>>552345
"As I'm sure you are aware, we met almost no resistance in town.
And this worries me greatly."
Trot over to the map.
"We know Ichi is the most fortified of the three cities.
We know the rebels are not large in numbers, but have still won every battle.
Sir, I suspect they want to force us into a stealmate, or worse, crush us entirely by turtling out all their forces in Ichi."
"As I'm sure you are aware, we met almost no resistance in town.
And this worries me greatly."
Trot over to the map.
"We know Ichi is the most fortified of the three cities.
We know the rebels are not large in numbers, but have still won every battle.
Sir, I suspect they want to force us into a stealmate, or worse, crush us entirely by turtling out all their forces in Ichi."
>>552350
"It would not be surprising if the only thing they cared about were supplies and trade to focus on only keeping the best guarded port city under control, but I've spoken with the representative at length about this. Even if that is the case, I have some tricks for breaking Ichi, but if we can take Shiba without resistance, that would be a victory for us. Shiba is where the bulk of Takikaga's deepest mines are, and they are attended by, as you may or may not know, the Shiba breed of Diamond Dog. Bringing this land under our control would not only cut off precious metal production in Ichi, but also help Awa's war effort, as they are running short on minerals."
>>552348
Felix amusingly slept in the room next to yours, being babysat by a maid pone.
"It would not be surprising if the only thing they cared about were supplies and trade to focus on only keeping the best guarded port city under control, but I've spoken with the representative at length about this. Even if that is the case, I have some tricks for breaking Ichi, but if we can take Shiba without resistance, that would be a victory for us. Shiba is where the bulk of Takikaga's deepest mines are, and they are attended by, as you may or may not know, the Shiba breed of Diamond Dog. Bringing this land under our control would not only cut off precious metal production in Ichi, but also help Awa's war effort, as they are running short on minerals."
>>552348
Felix amusingly slept in the room next to yours, being babysat by a maid pone.
>>552357
She's a blue earth pony in a classic Prench maid outfit. She is currently dusting the mansion.
She seems docile enough.
>>552358
"Over a year ago before you joined us, we broke two cities that were thought to be unbreakable. I remain confident in our abilities. Moreover, seeing how the enemy responds to us in Shiba will give us more information about their strategy overall. You can't have a correlation until you have two data points – and no reliable slope without three."
She's a blue earth pony in a classic Prench maid outfit. She is currently dusting the mansion.
She seems docile enough.
>>552358
"Over a year ago before you joined us, we broke two cities that were thought to be unbreakable. I remain confident in our abilities. Moreover, seeing how the enemy responds to us in Shiba will give us more information about their strategy overall. You can't have a correlation until you have two data points – and no reliable slope without three."
>>553134
He chuckles. "Well, first, you need to stop asking yourself how to get away with lying, and instead start asking yourself how you can be more honest. To loosen up, why don't you tell me a lie you've told recently?"
>>553136
"Mmm, yes, I think so. Like camouflage it is hard to tell from the inside."
He chuckles. "Well, first, you need to stop asking yourself how to get away with lying, and instead start asking yourself how you can be more honest. To loosen up, why don't you tell me a lie you've told recently?"
>>553136
"Mmm, yes, I think so. Like camouflage it is hard to tell from the inside."
>>553155
"It made no real difference to me, though. See? These little lies turn lying into a habit – they make every other lie easier to take – and they don't really get you anything in return. First focus on getting rid of the little lies, and then it will be that much easier to stop the big lies. Some ponies will tell you that little lies are sometimes okay – and sure, for average ponies, one little lie every once in a while won't kill you – but little lies at every passing moment will pile up and drown your sense of right."
>>553156
His room is barren except for a chest in the corner and a number of potted plants. And his standard bed, of course.
"It made no real difference to me, though. See? These little lies turn lying into a habit – they make every other lie easier to take – and they don't really get you anything in return. First focus on getting rid of the little lies, and then it will be that much easier to stop the big lies. Some ponies will tell you that little lies are sometimes okay – and sure, for average ponies, one little lie every once in a while won't kill you – but little lies at every passing moment will pile up and drown your sense of right."
>>553156
His room is barren except for a chest in the corner and a number of potted plants. And his standard bed, of course.
>>553177
You open your door and find that stallion waiting outside your room.
"Sounded like a busy night~"
>>553173
"Yes, that's the idea. But if you need advice, I'm here for you."
>>553178
They've been returned to your room for the day from the mansion. Wark is playing with Grey and Red while Adel and Lilly take a nap.
You open your door and find that stallion waiting outside your room.
"Sounded like a busy night~"
>>553173
"Yes, that's the idea. But if you need advice, I'm here for you."
>>553178
They've been returned to your room for the day from the mansion. Wark is playing with Grey and Red while Adel and Lilly take a nap.
>>553193
Adel is very clearly a jenny, so she doesn't share many defining features with you besides her bright blue eyes. She also seems a little more laid back in demeanor.
Lilly is a pleasant yellow pegasus with blue eyes – her muzzle structure most closely resembles Rosemary.
>>553191
Face again, hm? Well, he's free.
Adel is very clearly a jenny, so she doesn't share many defining features with you besides her bright blue eyes. She also seems a little more laid back in demeanor.
Lilly is a pleasant yellow pegasus with blue eyes – her muzzle structure most closely resembles Rosemary.
>>553191
Face again, hm? Well, he's free.
