keep working. Until you fix all the kinks. Keep trying until there isn't breath in your body. If there is something you want, something you care about. You just can't give up because of one mistake!"
"Do you hear me Hircus?"
>>550423
"…I know that in my head, but…
For as long as I can remember, I've lived knowing noplace was truly safe, that the only way to stay alive was to keep moving.
I know in my head I can trust you, but… I still catch myself looking for escape routes, sitting in the places it would be hardest to get stabbed in the back."
Drink up and hope I'm not a lightweight. '1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
"…I know that in my head, but…
For as long as I can remember, I've lived knowing noplace was truly safe, that the only way to stay alive was to keep moving.
I know in my head I can trust you, but… I still catch myself looking for escape routes, sitting in the places it would be hardest to get stabbed in the back."
Drink up and hope I'm not a lightweight. '1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>550426
"Maybe there is no way to undo it.. but to work around? Use you habits to protect the ponies, or goats or deer you care for?
Uh…
Once I found a tiny screw, it was too short to hold wood planks together like a bolt, and too narrow to keep the joints in place.. I wasn't sure what to do with it until I was working on a clock a year later, and this one little gear wouldn't stay in place.. and then I remembered this little screw, small and narrow. It was perfect for the job." I move my hooves along with this story, as if I were tinkering on the clock here and now. And then grin up at you.
"You see. You need the right parts, the right tools, for the right jobs."
"Maybe there is no way to undo it.. but to work around? Use you habits to protect the ponies, or goats or deer you care for?
Uh…
Once I found a tiny screw, it was too short to hold wood planks together like a bolt, and too narrow to keep the joints in place.. I wasn't sure what to do with it until I was working on a clock a year later, and this one little gear wouldn't stay in place.. and then I remembered this little screw, small and narrow. It was perfect for the job." I move my hooves along with this story, as if I were tinkering on the clock here and now. And then grin up at you.
"You see. You need the right parts, the right tools, for the right jobs."
>>550428
"Sort of? I'm saying that. Everyone has their right place, and its not always easy to find it.
I don't know for sure about Cidir's feeling yet, so I can't say if you should give up, or were just trying a wrong approach, like twisting a screw the wrong way.
Does this make sense?"
You look pretty tipsy bro
"Sort of? I'm saying that. Everyone has their right place, and its not always easy to find it.
I don't know for sure about Cidir's feeling yet, so I can't say if you should give up, or were just trying a wrong approach, like twisting a screw the wrong way.
Does this make sense?"
You look pretty tipsy bro
>>550459
"Yes… As for the unicorn tribe, there was King Platinum. His daughter was one of the founding ponies of Equestria. The Platinum family was quite powerful for some time… but eventually the two alicorns came and took control of Equestria instead. Of course, not all unicorns agreed with this. It sparked a civil war between those loyal to the princesses and those loyal to house Platinum. The former group won, of course. House Platinum was then exiled from Equestria if I recall correctly."
"Yes… As for the unicorn tribe, there was King Platinum. His daughter was one of the founding ponies of Equestria. The Platinum family was quite powerful for some time… but eventually the two alicorns came and took control of Equestria instead. Of course, not all unicorns agreed with this. It sparked a civil war between those loyal to the princesses and those loyal to house Platinum. The former group won, of course. House Platinum was then exiled from Equestria if I recall correctly."
>>550461
"Well, Landgrave, the owner of the mansion and former first mate here on the Darklantern, was actually the last living pony in the Platinum dynasty. Because he opposed the rule of the princesses and wished to gain control of Equestria once again, he worked together with our fleet. Mind you, he still looked down on most of the ponies here, which is why he was hated by most."
"Well, Landgrave, the owner of the mansion and former first mate here on the Darklantern, was actually the last living pony in the Platinum dynasty. Because he opposed the rule of the princesses and wished to gain control of Equestria once again, he worked together with our fleet. Mind you, he still looked down on most of the ponies here, which is why he was hated by most."
>>550463
>>550464
"I realize it may sound strange, but rest assured that it was not within the realm of impossibilities. The other noble ponies who lived in this mansion were Equestrian nobles too. He was essentially gathering more and more support. By aiding certain ponies to seize power he gained their loyalty."
>>550464
"I realize it may sound strange, but rest assured that it was not within the realm of impossibilities. The other noble ponies who lived in this mansion were Equestrian nobles too. He was essentially gathering more and more support. By aiding certain ponies to seize power he gained their loyalty."
