>>11573965 (OP)
Your party wastes no time in returning to camp. The sun had begun to dip below the horizon, and you were honestly exhausted from the excursion. Your back still aches from all the times Rose had knocked you onto the ground, and something tells you she wouldn't be any more gentle the following morning when you began your training under her. Fortunately, Celestia is a graceful flyer and allowed you some time relaxing on the flight back. You lean against her slender neck, taking in the scent of her wispy mane and enjoying the view. She checks back on you a couple times, smiling at the sight of you. Never says anything, though.

Her landing brings you out of your daze, the rushing air you'd grown so accustomed to disappearing in an instant. Sliding off her back, you pat her in thanks, then look around at the rest of your returning companions. Rose lands not far off, along with Luna and Silver. While you stretch and yawn, Rose takes in the sight of the camp and Silver sends her dirty looks. You wouldn't be surprised if the two started to fight right then and there, but Rose seems far more interested in the camp than Silver.

>>11573973
"So that thing we found. The pegasus worldshard. Is it somehow related to the worldshard that brought me here in the first place? If the rebels were trying to get it, and were camped out at the altar of another piece of it, they could be trying to gather the pieces to have the power to overthrow you."

>>11573973
y'know, I miss when Silver was just some timid but enthusiastic guard
now he sort of gets on my nerves

>>11573973
ask her what comes next

>>11574067
"So that thing we found, the pegasus worldshard... is it somehow related to the one you were going to give to the rebels in exchange for Twilight? If the rebels were trying to get this one, too, they could be trying to gather the pieces to have the power to overthrow you."

Celestia hovers the Worldshard in front of her, looking at it with a faint frown, as if all her problems lie in it. "Yes, that was what I suspected. It was my hope that my former adviser would be content with the first Worldshard, but if he gets his hooves on all three, there is potential for great destruction. My question now is how he intends to use them."

"What do you mean? Wouldn't he just storm your home or something and take it by force?"

Celestia shakes her head. "The Worldshards are not so simple. One cannot simply hold them and channel their power. This Worldshard might give a unicorn or earth pony, as you saw, some rudimentary ability of flight, but it would never be focused or precise. The Unicorn Worldshard would do the same for magic, but the spells would be quite average. The only true way to use the Worldshards' full potential is either to be an alicorn like myself or my sister, or use another relic of the Beginning to change their power into something more malleable."

[cont]

>>11574545
Stuffing the Worldshard back underneath her necklace, she shifts her frown into a bright smile and lays a wing over your shoulders. "You did an excellent job back there. I was worried we couldn't escape that situation without a fight. I hope next time you consult me, though. You gave me a bit of a fright."

Blushing, you scratch your head. "It was nothing. Just doing what came naturally."

"You're so modest." She ruffles your hair with a hoof, grinning. "We'll speak later. I need to consult my sister about what to do next. I'll let you know as soon as I can." With that, she walks off to her tent.

Eyes wandering over to Silver, you find him stationed at the entrance to the princess' tent. The usual ferocity with which he stood guard seemed dulled, likely an effect of the long day. You can't help but wonder if you had something to do with that, though. Ever since he found out you lied, he'd been much more irritable and serious. Just as Steady said, he'd really looked up to you, only to have his image of you crushed by a simple selfish choice. Maybe you should talk to him.

Or, maybe it's best if you just give him some space.

>>11574570
Give him space. He'll come to his senses eventually.
Let's go talk to Rose instead.

>>11574570
ask him if he's feeling alright

>>11574570
If he's alone, perhaps we should have a serious discussion with him after everyone gets some rest.

I wouldn't want to talk to him while he's still worn out.

>>11574642
>>11574755
He'll be better off tomorrow. You can talk with him then. Right now, there's another pony you'd like to chat with.

Silver catches you watching and you give him a wave. He returns it with a nod—hardly personal, more of a forced gestured, but you suppose it's better than nothing.

You turn around, about to look for Rose when you find her already right behind you. Your eyes light up with surprise as you jump back.

"This is hardly the most secure camp I've seen, but it's far from the worst," she says, scanning the area, disregarding the scare she gave you. In fact, you bet she did it on purpose.

"Don't sneak up on me like that."

