/q/ - Quest

ADVENTURE!

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Northlands Season 2 - Episode 1 DM 372939[Last 50 Posts]

This is the story of a pony who strives to unite the lands he was born and raised in.
With the lands he owned by birthright claimed, and an ally to the south earned, he and his remaining champions marched upon an enemy to both him and his newfound friend.
And standing in the Arena of Eaglecrest, eye to eye with the Warrior King Ebonreth, he knows this will be a deciding moment in his life. And the lives of all who live in the north.

EPISODE 1: NOT DEAD. NOT YET!

Venia [Battlemage] 372940

>>372939
And so it begins again.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 372941

>>372939
I need to get back into my lovely trustworthly paladin mindset.
Where am I, exactly?

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 372942

And last I can remember, I was talking with Fleetflight in his room, about phylosopical questions aimed to answer the question "why do we fight".

Lecturer !tnLuqirnVM ID: 55781 372943

They'll be watching the Deep Roads, of course. The Array on both ends. Neither is an option. The overland is the only possible route. Unfortunately that lies through barbarian lands. Eaglecrest. So be it.

Lecturer 10 [???] 372944

>>372943
I forgot the pound sign starts tripcodes.

Unnamed slave [Monk] 372945

boop

DM 372946

>>372943
Those were brave thoughts.
In hindsight, maybe the roads could have been trusted. At least only Frostmourn's troops guard those.
Then, hindsight is not much good when you have already been captured.
Vastly outnumbered by the guard patrol, and with no immediate way to escape, you are offered a choice by the patrol leader.
"We hear there's a big tournament starting at the arena. Perhaps you'd be willing to earn a second chance there, spy?"
>>372942
I guess you're not here any more…?
>>372941
>>372940
The battles are soon to begin. Frostmourn has equipped all his flashier gear and met up with you in the quarters you had been given.
"So, here it begins. You two were going to be in the first match, right?"
>>372945
Being used to a rude awakening in a smelly slave pit, waking up in a comfy bed to the rays of the sun is a welcome change, if not one you'll be getting used to in a while.
Life sure is different now that you are a free pony… No more labor and chores, no more master yelling at you… not that he was that bad. Just a little temperamental. Yeah…
He even left you that outfit you always admired. It's not exactly a perfect fit, but it's still nicer than rags. Warmer too.
There is a knock on your door.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 372947

>>372946
I suppose I'm wearing something something SUNSUNSUN then.

I nod.
"Don't worry about us. What about you?"

Venia [Battlemage] 372948

>>372946
I smile at him
"Yes we were. You look good, Frostmourn. How are you feeling?"

Lecturer 10 [???] 372949

>>372946
Mind reader. What does he intend? Will they really let me go? Is he trustworthy? What are his surface thoughts? '1d10+1'

"Apologies, but I am not a spy. What do you have in mind, exactly, sir? A gentleman such as yourself can easily discern that I am no warrior. You'll find I am quite unarmed."

Roll #1 9 + 1 = 10

Unnamed slave [Monk] 372950

>>372946
I quickly get out of bed and slowly open up the door, quietly staring at whoever is behind it.

DM 372951

>>372947
That is, after all, your motif.
Your armour is polished enough to match the sun itself, and the sun pendant gently dangles from your neck.
"My battle is the last one. The climax.
I've done all I can to get ready."
>>372948
"Firm, if worried. Try not to get hurt out there."
>>372949
He wants to get on with this shit so he can watch the arena fights. All his buddies will be there. They probably even saved him a seat. If only, for damn once, these Rockeye mules would cooperate and not waste time…
"You go in, you are assigned a match, you fight, and everyone has a good time.
Then we might let you scram."
>>372950
It's one of the arena officials. You've seen them around a lot. They handle announcements and rosters, as well as tend to the fighters.
"Good morning"

Venia [Battlemage] 372952

>>372951
I chuckle
"I wont, don't you dare worry about me. You just focus on your battle, okay?"

Unnamed slave [Monk] 372953

>>372951
I stare at him for a moment longer, then blink.
"Good morning. What is it you need?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 372954

>>372951
"Remember our training, and don't lose your nerves, okay?"

Did I manage to in-wimp him in those few weeks of time I had?

Lecturer 10 [???] 372955

>>372951
"Very well, I don't think I would be very entertaining to watch, but if you'll let me go, I'll cooperate. You can go watch your fights, and I can continue with my journey and out of your hair and country."

DM 372956

>>372952
"For now, I will focus on yours. I'll be watching after all."
>>372954
His current state /10
'1d10+2'
>>372953
"As I recall, you mentioned once or twice about wanting to try out the arena fights.
Well, as luck, good or bad, would have it, one of today's fighters had to cancel, and we need a replacement.
Interested?"
>>372955
"Hm? Well now. Hear that, guys? A Rockeye creep who actually cooperates!"
"Well ain't that a first…"
"Too true."
The leader turns back to you
"Off to a good start, but I don't really trust you enough no to cuff you for the walk."
He takes out some shackles

Roll #1 8 + 2 = 10

Venia [Battlemage] 372957

>>372956
I smile
"You watch me well, Frostmourn. Maybe you'll learn a thing or two."

Unnamed slave [Monk] 372958

>>372956
I stay quiet for another moment, then nod slowly.
"Yes."

Lecturer 10 [???] 372959

>>372956
Eye the shackles. "Putting those around my legs will make it hard to walk and may make us late for the competition. I won't resist if they're necessary, but I think all of you are more than enough to overpower me if I try anything."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 372960

>>372956
Looks like I trained him well.

DM 372961

>>372958
He breathes out in relief
"Good. Great!
…do you have combat gear?"
>>372957
"I sure hope so. You've already taught me much."
>>372959
He thinks for a while, then snaps a larger shackle around your neck
"That'll have to do then. Let's move out!"
Looks like your next destination is the arena
>>372956
>>372960
Looks like Frosty is looking like a proper fucking soldier at last, filling out his armour well, with even his exposed head and neck muscular and masculine.
Yet he still has his old eyes…

Venia [Battlemage] 372962

>>372961
"You give me too much credit… it was a whole team effort!"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 372963

>>372961
I smile at him.
"One last important thing, Frostmourn. Don't doubt yourself when it comes to your turn. Just fight and do your best. The Sun will decide the rest."

Lecturer 10 [???] 372964

>>372961
Very well then, I won't resist.

What's around here? Is it loud? Do I see possible opponents? Where am I staying?

Unnamed slave [Monk] 372965

>>372961
I turn around and fetch my rusty old dagger, then return to the door to present it to him.

DM 372966

>>372962
"Still. You played a great part in it."
>>372963
"And if it won't… I will."
He flashes a confident smile
>>372964
The arena is huge. Seems like a waste for just fights… In Rockeye, only places of learning are that big.
The patrol stops some sort of official near the doors.
"We caught a well-behaved snoop. Got any matches we could toss him into?"
"YES! Oh you are life savers. The next match is slated for the Queen of Wintersgrasp and the High King's guard… but both their opponents had to cancel! Cancel! Can you believe it!?"
"Calm it. What happened?"
"They probably drank themselves useless!"
"It was their choice, but a bad one. Well, you can use this one. I got a seat reserved and don't want to miss this."
The leader gives your chain to the official and walks off, removing his helmet and chatting happily with his comrades.
In the background, you can hear roaring cheers.
The official looks rather exhausted
"Please don't run. I've had an awful day so far. Just… come along, ok?"
>>372965
"…I'll take that as a no.
This isn't really standard procedure, but… I can get you a proper one. Single dagger is your style then, or?"

Venia [Battlemage] 372967

>>372966
"Well either way… I'm very proud of you. Who would have thought we'd be standing here after all these years…"

Lecturer 10 [???] 372968

>>372966
Mind reader. Can I determine what will happen if I lose, refuse to fight, or throw the match? '1d10+1'

"I won't run. Will magic be permitted?"

Roll #1 4 + 1 = 5

Unnamed slave [Monk] 372969

>>372966
I cock my head
"Style? I'm not sure if… maybe swords might be better. This is just the only weapon I… own."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 372970

>>372966
"That's what I like to hear. Sun Bless you."

>>372967
Turn to hear.
"Are you ready?"

Venia [Battlemage] 372971

>>372970
I nod
"Of course."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 372972

>>372971
Smile at her.
"Let's hope this will go better than the Underkingdom."

Venia [Battlemage] 372973

>>372972
"It wasn't too bad, was it? A little rocky maybe, but we did manage to handle it in the end."

DM 372974

>>372967
"I would."
>>372970
"Thank you.
Fight well, and make me proud."
>>372968
His mind is a jumble, but a relieved one
"Not really, unless you agree beforehand with your opponents."
>>372969
"Ah yes, you used to be a slave, right? Sword then. Right.
Hey… if you don't mind me asking… how long have you been free now?"

Lecturer 10 [???] 372975

>>372974
"Do I still go free if I lose? I understand I'll be up against royalty."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 372976

>>372973
"The Sun was watching over us, even if we were underground… and in the end, we did."

>>372974
"I will."

By the way I remember I'm optimistic because I'm pursuing a vision I saw who was totally not Celestia, right?

Unnamed slave [Monk] 372977

>>372974
"… Free? I don't… I don't know. I did not count the cycles…"
I think for a moment.
"I think less than a moon cycle."

Venia [Battlemage] 372978

>>372974
"I'm glad your optimism and vision paid off then."
I smile and move in to give him a hug.

>>372976
I break off from the hug and nod.
"Let's hope the Sun does not forget about us today then."

DM 372979

>>372975
"Put on a good show and I think we'll all walk out of here satisfied.
I'm not going to exactly bother with interrogations now, so all I need is a stage name and what sort of weapon you use so we can get you one."
>>372977
"Well.
…come with me. I want to give you something."
>>372976
I expect the players to track their own character plots. I have dozens of NPCs to keep straight.
>>372978
He brushes softly against your cheek
"Couldn't have done it without you…"

Lecturer 10 [???] 372980

>>372979
"A bludgeon… mace or flail. It's all I can use. As for a name?"

Think about it for a moment…

"They call me… Ten."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 372981

>>372979
I remember, duh, I just needed clarification!
I'm not a very clever pony!

>>372978
I chuckle slightly.
"With how much I praise it, I would be hurt if it did."

Venia [Battlemage] 372982

>>372979
"Like I said… team effort, Frostmourn. It's largely thanks to that that we managed to accomplish so much in so little time."

Unnamed slave [Monk] 372983

>>372979
I nod and obediently follow him.
"Okay."

DM 372984

>>372980
"Ten. Hm. A little on the boring side, but I'll do my best.
So a flail then? I'll take you to the grounds and get you one.
Ready?"
>>372983
he takes you to his room nearby, and digs in his closer for a moment then brings you a sword in a nice scabbard
"It was a present I got from my aunt years ago. I don't even know how to fight with a sword so I never used it.
It's just taking up space in there so… why don't you have it?
Happy… second chance at life."
>>372982
"Indeed…
Now, let us not slow down! We still have a lot to do!"

Lecturer 10 [???] 372985

>>372984
"I am ready."

Unnamed slave [Monk] 372986

>>372984
I take a closer look at it
It isn't a longsword, is it? Something shorter like a broadsword or a shortsword would be easier to handle or even dual wield.
Either way, I cock my head in confusion
"For… me? What is the cost?"

Venia [Battlemage] 372987

>>372984
"Yeah, we do."
I take a deep breath and look at Radiant.
"Let's get to that arena."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 372988

>>372987
I nod.
"Let's."

DM 372989

>>372985
"Good."
He takes you through a few winding corridors in the arena's vast underbelly, past holding rooms, infirmaries, showers and the like. Finally, he opens a door to a room next to the inner wall of the arena
"Your partner will be here shortly. Stretch up and get ready. I'll bring your flail."
As he leaves he turns to nod at you
"Good luck out there Ten."
>>372986
It seems to be a
1 long
2 bastard
3 broad
4 short
'1d4' sword
"The cost is you go out there and give those Wintersgrasp upstarts hell! Show them that even a former slave of Eaglecrest can match their queen and royal guard."
>>372987
>>372988
Frostmourn nods and the three of you head to the arena.
An official stops you near the gates
"Welcome.
High King, please join King Ebonreth in the Royal Seat.
Combatants, please follow me."

Roll #1 1 = 1

Lecturer 10 [???] 372990

>>372989
"Thank you. It will be necessary."