>>550466
"Because the commodore was unwilling to help with his cause. Umlock however… he was more reckless than the careful Smitts. Landgrave pushed him into revolting and aided him by providing the resources needed. In return he would not only receive a better ally in Umlock as both the commodore and a dragon, but also all the riches from the island of Roads. A decent plan in theory… but foolish to execute nonetheless. The mutineers were fools. I do not grief for their deaths, as much as I used to respect some of them."
"Because the commodore was unwilling to help with his cause. Umlock however… he was more reckless than the careful Smitts. Landgrave pushed him into revolting and aided him by providing the resources needed. In return he would not only receive a better ally in Umlock as both the commodore and a dragon, but also all the riches from the island of Roads. A decent plan in theory… but foolish to execute nonetheless. The mutineers were fools. I do not grief for their deaths, as much as I used to respect some of them."
>>550544
Then go seek him out!
>>550545
With both kinds! One, then the other.
>>550547
"I rifled your pockets earlier when you were out. I have an incurable sense of curiosity."
>>550548
He is rappelling from the main mast, which is extremely odd for a buffalo. He's also doing repairs.
>>550549
"Where else would he keep it?"
Then go seek him out!
>>550545
With both kinds! One, then the other.
>>550547
"I rifled your pockets earlier when you were out. I have an incurable sense of curiosity."
>>550548
He is rappelling from the main mast, which is extremely odd for a buffalo. He's also doing repairs.
>>550549
"Where else would he keep it?"
>>550553
"Oh, it certainly sounds nice, but it was work, you know. The uh, Daimyo of Awa? He wanted to give Abilio a gift of eight of his court whores. Well, I had to dress up as him and pound them until they were too expended to continue, and let me tell you, that is not comfortable in hoof extensions."
>>550554
"Good mornin'."
>>550555
Apparently he's sleeping in this morning.
>>550556
"You're very amusing, did you know?"
>>550557
He's ordering some repairs on the second deck of the Hourglass.
>>550558
"He said we weren't friends, then he said he was lying to me, then he asked to be my mate. It was very disorienting."
"Oh, it certainly sounds nice, but it was work, you know. The uh, Daimyo of Awa? He wanted to give Abilio a gift of eight of his court whores. Well, I had to dress up as him and pound them until they were too expended to continue, and let me tell you, that is not comfortable in hoof extensions."
>>550554
"Good mornin'."
>>550555
Apparently he's sleeping in this morning.
>>550556
"You're very amusing, did you know?"
>>550557
He's ordering some repairs on the second deck of the Hourglass.
>>550558
"He said we weren't friends, then he said he was lying to me, then he asked to be my mate. It was very disorienting."
>>550563
"No, but I opted for it to help hide the smearing makeup. I'm not the same color as him."
>>550564
He looks aghast. "Tiny bug ponies can see the past?"
>>550562
"You're very centrally foccused, aren't you? You're willing to share the dark with me and even accept that I've gone through your pockets but you'd rather talk about yourself and how miserable you are than ask who I am. Not that I'm complaining, I just think you're funny."
>>550565
"Eh? Whossat?"
>>550567
"Mornin'. What can I do ya for, Heart?"
>>550566
"Okay then. Seen ya. Walkin' about. What's up?"
"No, but I opted for it to help hide the smearing makeup. I'm not the same color as him."
>>550564
He looks aghast. "Tiny bug ponies can see the past?"
>>550562
"You're very centrally foccused, aren't you? You're willing to share the dark with me and even accept that I've gone through your pockets but you'd rather talk about yourself and how miserable you are than ask who I am. Not that I'm complaining, I just think you're funny."
>>550565
"Eh? Whossat?"
>>550567
"Mornin'. What can I do ya for, Heart?"
>>550566
"Okay then. Seen ya. Walkin' about. What's up?"
>>550572
"As did you, no? I think given the amount of survivors, that is an accomplishment for anypony who was there. It was a very ghastly battle indeed, we should be proud to have at least survived it and did not sucumb to that ridiculous mutiny."
>>550579
Give her a look.
"I would advise against not eating it. The cook has quite the temper."
"As did you, no? I think given the amount of survivors, that is an accomplishment for anypony who was there. It was a very ghastly battle indeed, we should be proud to have at least survived it and did not sucumb to that ridiculous mutiny."
>>550579
Give her a look.
"I would advise against not eating it. The cook has quite the temper."
>>550573
"Whaddya want? I don't have to wake up before I'm on duty. It's in my contract."