"What I was doing could not possibly fall under the definition of 'sneaking'. You're just unaware of your surroundings." She speaks with such a matter-of-fact tone you can't tell if she's joking with you or giving an actual critique. Probably something in-between the two.

>>11574883
"I've got a lot on my mind."

>implications

>>11574883
"Are you always this serious or do I just turn it on in you?" Be as suggestive as possible with the last part.

>>11574883
"Do you ever let your hair down?"
"...Metaphorically."

Ponies don't seem too familiar with human figures-of-speech.

>>11574935
"I've got a lot on my mind," you say, straightening your back, trying to regain your composure.

"I can imagine. That did not seem to hamper your silver tongue, though. I'm a bit more curious about this leader you so vehemently follow."

You rub your chin, trying to think of a good way to describe Celestia. Now that you're thinking about it, though, she's pretty tough to put to words. You do the best you can.

"She's confident, benevolent, and aware, not to mention powerful. I can see why she's the leader of a country."

Rose rolls her eyes. "Yes, that's all and well in good, but why do YOU follow her?"

"What, you think there's some mystery to it? She saved my life. She's my best chance for going back home. She's organized. She's needs my help. And... well, she's my friend, too."

Squinting, she inspects your face, as if she could tell whether or not simply by staring. "That is a bit more convincing, but only time will tell for sure."

>>11575035
>>11575198
You cross your arms, raising an eyebrow. "Are you always this serious or do I just have that effect on you?"

"Please. The only thing you've done is given me a brief reprise from the boredom of the close-minded collective that is my village."

"So you never let your mane down? Metaphorically, that is."

She jabs you in the knee. "Are you saying I've no idea how to enjoy myself? Hmph. I was just about to ask if there was a good place to find salt around here. I could go for a few good licks."

[cont]

>>11575309
"Are you ever going to take your armor off, or at least those wingblades? There aren't going to be any fights around here."

"Yes, I think I'll take off my armor in the middle of an unknown camp, filled with ponies very likely not thrilled to see me. Fantastic idea. Besides, I might want to start a few fights myself."

Something I forgot to mention two sessions ago, and then wasn't around to mention last session.

The worldshards appear to each contain the power of one of the pony races. All three shards and races were originally combined in one tool. That tool was used (and broken) while attempting to create a solution to the unicorn's failing ability to control the sun and moon.

Seems like a decent bet to me that Celestia and Luna's creation was the solution that broke the hammer, given they're also made up of all three and took over control of the sun and moon.

>>11575323
"Point taken. Maybe going out and getting some drinks/salt/whatever you take to relax will help you loosen up, if you actually do ever loosen up. Then we can sing the songs of our people"

>>11575309
"Well, I don't know if they keep salt here...but I think I know someone who does."

Let's go introduce her to Steady. I bet they'll get along.

>>11575323
"You plan on testing the guards like you tested me?"

>>11575503
"Point taken. Maybe going out and getting some salt or whatever you take to relax will help you loosen up, if you actually do ever loosen up. Then we can sing the songs of our people." You give her a grin at the last statement, hoping she'll catch on to the joke, but her face remains as stoic as ever.

"You're much funnier falling on your rear."

>>11575572
Shaking your head, you throw up your hands. Rose is a lost cause it seems. Even your comedy genius is incapable of rattling her. "I don't know if they keep salt here, but I think I know someone who does."

"Lead the way, then."

You take Rose to the large guard tent, where you first met Steady, wondering if Rose was serious or just a really good actor. Her motives for following you may have been a bit odd, but you suppose everyone's different in their own ways. She could truly be curious about you and Celestia, or maybe she's merely seeking a vacation from the doldrums of her village. Either way, you know she can kick you ass and she's willing to teach you how to do it to someone else. A frightful thought arises at that.

>>11575642
"You don't plan on testing the guards like you tested me, do you?"

[cont]

>>11575860
"If I feel like it. But I'm not stupid. I don't see the merit in picking a fight with a guard when I'm surrounded by them." She looks you straight in the eye. "They may not all be as poorly trained as you—not that whatever training Celestia gives them would be enough to beat me."