DM 372991

>>372990
"Afraid so. From what I hear, the queen of Wintersgrasp is no pushover."
He shuts the door.
From the other door, you can observe the end of the current match

Unnamed slave [Monk] 372992

>>372989
It will do.
I reluctantly take the sword.
"Okay."
I look at him expectantly.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 372993

>>372989
Follow.

Venia [Battlemage] 372994

>>372989
Do as told.

DM 372995

>>372992
"Great!"
He beams with happiness
"I'm so glad I could help. Now then, go put on your fighting gear and we can get going."
>>372993
>>372994
The official leads you under the arena to a room by the side of the inner wall
"Please wait here. The doors will be opened for you when the match begins."
There is a barred window on the door you can watch the match from.

Venia [Battlemage] 372996

>>372995
"Any word on who our opponents are? What they fight like?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 372997

>>372995
Prepare my hammer, and start praying.
'1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

Unnamed slave [Monk] 372998

>>372995
I nod quietly and sheathe the sword, then head over to put on whatever gear I have as told.

DM 372999

>>372996
He looks a little uneasy
"Uh… that's um… a surprise?"
>>372998
He follows you around, minding his eyes as you change
"Now then, lets get to the arena.
…oh, and I forgot to ask, what should I announce you as?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373000

>>372999
I open my eyes and tilt my head.
"Surprise?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373001

>>372999
"Oh… well that makes things more exciting, I guess."

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373002

>>372999
I give him a blank look and stay quiet for a moment, before speaking up again in a level voice.
"I am number seven."

DM 373003

>>373000
>>373001
"Yeah…
The match will start shortly. Please excuse me, I need to get to the announcement booth."
>>373002
"…I can't exactly work with that, Seven.
Can you think up a… stage name of sorts?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373004

And so I find myself in Eaglecrest, dispatched to check up on King Unyielding's wife, and take a gander at Deep Rock's son. see exactly what I'm supposed to protect.
Just have to find them, is all.

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373005

>>373003
I think hard for a moment, then shake my head.
"I don't know… help?"

DM 373006

>>373004
Looks like a lot of the folks are talking about some big tournament going on at the arena.
…must be that huge building near the palace.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373007

>>373003
I nod, close my eyes and pray a bit more.
'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373008

>>373006
Well, then there I go. Just hope I don't walk into the wrong entrance.

DM 373009

>>373005
He thinks for a moment
"Well… considering your status… how about… Freedom Fighter?
Or… Beauty Unleashed?"
He gives a little smile
>>373007
The sounds of battle are throwing off your focus.
Your heart yearns to show them what a true warrior is like…
>>373008
No need to worry. They have bouncers for that
"Hey you!"
"Where you going?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373010

>>373009
"This is the way into the arena, right?"

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373011

>>373009
I frown slightly.
"Fighter… master called me fighter sometimes. A fighter. One of many."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373012

>>373009
And I will show them how to truly fight…
BUT NOT WITHOUT PROPER PRAISING BEFOREHOOF
'1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

Lecturer 10 [???] 373013

>>373011
Have they arrived to my room yet? I'm getting lonely.

DM 373014

>>373010
"Audience entrance is on the right."
"You got seats reserved?"
>>373011
"They say all in Eaglecrest are fighters. Warriors.
…lets go."
He takes you to a room under the arena, where another is already waiting
>>373012
You bit your lip and draw a little blood.
It hurts.. but it tastes good.
The pain is good too.
Pain. Pain is something you always knew about. Pain of the heart. Of the mind. Of the body. Of the soul. Pain you have lived with. Dealt with. Overcome. Mastered.
And pain… pain is what you will show those fools who stand before you.
Not for Wintersgrasp
Not for Frostmourn
Not for the Sun
Not even for yourself
But for the simplest reason of all
Because you can.
>>373013
Looks like she just arrived.

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373015

>>373014
I go stand next to the other, expression as neutral as ever.

Lecturer 10 [???] 373016

>>373014
>>373015
Mind reader. What kind of pony is she? What can I glean from her surface thoughts? '1d10+1'

"Good day. Pleasure to make your acquaintance. It looks like we'll be partners for now. They call me Ten. What can I call you?"

Roll #1 7 + 1 = 8

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373017

>>373014
"Not per se, though I've been sent on royal business."
I'll smile a little under my helmet.
"Though perhaps that business could be better served as a contender than as an observer. Have Queen Venia's and King Frostmourn's matches already been fought?"

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373018

>>373016
I turn my head to look at him.
"… Seven. Or Fighter."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373019

>>373014
You are starting to think of those thoughts again, Radiant…
Enough praying for now, stand up and get ready.
…I will show it for… what I saw in that vision. For her Glory. To make her proud. Maybe then I can meet her. Feel that happines again. She will smile like that on me again. I will win for her!

Venia [Battlemage] 373020

>>373019
"Are you okay?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373021

>>373020
I suck on my lip slightly and nod.
"Yes, I'm fine. I was just… thinking."

Venia [Battlemage] 373022

>>373021
"Oh… okay."

Lecturer 10 [???] 373023

>>373018
Interesting. Not sure what to make of her.

"Seven? What a coincidence."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373024

>>373022
"Why?"

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373025

>>373023
"I don't understand. Why?"

DM 373026

>>373015
>>373016
Soon the other handler returns with a flail
"Damn that was hard to find. Everyone in here ready?"
>>373017
"The queen's match is starting in a few minutes tops"
"The King's Challenge won't be until tomorrow evening."

Venia [Battlemage] 373027

>>373024
"You were kind of biting yourself hard…"

Lecturer 10 [???] 373028

>>373025
"Yes."

>>373025
"Both seven and ten are numbers, you see. You are Seven, I am Ten."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373029

>>373026
"Then I haven't missed it. Good."
Nodding, I'll think a moment.
"Still… it's been some time since I've measured myself against others. I'm certain their companions are fighting in this as well…"
I'll paw my hoof slightly on the ground.
"It would be remiss of me not to get the measure of those also tasked with the safety of the Queen of Wintersgrasp, and King Frostmourn…"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373030

>>373027
"Uh… because I was thinking hard."

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373031

>>373026
"Yes."

>>373028
I consider that for a moment, then nod.
"I understand, you are a servant serving a master like I… used to. Thank you for explaining this to me."

Venia [Battlemage] 373032

>>373030
"Hey…"
I pat her on the shoulder.
"Don't worry, okay? I'm always here to talk if you need me."

DM 373033

>>373029
"If you want to get into a match, you should talk to one of the organizers."
"…also? So you're with the High King then?"

>>373032
>>373031
>>373030
>>373028
Any time you're ready, just say so.
Finish your talks first, there is no rush.

Lecturer 10 [???] 373034

>>373031
Behind my featureless mask, I smile.

"I do, in a way. We are all servants, aren't we?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373035

>>373032
I shake my head.
"I'm not worried, I know we will win. She is with me."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373036

>>373033
I'll nod.
"King Deep Rock sent me to make certain his son didn't die for any foolish reasons, and as a favor to King Unyielding I was also sent to check on his queen."

"Now, where are these organizers?"

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373037

>>373034
I think for a moment.
"But our masters aren't servants. We serve them, they don't serve us. They take care of us, but don't serve us."

Lecturer 10 [???] 373038

>>373037
"Our masters have their own masters. For every master you see, he serves another. Similarly, while I serve another, there are those that serve me."

DM 373039

>>373036
"Deep Rock's son?"
"He means the High King."
"I thought that guy was from Wintersgrasp?"
"Word is, he's a bastard."
"…ooooh."
"The organizers should be in the officer. Take a left and head to the top tier."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373040

>>373039
I'll nod, and be on my way.
Once I reach the office, I'll knock.

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373041

>>373038
"Okay. I will remember. Thank you for teaching me."
I turn my head back again, not looking at him anymore.

Lecturer 10 [???] 373042

>>373041
Pause.

"Please don't kill the Queen of Wintersgrasp if you can help it."

And with that, I turn my attention to the door as well.

Ready.

Venia [Battlemage] 373043

>>373035
"If you say so, Radiant."
Ready too.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373044

>>373043
Ready as ever.

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373045

>>373042
"Okay. I only kill if commanded."

DM 373046

>>373040
"Enter.
…yes? What business?"
>>373042
>>373043
>>373044
>>373045
The doors open.
Make your entrances.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373047

>>373046
"I was hoping to join the tourney. Walk-ins are acceptable, are they not? And I don't suppose I've arrived before Queen Venia's match, have I?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373048

boop

Lecturer 10 [???] 373049

>>373046
I approach, then.

"It's an honor, Queen Venia. This is not how I had intended to meet. I have a letter of introduction, of course."

Withdraw it from my robes and hold it out for her.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373050

>>373046
Time to see what we are up against.
Nod at Venia then walk in.
Stand tall.
Raise my hammer in the air.
"Victory and Glory for the Sun!"
For her! I will defeat them!
Prayer of Wings.

Then face the opponents next to Venia.

Venia [Battlemage] 373051

>>373046
I walk into the battleground, siding next to Radiant.

>>373049
I cock a brow
"Please, there's no need for formalities. Just call me Venia. We stand as equals on the battlefield today, after all."
I take the letter and open it up.

>>373050
I roll my eyes with a smile at her intro.

Lecturer 10 [???] 373052

>>373051
On behalf of the Rockeye CLANDESTINE CONVENTION FOR BANNED RESEARCH, this letter hereby announces its bearer, Lecturer 10, as our representative and legate to Vizier Verne of Wintersgrasp on our behalf in accordance with Convention Resolution 114 passed on the 3802nd day of convention of the Tenth Convention, duly appointed by our President.

Attest:
Lecturer #2
Lecturer #5
Lecturer #6
Lecturer #9

Signed:
President
Lecturer #10

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373053

>>373046
I walk in quietly, standing next to Ten without saying a word.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373054

>>373052
>>373051
"I hope you brought something bigger than a letter to fight."

Lecturer 10 [???] 373055

>>373054
"Apologies. I have been press-ganged into the fight. I don't want to fight either of you. They provided me with a flail, though."

Venia [Battlemage] 373056

>>373052
I smile
"Rockeye, how lovely. I very much liked that city. So much magic… fascinating place."

>>373053
I nod at her as well.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373057

>>373055
>>373053
I frown slightly.
"I thought this was a fighting tournament."

Lecturer 10 [???] 373058

>>373056
"How pleasant to hear you approve. I have no doubt that when I finally reach my destination, we will come to amicable agreements."

Lecturer 10 [???] 373059

>>373057
"It would seem that I'm being used as a replacement."

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373060

>>373056
I bow my head slightly.

>>373057
"I can fight, my lady. I was told not to kill and given a sword."

Venia [Battlemage] 373061

>>373055
>>373060
I cock my head
"Well… that's surprising alright."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373062

>>373059
>>373060
"I will not kill anypony either, but don't expect me to hold back."

Lecturer 10 [???] 373063

>>373062
"I'd rather just concede the match, but I don't think they'll let me go unless it's visually impressive…"

DM 373064

>>373048
Please provide your final sheet in the meta.
Radiant and Venia are about to fight two mystery opponents.
Frosty is seated with Ebonreth.
>>373047
"It should be starting right now.
There are some matches left open still if you want a shot."
>>373050
>>373049
>>373051
>>373053
"WELCOME ONE AND ALL TO THE FIRST BIG EVENT OF THE DAY!

INTRODUCING!
Queen Venia of Wintersgrasp! A shining example of a warrior monarch, and as beautiful as she is powerful! Just look at that armour shine! Everyone give a big hoof!

Next is Lady Radiant Goldentail, Paladin of the Sun and Royal Guard of the High King! Her wings are so pretty you don't even mind the face! And better look out for that hammer if you have a big mouth like I do.

Facing them first, is Ten. A faceless enigma if we ever saw one. Keep your thoughts to yourself if you don't want him to say them out loud, and try not to let it distract you or it's good night from that big flail!

And finally Freedom Fighter, a sweet gal who always wanted a taste of the battle to give that life-toned body a chance to shine!

LET THE GAMES…. BEGIN!"

A referee walks up to the center
"What'll it be on the rules side?
Magic? Hits in the back? Throwing dirt? Other dirty tricks?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373065

>>373063
I grin
"Let's give them a magic show then."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373066

>>373064
"Those will have to do."
On hearing the announcer, I'll grimace under my helm.
Well, at least I'll get to watch. And she has Lady Radiant with her, so that's something.
"Though, if I could be matched against any of King Frostmourn's companions, that would be preferable."