>>550574
"I can tell we're two birds of a feather. By the way you breathe, by the way you move. A rogue like me. I'm Spook of the Underwalk."
>>550575
He guffaws. "Oh, you think I had to take them all at once? No, they were very patient. Divide and conquer I always say. I took them in pairs."
>>550576
"Different from what? From before? From others?"
>>550579
"Workin' mast. Gotta sail. Coating's cracked. Freshening up."
>>550582
"Yeah. But really I guess the reason we never spoke hardly two words to each other is that we pretty much have nothing else in common since Stein left. He was a good ram."
"Whaddya want? I don't have to wake up before I'm on duty. It's in my contract."
>>550574
"I can tell we're two birds of a feather. By the way you breathe, by the way you move. A rogue like me. I'm Spook of the Underwalk."
>>550575
He guffaws. "Oh, you think I had to take them all at once? No, they were very patient. Divide and conquer I always say. I took them in pairs."
>>550576
"Different from what? From before? From others?"
>>550579
"Workin' mast. Gotta sail. Coating's cracked. Freshening up."
>>550582
"Yeah. But really I guess the reason we never spoke hardly two words to each other is that we pretty much have nothing else in common since Stein left. He was a good ram."
>>550589
"Talking to pretty mares is my job! Just tell me what you want."
>>550590
"I don't know. It is all very foreign."
>>550593
"Eh, we worked together a bit. I've been in the corps a long time."
>>550594
"Oh, two beers in and you already want to talk to the 'true' Face? Well, what's the true Flowing Tree, then?"
>>550596
"Right right. Want something?"
>>550598
You would only have heard of it if you've been to the Island of Roads, have you?
"Pfff. Don't put stock in that. If I wanted to impress you, I'd give you my impressive title, but I'm not a bragger, which is the whole reason I didn't. You can put money on that."
"Talking to pretty mares is my job! Just tell me what you want."
>>550590
"I don't know. It is all very foreign."
>>550593
"Eh, we worked together a bit. I've been in the corps a long time."
>>550594
"Oh, two beers in and you already want to talk to the 'true' Face? Well, what's the true Flowing Tree, then?"
>>550596
"Right right. Want something?"
>>550598
You would only have heard of it if you've been to the Island of Roads, have you?
"Pfff. Don't put stock in that. If I wanted to impress you, I'd give you my impressive title, but I'm not a bragger, which is the whole reason I didn't. You can put money on that."
>>550610
Look around conspiratorially, then inch closer and whisper.
"Some say that during times of famine, ponies who do not eat all of his meals sometimes disappear…"
Try not to snicker as I say the next part '1d10'
"… I for one found a pegasus feather in my bowl of stew the other day."
>>550612
"Ah, of course, the engineering corps. Are you… aware that mister Stein is no longer in the realm of the living?"
Roll #1 2 = 2
Look around conspiratorially, then inch closer and whisper.
"Some say that during times of famine, ponies who do not eat all of his meals sometimes disappear…"
Try not to snicker as I say the next part '1d10'
"… I for one found a pegasus feather in my bowl of stew the other day."
>>550612
"Ah, of course, the engineering corps. Are you… aware that mister Stein is no longer in the realm of the living?"
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>550613
"Alright you bellyacher, come in then.
He's splayed out on his bed and makes no effort to look dignified.
>>550615
"You don't have many more years to decide on that. Less you chat with the Commodore, maybe. Not really sure how that works…"
>>550616
"Hmm.. I would be sad if he died."
>>550617
"Perhaps then." He nods.
>>550619
It's a series of labyrinthine sewers used by thieves, rogues, and other "undesirables" to get around in the great city of Roads.
"You seem to put a lot of stock in how you were raised. You should be your own pony. Or goat, I guess."
>>550620
"Geez, that's kind of a harsh way to put it isn't it? No, I hadn't heard his ultimate fate, but I guessed everyone who we didn't see after Roads was… outta fuel."
"Alright you bellyacher, come in then.
He's splayed out on his bed and makes no effort to look dignified.
>>550615
"You don't have many more years to decide on that. Less you chat with the Commodore, maybe. Not really sure how that works…"
>>550616
"Hmm.. I would be sad if he died."
>>550617
"Perhaps then." He nods.
>>550619
It's a series of labyrinthine sewers used by thieves, rogues, and other "undesirables" to get around in the great city of Roads.
"You seem to put a lot of stock in how you were raised. You should be your own pony. Or goat, I guess."