>>553229
"It's not that, it's that you don't see it. Listen, massages are great – especially when you aren't paying for them. That means there are only two reasons someone ever doesn't at least pretend they had a good time."
>>553228
As you leave, Wark gets up and gives you a tender little kiss.
"Be brilliant taday."
>>553230
He hoofs you the bottle. "It's okay, you sounded really good!"
>>553233
You want to look for people you know or don't know?
"It's not that, it's that you don't see it. Listen, massages are great – especially when you aren't paying for them. That means there are only two reasons someone ever doesn't at least pretend they had a good time."
>>553228
As you leave, Wark gets up and gives you a tender little kiss.
"Be brilliant taday."
>>553230
He hoofs you the bottle. "It's okay, you sounded really good!"
>>553233
You want to look for people you know or don't know?
>>553239
He rolls over on his bed and invites you to massage his back.
"I doubt you're that bad. Here, give me your best shot."
>>553238
Hm, there's Ciddir's subordinate, Driftwood, overseeing some work.
>>553241
He gives you another nuzzle as you go. "Arright then."
>>553243
"What, so now I can't even stay outside your room? That's no fair."
He rolls over on his bed and invites you to massage his back.
"I doubt you're that bad. Here, give me your best shot."
>>553238
Hm, there's Ciddir's subordinate, Driftwood, overseeing some work.
>>553241
He gives you another nuzzle as you go. "Arright then."
>>553243
"What, so now I can't even stay outside your room? That's no fair."
>>553248
You wander around for a long time until she boops you from behind.
"Found you!"
>>553249
He closes his eyes. After a few minutes he nods in approval. "I don't know, I think you're doing fine… using the tips of your hooves is good for a small pony… I think my other theory is right."
>>553250
"Oh believe me… I'm not thinking about her at all!"
>>553252
"Every single day. Mostly about how porous certain kinds of woods are."
You wander around for a long time until she boops you from behind.
"Found you!"
>>553249
He closes his eyes. After a few minutes he nods in approval. "I don't know, I think you're doing fine… using the tips of your hooves is good for a small pony… I think my other theory is right."
>>553250
"Oh believe me… I'm not thinking about her at all!"
>>553252
"Every single day. Mostly about how porous certain kinds of woods are."
>>553257
"I couldn't wait that long! I missed you! Besides, Wark is a good father, he's more than capable of taking care of four kids. We could make him take care of more, if you want~"
>>553256
"Well, either she didn't like it because she's deflecting from REALLY disliking you – maybe she's afraid of being crushed, thinks you're a creep, et cetera. Or she's deflecting because she's not getting what she REALLY wants from you. Maybe there's something she'd rather be doing with you. Ask her about her hobbies – maybe there's something she'd rather do to relieve stress that is easier than massage."
>>553258
"What? I thought that's what you wanted to hear! It even has the benefit of not being a lie!"
>>553259
"Hm… I think so… wait, yep, this morning we talked about how one of the pumps in the bilge is coming loose and we need to buy some more caulk and pack it into that hole. Have you ever tried caulk packing? It can be tricky the first time because everything gets wet and slippery – but that's not to say it isn't fun."
>>553260
You buzz about the mansion – there she is! Up on the second floor with a coloring book!
"I couldn't wait that long! I missed you! Besides, Wark is a good father, he's more than capable of taking care of four kids. We could make him take care of more, if you want~"
>>553256
"Well, either she didn't like it because she's deflecting from REALLY disliking you – maybe she's afraid of being crushed, thinks you're a creep, et cetera. Or she's deflecting because she's not getting what she REALLY wants from you. Maybe there's something she'd rather be doing with you. Ask her about her hobbies – maybe there's something she'd rather do to relieve stress that is easier than massage."
>>553258
"What? I thought that's what you wanted to hear! It even has the benefit of not being a lie!"
>>553259
"Hm… I think so… wait, yep, this morning we talked about how one of the pumps in the bilge is coming loose and we need to buy some more caulk and pack it into that hole. Have you ever tried caulk packing? It can be tricky the first time because everything gets wet and slippery – but that's not to say it isn't fun."
>>553260
You buzz about the mansion – there she is! Up on the second floor with a coloring book!
>>553267
"Wait… you're saying… you wouldn't even consider being with a stallion?"
He looks hurt and lays his ears back in disappointment.
>>553269
"In his room, probably. He retires there frequently when off shift."
>>553270
He tuts at you. "Not all girls relieve stress by fucking, you know. I think I know that better than anyone else. I can't tell you how many times I was sent in to bed some mare and I ended up just talking about feelings the whole night. What's the gossip about the goat?"
>>553273
"Not a cook book, silly! A coloring book! I'm getting good – look how I stayed inside the lines!"
>>553276
She nuzzles you closely. "Why?"
"Wait… you're saying… you wouldn't even consider being with a stallion?"
He looks hurt and lays his ears back in disappointment.
>>553269
"In his room, probably. He retires there frequently when off shift."
>>553270
He tuts at you. "Not all girls relieve stress by fucking, you know. I think I know that better than anyone else. I can't tell you how many times I was sent in to bed some mare and I ended up just talking about feelings the whole night. What's the gossip about the goat?"
>>553273
"Not a cook book, silly! A coloring book! I'm getting good – look how I stayed inside the lines!"
>>553276
She nuzzles you closely. "Why?"