Lecturer 10 [???] 373067

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373068

>>373064
Snarl slightly at the face comment.
"Magic is acceptable, but I don't think the audience wants anypony to hide."

Venia [Battlemage] 373069

>>373064
"It's all fine by me, personally."

>>373068
I chuckle softly
"Though I think Radiant would rather not have any backhoofed attacks."

DM 373070

>>373066
"I believe one or two should still be open.
What's your name?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373071

>>373070
"Waxing Crescent, of Ironfoe."

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373072

>>373064
I listen intently as the others discuss what is and isn't allowed.

DM 373073

>>373071
"Very well. Now if you'll excuse me, the match has begun and I don't want to miss it."
He heads to the room's balcony
>>373072
>>373069
>>373068
>>373067
"So
-No hiding
-No dirty tricks
-Magic is allowed
Sound right?"

Lecturer 10 [???] 373074

>>373068
>>373069
"If I have access to magic, that's all I need."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373075

>>373073
"Nor do I. Do you mind if I join you, until I have to dash to be in time for my own match?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373076

>>373074
>>373073
I nod.
"That's it, yes."

Venia [Battlemage] 373077

>>373073
"Sounds fine to me."

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373078

DM 373079

>>373075
"Be my guest. I had some snacks in the back, mind getting them?"
>>373074
>>373076
>>373077
>>373078
"THEN IT IS DECIDED!
IN THIS MATCH, MAGIC IS A-OK!
BUT NO SNEAKY TRICKS AND NO HIDING!

COMMENTATING ON THIS MATCH WILL BE EAGLECREST'S ALL-STAR PAIR

YOU KNOW HIM, YOU LOVE HIM! HE'S MANLY! HE'S TENACIOUS! HE'S ME! 'HEARTLESS' ARTLESS!
AND WITH ME… THIS GUY!"
Sylt get in here

Commentator 373080

>>373079
"The moment has come for the brave to fight and measure their might! On your toes, champions!"

Everyone, roll initiative.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373081

>>373079
"Not at all."
And I'll bring those up to the balcony, and watch the match.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373082

>>373079
>>373077
I ready my hammer and nod to Venia.

>>373080
'1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

373083

>>373080

Roll #1 9 = 9

373084

>>373080
>>373082
And I nod back
"So it begins."

Roll #1 2 = 2

373085

>>373079

Roll #1 10 = 10

Commentator 373086

>>373085
>>373084
>>373083
>>373082
Please declare your starting range.
"A rather dashing attitude for our unnamed contestant, ready to take the world head on!
His might seems to be inspiring his companion too, as they are facing the solid hooves of a battle-proofed paladin and the not-so-sure footing of the famous Queen Venia!"
First round starts now.

373087

>>373086
No time to waste. Transfix the queen.

Roll #1 8 + 3 = 11

373088

>>373086
I charge in to strike the Celestial.

Roll #1 7 = 7

DM 373089

>>373086
"That'd be Freedom Fighter, pal. At least so my papers say. Lets see where this goes."

Commentator the Second 373090

>>373087
Please, wait your turn. You are second. Also, you didn't state your range, I take it is close since Transfix is Near only.
>>373089
"Freedom Fighter? What, did he come out of some storybook for children?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373091

Lecturer 10 [???] 373092

>>373090
Correct assumption. It doesn't matter the order we roll since you have the order of combat right?

Commentator the Second 373093

>>373091
2late, you lost initiative to Lecturer 10, who decided to start in Near.

DM 373094

>>373090
"I think that's a she.
And who knows. We've had cheesier stage names. Like mine."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373095

>>373086
Near
I fill my weapon with Holy Light and attack the female pegasus
Empower Weapon
'1d10+3'

Roll #1 6 + 3 = 9

Venia [Battlemage] 373096

>>373093
Okay. Now what?

Commentator the Second 373097

>>373094
"Do you remember that pony dressed up in flaming red stuff with a mask? What was he called, the leuchator or something?"
>>373096
Now you declare an action and roll.
>>373092
Right. It just makes it easier on me.

373098

>>373097
Okay
Electric Magic Bolt on Lecturer.
Unless that's not possible for some reason? In that case, just hit him with my warhammer.

Roll #1 9 + 2 = 11

DM 373099

>>373097
"More like Lewdchador, am I right?"

Commentator the Second 373100

>>373098
>>373087
"Looks like staying close up with a mage is not what you want to do!
After a rather shaky start Queen Venia is able to stand her ground against… Uh. The rather menacing gaze of Ten?"
Nothing happens. Ten still has turn priority.
>>373095
>>373088
"I wouldn't want to be in that poor bird right now. A warhammer strike to the side must hurt.
Why isn't she flying away anyway?"
Freedom Fighter loses 2 hits, currently 3/5. Radiant has priority.

Roll priority.
Ten
Venia
Radiant
Freedom

Lecturer 10 [Necromancer/???] 373101

>>373100
Well, that didn't work, let's try again.

Transfix the Queen! '1d10+3'

"Your will is strong."

Roll #1 5 + 3 = 8

373102

>>373101
Protective Bubble on myself.
"Maybe it is."

Roll #1 6 = 6

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373103

>>373100
Activate Fervor, Strike at her again!
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 4 + 2 = 6

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373104

>>373103
Nature elemental: earth.

DM 373105

>>373100
Might be good to keep the stats visible for each round

Radiant 6/6
Venia 5/5
Ten 5/5
Freedom 3/5

Commentator the Second 373106

>>373101
>>373102
"Hey pal, do you see them mages on there? They are just staring at each other!"
Both of you are locked. Venia cannot act until she breaks free of Ten's Transfix.
DC is Ten's roll+1
>>373104
>>373103
"The bird was trying to do some fancy stuff with her magic and her skin but looks like a well placed strike from the paladin stopped her dead in place!"

Radiant 6/6
Venia 5/5
Ten 5/5
Freedom 3/5

Commentator the Second 373107

>>373106
Roll order:
Ten, Radiant, Freedom, Venia.

DM 373108

>>373106
"This is why I don't like magic. Either it does fuck all or is just some flashy mumbo-jumbo you can't really even comment on beyond 'that happened'. Loving that hammer though. You can just FEEL the impact!"

Lecturer 10 [Necromancer/???] 373109

>>373106
"Looks like they're unsatisfied with the act. I'll have to try something flashier. My apologies."

Wrath! '1d10+1'

That hits all enemies.

Roll #1 10 + 1 = 11

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373110

>>373106
Bathe myself in the light of Divine Protection.
Feel the warmth of the Sun.

Heroic Fortitude.

373111

>>373106
I move in to strike the Celestial with my sword.

Roll #1 1 = 1

373112

>>373106
Trying to break free then, I guess.

Roll #1 3 = 3

Commentator the Second 373113

>>373110
>>373111
"Uhh, that's gotta hurt! Remember folks, never charge madly at a paladin while she's shining in golden light!"
Radiant is no2 immune to damage for 3 turns, Freedom takes a hit of damage.
>>373112
>>373109
Venia was freed the moment Ten decided not to recast Transfix
"And in a flash she goes! Who-oh! Look at that, the queen flew halfway across the arena!"

Radiant 6/6
Venia 3/5
Ten 5/5
Freedom 2/5

Roll order:
Ten
Radiant
Venia
Freedom

DM 373114

>>373113
"I could feel the heat all the way over here! What a smack! Lets see if the good queen can make a quick recovery!"

In the Royal Seat, Ebonreath laughs, ans Frosty winces

Lecturer 10 [Necromancer/???] 373115

>>373113
So Radiant can't be hurt at all, Venia is outside range, and my ally is hurt.

Transfix Radiant. '1d10+3'

"Please, stop."

Roll #1 8 + 3 = 11

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373116

>>373115
He better not be playing tricks on me.
That's why Venia was so unresposive and why he isn't attacking
Spellbreaker.
'1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

373117

>>373113
I spit out some blood and growl.
Electric lightning bolt on Lecturer

Roll #1 5 + 2 = 7

373118

>>373113
It's a good thing my master isn't around to see me.
Natural Remedy on myself

Roll #1 8 + 2 = 10

Commentator the Second 373119

>>373115
>>373116
Ten can apply the crit effect of Transfix.
"And there he goes again. One flashy move and bam, straight back to the staring. He's a strange fella. Kinda boring I'd say."
Radiant is locked.
>>373117
"This is what you get for staring! Ah!"
>>373118
"Is that the healthy glow of nature? Why yes I think it is!"

Radiant 6/6
Venia 3/5
Ten 3/5
Freedom 5/5

Order: Ten, Freedom, Venia, Radiant

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373120

>>373119
"Seems the pretty bird is holding well against those two. Queen Venia is doing alright, though it seems she's been a bit lacking in training…"
I'll stare at Radiant and Ten.
"Lady Radiant is quite straightforward in her attacks, don't you think? Lots of openings, but she's strong enough to power through most counters, it looks like."

DM 373121

>>373119
"Too true. Has a big flail right there, and won't even swing it.
I bet he'd make a better animal handler than arena fighter.
BUT LETS HOPE HE WON'T BE CARING FOR ANY NEIGHPONESE LIGHTING MICE BECAUSE BAM! THE QUEEN IS BACK IN THE GAME!"

373122

>>373119
Keep up the Transfix on Radiant.

"I am certain we can come to a peaceable solution."

Radiant, heal me! '1d10' (This roll goes unopposed, so it succeeds, right?)

Roll #1 8 + 3 = 11 / Roll #2 8 = 8

373123

>>373119
Move in to attack the Queen! Quick!

Roll #1 9 = 9

373124

>>373119
I charge at Lecturer, striking him with my hammer.

Roll #1 8 = 8

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373125

>>373119
COME ON I HAVE A STRONGER MIND THAN THIS I WILL BREAK HIM IN TWO SO HELP ME THE SUN
'1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

Commentator the Second 373126

>>373122
"What the- Is that mare healing her opponent?"
I'm seriously thinking that maintening rolls should not be affected by modifiers, but we need more tests. Not like all players will have access to Master Caster after all.
But there is Soul Catalyst to take into account…
>>373123
You are in far range. But since this is a crit, you are able to close the distance and score one hit.
>>373124
You are in far range from him, I'll take this as a roll to close the distance.
"Uuuuh! The queen should watch her steps! That hit on the side gotta burn!"
>>373125
Nah, you are bamboolized. Blame it on the terribly broken build he rolled.
Next turn is the last of HF.

Radiant 6/6
Venia 2/5
Ten 5/5
Freedom 5/5

Order
Ten, Freedom, Venia, Radiant

DM 373127

>>373122
Excuse me, since when does Influence grant access to the target's Skills?

Commentator the Second 373128

>>373127
Since the last night.

Lecturer 10 [Necromancer/???] 373129

>>373127
New influence as of last night, we discussed it in the skill redesign.

DM 373130

>>373127
>>373128
>>373129
I'm going to fucking stop even doing anything now. Good night.

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373131

I'm guessing we're paused because of disagreements?

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373132

>>373131
We paused because Wf has to leave

DM 373133

Sorry about the outburst

NEXT TIME ON NORTHLANDS
THE BATTLE FINISHES

Venia [Battlemage] 373234

Mistakes were made.
Battles were lost.
Hearts were broken.
Bets were won.
Bets were lost.
Laughs were had.
Tears were shed.
But even so, life continues.
I sigh and go pick up my warhammer from the battlefield, then help Radiant up.
"Are you okay?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373235

>>373234
I accept her hoof, stand up and grumble.
"Here I was, hoping that I would get a fight without trickery… we should have ruled out magic. It's not much of a fight if I can't even move…"

Venia [Battlemage] 373236

>>373235
"I'm sorry, I just didn't expect it to be like this."

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373237

>>373234
>>373235
>>373236
I quietly observe the two of them, not looking either glad or sad in the slightest.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373238

>>373236
"Neither did I. After that practice I had yesterday, I was ready for some pain and sweat of a real battle…"
I sigh.

Lecturer 10 [???] 373239

>>373236
>>373235
Approach. "Sincere apologies, your Majesty, and Lady Dawn. I did not want our first impression to be like this."

Lecturer 10 [???] 373240

>>373239
Retcon: He only called her "Goldentail", not "Dawn", so 10, not knowing who Radiant is, should have called her Lady Goldentail.

Venia [Battlemage] 373241

>>373238
"Well… it's only the first battle, right? There's more to come. More chances to be had."
I offer her a weak smile.

Venia [Battlemage] 373242

>>373239
"That's… it's fine. We agreed to use magic and we lost. I wasn't prepared enough for something like that."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373243

>>373241
I nod.
"Maybe with actual fighting for a change."