Sure enough, Steady is in the tent, at a desk, looking through papers. When you walk in, he looks up and the moment he recognized you, a smile dawns on his face.

"Tall and lanky! Nice to see you again!" His attention drifts down to Rose. His eyes open further as he looks her over. "And who is this looker right here in the sexy armor?"

"Your worst nightmare, if you keep referring to me like that."

Steady covers his mouth, but his grin only grows. "Damn, you got a mouth, mare! You'll fit right in around here." He turns to you. "So what brings you by here?"

>>11575878
If I'm so poorly trained, why do you wish to train me yourself? To show how much you know your stuff so you can brag to your "close-minded" village folk?
Or is there something else?

Alternatively:
Uh huh. How about you get your salt fix and we talk about it later.

>>11575878
"Wanted to introduce Ms. Charming over here. We found her at the abandoned camp and she decided to join us...after giving me a thrashing. She wanted to know if there's any salt around here."

>>11575990

"Salt, you say?"

Rose is a mole

HeartNotestheChangeling2.jpg (842 KB, 2966x4800) google iqdb

Oh, ah, my character is a Changeling and currently has the appearance of a typical pony and pastel palette. The only giveaway is some unusual red eyes.

She's not very presuming and like a true assassin, tries to fade into the background.

>>11576079
You like Subway?

>>11575990
"Wanted to introduce Ms. Charming over here. We found her at the abandoned camp and she decided to join us...after giving me a thrashing. She wanted to know if there's any salt around here."

You wince as a wing rams into the back of your leg, forcing you to bend it in reaction.

"I said 'Miss' does not belong in any part of my name. Call me 'Miss' again and you'll be on the ground."

She seems a little single-minded when it comes to conflict. If something doesn't agree with her, she simply beats it down until it does. It's worked out for her so far, apparently.

Steady's too busy laughing at you to reply to your inquiry, but when Rose walks up to him he gets a hold of himself. "Salt, was it? Yeah, we've got some of that around here. You sure you can handle it, though?" he directs the question at you. "You look like you'd pass out by the third lick."

What? Pass out? Salt must be the pony equivalent of alcohol if it'd have such a strong effect on them. But they don't know humans aren't affected by it.

"Just show me the salt, smooth-talker." Rose is clearly becoming impatient.

"Alright, alright. Follow me." He leads the two of you out of the tent, and hollers back over his shoulder, "Name Steady, by the way. What's yours, honey?"

"Rose. Like the flower with thorns."

>>11576226
Just leave imposter anon alone.

>>11576248
But I thought I saw some roast beef!

>>11576237
We should challenge her to a salt licking contest, provided they give us some water it should be an easy win.

>>11576290
Seems like a good idea.

>>11576237
"What happened to 'my name is earned'?"
>>11576290
also what he said

>>11576449
>>11576290
All of this
Plus we should bet on something when we obviously win...any ideas?

>>11576554
She has to be more cordial.

>>11576574
Definitely, if we win she must be kinder, and pretend to be happy too.

>>11576290
Steady takes you to a cozy tent, not far from where you collected your chestplate this morning. The tent's just large enough for a few tables and a cupboard where you assume all the salt is, seeing as there's a pony guarding it. Unlike the other tents you've been in, this one is only pony-height, so you have to bend over to keep your head from dragging along the ceiling. You estimate about a dozen other ponies inside, most of which turn to stare at you. Any undue attention is dispersed when Steady waves the stares off, though most just transfer to the armored stature of Rose behind you. You imagine she hardly cares.

Once you make it to the cupboard, Steady addresses the pony standing in front of it. "One for each of my friends and myself, Dry."

"Two," Rose pipes in.

Dry looks to Steady, who shrugs. "Two for her, then. I know better than to tell a lady no."

"I'm not a lady."

Dry shakes his head and goes to prepare the salt. You nudge Rose and she looks up at you.

"What happened to 'My name is earned'? I had to fight you to get it."

[cont]

>>11576637
"Because I fight is what you needed to do to earn it. Steady earned it by showing me to some salt. Besides, the situation here is different. With that Silver colt knowing my name, it's going to circulate the camp soon enough."

Damn, you wish you'd had some salt back in that cave. Would've saved you more than a little pain.