>>553299
"Hehe, that was pretty fun, huh?"
>>553298
"Eh? You really think that one goat will make that much of a difference? Kudos to Abilio for hiring the savior of our crew…"
>>553301
"Alright…"
He slinks away without another word, hears and tail drooping.
>>553304
Collecting testimony from menials leads you to Face's room. Are the two of them gay…?
>>553306
"I see… well, whatever you think is best."
"Hehe, that was pretty fun, huh?"
>>553298
"Eh? You really think that one goat will make that much of a difference? Kudos to Abilio for hiring the savior of our crew…"
>>553301
"Alright…"
He slinks away without another word, hears and tail drooping.
>>553304
Collecting testimony from menials leads you to Face's room. Are the two of them gay…?
>>553306
"I see… well, whatever you think is best."
>>553308
"Keeping troop in check is not only a matter of shouting loudly.
These things tend to snowball out of control, I've experienced.
One time, during the break of a siege, one of the soldiers decided to take his revenge on some other member of the platoon, who had raped him the week before…
But the goddamn idiot who did the act was our ram-leader, and you can imagine the mess."
Grunt in disgust.
"Keeping troop in check is not only a matter of shouting loudly.
These things tend to snowball out of control, I've experienced.
One time, during the break of a siege, one of the soldiers decided to take his revenge on some other member of the platoon, who had raped him the week before…
But the goddamn idiot who did the act was our ram-leader, and you can imagine the mess."
Grunt in disgust.
>>553321
"Working on our plan for Shiba."
>>553322
"Certainly. Farwell."
>>553323
He approaches and nuzzles you before giving you another quick kiss. Rosemary kisses you too. The two of them nearly kiss each other by reflex before blushing and looking the other way. Wark doesn't leave, though, he takes up his old sleeping spot in the corner and relaxes there. The bed is huge, but he doesn't want to risk waking Red and Grey.
>>553324
Sounds like the door is opening…
>>553325
"Take what? Notice you? This is about pranks and laughter! What did you think this was about?"
"Working on our plan for Shiba."
>>553322
"Certainly. Farwell."
>>553323
He approaches and nuzzles you before giving you another quick kiss. Rosemary kisses you too. The two of them nearly kiss each other by reflex before blushing and looking the other way. Wark doesn't leave, though, he takes up his old sleeping spot in the corner and relaxes there. The bed is huge, but he doesn't want to risk waking Red and Grey.
>>553324
Sounds like the door is opening…
>>553325
"Take what? Notice you? This is about pranks and laughter! What did you think this was about?"
>>553349
"Shiba is filled with underground tunnels. If we seize those tunnels, we have the city. That either means placing explosives there and blasting out the diamond dogs, or somehow getting them to turn on their Takikaga overlords."
>>553354
"It's not a prank if you just ask him!"
>>553351
"Oh~? Gosh, that means I'll be stuck in bed all day, thinking of you~"
"Shiba is filled with underground tunnels. If we seize those tunnels, we have the city. That either means placing explosives there and blasting out the diamond dogs, or somehow getting them to turn on their Takikaga overlords."
>>553354
"It's not a prank if you just ask him!"
>>553351
"Oh~? Gosh, that means I'll be stuck in bed all day, thinking of you~"
>>553381
"I have… deep-rooted issues of abandonment. I thought, for a long time, that the only way to be safe was to not get close to anyone…
Then I came here, started making friends, starting forming relationships I didn't know I'd been craving…
The rejection felt like a reminder, that I couldn't trust anyone and nobody would trust me.
I've since found reason to believe I was wrong, but at the time..
It hurt so much, I needed something to dull the pain in my chest. So I stabbed myself in the leg.
Foolish, ill-concieved, yes. But it did help dull the ache."
"I have… deep-rooted issues of abandonment. I thought, for a long time, that the only way to be safe was to not get close to anyone…
Then I came here, started making friends, starting forming relationships I didn't know I'd been craving…
The rejection felt like a reminder, that I couldn't trust anyone and nobody would trust me.
I've since found reason to believe I was wrong, but at the time..
It hurt so much, I needed something to dull the pain in my chest. So I stabbed myself in the leg.
Foolish, ill-concieved, yes. But it did help dull the ache."
>>553392
"See, that's the thing. I found this guy, Spook's his name. Everything I thought I knew… He disproves all of it. I'm going to study under him, have him teach me, help me learn to be part of this troop.
Ciddir rejected me because I lied to him. If I can learn to be more honest… maybe he'll give me a chance."
"See, that's the thing. I found this guy, Spook's his name. Everything I thought I knew… He disproves all of it. I'm going to study under him, have him teach me, help me learn to be part of this troop.
Ciddir rejected me because I lied to him. If I can learn to be more honest… maybe he'll give me a chance."
>>553436
It's not so much a workshop as "that corner that was cleared out and still has marks from where his workbench was screwed in. Still, you're always seemingly able to find a few more parts when you come back on a new day… maybe the shifting of the ship knocks them loose.
>>553437
"Just as well, you're a raider, you don't need to know anything about this vessel."
>>553438
Noted
It's not so much a workshop as "that corner that was cleared out and still has marks from where his workbench was screwed in. Still, you're always seemingly able to find a few more parts when you come back on a new day… maybe the shifting of the ship knocks them loose.
>>553437
"Just as well, you're a raider, you don't need to know anything about this vessel."