>>373239
I shake my head.
"We set the wrong terms, you just did what you were good at."
Narrow my eyes at him.
"Don't even try to do that thing to my mind ever again though, understood?"

Lecturer 10 [???] 373244

>>373242
"It's actually the purpose for my meeting with Vizier Verne. Granted sanctuary, the Convention would offer much to the Northlands in terms of unorthodox magic. Our meeting here is embarrassing coincidence."

>>373243
Nod. "I wouldn't think of it, of course, my Lady. Not without cause."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373245

>>373244
"For your sake, let's hope our causes are not too different."

Turn to the mare.
"What about you? You stood your ground valiantly as well."

Venia [Battlemage] 373246

>>373244
"Oh… I don't really know where Verna is right now. I think he might be either spectating or spending the day off someplace."

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373247

>>373245
I blink and shift my gaze over to her.
"Thank you, your grace."

Lecturer 10 [Lifebinder] 373248

>>373246
"I had intended to arrive over land in Wintersgrasp days from now. Unfortunately, I was waylaid by Eaglecrest soldiers. It's a remarkable coincidence to run into you, and by the sounds of it, possibly the High King and the good Vizier."

Venia [Battlemage] 373249

>>373248
"High King Frostmourn has challenged King Ebonreth to a one on one fight to seize the throne of Eaglecrest."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373250

>>373247
I smile slightly.
"I'm no noble. At least, I don't like to be treated as one. I'm a simple follower of the Sun."

Lecturer 10 [Lifebinder] 373251

>>373249
"That sounds to be a daunting task. I have never seen the High King or King Ebonreth before. Are they well matched?"

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373252

>>373250
I give her a blank look
"… How do you follow the sun?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373253

>>373252
"I pray to it and praise it every day, and the Sun graces me with protection, warmth and light. You haven't heard about the code of the Sun all your life?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373254

>>373251
"King Ebonreth spends his days punching holes through mountains, if the stories are to be believed. His strength is legendary. Though on the other hand, the High King does have access to high-quality golem armor to keep himself protected."

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373255

>>373253
I slowly shake my head.
"No. Master provides it all."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373256

>>373255
I tilt my head slightly.
"You believe in that master nonsense too?"

Lecturer 10 [Lifebinder] 373257

>>373254
"It's a relief to hear you're confident. After all, Eaglecrest is even less interested than Rockeye in our research. If your High King has will as strong as yours, he will prevail."

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373258

>>373256
"I don't understand. A master provides for his servants. He decides our fate."

Venia [Battlemage] 373259

>>373257
I chuckle
"Eaglecrestians don't care for much aside from fighting. Though they have actually yet to insult my magic, which is surprising."

>>373258
I cock my head at her but say nothing.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373260

>>373258
I shake my head.
"We shape our own fates, and only the Sun can judge us in how we do so."

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373261

>>373260
I shake my head.
"Our master never told us to praise the sun, so we do not."

Lecturer 10 [Lifebinder] 373262

>>373259
"It is astounding that two so different cultures could share a border."

Pause, "'Knowledge is power', you know."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373263

>>373261
"You should! Everypony should praise the Sun? And what sort of master?"

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373264

>>373263
"My master. I am not with him anymore now. But I was raised under him and served him. Now he is dead."

Venia [Battlemage] 373265

>>373262
"True, but you need strength as well. I combine both, that's how I was raised and trained."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373266

>>373264
"And he never thought you how to follow the Sun? How to live a good life?"

Lecturer 10 [Lifebinder] 373267

>>373265
Chuckle. "I'll concede that to you. I'm certainly not a warrior, just a lecturer."

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373268

>>373266
I slowly shake my head.
"No. We live to serve. Serve to live. We follow the masters' demands and provide him to sate his needs."

Venia [Battlemage] 373269

>>373267
"I'm sure you and Verne will get along splendidly. He was never one to fight either. Either way, you gave us a run for our money."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373270

>>373268
"What? No! That sounds like something a slave would say! Nopony controls us but ourselves, and nopony can judge us but the Sun!"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373271

And then I trot along.
>>373269
>>373270
"Am I the only one in the whole stadium who didn't understand the staring thing?"

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373272

>>373270
I nod.
"You understand now. I am a slave to my master's will. Or was. My master is dead now."

Venia [Battlemage] 373273

>>373271
"Well we-"

>>373272
I jerk my head to look at her
"Hold on… you were enslaved?"

Lecturer 10 [Lifebinder] 373274

>>373269
"Thank you. The High King plans to unite the disparate lands of the north. To do that, he'll have to win hearts and minds, and that is what I would like to offer him."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373275

>>373271
"No, but at least I know I wasn't the only one who disliked it."

>>373272
My eyes widen.
"What… I'm sorry… you were a slave?!"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373276

>>373273
Jerk my head along with her and raise a brow suspiciously to the pegasus.

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373277

>>373273
>>373275
I slowly look between the two of them.
"Yes. My parents were slaves. I am a slave. Was a slave…"
I frown slightly
"Unsure what I am without my master."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373278

>>373277
"Uh… A pony?"
Cock my head.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373279

>>373277
"That's… terrible! You are a pony, not an item anypony else can own!"

Venia [Battlemage] 373280

>>373277
"You are a free pony of course! Where are you from? Eaglecrest itself?"

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373281

>>373278
>>373279
I stare at them for a moment, then cock my head
"I am a pony. I was born as a pony. My race did not change after master died."

>>373280
"Free pony… Not sure what to do about that. How can I serve if I am free? I don't know where I was born. I don't remember my parents. I just… am."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373282

>>373281
"Right… She's gonna need a lot of help."
>>373274
Turn to him.
"So, you were saying something about Verne?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373283

>>373274
"Well, Ironfoe is a good ally to us. I'm glad those endless wars and suffering are over."

>>373281
I shake my head
"You serve yourself. Or find a goal to strive towards. Or a creed to live by."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373284

>>373281
I look sadly at her.
"You poor soul… You could serve the Sun. Find a purpose."

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373285

>>373283
>>373284
"… But how to serve the sun? It does not talk. It does not give out orders."

Lecturer 10 [Lifebinder] 373286

>>373282
"I had intended to meet with the Vizier at Wintersgrasp."

>>373283
"Even enemies can be made allies if you understand them. Communication is very important, and when that fails… Well, you saw firsthand that there are ways to force peace."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373287

>>373285
"The Sun doesn't order you, it gives you guidance!"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373288

>>373286
Roll my eyes.
"You sure do talk like him."
>>373287
"I think you might just be confusing her right now."

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373289

>>373287
I consider that for a moment, then shake my head.
"The sun gives light. And warmth. But it shines everywhere. It is neutral."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373290

>>373289
I huff.
"No, the Sun is good. We would be nothing without it."

>>373288
Roll my eyes.
"I'm just trying to show her the light she's been missing all her life, Pumpkin."

Venia [Battlemage] 373291

>>373286
"Exactly. That's why we want to unite the North under a single banner. To end the threat of endless infighting."

>>373285
>>373289
"It's more of an idea that you follow. A code to guide you. It requires you to know those guidelines and that code, then apply them in practice. Which means it requires for you to think for yourself what the best course of action is."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373292

>>373290
"And she thinks the light means a master to follow. You are not doing a great job by the looks of it."

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373293

>>373290
>>373291
"I don't understand. The sun does not speak. Where do these guidelines come from?"

Lecturer 10 [Lifebinder] 373294

>>373288
"I haven't met in the flesh. Is he a teacher as well?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373295

>>373292
"Shush you, we are serious here and now."

>>373293
"The Sun speaks to those who pray to it and praise them enough. And the guidelines and moral codes have been around since… I don't know, since the Sun rose up every morning."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373296

>>373294
"Nah. He's more of a planner."
>>373293
"Look, think about it this way.
Nopony is gonna feed you now. Nopony is gonna tell you where to go or what to do.
You gotta choose on your own."
>>373295
"Losers have no right to talk."
Snicker.

Venia [Battlemage] 373297

>>373293
"The sun answers the prayers of those who are faithful. Just like the Moon does."

>>373296
"Pumpkin please, there is no need to act childish now."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373298

>>373296
"I would have won if it was a fair fight! And I can bash you in if that's what you want!"
Stomp a forehoof.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373299

>>373297
"I still think you are just confusing her."
>>373298
"Right, like we don't know how that's gonna end. I could defeat you when I was thirteen."

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373300

>>373295
>>373297
I blink, then nod.
"Okay."

>>373296
I frown slightly
"How?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373301

>>373299
"Not when you had to fight with your spine attached!"

>>373300
I turn away from Pumpkin and give her a hopeful smile.
"I could start teaching you in the ways of the Sun!"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373302

>>373300
"That's what they are talking about.
Just sit someplace and stop thinking. I usually watch the moon all night long. Try to fly over there, too, if I'm bored.
She speaks to you."
>>373301
"And that's why we don't fight anymore."

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373303

>>373301
"… You would be my new mistress?"
I consider this for a moment, then nod slowly.
"Okay."
I take out a roll piece of paper and hoof it to her.

Lecturer 10 [Lifebinder] 373304

>>373298
"Lady Goldentail poses a valid point. I do not fight so much as I dictate. It is a useful skill, but I would not call it battle."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373305

>>373304
"I've seen something similar already. Just don't try it on me, I have ways to stop that."

Lecturer 10 [Lifebinder] 373306

>>373305
"I would prefer to avoid conflict altogether."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373307

>>373303
I look at the paper and then back at her.
"…what?…. No, No, No! You won't be my slave! I won't be your mistress! I will be just your… teacher! A spiritual mentor! To help you find your own way in life!"

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373308

>>373307
I keep my hoof extended, holding my contract and staring at her blankly.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373309

>>373308
"You could start by burning that, you know."

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373310

>>373309
I slowly retract my hoof and stow it away again.
"I am not allowed to."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373311

>>373310
"By whom?"
Grin at her.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373312

>>373308
>>373310
I shake my head.
"That piece of paper isn't you!"
Place a hoof on her chest.
"What you really are is in there! Don't let yourself be dictated to by a piece of paper! Don't think that you are anything less than anypony else!"

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373313

>>373311
"Creed."

>>373312
"But I am a slave. I follow a master. Without a master, I have no purpose."

Lecturer 10 [Lifebinder] 373314

>>373313
"You were forced into the arena as well? Or was that your choice?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373315

>>373313
"What if you became your own master?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373316

>>373313
Roll my eyes and step back.
"Right, that's interesting. You will have to change that, in time."
>>373314
"Oh, so you were forced in there? That's strange, considering what Eaglecrest is like…"

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373317

>>373314
"They needed a fighter, I complied."

>>373315
I frown slightly as I consider this.
"A slave cannot own another slave."

>>373316
"Why?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373318

>>373317
"But don't you understand? You wouldn't be a slave! You would be… you!"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373319

>>373317
"Because your master is dead and nopony else is gonna own you now.
You might even become a master on your own."

Venia [Battlemage] 373320

>>373317
I sigh and look at her sadly.
"Where do you stay now that you're alone? And what's your name?"

Lecturer 10 [Lifebinder] 373321

>>373317
"Remember what I told you, Seven? Even masters have masters. The difference between a slave and a free pony is the ability to choose one's master."

>>373316
"I was surprised as well. I did not want to get involved."

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373322

>>373318
>>373319
"But it's my purpose. My destiny."

>>373320
"I stay in a room near the arena along with other fighters. I have no name. I am number seven."

>>373321
"What is my purpose without a master to direct me? What is my goal?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373323

>>373322
Okay, what's her cutiemark?
>>373321
"And seems like there are others, too. Strange, I heard the most skilled where sent in this tournament."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373324

>>373322
My jaw falls.
"You have no name?!"

Venia [Battlemage] 373325

>>373322
"You have no name!? But… that's absolutely horrible!"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373326

>>373324
>>373325
Whisper to both of them.
"I'm sure that's common for low level slaves…"

Lecturer 10 [Lifebinder] 373327

>>373322
"You have the freedom to choose your master."

>>373323
"I'm somewhat suspicious of Eaglecrest. I did not tell them I deal with mind magic yet they somehow knew. And their original competitors somehow disappeared so that we would replace them. This form of magic seems to be their weakness. I don't believe in coincidences."

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373328

>>373323
A mortar and pestle

>>373324
>>373325
"Not needed for a slave. We have a number for easy categorizing."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373329

>>373327
"…but why would be that good for them in any way?"