>>550620
"Geez, that's kind of a harsh way to put it isn't it? No, I hadn't heard his ultimate fate, but I guessed everyone who we didn't see after Roads was… outta fuel."
>>550631
"Oh what? Oh the Commodore?"
>>550632
At this hour he's probably serving breakfast…
>>550633
"Takes shit to know shit I guess."
>>550634
He frowns. "I don't want anypony to die!"
>>550635
"Yes, pity to lose 'im."
>>550637
"See, that's such a backwards way of thinking if you ask me. Are you sure you would've starved without them? Maybe without them you end up finding your own way and never get backstabbed. It sounds like most of the stuff that messed you up comes from how you got ruined by bad folk. So why venerate them?"
"Oh what? Oh the Commodore?"
>>550632
At this hour he's probably serving breakfast…
>>550633
"Takes shit to know shit I guess."
>>550634
He frowns. "I don't want anypony to die!"
>>550635
"Yes, pity to lose 'im."
>>550637
"See, that's such a backwards way of thinking if you ask me. Are you sure you would've starved without them? Maybe without them you end up finding your own way and never get backstabbed. It sounds like most of the stuff that messed you up comes from how you got ruined by bad folk. So why venerate them?"
>>550642
"Because they gave me something to live for!" I snap, snarling at him.
"I would have starved without them because I'd decided there wasn't a point in living anymore!
They gave me a purpose, a goal, a reason to keep getting up each day and try to learn!
They gave me a… a family…"
Slump back and hang my head.
"…And then they took it all away."
"Because they gave me something to live for!" I snap, snarling at him.
"I would have starved without them because I'd decided there wasn't a point in living anymore!
They gave me a purpose, a goal, a reason to keep getting up each day and try to learn!
They gave me a… a family…"
Slump back and hang my head.
"…And then they took it all away."
>>550643
"I try to avoid it, as I am peaceable by nature."
>>550644
"Eh, he's been dabbling in advanced magics for the past year and a half or so. Age magic, that sort of thing. I don't care for it. Unnatural. But he seems very interested in his studies."
>>550645
"Yeah, right here I suppose. Yourself?"
>>550646
"Probably what it belongs as."
>>550648
"I'm guessing you didn't die right away when they took it back, did you? No? Well then that means you didn't need them. Maybe you're stronger for coming out the other side."
"I try to avoid it, as I am peaceable by nature."
>>550644
"Eh, he's been dabbling in advanced magics for the past year and a half or so. Age magic, that sort of thing. I don't care for it. Unnatural. But he seems very interested in his studies."
>>550645
"Yeah, right here I suppose. Yourself?"
>>550646
"Probably what it belongs as."
>>550648
"I'm guessing you didn't die right away when they took it back, did you? No? Well then that means you didn't need them. Maybe you're stronger for coming out the other side."
>>550655
He chuckles. "You always look like you got drunk."
>>550656
He thinks about it a long time. "Maybe. If he was honest and did not lie."
He seems thoughtful. Not sure what you're looking for here. He doesn't appear deceptive.
>>550657
"Probably. Iunno if anyone here can make something that would use it… maybe that Breezie…"
>>550659
"Nature. All around us. What about it?"
>>550664
He muses. "I'm a bit biased here, but the most successful thieves – or any ponies, really – are the ones who are honest with each other. Take that from an honest thief."
He chuckles. "You always look like you got drunk."
>>550656
He thinks about it a long time. "Maybe. If he was honest and did not lie."
He seems thoughtful. Not sure what you're looking for here. He doesn't appear deceptive.
>>550657
"Probably. Iunno if anyone here can make something that would use it… maybe that Breezie…"
>>550659
"Nature. All around us. What about it?"
>>550664
He muses. "I'm a bit biased here, but the most successful thieves – or any ponies, really – are the ones who are honest with each other. Take that from an honest thief."
>>550666
"Can't disagree."
>>550669
"Whaddya think it means?"
He gives you a teasing smile.
>>550671
>>550671
"Tch. See? You really got messed up if you can't even think of a different way of doing things. And besides, bards are the real liars. The only lies a good rogue makes are lies of omission!"
>>550673
"I seen her workin' on stuff. She might have an idea."
>>550674
He's not in love with you!
"Okay. Farewell."
"Can't disagree."
>>550669
"Whaddya think it means?"
He gives you a teasing smile.