"Alright, here we are! Four salt licks. Don't down 'em too fast."

Dry passes the salt off and you take it to a nearby empty table. Rose finishes her first lick before you even sit down.

"I know I've said it before, but damn, mare!" says Steady. "You either got a stomach of iron or no inhibitions in the first place."

"My inhibitions are fine, and I've got twice the endurance of you or scraggly boy, here." She motions to you with that last statement.

"I bet I could beat both of you in a licking contest."

They both clamp their mouths shut and slowly turn to you, blinking a few times before finding the composure to respond.

"You ain't beatin' me in nothing, Lanky," says Steady.

"You've made a poor decision by challenging me," says Rose, "Though I suppose it would be interesting to see you attempt my training while hungover."

"What are the stakes, then?" asks Steady. "Can't have a good licking contest without good stakes."

>>11576647
Rose must be kind and pretend to like it.
Steady...

>>11576647
For Rose this>>11576574
And for Steady...I can't come up with anything, any takers?

>>11576706
Also, I would like some water.

>>11576708
He must commission some proper armour for our groin area.
Getting hit there is a real pain.

>>11576816
You will be getting armor for the lower portion of your body tomorrow.

>>11576713
"Hey, Steady, where can I get some water?"

He looks up a moment in thought. "Water? I'm sure Dry has some. Dunno why you'd want some; makes licking less fun." He calls out to Dry, asking for some water, which is retrieved shortly.

"Alright," says Steady, "If I win, I get to see underneath that armor of yours, Rose, and you gotta let me take you on a tour of the camp."

Rose turns, spits on the ground, then looks back at Steady. "Fine."

"And you, Lanky, you gotta take my shift tomorrow. With Silver."

"Alright." A shiver runs down your spine. You know you can't possibly lose, but spending a whole day with Silver while he's still irritated with you would not be pleasant.

Rose clears her throat before stating her conditions. "Steady, you must let me hit you for every time you make a pass at me. Including the times you've already done so. You look like a sturdy pony. You could take it—most likely."

He nods in response.

"And you must carry me around the camp on your back, crawling on all fours. I want to know what it's like being so much taller than everyone else."

"Okay, I can do that."

You take a sip of water, going over what to ask of your licking buddies. Rose seems high-strung, so she'd probably do best with a punishment that forced her to be jovial and polite. Steady, however... hmmm...

[cont]

>>11577025
He seems somewhat the opposite of Rose, always frank and kidding around. Maybe if you made Rose and him hang out together all day tomorrow, pretending to be the other one? However, Steady is the head of the guard. He might be able to give you something more concrete than a day of laughs.

>>11577039
Information on mission briefings we're not put on. Particularly the ones involving the Princess.
Though I'm sure he'll refuse that outright, maybe when he's a bit more tipsy he'll agree.

>>11577039
For Rose: She HAS to hang out with Pinkie (if she's available) the whole day after your training
For Steady: You get a weapon commissioned WITHOUT the princesses knowledge, like a dagger or something for just in case shit goes wrong

>>11577202
Both of those scream bad idea/bad end(ded)

>>11577039
If we win, he has to make us Celestia's personal bodyguard.

>>11577277
And doesn't that sound like fun?

>>11577287
I'm pretty sure we can just ask Celestia if we wanted that, I doubt she would say no

>everyone's so cocsure that we're going to win

I know salt isn't alcoholic to us, but I have a bad feeling that this still isn't going to go the way we're hoping.

>>11577292
Making Rose reluctantly be kind sounds far more entertaining.

>>11577202
first one sounds funny, but the second one just sounds sketchy as fuck. Remember last time we did something without the princesses' knowledge?

>>11577287
this might work... but wouldn't that piss off Silver? Isn't that kinda his job already? Plus, Celestia wouldn't be able to tell whether we're sticking around her because it's our job or because we like her.

I think our best bet with Steady is to have him put in a SUBTLE good word for us with Silver.

>>11577318
The water is there so we don't need to worry too much.
I'd be afraid if we were refused it.

>>11577338
How about making her wear a dress?

>>11577378
Rose is crafty. She'll probably figure it out at some point and then do something to screw us over.