>>373328
"And you never even wanted one?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373330

>>373327
"I think stare magic would be anypony's weakness, really.
But I doubt they will make the mistake again, the crowd got bored quickly."
>>373328
"Bah. You are just scared, that's how I see it."

Lecturer 10 [Lifebinder] 373331

>>373329
"Perhaps they believed a loss would shake the High King's confidence before his fight."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373332

>>373331
I scratch my neck.
"I'll admit, he wasn't the bravest pony to begin with…"

Venia [Battlemage] 373333

>>373328
I sigh
"Unbelievable… that has to change!"

>>373331
"Possibly…"
I sigh
"I don't even want to face Frostmourn after that… so embarrassing."

Lecturer 10 [Lifebinder] 373334

>>373332
>>373333
"If that's the case, perhaps I should apologize to him directly."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373335

>>373333
"You don't need to be… we didn't actually got beaten in how a fight should be fought, did we?"

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373336

>>373329
I shake my head
"I am number seven. Master did not want a name for us, so we did not have one."

>>373330
"Scared?"

>>373333
"You want to give me a name? The pony who collected me called me Freedom Fighter."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373337

>>373336
"No, no… You should give yourself a name!"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373338

>>373336
"Scared of having to stand on your own. Take this step. Choose a name. There must be something you like."

Venia [Battlemage] 373339

>>373335
"Still… I'm a mage, Radiant. I'm supposed to be able to handle magic fights…"

>>373336
"That's no good. And neither is seven. You have to give yourself a name! One you decide on and like!"

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373340

>>373337
>>373339
Once again, I consider this for a moment, then shake my head.
"I don't know. Help?"

>>373338
"I don't understand. I am standing on my own and am not scared."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373341

>>373340
Sigh deeply.
"Then why are you so against this whole 'no master' thing?
Oh, and you should choose. Don't let others do that. I did it and look what I'm stuck with."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373342

>>373339
"I'm sure we will win next time! With actual combat too!"

>>373340
"You have to think for yourself!"
I groan slightly.
"Listen… I had an argument with Celaire once about slaves, and not being able to do anything to help them… but I can help you. Would you like to come with me? Away from this? I would give you a home, and I could give you a purpose in the ways of the Sun!"

Venia [Battlemage] 373343

>>373340
"No no, you have to decide your own name! Nopony else can!"

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373344

>>373341
"Because it is my purpose. Without purpose, I have no reason to be."

>>373342
"Okay."

>>373343
I consider this for a moment.
"Who decided your name?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373345

>>373344
"Find a new one."

Venia [Battlemage] 373346

>>373344
"I… ugh, my parents did. But you're a grown mare! You can decide for yourself! Find a new purpose in life! Start over!"
I put a hoof on her shoulder.
"Radiant is right, you can come with us, back to Wintergrasp. We can help you start over."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373347

>>373344
I stay silent for a moment.
"…that's it? So… you want to come?"

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373348

>>373345
"Why?"

>>373346
"Okay. I will find a new master in Wintergrasp."

>>373347
"Yes."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373349

>>373346
>>373347
Facehoof.
"You two are not helping."
>>373348
"Because from now on there will be no more masters for you."

Venia [Battlemage] 373350

>>373348
I facehoof
"This isn't going to be an easy task…"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373351

>>373349
"We are, but clearly, this can't be rushed!"

>>373348
I groan.
"No, not a master…"

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373352

>>373349
"Why?"

>>373351
"Without a master, I have no purpose. If you wish to be my mistress, I will serve you. If not, I will keep looking."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373353

>>373352
"Because that's what I'm gonna order you. From now on, your next order in life will be to take no orders.
Sounds good?"

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373354

>>373353
I cock my head.
"You wish to be my master?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373355

>>373352
"We will find you a purpose, I promise you!"
I sigh.
"Just come with us and we'll make your life better, okay?"
That is what the Sun would want for me to do. Maybe this is my test of faith! What I've been waiting for!

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373356

>>373354
"Will you start thinking for yourself and make your own choices if I say yes?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373357

>>373356
"Pumpkin!"

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373358

>>373355
"Okay."

>>373356
"Then I lose my purpose without regaining a new one."

Venia [Battlemage] 373359

>>373356
"Pumpkin, no. That's not a good idea."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373360

>>373357
"Hey, I'm asking.
Maybe she could take it step by step!"
>>373358
"Okay, I got nothing then.
Beside the purpouse thing.
How would you like protecting the future of the North?"

Unnamed slave [Monk] 373361

>>373360
"The North?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373362

>>373358
"Right… but I can't let you be nameless. How about this. Until you are ready to choose a name of your own, we will call you Sunny, okay?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373363

>>373361
Nod.
"Yeah. This, our home."

Sunny [Monk] 373364

>>373362
"Okay."

>>373363
"I have a room here. My home. The North?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373365

>>373364
"No. Everything you can see, everything you can walk upon. That's the North. I found purpose in protecting it."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373366

>>373364
I smile slightly.
"Good. Now… if you don't mind, why don't you tell us about yourself?"

Sunny [Monk] 373367

>>373365
"Okay. If that is what you wish me to do. You will become my master?"

>>373366
I give her a blank stare
"I am Sunny."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373368

>>373367
"no, that was just a suggestion! I'm no master to anyone."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373369

>>373367
I snark slightly.
"No, Pumpkin will not be your master."

I sigh.
"And I meant, what do you like? What do you enjoy doing?"

Sunny [Monk] 373370

>>373368
"Oh. Okay."

>>373369
"I… like? I enjoy serving my master. I enjoy cooking to sate his hunger. I enjoy creating mixtures to make him stronger. I enjoy fighting for his amusement. I enjoy cleaning for him. I enjoy keeping him company at night."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373371

>>373370
I roll my eyes.
"Now tell me the truth."

Sunny [Monk] 373372

>>373371
I look genuinely confused at her.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373373

>>373372
"There must be something else you like! Something you do for your own enjoyment!"

Sunny [Monk] 373374

>>373373
"My own enjoyment is irrelevant. It does not benefit my master. Every moment of my life is directed at serving him and doing what he instructs me."

Venia [Battlemage] 373375

I sigh
"Look… Sunny. Dear. You said yourself that your master died. What do you do for enjoyment now? What did you do yesterday all day for example?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373376

>>373374
I facehoof.
"Sun help me, this won't be a walk in the park…"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373377

>>373370
>>373374
"Hey, what if… Follow me, okay? What if I said, as your master -and I don't mean to say I'm your master- what if I said 'do what makes you happy'?"

Sunny [Monk] 373378

>>373375
"I helped clean. Helped prepare the arena for tournament."

>>373377
"Then I continue serving my master, as that is what makes me happy."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373379

>>373378
"Okay let's take it easier.
What's your favorite food?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373380

>>373378
"… Okay, that's it? Nothing else? Not a moment spent for yourself?"

Sunny [Monk] 373381

>>373379
"… flowers and hay."

>>373380
I think for a moment.
"I stopped to eat. And to sleep."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373382

>>373381
"Good. And did your master tell you those were your favorite foods?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373383

>>373381
"Okay… yeah this is going to be one heck of a task."

Sunny [Monk] 373384

>>373382
"No. We were only given dried food by our master. I cooked other food for him, but was not allowed to taste it."
I look down
"Sometimes there were flowers to eat during summer."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373385

>>373384
"Right. So you did choose something. You just have to apply this to the whole world.
Choose things you like and things you dont."
Point at Radiant.
"Look at her ugly stallionface for istance.
This, I don't like."
Shake my head to underline the sentence.
"Now you try. Point at something and think if you like it or not."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373386

>>373384
I offer her a sad smile.
"…I think you were lucky that we ended up against each other in this arena today after all. Once you'll live with us, you will be able to eat whatever you wish!"

>>373385
I snarl at him and hit him in the back of his head with my hoof.
'1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373387

>>373386
Vanish and happar behind Sunny.
"Na-ah. No touching."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373388

>>373387
"Next time I will break your jaw, understood?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373389

>>373388
Roll my eyes.
"I was trying to make a point. You get offended too easily."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373390

>>373389
"Because you, of all ponies, have no right to insult me."

Venia [Battlemage] 373391

>>373389
>>373390
I frown
"Be quiet you two. Pumpkin, you know better than to insult Radiant like that. And Radiant, hitting on things doesn't necessarily solve them."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373392

>>373390
"Well duh, I'm a orphan with no name. But it was supposed to be a joke. I remember calling you worse things during training."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373393

>>373391
I look away.
"It solves most of my problems…"

>>373392
"That's right, when I spared my time to train you! And I'm just not in the right mood after this 'fight', okay?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373394

>>373393
"Alright, alright."
Clear my throat and bow slightly.
"I'm sorry for offending thou, Lady Radiant."

Sunny [Monk] 373395

>>373385
I cock my head.
"Why? My opinion is irrelevant."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373396

>>373394
I sigh.
"It's okay, I forgive you…"

>>373395
"No, it is not. It's something that cannot be taken from you."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373397

>>373395
"No it's not.
Your opinion could save your life or the life of many other ponies near you. Go on."

Sunny [Monk] 373398

>>373396
>>373397
"Master never asked me to give my opinion…"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373399

>>373398
"Too bad. It's time you do."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373400

>>373398
"That doesn't mean you don't have one!"

Sunny [Monk] 373401

>>373397
>>373400
I look down and consider this for a moment, then unsheathe the longsword I was given.
"I like this sword."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373402

>>373401
Smirk
"Now you are talking. You know how to use it?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373403

>>373401
I smile.
"Good! See, now we're talking! What do you like about it?"

Sunny [Monk] 373404

>>373402
"Yes."

>>373403
"It's a gift. For me."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373405

>>373404
The smirk widens.
"I know a good smith that could polish it for you. Make it the best tool you could ever wish for."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373406

>>373404
"Oh… so you like it because it's just your's now?"

Sunny [Monk] 373407

>>373405
"Okay."

>>373406
"Yes."
I look at my clothes
"I like these too. Better than rags."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373408

>>373407
"We can get you better than that too, you know. And a better meal than dry hay."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373409

>>373407
I think for a moment.
"Hmm… When we have the time, we could go to a tailor. You could get more clothes, and you could choose what you want to wear each day? Would you like that?"

Sunny [Monk] 373410

>>373408
"Okay."

>>373409
"Yes."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373411

>>373410
"Good enough for me.
Now tell me, is cleaning and cooking all you know how to do? No hidden talents?"

Sunny [Monk] 373412

>>373411
"I know how to tend to wounds and how to cure diseases. I am also practiced at subterfuge and staying hidden. I also possess some knowledge of nature, allowing me to employ earth magic for various purposes."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373413

>>373412
"Mh. Staying hidden and healing? Show me."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373414

>>373413
"I saw her heal herself earlier. It was impressive."

Sunny [Monk] 373415

>>373413
"Okay."
Nature elemental: Life

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373416

>>373415
"…"
Stare speechless, giving a hard stare.
"That's… Impressive. Flashy, but impressive."
Lean closer.
"Doesn't it hurt?"

Sunny [Monk] 373417

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373418

>>373415
"Not a divine magic, but still pretty good."

373419

>>373417
Take a step back.
"Show me how you hide."
>>373418
Nod, still watching Sunny closely.

SbS not to lose track of Sunny.

Roll #1 1 = 1

373420

>>373419
"Okay."
Try to go into hiding. Stealth.

Roll #1 9 = 9

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373421

>>373420
"Quite impressive, I've lost you."

Sunny [Monk] 373422

>>373421
"Thank you."
Reappear.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373423

>>373422
>>373421
I just nod, but say nothing.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373424

>>373422
"I think there's a purpouse for you, if you are still looking. A purpouse for somepony with your… Skills."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373425

>>373424
"No. NO! Don't even think about it, Pumpkin!"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373426

>>373425
"Too late. You saw it yourself. She's perfect."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373427

>>373426
"She will not become a Northblade. I won't allow it."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373428

>>373427
"What became of free choice, Lady Radiant?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373429

>>373428
"Free choice of blind loyalty?"

Sunny [Monk] 373430

I look between the two of them argue with a neutral expression on my face

Venia [Battlemage] 373431

>>373428
"I don't think it's a great idea either, Pumpkin. She's too old for one."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373432

>>373429
"Loyalty is a choice. You better than anyone should know this, seeing how it's just thanks yo your words I'm not a murdering brute."
>>373431
"To be taught from scratch, yes. But what would you rather, a free, indipendant pony at age making this choice or another thirteen years old swearing to protect his friends on the grave of the bear he called a brother?"
>>373430
"This is a matter for another day. Once you have clear what I'm asking from you, and are ready to say yes or no in the full coscience of your actions."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373433

>>373432
"By then she will know better than to become…. that."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373434

>>373433
"So I hope."