>>553438
Noted
>>553493
"It… might not immediately make sense, but… I chickened out and said I was just trying to confirm that we were friends. That just made him upset that I thought we weren't already friends, and…
I admitted to him that I'd lied, that I was attracted to him, that I wanted a relationship with him…
He looked so disappointed as he told me… he couldn't love someone who was willing to lie to him to his face."
"It… might not immediately make sense, but… I chickened out and said I was just trying to confirm that we were friends. That just made him upset that I thought we weren't already friends, and…
I admitted to him that I'd lied, that I was attracted to him, that I wanted a relationship with him…
He looked so disappointed as he told me… he couldn't love someone who was willing to lie to him to his face."
>>553497
"Thanks, I… think I needed that." Return the hug.
"Afterwards, I just felt so horrible, because… I've been trained most of my life to lie, that deception was the only way to survive. And after meeting you… meeting Ciddir… I wanted so badly to be able to love somepony. But who could ever love a thief?
The knife was a gift from Ciddir, his thanks for me saving his life. My chest, it hurt so much… I needed to feel something, anything else. So I took the knife and… Stabbed my leg."
"Thanks, I… think I needed that." Return the hug.
"Afterwards, I just felt so horrible, because… I've been trained most of my life to lie, that deception was the only way to survive. And after meeting you… meeting Ciddir… I wanted so badly to be able to love somepony. But who could ever love a thief?
The knife was a gift from Ciddir, his thanks for me saving his life. My chest, it hurt so much… I needed to feel something, anything else. So I took the knife and… Stabbed my leg."
>>553499
"Because I despaired of ever being able to have a relationship with someone.
You know the people who trained me, who saved my life and made me who I am? They betrayed me and left me for dead ten years ago.
Ever since I've just pushed everyone away, tried to survive on my own, because I wasn't fit for anyone.
Here, I've found something that feels… good, like I can feel safe here. I trust you, Selena. I thought I couldn't trust anybody, but I trust you.
When he rejected me… It felt like my life was crumbling all over again."
"Because I despaired of ever being able to have a relationship with someone.
You know the people who trained me, who saved my life and made me who I am? They betrayed me and left me for dead ten years ago.
Ever since I've just pushed everyone away, tried to survive on my own, because I wasn't fit for anyone.
Here, I've found something that feels… good, like I can feel safe here. I trust you, Selena. I thought I couldn't trust anybody, but I trust you.
When he rejected me… It felt like my life was crumbling all over again."
>>553502
"I understand, Hircus…I understand."
Sit in front of you at eye level and grab both of your hooves.
"Listen, Hircus…you've had a hard life…but you're a strong goat. You survived the worst life could throw on you, and you're still here. Still holding on. Your life can only crumble if you let it crumble…"
"I understand, Hircus…I understand."
Sit in front of you at eye level and grab both of your hooves.
"Listen, Hircus…you've had a hard life…but you're a strong goat. You survived the worst life could throw on you, and you're still here. Still holding on. Your life can only crumble if you let it crumble…"
>>553504
Look back into your eyes and smile.
"The story's not done…
Manako found me, panicked when she thought I was going to bleed out, patched me up and talked me into going drinking. When I woke up, there was a rogue next to me, somepony by the name of Spook.
He's given me hope, Selena. Everything I was taught says that he shouldn't exist… yet he does. My training, my beliefs that acted a wall to being a part of something bigger… the fact he exists proves they were all a lie.
I can be honest without giving up being a rogue. I don't have to be a liar. I can… I can go to him, ask for a second chance, and deliver on it…
Because I was wrong. It's going to take time to learn how, but I can learn, I am learning. I… I have a goal in life; its' the most wonderful feeling in the world."
Look back into your eyes and smile.
"The story's not done…
Manako found me, panicked when she thought I was going to bleed out, patched me up and talked me into going drinking. When I woke up, there was a rogue next to me, somepony by the name of Spook.
He's given me hope, Selena. Everything I was taught says that he shouldn't exist… yet he does. My training, my beliefs that acted a wall to being a part of something bigger… the fact he exists proves they were all a lie.
I can be honest without giving up being a rogue. I don't have to be a liar. I can… I can go to him, ask for a second chance, and deliver on it…
Because I was wrong. It's going to take time to learn how, but I can learn, I am learning. I… I have a goal in life; its' the most wonderful feeling in the world."
>>553513
That's new to me.
"…well, I don't know how Light Heart and Rosemary think about it, but if it's fine for them, then that is good. But not everypony thinks that.
If I had a very special somepony, I wouldn't like the idea of having to share his attention with somepony else.
How would Ciddir think about that? How would this other pony think about that? Those are things you need to consider first."
That's new to me.
"…well, I don't know how Light Heart and Rosemary think about it, but if it's fine for them, then that is good. But not everypony thinks that.
If I had a very special somepony, I wouldn't like the idea of having to share his attention with somepony else.
How would Ciddir think about that? How would this other pony think about that? Those are things you need to consider first."
>>553551
Blink, then shake my head.
"I suppose you wouldn't know, since you're not familiar with Equestria. Let's just say it's an… extremely exclusive title.
The point is that if what I'd been taught, what I believed, about what it meant to be a rogue… All of it says that a rogue earning… that, should be completely impossible. Yet there it is.
It's ironic; the things I was told that made me believe I always needed to lie were lies themselves.