>>11577382
Why bother?
Her being kind, while hungover, an training us in the morning sounds like the best possible scenario.
Steady's bet is pretty close to that already.

>>11577357
Maybe we can have him give Silver a position on one of the more action-oriented teams.
Then he won't have to just stand around all day.

>>11577459
I think Silver actually LIKES standing around. Guarding the princess is something he's pretty passionate about.

>>11577357
Putting in a good word for us with Silver would be cool...though it's hardly bet-worthy, he'd probably do that for us if we just asked
>>11577382
>>11577450
No seriously, just imagine a hungover Rose having to deal with Pinkie, doesn't that sound entertaining?

>>11577512
We won't be around to enjoy it, so no, that doesn't sound enjoyable at all.

It seems you can't really seem to reach a consensus, so I might just do a roll d10.

Rose:
1-4: She has to act more jovial and girly the next day
5-9: She has to hang out with Pinkie the next day

Steady:
1-4: He talks to Silver (without telling him we sent him)
5-9: He gives us something from the supply/weapons tent

A 10 for either will be a re-roll. Is this okay?

>>11577596
No,
but whatever.

>>11577596
That sounds reasonable I guess
ACTIVATE IT

>>11577596
works for me

>>11577596
sure
though for Rose I was fine with having her act jovial and girly

>>11577039
>>11577596
Rolls were a 1 and a 2. Good thing you didn't get those rolls last time.

"Rose, you will have to act happier. Jovial. And more like a mare."

"Are you saying I'm not feminine enough for you? Because I can show you how much of a mare I am," she grumbles.

"No, no, that's perfectly fine. Steady: you have to put in a word for me with Silver, but without telling him I sent you."

"Still sour from yesterday?"

"Yeah, and it's affecting his job."

"You got it, Lanky. Ready to lose?" He raises the first salt lick in the air.

You offer a grin. "No more than you are."

"I'm going to enjoy my spot atop your back," says Rose.

"Begin!" Steady says, licking his first round clean with one big swipe of his tongue. Rose does the same, finishing just after him. Closing your eyes, you attempt to go at your lick with the same vigor, but fail spectacularly. While salt certainly can't intoxicate you, it's still extremely powerful when raw. You smack your lips a few times, cringing, but manage to get it all down on your second lick. Rose has already signaled for another while Steady is cracking up at the sight of you.

[cont]

>>11578015
You know he won't be laughing later.

You take a drink as the next lick is laid in front of you. This one goes down easier, and without the cacophony of laughter from Steady. Rose seems as impassive as ever, taking the salt in stride. The third round passes much the same way as the second, though your composure has grabbed Steady's attention. He must've figured you'd really be out by now, but you're still sitting up straight, smiling like nothing had happened.

The contest quickly gathers attention, as the guards are excited to see a licking contest between their captain, a new—apparently attractive—mare, and the tall, lanky alien. No one is scare of you here, seeing as no one has the inhibitions to care about it.

It's round six before the shit-talking starts.

"Where'd a mare like you learn to down salt?" Steady keeps his words together nicely. The salt must not be affecting him yet.

"Training camp. That's another hit, by the way," Rose says curtly. She's doing fine as well.

"How about you? I honestly figured you'd be out by now."

You don't have a real answer, since you never really licked up salt before, but the closest would be... "College," you say. "Have contests like this all the time." It's truthful enough.

>>11578030
Make sure to pace ourselves, we may not be drunk, but too much salt could realy make us sick if we're no careful.
Drink plenty of water.

>>11578015
>"Because I can show you how much of a mare I am"

ohoho~

>>11578030
Pretend to start getting a bit tipsy after awhile. If we keep our impeccable composure the whole time they may start to suspect something.

>>11578030
ask Rose about that training camp. how long has she been a soldier?

>>11578153
They can assume all they want, we just hold our salt better than them.

>>11578153
I'd keep the composure just to start rumors about yourself. Because why not, it's fun.

"Don't challenge the weird one; They say he swallowed a barrel of salt cubes with only a glass of water to down em, then ran off with the best looking mare in town.

Celestia only knows what happened to her."