>>550671
>>550671
"Tch. See? You really got messed up if you can't even think of a different way of doing things. And besides, bards are the real liars. The only lies a good rogue makes are lies of omission!"
>>550673
"I seen her workin' on stuff. She might have an idea."
>>550674
He's not in love with you!
"Okay. Farewell."
>>550678
He gives a smile. "In my own way."
>>550679
Morningtime, sailing to Shiba.
>>550681
He dismisses you with a wave. "Take it how you want. What're you after anyway?"
>>550684
"Sure thing. Later."
>>550687
"Eh, sure. But if you're going to learn from somepony, you have to know their biases. Understand them so that you can choose what to take into yourself. So here, first you have to see this."
He pulls back the collar of his outfit, revealing a golden necklace. It seem extremely magical.
"I'm the current Element of Honesty."
He gives a smile. "In my own way."
>>550679
Morningtime, sailing to Shiba.
>>550681
He dismisses you with a wave. "Take it how you want. What're you after anyway?"
>>550684
"Sure thing. Later."
>>550687
"Eh, sure. But if you're going to learn from somepony, you have to know their biases. Understand them so that you can choose what to take into yourself. So here, first you have to see this."
He pulls back the collar of his outfit, revealing a golden necklace. It seem extremely magical.
"I'm the current Element of Honesty."
>>550690
You haven't really succeeded at making him grow toward loving you, though. If he was longing for you at all hours, it wouldn't matter if you were a liar. Some loves bloom quickly, other loves must grow slow and strong.
>>550693
She's dusting about the mansion.
>>550695
He gives a teasing nod. "I just mean napping."
>>550696
>>549941
>>550697
"Maybe it's just my line of work that's made me cynical, but I'm not sure you can. Alright, then, what'd you want to talk about?"
You haven't really succeeded at making him grow toward loving you, though. If he was longing for you at all hours, it wouldn't matter if you were a liar. Some loves bloom quickly, other loves must grow slow and strong.
>>550693
She's dusting about the mansion.
>>550695
He gives a teasing nod. "I just mean napping."
>>550696
>>549941
>>550697
"Maybe it's just my line of work that's made me cynical, but I'm not sure you can. Alright, then, what'd you want to talk about?"
>>550692
"…You're shitting me."
All my life, I've known for a fact that rogues are liars and deceivers, that trickery and falsehoods were the only way we could survive. A rogue earning the Element of Honesty is a laughable impossibility.
…Yet there it is.
That cracking sound? That was my entire worldview shattering into a thousand pieces.
"…You're shitting me."
All my life, I've known for a fact that rogues are liars and deceivers, that trickery and falsehoods were the only way we could survive. A rogue earning the Element of Honesty is a laughable impossibility.
…Yet there it is.
That cracking sound? That was my entire worldview shattering into a thousand pieces.
>>550717
Probably in the bunkhouses somewhere. At her old nest, maybe.
>>550716
"Good night, Tela."
>>550719
"Well, the job is actually easier if you keep at it before letting dust accumulate."
>>550720
It's very spartan due to funding cuts. One chair and one table. His table has a deck of cards spread out on it but that's it. "Miss Heart? Don't you have two private doctors? Looking for a third opinion?"
Probably in the bunkhouses somewhere. At her old nest, maybe.
>>550716
"Good night, Tela."
>>550719
"Well, the job is actually easier if you keep at it before letting dust accumulate."
>>550720
It's very spartan due to funding cuts. One chair and one table. His table has a deck of cards spread out on it but that's it. "Miss Heart? Don't you have two private doctors? Looking for a third opinion?"
>>550724
"Well then. Care to play while I diagnose?"
>>550725
He is deep down in the Darklantern. When you approach, he wipes off his mouth again.
"You've returned. Perhaps I've yet to drive you off entirely."
>>550726
She IS indeed in her nest, cooing softly as she's asleep.
>>550727
"Well… I suppose a little break wouldn't hurt too much."
>>550728
He nods. "I can hardly turn down so willing a student, can I?"
>>550729
"You know, he's starting to get gray streaks isn't he? Maybe he should turn that age ray on himself."
"Well then. Care to play while I diagnose?"
>>550725
He is deep down in the Darklantern. When you approach, he wipes off his mouth again.
"You've returned. Perhaps I've yet to drive you off entirely."
>>550726
She IS indeed in her nest, cooing softly as she's asleep.
>>550727
"Well… I suppose a little break wouldn't hurt too much."
>>550728
He nods. "I can hardly turn down so willing a student, can I?"