Venia [Battlemage] 373435

>>373432
"She could do other things. She's just not fit for the job."

Sunny [Monk] 373436

>>373432
"Okay."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373437

>>373435
"Please. You saw her. Actually, you didn't. And neither did I."
Tap my fake eye.
"Which is quite a feat."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373438

>>373436
After a bit of thinking, I look at her apprehensively.
"Uh… Can I ask something of you?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373439

>>373437
"There is more to being a Northblade than just knowing how to hide. You of all ponies should know that by now, Pumpkin."

Sunny [Monk] 373440

>>373438
"Yes."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373441

>>373439
"Which is why I'm waiting for her to be able to make a conscious choice. I'm not pressuring her into worshipping a god I know nothing about. I."

Venia [Battlemage] 373442

>>373441
"There is still more to it than just worship."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373443

>>373441
"You clearly know nothing about a lot of things, Pumpkin."

>>373440
I scratch the back of my neck.
"I was thinking a bit… so you are looking for a new master, right?"

Sunny [Monk] 373444

>>373443
"Yes."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373445

>>373443
"And yet here I am, after surviving three lordblades, after dying once, after taking a wife, after finding faith.
I'm not putting any pressure on her. And if you are about to do what I think you are about to, prepare your weapons, because I think this is not the way."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373446

Having made my way down from the offices, I'll run across the others on my way to the arena proper.
"Queen Venia, it is good to see you are well."

Venia [Battlemage] 373447

>>373446
I turn away from the other three to face him, looking him over.
"Thank you, mister…?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373448

>>373445
"See, I told you that you know nothing of what I am about to do."

>>373444
"So… since I offered you to stay with me and take care of you… I could hold on to your contract. You won't be my slave and I will not order you around, but I don't want anypony to use you. I will safekeep it until you are ready to destroy it yourself and free yourself completely."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373449

>>373447
I'll give a small bow.
"Waxing Crescent, of Ironfoe. As a favor to your husband, King Deep Rock has sent me to check up on you, and make certain you are well."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373450

>>373448
"You can't hide a lie from me, Lady Radiant."
Glower at her with my fake eye.
"I can tell. And I can tell what you want to do."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373451

>>373450
"What lie, Pumpkin? Do you dare say that I would exploit somepony? I'm doing this to protect her."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373452

>>373451
"Yes. To shelter her. Which is what she doesn't need right now.
You give her the illusion of a new master and she's never gonna get over this."

Venia [Battlemage] 373453

>>373449
"Oh, that's very thoughtful of him. I should visit Ironfoe again some day, it's been years since I last was there, and I didn't exactly get the chance to enjoy the city itself."
I chuckle
"You are from Ironfoe yourself then?"

Sunny [Monk] 373454

>>373448
I look at her confusedly
"But… if you hold my contract… you are my mistress."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373455

>>373453
"That I am, milady."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373456

>>373452
"No, but as long as that contract is with me, no wicked pony can get it to use her."

>>373454
"No, I will be just a friend, okay? I don't want it to fall into the wrong hooves."

Venia [Battlemage] 373457

>>373455
"How is Queen Snowflake doing these days? She's an old friend of mine, you see. I haven't spoken to her in a while unfortunately."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373458

>>373456
"Which is why we should have her destroy that contract right now, by her own hoof."

Sunny [Monk] 373459

>>373456
"But… what is my purpose then?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373460

>>373457
"She is well."
I'll nod, but then turn to the others.
"So, what are Frostmourn's Angels up to today?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373461

>>373458
"Not yet, Pumpkin. It would mean nothing if we command her to do so. She needs time to find herself, and when she wants to do it, we will know she is ready to do so."

>>373459
"Your purpose will be to stay with us in Wintergrasp, make friends with me, Celaire, Pumpkin, Venia, all the others, and just live your own life."

Sunny [Monk] 373462

>>373461
I nod.
"Okay. As you wish, mistress."
I take out my contract again and hoof it to her.

Venia [Battlemage] 373463

>>373460
"We are just talking to our opponents from last match."
I look at Sunny
"One of them is a slave, as it turns out…"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373464

>>373462
I take it and put it safely away.
"First of all, please, don't call me that. And this is a request, not an order."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373465

>>373464
Roll my eyes.
"See how good much saying that will do…"

Sunny [Monk] 373466

>>373464
"Okay, my lady."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373467

>>373463
"A slave, you say? Rare for one to be here, of all places. May I?"
I'll gesture to the others.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373468

>>373465
"You will see. These things take time, Pumpkin."

>>373466
"Just call me Radiant like everypony else, okay?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373469

>>373467
"Actually, I don't think Eaglecrest has any laws regarding slavery."
I pause for a moment
"I'm not even sure if she's from Eaglecrest. And yes, of course."

Sunny [Monk] 373470

>>373468
"Okay, Radiant."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373471

>>373469
Bowing again, I make my way over to the others.
"Lady Goldentail, that was a lovely fight. A pity that you and Queen Venia were not the victors, but such is life. Though I suppose there are worse things than losing to a pretty bird such as this."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373472

>>373470
I smile at her slightly.
"I can't wait to get to know you better, Sunny."

>>373471
I turn to him.
"Urgh… it wasn't really a fight-fight. I'd rather lose to an opponent that beats me to the ground than to mind tricks…"

Venia [Battlemage] 373473

>>373471
I chuckle
"Please… just 'Venia' will do. No need for the Queen part."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373474

>>373472
"Tut tut. That simply means your training is insufficient. Strength of will is just as, if not more, important than strength of body."
>>373473
"As you wish."

Sunny [Monk] 373475

>>373471
I just give him a flat stare

>>373472
I look down without commenting on that.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373476

>>373474
"Are you questioning my willpower?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373477

>>373476
"Not at all! But your straightforward nature and attack pattern do make you fairly easy to lead on. I assume this young lady picked up on that, and took advantage of it."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373478

>>373477
I speak in a low voice.
"I think it was more of the part where I was held in place by that mind mage."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373479

>>373478
"Well, what do you think got you trapped by the mage? Their teamwork was much better. You tried to win the fight by yourself, instead of helping Venia."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373480

>>373475
"You know, for somepony that has found his one reason to be you don't look too happy."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373481

>>373479
I groan.
"Really, if you just want to insult my battle skills, why don't you challenge me so I can show you what I can really do?!"

Sunny [Monk] 373482

>>373480
"I am happy. Mi-… Radiant has given me purpose. I will not disappoint. I will not fail her."

Venia [Battlemage] 373483

>>373479
"Hey now, Radiant and I have fought alongside each other plenty of times now. I don't blame her for anything. I was the one who failed the most."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373484

>>373482
"I think it might be the other way around, really."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373485

>>373481
"It's hardly an insult to say you have room for improvement. It means you can still grow as a warrior."
I'll shrug slightly.
"However, as much fun as it would be to test myself against you, it will have to wait. I'm due on the field soon."
>>373483
"If that is what you wish for me to believe, then."
I'll turn to Pumpkin and Sunny.
"I do not believe I've had the privilege of your names. Mine is Waxing Crescent, of Ironfoe."

Sunny [Monk] 373486

>>373484
"Why?"

>>373485
"My name is Sunny, of Radiant."

Venia [Battlemage] 373487

>>373485
I frown
"I'm not perfect, Crescent. It's not because I am a queen that I cannot fail in battle."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373488

>>373485
"Pumpkin Swansong of Wintergrasp."
>>373486
"I think she'll get mad if you say that."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373489

>>373486
"Please… I told you, I'm not your owner."

>>373485
"If it was a fair fight, I would agree, but I don't feel like it was."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373490

>>373486
"Of Radiant? Never heard of a place called that."
>>373487
"Even so, it was a team battle. Lady Goldentail should not have left you to your own devices."
>>373488
I'll nod to Pumpkin.
"Ah, you must be the one most seen with King Frostmourn."
>>373489
"They were within the conditions."

Sunny [Monk] 373491

>>373489
"Okay. Sorry, Radiant."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373492

>>373490
"Me? Hardly. You might be thinking of the Vizir Verne.
I'm just a friend of the prince that gets dragged along from time to time."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373493

>>373491
"No need to apologize. We are equals, after all."

>>373490
"Wait, are you blaming me for our 'loss'?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373494

>>373492
"I see."
>>373493
"If the shoe fits. Though it is a little unfair of me, as there was no way you would expect mind magic."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373495

>>373492
>of the prince
of the High King*

Sunny [Monk] 373496

>>373493
"Okay."

Venia [Battlemage] 373497

>>373496
"So Sunny… how old are you exactly? Did you serve the same master all your life?"

Sunny [Monk] 373498

>>373497
"I am twenty-one years old, your highness. I have served him for as long as I can remember."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373499

>>373498
"What was he like?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373500

>>373498
"How many others were there?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373501

>>373498
"If you'll pardon my asking, what were your duties?"

Sunny [Monk] 373502

>>373499
"He provided for us. He fed us, gave us a place to sleep and a purpose in life. In return, we served him in any way he requested."

>>373500
"There were sixteen of us at the time master died."

>>373501
"I performed various tasks. I helped cook meals, sometimes helped clean the estate, tended to the gardens a lot, fought other slaves for our master's amusement and kept him company in his chambers some nights."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373503

>>373502
Sounds like a real stand-up pony.
"Company? I know some owners take liberties with their slaves, but…"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373504

>>373502
"Right. Seems like your day to day scum of ponykind."
Stretch my wings.
"I dunno about you guys, but I could use something warm.
Want to go for a drink Venia?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373505

>>373502
I just look at her sadly.
"I… that's awful…"

Sunny [Monk] 373506

>>373503
"As a servant, I provide for my master in any way he commands me to."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373507

>>373506
"I see."
I'll frown beneath my helmet.
"How charming. But I doubt you'll be called on to fill that role with Queen Venia, Lady Goldentail, or myself around."
I'll shrug slightly.
"Unless, of course, it is of your own volition and you approach a pony you like."

Venia [Battlemage] 373508

>>373504
"I don't know Pumpkin… this whole ordeal is leaving me feeling drained…"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373509

>>373508
"Exactly. That's when you need to hammer the pain. We could show what alcohol is to our new friend, too."

Venia [Battlemage] 373510

>>373509
"I guess…"
I look at Sunny
"Do you want to come?"

Sunny [Monk] 373511

>>373510
"Yes."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373512

>>373509
"Dulling pain doesn't make it go away, master Swansong. Not forever."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373513

>>373512
"Yeeeeah…"
Roll my eyes and take a sharp breath in.
"Nice to know."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373514

>>373513
I'll turn to Venia.
"Queen Venia, if you'll excuse me, I have a match to prepare for. Hopefully I'll be paired up against some of your companions. I'd like to get the measure of the friends of Frostmourn."

Venia [Battlemage] 373515

>>373511
"Have you… ever drank alcohol before?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373516

>>373514
"Please… just Venia. As for the match, perhaps we will fight against each other. I certainly am looking forward to it all."

Sunny [Monk] 373517

>>373515
"Yes. Master sometimes commanded us to drink before battle."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373518

>>373516
"As you wish… Venia. And if we do up as opponents, I hope you'll forgive me if I don't go easy on you."
I'll bow.
"It was a pleasure meeting the rest of you as well. It's not every day one meets one as lovely as miss Sunny."
And with that, I'll depart.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373519

>>373517
"Wait. Then this is important. Do you like alcohol?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373520

>>373517
I cock a brow
"Why would he… he commanded you to fight while drunk?"
That scumbag… Lucky for him he's dead already.

Sunny [Monk] 373521

>>373519
I consider this for a moment, then nod
"It warms me up from the inside. It is a nice feeling. But the taste was not nice. He always made us drink low-quality ale."

>>373520
"Yes. Sometimes against each other. Sometimes against his guards. Sometimes against wild animals."

>>373518
"Goodbye, Sir Crescent."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373522

>>373521
"Right, none of that shit tonight.
Being friends with a king has its perks. There's some stuff from Rockeye I had sworn off, but we could always get a hold of it…"
>>373518
Nod as he goes.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373523

>>373521
"See you later, perhaps."
And your former master had best be glad he is dead.