>>11578153
Oh like Heroes when Claire was having a drinking contest with those frat dudes?
I can't believe I remember that
Man I miss that show
Yeah, that makes sense
>>11578176
And yeah, we could use some banter for good measure

>>11578030
Between licks, sing the song of your people.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTaqc3_5oYg

>>11578368
>Not a drinking song

Whaaaaaat.

>>11578368
>All your sanity and wits, they will all vanish, I promise. It's just a matter of time.

http://youtu.be/mGSKul7JksE

>>11578368
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fvz-nNz0mc

>>11578082
>>11578153
Although salt doesn't have the same effect on you, it will still dehydrate you if you're not careful. You quickly empty the first glass of water and ask for another.

After eleven rounds, you're finally seeing one of your compatriots lose some control. Steady has started to slur some words while making quips at your and Rose's expense. Rose is still sitting up straight, face as passive as ever, though she is a bit more talkative. You use it to you advantage.

"So, Rose, what was the training camp like? When did you start?"

She regards you with curiosity before replying. "I was hardly a filly when I left for training camp. I'd just gotten my cutie mark and my parents were eager to indulge my talent. My father, in fact, was a soldier himself, one of the leaders of our southern militia. Stampede of the South, we called ourselves, but most ponies just called us, 'The Stampede'." She finished her current lick and laid it down on the table, almost like it was a fragile cup of tea. "Such things are necessary when your rulers do not send their own military to defend a land so close to the dragons."

Steady's eyes narrowed at that, but he did not confront her about it. Probably a wise choice.

[cont]

>>11578591
"The training was strict and methodical, but fairly effective. I learned polearms, snout swords, side swords, and hoofboot combat. They tested my endurance, strength, and mind. I do not think it was a truly unique experience, when compared to other training regimens, but it was useful and not run by fools. After five years of training and skirmishes, I became a fairly competent warrior. That training ended ten years ago."

Rose's explanation came out worded like most of her statements, though oddly enough, you detected a layer of emotion mixed in, something you hadn't heard from Rose before. You can't tell whether she resented or loved her parents for the decision, but either way, she felt something about it. Pressing her on it might not be the best idea, given her propensity toward violence, though you can't deny your curiosity.

Never heard of 'snout swords' or 'hoofboot combat', either.

You take a deep breath, raise your next lick, and down it as fast as you can. The system you'd developed included finishing a lick with two swipes of your tongue, then a long drink, then slamming both down on the table in front of you. Your head was still clear, but it was starting to really taste nasty.

>>11578613
Can we ask for a bit of sugar in the water?
That might help the salt go down a bit easier.
this is hell on the heart.

>>11578613
"You guys have dragon problems here?"

>>11578613
ask her why she's so intent on following you around
is it because you're a weird alien, or because you're so dead-set on helping the princess?

or is it something else entirely?

>>11578720
There can't be too many, Dragons are territorial and hate sharing.
The dragon migration is the only time we've seen more than one in an area.

>>11578613
I'd say pat her on the back if she wouldn't try to break your hand for it.

Ply her about why she intends to train you. But gently, don't get overbearing with it lest she shut down altogether.

>>11578720
"You guys have dragon problems here?"

The glare Rose gives you tells all you need to know. "My village is hardly a hundred leagues north of dragon lands, and to great winged beasts that distance is nothing. Of course we have dragon problems, and a full-grown dragon is not something anything less than an organized, trained group of fighters can take down."

You nod, sharing a glance with Steady. He doesn't seem surprised by this knowledge, which begs the question: why didn't Celestia send soldiers down here? If the dragons really are a problem, would she really leave her citizens to fend for themselves? Or is there something else going on here you don't yet know?

By the sixteenth round, both of your competitors are showing signs of fatigue. Rose is still talking just fine, but she's also swaying a bit in her spot. Steady looks like he's gonna fall over at any second and decides to share his revelations about life and friendship with everyone.

"Sho eets th' heeart th't reaally mattersh. Don't let shilly thingsh luk pro... proto... rulesh shtop you frum enjoooying yourshelf."

Several of the guards nod in agreement like he's Aristotle or something. You decide to keep talking with Rose instead.

>>11578767
"Tell me the truth, Rose: why are you really following me? Is it curiosity or boredom or something else?"