Basically, honest rogues exist. I thought that was impossible. Now that I know it isn't, I'm going to train under him to try to be more honest."
Blink, then shake my head.
"I suppose you wouldn't know, since you're not familiar with Equestria. Let's just say it's an… extremely exclusive title.
The point is that if what I'd been taught, what I believed, about what it meant to be a rogue… All of it says that a rogue earning… that, should be completely impossible. Yet there it is.
It's ironic; the things I was told that made me believe I always needed to lie were lies themselves.
Basically, honest rogues exist. I thought that was impossible. Now that I know it isn't, I'm going to train under him to try to be more honest."
>>553556
"I'm going to try to be. It'll take time to break old habits and relearn things, but I'm willing to make the effort. After all, it was lying that ruined my chances with Ciddir."
Give you a worried look.
"Do you think he hates me now? For lying to him, then freaking out that badly when he turned me down?"
"I'm going to try to be. It'll take time to break old habits and relearn things, but I'm willing to make the effort. After all, it was lying that ruined my chances with Ciddir."
Give you a worried look.
"Do you think he hates me now? For lying to him, then freaking out that badly when he turned me down?"
>>553564
"How does… Oh. You think I'm lying about being suicidal."
Sigh and lean back against the wall.
"I'm not lying; the thought of ending my own life had never even crossed my mind. I just… I was in so much pain emotionally, I felt like… like I needed to reflect it physically.
It was self-destructive, yes. I was trying to cause myself pain. You don't feel pain when you're dead."
"How does… Oh. You think I'm lying about being suicidal."
Sigh and lean back against the wall.
"I'm not lying; the thought of ending my own life had never even crossed my mind. I just… I was in so much pain emotionally, I felt like… like I needed to reflect it physically.
It was self-destructive, yes. I was trying to cause myself pain. You don't feel pain when you're dead."
>>553570
"Manako…" Reach out to you.
"You were worried about me. That means more to me than I can possibly put into words. Maybe I'm wrong and it was a life-threatening injury. Why don't we check, just to make sure?
If I'm wrong, I owe you my life. Let's just check real quick, then we'll know for sure."
"Manako…" Reach out to you.
"You were worried about me. That means more to me than I can possibly put into words. Maybe I'm wrong and it was a life-threatening injury. Why don't we check, just to make sure?
If I'm wrong, I owe you my life. Let's just check real quick, then we'll know for sure."
>>553582
On second thought, it probably wasn't mortal. But if you're feeling trickstery and want an excuse, it is running parallel to a major artery that runs through the whole of the leg muscle system. It's a large enough system that unchecked bleeding from that particular artery could have caused dangerous blood loss and muscular degeneration. You could just tell him he nicked that… it's close enough to be believable and he doesn't have the medical training to disprove you…
On second thought, it probably wasn't mortal. But if you're feeling trickstery and want an excuse, it is running parallel to a major artery that runs through the whole of the leg muscle system. It's a large enough system that unchecked bleeding from that particular artery could have caused dangerous blood loss and muscular degeneration. You could just tell him he nicked that… it's close enough to be believable and he doesn't have the medical training to disprove you…
>>553590
"I was just doing my job as a healer, I saw something broken and fixed it. But if you really want to help me.. "
"I am always looking for things to build with. My real passion is for making things… so any thing you find like gears or bolts or metal parts that aren't in use I would love to look at. " smile a bit and hesitate as if I am tempted toask something.
"I was just doing my job as a healer, I saw something broken and fixed it. But if you really want to help me.. "
"I am always looking for things to build with. My real passion is for making things… so any thing you find like gears or bolts or metal parts that aren't in use I would love to look at. " smile a bit and hesitate as if I am tempted toask something.
>>553594
"Um.. I don't want to do it as a prank anymore.. I want to see if tree-sempai will just drink the potion.. to spend time with me asy size and um.. c-could you maybe find out what he likes? I am afraid of I try to ask too many questions he will get turned away and I.. don't want to mess up.." blush really hard while explaining the issue
"Um.. I don't want to do it as a prank anymore.. I want to see if tree-sempai will just drink the potion.. to spend time with me asy size and um.. c-could you maybe find out what he likes? I am afraid of I try to ask too many questions he will get turned away and I.. don't want to mess up.." blush really hard while explaining the issue
>>553598
Smile up at you and put my hooves back down. " really? If lady light heart is as well commected as I am lead to believe I will have a dress for the occasion as well. O-of course I didn't tell her why I wanted it. I could build him something but I am not sure what he needs.. he said he wanted to plant tea so… a plant waterer.. on a timer.. but what kind of food does he eat! I don't even know that much!"
Smile up at you and put my hooves back down. " really? If lady light heart is as well commected as I am lead to believe I will have a dress for the occasion as well. O-of course I didn't tell her why I wanted it. I could build him something but I am not sure what he needs.. he said he wanted to plant tea so… a plant waterer.. on a timer.. but what kind of food does he eat! I don't even know that much!"
>>553621
"Hmmm… what kind of games does a lady like you prefer…. " I ponder for a moment before smiling an procuring three d6 dices.
"Dice games with a twist, one with the highest number get to ask the truth from someone or force someone to do their one bidding."
I play with the dice for a bit.
"What do you say?"
"Hmmm… what kind of games does a lady like you prefer…. " I ponder for a moment before smiling an procuring three d6 dices.