Venia [Battlemage] 373524

>>373521
I clench my jaw in anger.
"Unbelievable… of all the vilest… Bah."

Sunny [Monk] 373525

>>373522
"Okay."

>>373523
"Yes."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373526

>>373525
"You do understand this is not an order, right?"

Sunny [Monk] 373527

>>373526
"Yes."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373528

>>373527
"Good. Then follow me. I've a room nearby. Plenty of decent stuff packed away, too."

Sunny [Monk] 373529

>>373528
"… Now?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373530

>>373528
>>373529
"Maybe that should wait, Pumpkin. There's still fighting to be done today."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373531

>>373529
Shrug.
"Next match is not starting yet. Would you rather find a seat on the stadium?"
>>373530
"I know that, but looks like everything's on hold."

Sunny [Monk] 373532

>>373531
"Radiant?"
we should probably wait until nopony comes back

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373533

>>373532
I shake my head.
"Drinking is not healthy for you. I never drink either."

Sunny [Monk] 373534

>>373533
"Okay."

Venia [Battlemage] 373535

>>373534
I frown.
"That doesn't mean you can't either, Sunny. This is something you need to decide."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373536

>>373534
>>373535
I nod.
"I won't hold you back if you want to, but I'm sure you've seen what it can do to ponies."

Sunny [Monk] 373537

>>373535
>>373536
I look between the two of them, then nod.
"Okay. I will not drink."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373538

>>373537
Roll my eyes.
"Right. I will go back and down a few bottles alone then."

Turn to Venia and Radiant.
"I will toast to the losers. We all need that, at times."

Venia [Battlemage] 373539

>>373537
I look at her and sigh, then turn to whisper to Radiant.
"So what do you think?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373540

>>373538
"You shouldn't drink either, Pumpkin. It's not good for you either."

>>373539
Whisper back.
"She will need some real work and help…"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373541

>>373540
"I was joking Radiant. Today's fights are not over yet, and drinking alone is not worth it."
Flutter around the three of them.

Venia [Battlemage] 373542

>>373540
"You don't say… she's really gone far. It's heartbreaking. Whoever her master was… he's lucky to be dead already."
My ear twitches as I think of something.
"Say Sunny… what happened to the other slaves?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373543

>>373541
"Drinking is never worth it in the long run."

>>373542
I perk up as well.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

Sunny [Monk] 373544

>>373542
"I don't know. They no longer had a master like I did. They were told to leave just like me. That was almost a mooncycle ago."

Venia [Battlemage] 373545

>>373544
"Oh…"
I sigh
"I can only pray they ended up okay."
Though I really doubt that, if they are all as far gone as you are…

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373546

>>373544
"No idea where they might went?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373547

>>373543
"Right. That's wrong too!"
Groan.
"I hardly doubt I'm gonna live long enough for it to become a problem, really."

Sunny [Monk] 373548

>>373546
"No."
I look down.
"Sorry."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373549

>>373547
"Not with that attitude."

>>373548
I put a hoof on her chin and raise her head to look at me.
"Don't worry about it. And you don't need to be afraid of me."

Sunny [Monk] 373550

>>373549
I nod.
"Okay. Thank you."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373551

>>373550
Draw my hoof back, and chuckle.
"I wonder what Celaire will say…"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373552

>>373551
"Might be a good tryout for a kid."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373553

>>373552
I tilt my head at him.

Sunny [Monk] 373554

>>373551
"Celaire? Who is Celaire, Radiant?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373555

>>373551
"I'm more interested in what Frostmourn will say, really…"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373556

>>373554
"The stallion I live with. He was the captain of the Sunguard before we both quit from it to let them take care of themselves."

>>373555
"What would he?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373557

>>373553
Grin at her.
>>373555
Mimic Frosty's voice.
"Oh, a pegasus, I always liked wings!"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373558

>>373557
Roll my eyes.
"Still no, Pumpkin."

Venia [Battlemage] 373559

>>373556
"I'm just curious to see his reaction to slavery."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373560

>>373558
"You should think about it. Me and Bearing are already having one."

Sunny [Monk] 373561

>>373556
"Oh. Okay. Thank you for explaining, Radiant."

>>373560
I cock my head.
"You already have a slave?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373562

>>373559
"He better behave…"

>>373560
"The Warriors of Sunlight were our child, Pumpkin. I think we raised them well."

>>373561
"Heavens no! I would be the first one to strike him down if he was a slaver!"
I think for a second.
"And you are not my slave either, remember?"

Sunny [Monk] 373563

>>373562
"Yes… I remember."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373564

>>373562
"Right. To each its own, I guess."
>>373561
Shake my head.
"I don't own anypony. Don't have any right to. I'm just an orphan who never grew up."
Settle down on the ground.
"I was talking about a kid. A child. A foal. Or filly. We don't know yet."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373565

>>373563
I smile at her.

>>373564
I sigh slightly.
"It's… I'm a warrior, not a mother."

Venia [Battlemage] 373566

>>373565
"My mother was both, Radiant. And I plan to be as well."

Sunny [Monk] 373567

>>373564
A faint shimmer of sadness appears in my eyes but immediately disappears short after, returning to their neutral old self.
"Oh. Okay."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373568

>>373566
I look away.
"I know."

373569

>>373565
>>373568
"Lady Radiant are y-"
Sight beyond Sight. Try to tell if she's sad for what I'm thinking she is sad about.

Roll #1 10 = 10

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373570

>>373569
What are you thinking she is sad about?

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373571

>>373570
Because she thinks to be unable to have children.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373572

>>373571
Since it's a 10 I think I can tell you
No, that's not it

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373573

>>373569
"Am I?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373574

>>373569
>>373573
I look between the two of them in confusion.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373575

>>373573
Wave a hoof around dismissively.
"Nothing. I thought something might have been wrong there, for a second. Sorry."

Sunny [Monk] 373576

>>373574
"Your highness. Could I… ask you something?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373577

>>373576
"Of course! And please, just call me Venia."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373578

>>373575
I raise an eyebrow questioningly.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373579

>>373578
Stare flatly back at her.
"Well c'mon. You had me worried!"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373580

>>373579
"Worried about what?"

Sunny [Monk] 373581

>>373577
"Okay… Venia. Could you tell me about Wintergrasp? Where we are going?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373582

>>373580
"There was worry on your face. Strain. A bad thought crossed my mind, that's all.
And yes, I did use my eye to see if it was true or not, but it's no mind reading. Just… Training."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373583

>>373582
I narrow my eyes at him.
"Don't do that either. I have a mouth you know, and you can ask me if you have something to say, not just look in my thoughts."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373584

>>373583
"I told you, it's not mind reading.
I just watched the lines on your face and…
It would have been rude to ask if you were barren in the first place."
Frown at her.

Venia [Battlemage] 373585

>>373581
"Oh… Wintergrasp is a pretty humble kingdom, really. Mostly agriculture. Very much unlike Eaglecrest's warrior culture."
I chuckle.
"I'm sure you'll like it. I'll arrange for a room for you in the palace. Or if you don't want that, you could house up with Valeriana in her tower. I'm sure she'll love the company."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373586

>>373584
I frown as well.
"I…you… what?!"

Sunny [Monk] 373587

>>373585
"Oh. Valeriana?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373588

>>373586
"Well that's what I thought! We were talking about kids and suddenly you go all gloomy. And despite being with Celaire for years, I haven't seen you two even think about marriage or kids.
It's strange!"
>>373587
"That's…. Venia are you sure that's the best place? I mean, with-" point at one of Valeriana's shadows in the back.
"-those guys and all?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373589

>>373585
"I already invited her to us. I don't think she should live alone. Some company will do her good, for sure."

>>373588
"Because I just… don't want kids, okay?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373590

>>373584
>>373586
"That's enough you two. You've been at each others' throats constantly lately. If you want to fight it out then do so, but not in front of our new friend."

>>373587
"Yes. A good friend of mine. And Pumpkin's mother."

>>373588
I shrug
"It was just a suggestion."

>>373589
"Well… I guess she will have to decide herself."
I move in and whisper
"Though it may not be a good idea to make her depend on one pony. We want her to spread her wings, remember?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373591

>>373589
"Hey, I can understand that. But c'mon. You don't have to lie to me. Or to Venia. How long is it we know you? Heck, I was a kid.
There is something that worries you, I can see it.
At least talk to Celaire about it!"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373592

>>373590
I nod.
"I know, I won't shelter her. I will urge her to make some friends."

>>373591
"He already knows my stance on it. Know that's enough of that."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373593

>>373592
Raise my hoof giving an understanding nod.
"Hey, it's your life. I won't press the issue.
But remember what I said the day I stopped being your student.
We are friends. You can talk to me."
Sigh.
"Right. I may be seeing the world too dark today. I should probably go back to the fights."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373594

>>373593
"I know."
I smile slightly.
"And maybe you just need the Sun in your life to chase the darkness away."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373595

>>373594
Smile back.
"Yeah right. Call me back when she's not trying to murder us all."
And with this, I fly away.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373596

>>373595
"She?…Oh…"
I nod and glance away with a scrunch.

Sunny [Monk] 373597

>>373596
"Is there something you need help with, Radiant?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373598

>>373597
I shake my head.
"No, that's just…"
Smile at her.
"No, thank you. It's nothing."

Venia [Battlemage] 373599

>>373598
I look at her worriedly, but say nothing.

Sunny [Monk] 373600

>>373598
"Okay."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373601

>>373600
>>373599
I stay silent for a few seconds before speaking up.
"So Sunny…uh… oh, right, could you tell us about your cutie mark?"

Sunny [Monk] 373602

>>373601
I look back at my flank
"My special talent is earth magic… the healing kind. I received it after curing master of a bad cold…"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373603

>>373602
"So… do you like to use magic?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373604

>>373602
It's sad how every aspect of her life is tied to that filthy bastard somehow…
I just smile at her weakly

Sunny [Monk] 373605

>>373603
"I am practiced at it. The thing I'm best at."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373606

>>373605
"Yes, but I asked if you enjoy doing it."

Sunny [Monk] 373607

>>373606
"Yes."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373608

>>373607
I clap my hooves together.
"Good! That's interest that we will be able to pursue!"

Sunny [Monk] 373609

>>373608
"What do you mean, Radiant?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373610

>>373609
"Once we are back in Wintergrasp, we could find material on magic that you like! Do things you want and like to do!"

Venia [Battlemage] 373611

>>373610
"Valeriana knows some earth magic too, if I recall correctly. Aside from that, there are the Druids…"

Sunny [Monk] 373612

>>373610
I consider this for a moment, then nod.
"Okay. Thank you for wanting to help me, Radiant."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373613

>>373611
"The ones who live in the woods?"

>>373612
I smile at her.
"Think nothing of it. It's the least I can do. You see, this is one of the morals I follow by being a follower of the Sun. Try to do as much good as you can… I fail sometimes, but I try."

Venia [Battlemage] 373614

>>373613
"From what I hear there are several of them, yeah. I never met them myself, but I know Pumpkin has."

Sunny [Monk] 373615

>>373613
I nod.
"I see. I will remember that."

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373616

So it just happens that, as I'm flying around back towards the tournament grounds, I meet Waxing on the way back and decide to drop down.
Total case, I swear.
"Hey there. Didn't we meet already?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373617

>>373616
"We did, master Swansong. Decided against the afternoon drink?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373618

>>373615
I keep smiling.
"Good. If everypony followed the ways of the Sun, this world could be a better place…"

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373619

>>373617
"Lady Radiant likes her afternoons sober. I'm sure she likes her whole life sober, to be fair.
Not much fun if you ask me."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373620

>>373619
I'll shrug.
"Maybe that's just how she maintains discipline. Or she secretly doesn't have any tolerance to alcohol and doesn't wish to make a fool of herself."

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373621

>>373620
"See, this might very well be it.
I still remember the time I tasted that Rockeye wine…
Let's say the morning after I didn't know which bed I was in."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373622

>>373621
"Let's hope it was your own, or your wife's."
I'll pause for a moment.
"Though those are normally one and the same."

Sunny [Monk] 373623

>>373618
"Yes. Of course."

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373624

>>373622
Roll my eyes.
"Actually I think it was some random dude's."
Keep a completely straight face.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373625

>>373623
I frown slightly.
"Uh… you never did much speaking, did you? You talk so… briefly."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373626

>>373624
"Well, I hope you were a conscientious guest and refrained from emptying your guts on his bed in the morning."
I'll chuckle softly beneath my helmet.
"Did you learn the identity of your random bedmate, or does this remain an awkward anecdote?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373627

>>373626
Ah right. The helm.
SbS to look underneath.
'1d10'
DC2
"It was a joke. I fell asleep on the bar and my friends had to carry me back to our room.
Not one of my best impressions, I admit."
Chuckle a bit.