[cont]

>>11579187
She leans on the table to steady herself, then looks at you like you've lost your hair all of a sudden. "I may do many things that confuse or intimidate you, but I do not lie. I am here because I want to fight against your princess, because I have all the reason in the world to dislike her. But I know I do not have the entire story, and I do not know the princess herself. If I am to fight her, I must know it is what I should do, and you are giving me reason to abandon what I first believed." Her eyes drift down to the table. She studies the wood like it's turned into gold or something. "This change of heart that even I did not expect interests me, and there are precious few things in the world that do. That is why I am here."

You remain silent, staring at her, almost expecting some sort of laugh or, 'Just kidding!' It never comes, though. She merely sticks her head between her hooves on the table. She's actually serious about this; a warrior who throws herself whole-heartedly into everything she does, but never without reason. And when she doubts that reason, she seeks the truth behind it. Cautiously, you lay a hand on her back, rubbing where her neck meets the rest of her body. When she doesn't respond, you lean over, getting a good look at her face.

She's passed out.

>>11579206
This is the moment we've been waiting for.

Rape her.

>>11579206
Glance at Not-so-Steady and see how he's doing.
I think it might be worth forfeiting to him to see Rose to her quarters safely, if he's not about to pass out himself.

And for our groin's sake, carry Rose like a gentleman would so she doesn't wake up and get the wrong idea.

>>11579206
"Sweet dreams, valkyrie."
See how Steady's holding up.

>>11579316
>forfeit
Nope, we're still good.
We'll move her later, but we should try to get Steady to give up.
Maybe now might be the time to let him know salt has no effect.

>>11579206
Polish off one last salt-lick, just to prove a point.

I think this is our victory.

>>11579376
no no, save that for tomorrow when they're both nursing their hangovers.

they underestimated us, and now they've gotta pay the price.

>>11579376
I'm merely saying that if the guards around start looking like they're gonna do something stupid involving her, consider her safety. Because her temper certainly impacts your own safety.

>>11579316
Fuck that noise.

>>11579376
No, hold on to that secret as long as possible. Even if they figure it out themselves, we don't need to go gabbing about. Need to keep an edge of somekind, even if it is only for recreation.

>>11579206
Look to Steady, take one more lick for good measure. "This is the part where you fall down."

>>11579459
>>11579391
"One down!" Steady whoops, seeing Rose's head on the table. The tent explodes in cheers, chanting on their captain as he finishes his seventeenth lick. He holds it up for everyone to see, almost falling over in his enthusiasm. His soldier's couldn't be happier.

You pat Rose on the head, whispering, "Sweet dreams," before grabbing your own salt lick and cleaning it up in one swift lick. You down the rest of your water glass, wipe your lips, and leer at Mr. Not-So-Steady across the table.

"This is the part where you fall down."

Emboldened by his complete lack of inhibitions, he guffaws at the ceiling. "You're one hell of a trooper, you know that? I've got an idea. Let's give our fallen comrade a tribute by making the next round three licks at the same time. Dry!" The soldier in charge of salt comes over, and Steady looks at me with his ridiculous grin. "Three at once. Let's do this."

"Coming right up, sir!"

The next lick is laid in front of you and Steady. The small plastic plate that holds the lick is deeper and longer and completely filled. You know it isn't going to taste any better than the ones before it, but Steady is about out of this. This could very well finish him off. Taking a deep breath, you raise you lick up, nodding to Steady. He does the same, though he almost drops it in his drunkenness. He brings the lick to his lips, leans back, leans back some more, then some more... and more...

[cont]

>>11579887
With a thunk, he flops over backwards onto the ground, asleep, saly all over his face and mane. The guards cheer again, a couple poking at his unconscious body, while several others pat you on the back. You're not human here, just another guy having a good time.

You smile to yourself. This is the first time you felt like you're not out-of-place, and it feels pretty good. A fire glimmers within your eyes and you stand up smirking, showing off the triple salt lick before downing it all in one go in front of the soldiers. The room goes deathly silent as you slam it down on the table, rattling the empty water glasses and other remnants of salt licks. The spectators stare at you, wide-eyed, at your determination for several seconds before breaking into cheers again. They start hugging each other, leaning on each other and dancing, talking about the new champion salt licker.