"Dice games with a twist, one with the highest number get to ask the truth from someone or force someone to do their one bidding."
I play with the dice for a bit.
"What do you say?"
>>553628
I tilt my head and look sideways…
"hmmm uhhmmm.. Tell the truth, I really had a lot of nasty things in my life but the worst thing I've eaten are overgrown bugs, specially cockroaches. It is a time of famine in one of my older crews. Wow, its been some time." I grin. remembering it all.
I tilt my head and look sideways…
"hmmm uhhmmm.. Tell the truth, I really had a lot of nasty things in my life but the worst thing I've eaten are overgrown bugs, specially cockroaches. It is a time of famine in one of my older crews. Wow, its been some time." I grin. remembering it all.
>>553631
I nod.
"Yes, I've worked first on a pirate fleet than this one. Its been some time but my old captain is really an aggressive one who pillage one town after another, no wonder we got captured and those bastard left me to rot in a prison." I give off a nostalgic air remembering it all.
"If not for the current fleet I am in now, I maybe still stuck in that Equestrian castle."
>>553632
I laugh while I retrieve the dice.
"Haha… I tell you, eating a book would be a better idea than downing a cricket."
I grin and shake my hands.
"Now shall we continue?"
I nod.
"Yes, I've worked first on a pirate fleet than this one. Its been some time but my old captain is really an aggressive one who pillage one town after another, no wonder we got captured and those bastard left me to rot in a prison." I give off a nostalgic air remembering it all.
"If not for the current fleet I am in now, I maybe still stuck in that Equestrian castle."
>>553632
I laugh while I retrieve the dice.
"Haha… I tell you, eating a book would be a better idea than downing a cricket."
I grin and shake my hands.
"Now shall we continue?"
>>553661
>>553663
"So… yesterday, I was walking on the Darklantern, minding my own business, when my honed mercenary senses told me that there is somepony following me. I rounded the corncer and found this stallion, some guy who apparently heard about me and how awesome I am."
Smirk proudly.
"He joined the fleet just so he could be near me. Anyway, he told me to name him when I asked who he is and then I told him to get me a bottle of whiskey by the morning. He did, but apparently spent all night in front of my door."
>>553663
"So… yesterday, I was walking on the Darklantern, minding my own business, when my honed mercenary senses told me that there is somepony following me. I rounded the corncer and found this stallion, some guy who apparently heard about me and how awesome I am."
Smirk proudly.
"He joined the fleet just so he could be near me. Anyway, he told me to name him when I asked who he is and then I told him to get me a bottle of whiskey by the morning. He did, but apparently spent all night in front of my door."
>>553671
I pout.
"Maybe he's just a bit shy."
>>553673
I cock my head.
"So…where is he now?"
>>553672
"Huh…I didn't know this, miss Heart has been very nice to me.
A secret…mmm….well, I knew this stallion once when I was 14, he was really nice and I had a little crush on him. He convinced me to…sneak out some psychedelic herbs from my mothers supplies." I pout. "Seems like that was all he was after…"
I pout.
"Maybe he's just a bit shy."
>>553673
I cock my head.
"So…where is he now?"
>>553672
"Huh…I didn't know this, miss Heart has been very nice to me.
A secret…mmm….well, I knew this stallion once when I was 14, he was really nice and I had a little crush on him. He convinced me to…sneak out some psychedelic herbs from my mothers supplies." I pout. "Seems like that was all he was after…"
>>553692
"See, Lady Selena, there are two kinds of stallions, and then there's a wildcard.
There are stallions who have learnt how life goes, and don't worry about rejection, simply moving on, and there are kids who believe being turned down by a mare is something they can fix.
I trust there's no need to explain how dangerous they can be."
"See, Lady Selena, there are two kinds of stallions, and then there's a wildcard.
There are stallions who have learnt how life goes, and don't worry about rejection, simply moving on, and there are kids who believe being turned down by a mare is something they can fix.
I trust there's no need to explain how dangerous they can be."
>>553717
"Like a game of cards, there are always fools ready to fall to their knees for queens.
Your admirer demonstrated it amply."
Innocence and you are two worlds apart.
>>553718
Chuckle.
"I could have used the place myself.
Didn't really click in with their whole..
Celebrative mood.
I guess because, unlike them, I knew what we were sailing into."
"Like a game of cards, there are always fools ready to fall to their knees for queens.
Your admirer demonstrated it amply."
Innocence and you are two worlds apart.
>>553718
Chuckle.
"I could have used the place myself.
Didn't really click in with their whole..
Celebrative mood.
I guess because, unlike them, I knew what we were sailing into."
>>553729
I smile and close my arms.
"Haa…. I remember it has to be young Ms. Flakes. She is a feisty little dog but is part of a gang that occasionally disrupt the wharf and piers of Nodvogod. My sister Klava really dont like her and always tell me to keep my distance else she will spank me. Well it is too hard to resist her charms, that is until she went off to another town, have not heard of her ever since."
I smile and close my arms.
"Haa…. I remember it has to be young Ms. Flakes. She is a feisty little dog but is part of a gang that occasionally disrupt the wharf and piers of Nodvogod. My sister Klava really dont like her and always tell me to keep my distance else she will spank me. Well it is too hard to resist her charms, that is until she went off to another town, have not heard of her ever since."