>>550729
"You know, he's starting to get gray streaks isn't he? Maybe he should turn that age ray on himself."
>>550744
He deals you in. Based on the cards, it's simple blackjack.
"No, no, I figured you were on the good stuff that I made with Ruxiang for Tallow. You never tried it? Later after the Eagle's Roost parted ways for our separate venture, I showed Doc peg the recipe so he could make it with Ruxiang."
>>550745
"Oh, hello there? My but you're awful tiny…"
>>550746
"Based on his modus operandi, he probably got a bunch of unwitting guinea pigs and turned them all into mares, then just sat there and watched them to see if he could take notes or something. If he has that magic, I mean. I know Light Heart pilfered this altar once…"
>>550747
This place is looted to hell and back. You'll be lucky to find crumbs. Manako just showed up.
>>550748
She cozies up next to you.
"… Claim it from me.~"
He deals you in. Based on the cards, it's simple blackjack.
"No, no, I figured you were on the good stuff that I made with Ruxiang for Tallow. You never tried it? Later after the Eagle's Roost parted ways for our separate venture, I showed Doc peg the recipe so he could make it with Ruxiang."
>>550745
"Oh, hello there? My but you're awful tiny…"
>>550746
"Based on his modus operandi, he probably got a bunch of unwitting guinea pigs and turned them all into mares, then just sat there and watched them to see if he could take notes or something. If he has that magic, I mean. I know Light Heart pilfered this altar once…"
>>550747
This place is looted to hell and back. You'll be lucky to find crumbs. Manako just showed up.
>>550748
She cozies up next to you.
"… Claim it from me.~"
>>550812
"Whoever caught your attention the most."
>>550813
Cock my head slightly.
"Indeed? What makes you think this?"
>>550815
"Yes, it will get busier before getting calmer too, I'm afraid. However… I did want to speak with you in any case. You remember how I spoke of the ram that used to work with me, yes? The tinkerer?"
"Whoever caught your attention the most."
>>550813
Cock my head slightly.
"Indeed? What makes you think this?"
>>550815
"Yes, it will get busier before getting calmer too, I'm afraid. However… I did want to speak with you in any case. You remember how I spoke of the ram that used to work with me, yes? The tinkerer?"
>>550818
I nod.
"I have witnessed a few."
>>550819
I smile.
"How come?"
>>550821
I nod.
"Correct."
Walk over to a nearby drawer and open it up, looking into it.
"Mister Stein had many trinkets and other odds and ends he carried with him… but one item in particular he was especially fond of."
Reach into the drawer and pull out a mechanical looking sword.
I nod.
"I have witnessed a few."
>>550819
I smile.
"How come?"
>>550821
I nod.
"Correct."
Walk over to a nearby drawer and open it up, looking into it.
"Mister Stein had many trinkets and other odds and ends he carried with him… but one item in particular he was especially fond of."
Reach into the drawer and pull out a mechanical looking sword.
>>550824
I nod.
"He knows how to carry a conversation, yes. Such a charming fellow."
>>550825
"I trust in the commodore's judgement. I am certain he has a plan in mind."
>>550826
You probably can't see anything special.
Until I turn it on and sparks of electricity come flying off of it.
"It is not your usual sword."
I nod.
"He knows how to carry a conversation, yes. Such a charming fellow."
>>550825
"I trust in the commodore's judgement. I am certain he has a plan in mind."
>>550826
You probably can't see anything special.
Until I turn it on and sparks of electricity come flying off of it.
"It is not your usual sword."
>>550829
"Oh?"
>>550830
"Yes… I believe so too. He was always so very proud of it. I believe the metal itself is magical too, but I cannot say for sure."
>>550831
I chuckle.
"Did he invite you to his cabin for some relaxation then?"
I raise a brow in surprise.
"Oh? I have not seen this. That does sound quite fun and exciting."
"Oh?"
>>550830
"Yes… I believe so too. He was always so very proud of it. I believe the metal itself is magical too, but I cannot say for sure."
>>550831
I chuckle.
"Did he invite you to his cabin for some relaxation then?"
I raise a brow in surprise.
"Oh? I have not seen this. That does sound quite fun and exciting."
>>550833
"It's all about the direction we are taking."
Use what's on the table to represent the shoreline, and the three cities.
"You see, according to the informations we have from the Daimyo, Ichi is the most fortified of the three cities, counting the largest number of static defenses at the moment.
But here's where the problem comes in.