>>11579316
This kinda party's not for you, though. You've still got a mare to look after. Gingerly, you pick up Rose from her passed-out position on the table. With her armor on, she's pretty heavy, but not a load beyond your strength. Holding her upside-down and to your chest, you nod at the soldiers as they open a path to the exit.

[cont]

>>11579922
"Take care of Steady, will ya?"

"You don't need to worry about a thing. Steady's in good hands."

You carry Rose out of the loud tent, quickly orienting yourself and walking off towards your tent. Rose tussles in your arms a bit, trying to get comfortable even while unconscious. Her mouth opens and closes, almost like she's talking in her dreams. While looking at her, though, a fairly important realization comes to you.

You halt in your tracks.

Rose doesn't have a place to sleep.

>>11579940
Well, shit.

Either we're gonna find a way to arrange a room for her or she's gonna have to sleep in our tent.

Without us. I like our player having legs. Or being alive.

>>11579940
Oh shit, Is Luna up and available?
Ask her if she could find a place, if not I guess she'll have to take our tent and we'll find a different place to sleep.

>>11579940
Give her our tent. We can sleep on the barracks floor tonight.

Or outside. Sleeping under the stars could be nice.

>>11580156
The stars, being so vivid.

>>11580201
Even more vivid than the ones we can't remember back home.

1365282010519.png (177 KB, 894x894) google iqdb

>>11580260
It never fails to make me laugh, even if I feel bad afterward

Let's us just all like... go and have sex with Celestia and Luna and maybe some homosexual expriences with Discord and tell Fluttershy to fuck off

>>11579992
>>11579999
Luna found a tent for you when you arrived, so hopefully she can do the same for Rose. You head back toward the princesses' tent, keeping an eye out for Luna. You don't have to go far, though, as you bump into Luna on the way there. With her eyes scanning the camp, she seems to be searching for someone or something as well.

"Hello, Princess," you say, nodding to her.

She returns the greeting, her attention settling on the pony cradled in your arms. "Enjoyed yourselves tonight?" You can't tell if she's disapproving of your actions or simply joking with you.

"Yeah, you could say that." You shift Rose's position. Your arms are started to get pretty worn out. "Do you have a place for Rose? She doesn't exactly have a tent."

"Oh! Yes, of course. Our bundle of joy guest. I'm sure there's something open for her. Go ask the guard stationed in the main guard tent. He should be able to direct you to an open tent."

You try to hide a guilty smile, but fail miserably. "Well, see, the thing about that... the guard from that tent is kinda in the same state as Rose."

Luna raises an eyebrow at you, then shakes her head. "Very well. I'll send a fresh guard over there to help you out." She takes off in a hurry, though you call to her before she's out of earshot. "Looking for someone?"

[cont]

>>11580545
"Yes, I can't seem to find my sister. It's about time she got some rest. Can you tell her to go back to our tent if you see her?"

"Sure."

"Thank you." With that, she's gone.

You sigh to yourself as you make your way to the tent. Every time you run into Luna or Celestia, there's some sort of miscommunication or complete lack of communication between the two. On the surface, it seems like they're a united front, but they care so much about what the other thinks of them they can't be truly honest.

As you stand, waiting for the guard, you shift your hands to Rose's flank and lay her head and forelegs over your shoulder, alleviating some of the weight. She hums and instinctively nuzzles into your shoulder, finding it much more agreeable as a pillow. You're about to sneak in a pat on her head when the guard arrives. He shows you an empty tent not far from your own and you lay Rose inside, wishing her a good night before zipping it up.

The sound of rustling bushes catches your attention and you look out into the forest beyond the camp.

Was that a flash of a pony's white coat?

>>11580545
And then you start to fart uncontrollably

>>11580591
So ends today's session. Hope you enjoyed.

Next will be next Wednesday, 7pm UTC-5.

>>11580610
Alrighty then.

I look forward to more shenanigans next time I can participate.

>>11580591
We're hallucinating due to lack of sleep.
Follow it obviously.

>>11580298
Don't feel bad, it's as bad as it seems to be

>>11580610
Thanks for another great session!

>>11580591
>Celestia was spying on us
oh you devil