>>553736
"Actually.. we met at rumble once because the stevesdore's in the pier noticed that I was not a member of the union. After the stevedore's are done with me, Flakes come over and wrap my bleeding head with bandages before bringing me back home. My sister didnt like her one bit, she is like she can tell she is trouble.. and come to think of it my sister is right about that."
"Actually.. we met at rumble once because the stevesdore's in the pier noticed that I was not a member of the union. After the stevedore's are done with me, Flakes come over and wrap my bleeding head with bandages before bringing me back home. My sister didnt like her one bit, she is like she can tell she is trouble.. and come to think of it my sister is right about that."
>>553751
I cough some more.
>>553750
"Abilio hasn't asked me to make large amounts of it. I made a tiny bit for myself."
I grab a bauble from my belt.
"Looks very innocent, doesn't it? If I take of this little lid and throw it on the deck, the whole ship would be on fire."
>>553749
"Do you miss her sometimes?"
I cough some more.
>>553750
"Abilio hasn't asked me to make large amounts of it. I made a tiny bit for myself."
I grab a bauble from my belt.
"Looks very innocent, doesn't it? If I take of this little lid and throw it on the deck, the whole ship would be on fire."
>>553749
"Do you miss her sometimes?"
>>553758
I grab it up again.
"Don't worry, mister Tree. Just like all the potions I use in battle, it's enchanted shut."
Show the bauble.
"If I don't send a little pulse of energy through it, it won't break. So I can drop these as much as I want, nothing will happen unless I want it to."
Put it back.
"That did backfire once during our fight against the privateers, I dispelled it but the glass broke in my hooves….was the first time it happened, must have been the nerves."
>>553759
I nod.
"Another roll?"
>>553760
"I'm sure there will be enough time for that when we've got money."
Look at Emrille, Tela and the bottle.
I grab it up again.
"Don't worry, mister Tree. Just like all the potions I use in battle, it's enchanted shut."
Show the bauble.
"If I don't send a little pulse of energy through it, it won't break. So I can drop these as much as I want, nothing will happen unless I want it to."
Put it back.
"That did backfire once during our fight against the privateers, I dispelled it but the glass broke in my hooves….was the first time it happened, must have been the nerves."
>>553759
I nod.
"Another roll?"
>>553760
"I'm sure there will be enough time for that when we've got money."
Look at Emrille, Tela and the bottle.
>>553771
Bite my lip mischieveously.
"There's this guy who apparently looks at me as if I was a queen or someshit, and I told him to bring me this whiskey by the morning. Apparently he spent the night in front of our door, waiting for me so he could hoof it over. I considered shooting him, but hey, he got the whiskey!"
Bite my lip mischieveously.
"There's this guy who apparently looks at me as if I was a queen or someshit, and I told him to bring me this whiskey by the morning. Apparently he spent the night in front of our door, waiting for me so he could hoof it over. I considered shooting him, but hey, he got the whiskey!"
>>553855
"Remember when I came to your room, after I had joined the fleet, and told you about why I had to lie about a few things?
That day you told me, we often are watched."
Take another sip.
"Not to be disrespectful to Emrille, but she's not the most…
Cautious of officers.
Getting close to her is a gamble, but one that might pay off well indeed for any possible spy."
"Remember when I came to your room, after I had joined the fleet, and told you about why I had to lie about a few things?
That day you told me, we often are watched."
Take another sip.
"Not to be disrespectful to Emrille, but she's not the most…
Cautious of officers.
Getting close to her is a gamble, but one that might pay off well indeed for any possible spy."
>>553873
Smile back.
"Where I a spy?
Yes.
Then I would walk up to him and spill his entrails into the dark sea we sail."
Finish my drink.
"But alas, fate has landed me on this other side of life, and I am only trying to make the best out of the current situation.
Frankly, the lack of troop is staggering.
We don't even have the fighters needed to protect our crew.
Or our captain."
Smile back.
"Where I a spy?
Yes.
Then I would walk up to him and spill his entrails into the dark sea we sail."
Finish my drink.
"But alas, fate has landed me on this other side of life, and I am only trying to make the best out of the current situation.
Frankly, the lack of troop is staggering.
We don't even have the fighters needed to protect our crew.
Or our captain."
>>553880
Shrug.
"Intuition would be my first reply.
But intuition is nothing other than the collective knowledge of a lifetime in a given field.
So I guess you will get to recognise them aswell, given you stick with this fleet long enough."
>>553881
"Of course.
But if you do know, just tell me and I will bring our phantomatic Whimp for a stroll. Wherever you want him to be."
Shrug.
"Intuition would be my first reply.
But intuition is nothing other than the collective knowledge of a lifetime in a given field.
So I guess you will get to recognise them aswell, given you stick with this fleet long enough."
>>553881
"Of course.
But if you do know, just tell me and I will bring our phantomatic Whimp for a stroll. Wherever you want him to be."
>>553913
I scrunch.
How unfortunate.
Hircus did say he was a very sneaky pone.
Well let's see if I can find Itztli.
>>553915
Scrunching intensifies.
"It's just…I thought I was smart enough to see through such things. But know I'm here and it seems I'm not as smart as I thought I was."
>>553910
I giggle.
"Well, that's true. I did give it a shot."
I scrunch.
How unfortunate.
Hircus did say he was a very sneaky pone.
Well let's see if I can find Itztli.
>>553915
Scrunching intensifies.
"It's just…I thought I was smart enough to see through such things. But know I'm here and it seems I'm not as smart as I thought I was."