You see, originally their land forces were split evenly between all towns, but as they saw us approach Uraurafutsu, they pulled out of town.
You can surely see how one single, old stallion is no proper defense for a whole town, no?
The enemy commander is no fool. He's seen right through us.
Giving us easy victories, he hopes to lure us into Ichi where he will deploy the fullest of his naval and earthen might.
If we do attack Shiba, and it reveals to be empty or scarcely guarded aswell, we will have tied the noose around our own necks."
Lean back on the chair.
"Or I might be overestimating our opponent's cruelty and cunning."
"It's all about the direction we are taking."
Use what's on the table to represent the shoreline, and the three cities.
"You see, according to the informations we have from the Daimyo, Ichi is the most fortified of the three cities, counting the largest number of static defenses at the moment.
But here's where the problem comes in.
You see, originally their land forces were split evenly between all towns, but as they saw us approach Uraurafutsu, they pulled out of town.
You can surely see how one single, old stallion is no proper defense for a whole town, no?
The enemy commander is no fool. He's seen right through us.
Giving us easy victories, he hopes to lure us into Ichi where he will deploy the fullest of his naval and earthen might.
If we do attack Shiba, and it reveals to be empty or scarcely guarded aswell, we will have tied the noose around our own necks."
Lean back on the chair.
"Or I might be overestimating our opponent's cruelty and cunning."
>>550838
My eye light up. "Really? I could work on it? Discover how it works? I can only imagine the secrets it holds!" Flutter excitedly and then take a deep breath to remain composed.
"I mean.. It would be an honor to accept such a gift.. Even though we've only known each other a short time. Lady Heart.
I'm afraid I'm incapable of wielding it in battle, but I would treasure it in other ways."
My eye light up. "Really? I could work on it? Discover how it works? I can only imagine the secrets it holds!" Flutter excitedly and then take a deep breath to remain composed.
"I mean.. It would be an honor to accept such a gift.. Even though we've only known each other a short time. Lady Heart.
I'm afraid I'm incapable of wielding it in battle, but I would treasure it in other ways."
>>550843
"Hmmm…"
Rub the sleep out of my eyes and blink a few times, looking at the table.
"A fair point, mister Tree. A fair point indeed. Though in truth, I am not certain which town we will be going to next in the first place. Yesterday was rather busy for me, so I have yet to discuss our future plans further with the commodore."
>>550844
"Oh, of course it was~"
I chuckle again.
>>550845
I nod.
"I did not expect you to wield it, but perhaps you could learn from it. I hope you will. This is a piece of knowledge I feel that should be shared."
"Hmmm…"
Rub the sleep out of my eyes and blink a few times, looking at the table.
"A fair point, mister Tree. A fair point indeed. Though in truth, I am not certain which town we will be going to next in the first place. Yesterday was rather busy for me, so I have yet to discuss our future plans further with the commodore."
>>550844
"Oh, of course it was~"
I chuckle again.
>>550845
I nod.
"I did not expect you to wield it, but perhaps you could learn from it. I hope you will. This is a piece of knowledge I feel that should be shared."
>>550852
I nod.
"I will leave it wherever you please."
>>550853
I smirk.
"I am merely teasing you, miss Springleaf. It is none of my business anyway."
>>550854
"I live a busy life, mister Tree. Sometimes sacrificing some sleep for the sake of pleasure is a necessity. Some tea later will do me good, I am sure."
I nod.
"I will leave it wherever you please."
>>550853
I smirk.
"I am merely teasing you, miss Springleaf. It is none of my business anyway."
>>550854
"I live a busy life, mister Tree. Sometimes sacrificing some sleep for the sake of pleasure is a necessity. Some tea later will do me good, I am sure."
>>550861
I chuckle at your enthusiasm.
"It is good to see you are excited about it."
Yup!
>>550864
"Hmmm, it is one I have been telling often recently. It used to belong to an individual who went by the name Landgrave. He was the former first mate of the Darklantern and the instigator of the mutiny. As you can imagine, not many on this fleet hold any love for him."
>>550869
"I am certain that he keeps work and private life separated, miss Springleaf."
I chuckle at your enthusiasm.
"It is good to see you are excited about it."
Yup!
>>550864
"Hmmm, it is one I have been telling often recently. It used to belong to an individual who went by the name Landgrave. He was the former first mate of the Darklantern and the instigator of the mutiny. As you can imagine, not many on this fleet hold any love for him."
>>550869
"I am certain that he keeps work and private life separated, miss Springleaf."
>>550897
"Interesting.
Though, to tell you the truth, it'd be a… Wrong move, right now.
If I am to fight with the rest of the crew, if I am to inspire safety in the menials as our ships fences the waters and faces its enemies, I'd best suffer the bunks like they do."
Chuckle.
"It's quite an usual sight for me anyway."
"Interesting.
Though, to tell you the truth, it'd be a… Wrong move, right now.
If I am to fight with the rest of the crew, if I am to inspire safety in the menials as our ships fences the waters and faces its enemies, I'd best suffer the bunks like they do."
Chuckle.
"It's quite an usual sight for me anyway."
>>550899
I nod.
"Of course, I will not judge you for that. But I do wonder if he perhaps feels lonely at times. And by that I mean the sort of lonely that cannot be cured with friends or pleasant company for a night."
>>550903
"Your choice, of course. I believe the commodore wishes to continue to leave it open for all crew to enter. But again, you would need to ask him specifically to be certain."
I nod.
"Of course, I will not judge you for that. But I do wonder if he perhaps feels lonely at times. And by that I mean the sort of lonely that cannot be cured with friends or pleasant company for a night."
>>550903
"Your choice, of course. I believe the commodore wishes to continue to leave it open for all crew to enter. But again, you would need to ask him specifically to be certain."
>>551763
"I believe you are worrying far too much about this matter. With time, you will become more experienced and evolve as an individual. This is not a matter that should be forced. My advice is to always know the ponies who are surrounding you and remain close to those you trust. The key to survival and success is to ensure you are part of a group and not standing as a lone wolf. That way, even if you do fail, you will have ponies around you to help you get back up to your hooves."
"I believe you are worrying far too much about this matter. With time, you will become more experienced and evolve as an individual. This is not a matter that should be forced. My advice is to always know the ponies who are surrounding you and remain close to those you trust. The key to survival and success is to ensure you are part of a group and not standing as a lone wolf. That way, even if you do fail, you will have ponies around you to help you get back up to your hooves."
>>552201
"Ah, I see what you are worried about. I would not think that would be the case, I certainly would not allow such a thing. We are not animals after all. Those prisoners that we let free were well taken care off for example, especially so because they aided us with certain tasks. Though others… back when I first came to this fleet we had a prisoner that worked for Equestria and had infiltrated our fleet to attempt and take us down. He was tortured quite badly… but he was certainly not what I would call an innocent pony either."
"Ah, I see what you are worried about. I would not think that would be the case, I certainly would not allow such a thing. We are not animals after all. Those prisoners that we let free were well taken care off for example, especially so because they aided us with certain tasks. Though others… back when I first came to this fleet we had a prisoner that worked for Equestria and had infiltrated our fleet to attempt and take us down. He was tortured quite badly… but he was certainly not what I would call an innocent pony either."
>>552205
I nod slowly.
"Yes… if we are ever caught and tried, we would quite likely be hung. Though do keep in mind that some privateers that are caught are simply treated as prisoners of war, so they are better off than pirates would be. Of course, we will not allow ourselves to ever be caught in any case."
I nod slowly.
"Yes… if we are ever caught and tried, we would quite likely be hung. Though do keep in mind that some privateers that are caught are simply treated as prisoners of war, so they are better off than pirates would be. Of course, we will not allow ourselves to ever be caught in any case."
>>552210
"Pirate hunters are our biggest worry, they always have been."
I shake my head.
"But so far we have beaten them each and every time, I see no reason to change such a habit of a lifetime."
I reach out to pat you on the shoulder.
"And if they ever do catch us by surprise… simply stick by my side and all will be well."
"Pirate hunters are our biggest worry, they always have been."
I shake my head.
"But so far we have beaten them each and every time, I see no reason to change such a habit of a lifetime."
I reach out to pat you on the shoulder.
"And if they ever do catch us by surprise… simply stick by my side and all will be well."
>>552320
Put the edge of one hoof over one of Manako's shoulders, hesistating for a moment.
Then, bring the cold hoof down on it, just enough to touch her, without resting it.
And do the same with the other.
Start with slow, very small circles on her shoulders, just basic massages.
'1d10'
Roll #1 1 = 1
Put the edge of one hoof over one of Manako's shoulders, hesistating for a moment.
Then, bring the cold hoof down on it, just enough to touch her, without resting it.
And do the same with the other.
Start with slow, very small circles on her shoulders, just basic massages.
'1d10'
Roll #1 1 = 1