>>553910
I giggle.
"Well, that's true. I did give it a shot."
>>553927
"It's done. Me and Ciddir worked through all of it. I've made a list of all herbs in there and hoofed it to Captain Marsh.
There were a number of extremely rare ingredients in there. Frankly I'm almost scared to use them unless in absolute necessity. Ciddir currently keeps the case. I'm hoping he might be able to use it to cultivate more."
"It's done. Me and Ciddir worked through all of it. I've made a list of all herbs in there and hoofed it to Captain Marsh.
There were a number of extremely rare ingredients in there. Frankly I'm almost scared to use them unless in absolute necessity. Ciddir currently keeps the case. I'm hoping he might be able to use it to cultivate more."
>>553929
"Uh…I haven't really thought about it. Today I'm mostly busy researching illusion magic and in my spare time trying to learn more advanced potions."
Make myself a new cup of tea.
"Mmmm, I think I'd love it if in a year I'd have some brewed some very good potions, learned how to make illusions like that one pony we met on our way to Awa.
And be more engaged in the fleet, know how things work, try my hoof at some responsability."
"Uh…I haven't really thought about it. Today I'm mostly busy researching illusion magic and in my spare time trying to learn more advanced potions."
Make myself a new cup of tea.
"Mmmm, I think I'd love it if in a year I'd have some brewed some very good potions, learned how to make illusions like that one pony we met on our way to Awa.
And be more engaged in the fleet, know how things work, try my hoof at some responsability."
>>553934
"Well, just between you and me…."
Grin and lean a bit closer conspiratorially.
"I really want my own place to sleep."
Lean upright again.
"But that doesn't mean I don't get how important being an officer is. I mean whatever you decide will have impact on the future of the fleet. And..and I think I can help the fleet beyond just making potions."
I take off my hat.
"Well, just between you and me…."
Grin and lean a bit closer conspiratorially.
"I really want my own place to sleep."
Lean upright again.
"But that doesn't mean I don't get how important being an officer is. I mean whatever you decide will have impact on the future of the fleet. And..and I think I can help the fleet beyond just making potions."
I take off my hat.
>>553938
I look down and rubbing my fingers
"Abilio told me that he will would have picked Emrille if the circumstances allows it, but he saw that Emrille is still not ready that is why he has picked Ms. September, which is not a bad choice mind you… its just… "
"I dont know, why am I acting out like this." I fumed in irritation of myself.
I look down and rubbing my fingers
"Abilio told me that he will would have picked Emrille if the circumstances allows it, but he saw that Emrille is still not ready that is why he has picked Ms. September, which is not a bad choice mind you… its just… "
"I dont know, why am I acting out like this." I fumed in irritation of myself.
>>553940
"I dont know, Abilio are one of the few who wants to retire back then since he fears for Ms. Lucky and if the gods allows it, their foal. I'd like him to stay a bit longer because he is a really useful and powerful pony but really I have no idea how his mind works."
"As for Emrille, yes given time she may learn a thing or two from all of us. But if she is going to learn or 'evolve', that is up to her." I close my arm.
"I dont know, Abilio are one of the few who wants to retire back then since he fears for Ms. Lucky and if the gods allows it, their foal. I'd like him to stay a bit longer because he is a really useful and powerful pony but really I have no idea how his mind works."
"As for Emrille, yes given time she may learn a thing or two from all of us. But if she is going to learn or 'evolve', that is up to her." I close my arm.
>>553946
>>553935
If you have time? Otherwise you should focus on school.
I chuckle.
"Your own place to sleep… I suppose that is something to strive for in life. A place to call home even? Perhaps. But yes, officership does bring other responsibilities. Knowing how to steer a ship, knowing your crew, knowing fleet protocols and traditions, knowing your way around nautical terms…"
>>553948
"The mutiny and the events surrounding it were horrific, but I try not to dwell on the past. I learned from it and am quite happy to move on with my life."
>>553935
If you have time? Otherwise you should focus on school.
I chuckle.
"Your own place to sleep… I suppose that is something to strive for in life. A place to call home even? Perhaps. But yes, officership does bring other responsibilities. Knowing how to steer a ship, knowing your crew, knowing fleet protocols and traditions, knowing your way around nautical terms…"
>>553948
"The mutiny and the events surrounding it were horrific, but I try not to dwell on the past. I learned from it and am quite happy to move on with my life."
>>553966
I ponder.
"I am calling for the wise men's blessing. Its a bit of rarity to find pretty intelligent diamond dog scholars so their grace's are always welcome to a dog community or fort. Once one or two settles in, that fort usually prosper so most dogs consider these wise doges as 'bearing luck', though I think it is because of their help and input on the fort the reason why said fort bearing wise dogs prosper and not because they bear luck on their side. But such superstition sounds good and it stuck in." I smile
I then look at the dice.
"But come to look at it…. "
I ponder.
"I am calling for the wise men's blessing. Its a bit of rarity to find pretty intelligent diamond dog scholars so their grace's are always welcome to a dog community or fort. Once one or two settles in, that fort usually prosper so most dogs consider these wise doges as 'bearing luck', though I think it is because of their help and input on the fort the reason why said fort bearing wise dogs prosper and not because they bear luck on their side. But such superstition sounds good and it stuck in." I smile
I then look at the dice.
"But come to look at it…. "