Roll #1 4 = 4

Sunny [Monk] 373628

>>373625
"We were only allowed to talk when spoken to, Radiant. Master feared we would grow unruly if we could talk with other slaves, so he kept us separated most of the times. Even during the night. If you wish, I could try and be more talkactive."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373629

>>373627
Cheater.
"Well, it's better than waking up in some random fellow's bed. End up in the wrong one, and you'd find yourself with someone who takes a fancy to wings, and doesn't mind which gender they're attached to."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373630

>>373628
I nod.
"You shouldn't hide your voice."
I chuckle slightly.
"You should be glad than you have a sweeter voice than I do. Don't be afraid to use it and talk freely. Not just when we ask you, whenever you feel like talking."

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373631

>>373629
Well, it's how the eye works.
And you should see my daggers.
"Met a few ponies like that. But I've had by far the worst time with mares.
There was a period during which I actually had to keep one from assaulting me each time we were alone."

Sunny [Monk] 373632

>>373630
"Okay… I will try to, Radiant."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373633

>>373632
"Also, I don't know if there were any rules for this or not…"
I smile at her.
"But we won't scorn you if you smile either."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373634

>>373631
"I see."
I'll look at Pumpkin.
"Certainly you didn't call me out to discuss your prowess in certain areas, master Swansong. Please cut to the chase."

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373635

>>373634
"I was just curious, really. Not any day you see a stallion fully covered in armor walk just to ask a queen how she's doing. I suppose you are going back to Wintergrasp now?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373636

>>373635
"Not at all. I'm currently in the tourney, and it would be most rude of me to just up and away in the middle of it."
I'll gesture idly with a hoof.
"And as I'm from Ironfoe, it would be remiss of me not to check on the progress of King Frostmourn, knowing his… connections to the country."

Sunny [Monk] 373637

>>373633
I blink, keeping the neutral expression on my face.
"There were no rules regarding that. I will try to keep it in mind."

Venia [Battlemage] 373638

>>373637
"So… here's a question… do you know how to write and read?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373639

>>373638
>>373637
I turn to Venia as she speaks up, then back to Sunny with a curious expression.

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373640

>>373636
"Well he is our High King after all!"
Grin and nod solemny.
"But then what's the point of sending you here to check on lady Venia in the first place?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373641

>>373640
"A favor from King Deep Rock to King Unyielding. As I was to be in the area, he thought it prudent to extend the courtesy."

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373642

>>373641
"Yes but I don't understand-"
Stop a moment and look intrigued at him.
"Why check on her if we will be leaving at the same time?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373643

>>373642
"Because that was a secondary request. And post travels faster than we will. Tonight I will send the letter to King Unyielding that his wife is in good health."

Sunny [Monk] 373644

>>373638
I look down at the ground.
"… No. A little bit."

373645

>>373643
Stay silent for a second.
Fervor.
SbS.
Is he lying?

Roll #1 7 = 7

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373646

>>373644
I frown.
"Oh you poor soul…"
I step in front of her then give her a hug.

Venia [Battlemage] 373647

>>373644
"How little are we talking here?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373648

>>373645
Of course not. I'm clearly on the up and up.

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373649

>>373648
It just sounds too damn suspicious!
Relax my facial expression and smile.
"Of course. Unyielding was always very attached to lady Venia.
So, tell me about your friendship with viceroy Deeprock…"
How hold does your character look under the helmet?

Sunny [Monk] 373650

>>373646
I don't even react to the hug at all, instead opting to keep looking at her with a blank expression.

>>373647
"I know how to read and write simple things. I only have some basic knowledge of it. I can read most of my contract, but I struggle with a lot of difficult words."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373651

>>373649
25, but feminine features.
"There's not so much friendship as there is subordination. He is my king, and his orders are law."

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373652

>>373651
"Well… Technically, he's your viceroy now…
So! How did they choose you for this mission? And why all the heavy gear?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373653

>>373650
I step back awkwardly from her non-responsiveness.
"I'm sorry if I was too pushy there… I just… I thought a hug would… uh, sorry…"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373654

>>373652
"I was available. And these are my preferred arms and armor."

Venia [Battlemage] 373655

>>373650
"Well… we'll just have to teach you then, if you'd like us to."

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373656

>>373654
"I see, if you are part of the tournment it'd just make s- urgh!"
Collapse on the floor clenching my chest, coffing.

Sunny [Monk] 373657

>>373653
"… Sorry? What for?"

>>373655
"If that is what you wish. I will work hard to improve, your highness."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373658

>>373656
I'll step forward to help him up.
"Master Swansong, are you well?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373659

>>373657
"For violating your personal space by hugging you like that… I shouldn't have done it, and I apologize for it."

373660

>>373658
Well shit, try to get up.
"I'm- fine. Had maybe too much to drink. Never been in great shape."

Roll #1 9 = 9

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373661

>>373660
Well, that's a load of bollocks. Doesn't smell like alcohol, for one. and the lean muscle he's got speaks otherwise about his strength.
I'll step back as he gets to his feet himself.
"If you say so, master Swansong. Was there anything else I could help you with?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373662

>>373657
I smile.
"That's good to hear… and please, just Venia will suffice. Really."

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373663

>>373661
How the hell do you see my muscles when I'm fully clothed?
"Not much, really. I'm just having a hard time finding anything exciting to do in town, since the tournament looks like such a bore."

Sunny [Monk] 373664

>>373659
I consider this for a moment.
"What is personal space? I don't understand."

>>373662
"Okay. It's hard to get used to, I'm sorry."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373665

>>373663
Wing muscles count as muscles. And I doubt you're wearing baggy clothes.
"Well, I'm certain a noble like yourself would find little merit in it. I mostly joined up today to test the companions of King Frostmourn a little and see if he's in good hooves. Tomorrow I'll be watching the King's match with anticipation, depending on whether his retainers impress me."

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373666

>>373665
"Oh I'm no noble, not by birth anyway."
Smile at him.
"And I do have enlisted myself in the tournament!"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373667

>>373664
I spend a few seconds to think before answering.
"Personal space is… uh… well, your own personal space? What you feel comfortable in? What I just did was violating it because we barely know each other and I hugged you without asking if a hug would make you feel better…"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373668

>>373666
"Oh? Perhaps we'll run across each other, then."

Venia [Battlemage] 373669

>>373664
"It's fine, dear. Don't fret about it."

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373670

>>373668
"Sadly, I think I do have an engagement already.
Got myself in a bit of a bragging match with one of the guards here…"
Laugh awkwardly.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373671

>>373670
"Aha."
This is who is watching over King Frostmourn? Any assassin with an ounce of skill could probably get past him.
"So, was it who had the most awkward awakening, or the staple match of the most mares bedded?"

Sunny [Monk] 373672

>>373667
I contemplate about this strange term for a moment, then nod slowly
"Okay. Should I feel bad for my personal space being violated, Radiant?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373673

>>373672
I hesitate for a moment.
"Uh… yes? I mean, you are supposed to be uncomfortable when ponies who you don't want to touch you or get too near to you do that, so you move away and tell them not to do it…"

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373674

>>373671
"Something about-"
Make the gesture of drawing a bow.
"-a strange bow that shoots like, five arrows at the same time?"
Stop the silly thing. It's silly.
"Started saying I could show off better with my own bow than he could with his. Then you know how it goes."

Sunny [Monk] 373675

>>373673
"Okay. I will keep that in mind. Thank you for teaching me about this, Radiant."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373676

>>373674
"And could you, or were both of you blowing smoke? Even in Ironfoe there's little talk of such a type of weapon, and a crossbow made to do so would be unwieldy at best."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373677

>>373675
I nod.
"You're welcome. And sorry again…"

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373678

>>373676
"Crossbow? No son, I'm talking about a real, honest to the Moon bow with five strings.
They call it a harp bow.
It was invented by one of their local heroes, you can check the hall of legends."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373679

>>373678
"Sounds fanciful. Why take five shots for what you can do in one?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373680

>>373679
"You ever tried fighting bears?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373681

>>373680
"Once. Very loud things. Especially when you hit them with an axe. Or two."

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373682

>>373681
Chuckle a bit.
"I used to wrestle with one. We were great friends.
Well, the story goes, said hero used this bow to hunt Ursa Majors."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373683

>>373682
"Now that would be something to see. Though I question how anything less than siege equipment or attacking its eyes would do much damage. Five little twigs are just as bad as one if you don't hit a soft spot, especially on a creature that size."

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373684

>>373683
Shrug.
"Legends are legends, I guess.
But you get the gist of it. Is a weapon for large hunts."

Sunny [Monk] 373685

>>373677
"I don't mind, you can hug me if that is what you wish."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373686

>>373684
"Then it was made for a specific purpose. Why bother comparing it to a non-specialized bow? Two completely different things, especially since a five-stringed bow would require an absurdly different amount of pull than a single-stringed bow."

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373687

>>373686
"Oh no, that's the point of the thing, he had me try it.
You are supposed to pull all the strings at once!"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373688

>>373685
I shake my head.
"You didn't seem comfortable with it… it can wait until we become better friends. And if I do or say something you don't like, feel free to call me out on it."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373689

>>373687
"That's what I had assumed, and why the pull would be different. Each string layer would likely add another degree of resistance, and if you aren't trained in their use, at most you'd likely only get one or two strings drawn back before it becomes too much to hold."

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373690

>>373689
"See, here lies the problem, he seems rather skilled. But well, no sense in crying over spilt milk.
Once my fight comes up, I will give all I've got."

Sunny [Monk] 373691

>>373688
"Comfortable? I don't understand, why would I feel uncomforted?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373692

>>373690
"I hope I get to see it. Or be your opponent. It would be rather interesting to see what you can do."

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373693

>>373692
"Get hammers and axes to the face mostly. This is reminder of that."
Tap the fake eye.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373694

>>373693
"Functional, or just for decoration?"
Either way, he's likely not to tell the truth. Especially if we end up fighting later. I know I wouldn't.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373695

>>373691
"Because… uh… you should only feel comfortable when you are touched by somepony who you know and like. With the exception of doctors healing you, because that's a neccesity, but you can do that yourself, can't you?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373696

>>373694
"You delude me! Never heard of the wonders of Rockeye?
Wintergrasp, Ironfoe and Rockeye are strong allies!
The only drawback from this eye is a slight blue hue over my vision…"
Cover one eye at a time with my hooves, trying various distances.

Sunny [Monk] 373701

>>373695
"Yes, I can. Thank you for being patient with me and explaining things, Radiant."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373702

>>373701
"You're welcome, and I'm happy to help!"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373703

>>373696
"They rarely came up in my work, so I suppose I was oddly lucky in that regard."
I'll shrug.
"Still, if it serves its purpose, I might look into one as well. Especially if they can be further enchanted to extend the scope of vision. Seeing in the dark would be useful beyond all doubt."

Pumpkin Swansong [Rich Guy] 373704

>>373703
"Oh they can do plenty of things.
Damn expensive, too."
Give out a long laugh.
"Well, I shall see you later in the tournament then. Take care."
And with this, I will fly away again.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373705

>>373704
I'll watch him go for a moment.
Nobles.
Giving a small snort, I'll head on to the ready area.

DM 373706

With the battle over, you should probably report back to the king.
All of you.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373707

>>373706
All of us, or just the ones attached to him currently?

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373708

>>373706
Guess I'm sitting over there, near him.
Is Peaches here?

DM 373710

>>373707
All of you who have a reason to meet him.
>>373708
She's never far, is she?
Frostmourn has left the royal seat for now, until the next match begins.
He has a room at the arena where you can convene.

Venia [Battlemage] 373711

>>373706
To the king!

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373712

>>373706
Let's go.
Nod at Sunny to follow.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373713

>>373710
Let's hang by the rafters of that room then.

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373714

>>373712
I nod back and obediently follow her.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373715

>>373710
Well, I've got reason, but let's see if I'm not paired against any more of his followers. Would be dreadfully rude of me to join up and then not fight.

DM 373716

>>373715
Your match is against Pumpkin after the talk.
>>373711
>>373712
"Venia! Radiant! Everything ok?"
>>373714
>>373715
"…and who are… these?"

Kilana [deathsinger] 373717

>>373706
He wants to see us before the tournament?

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373718

>>373716
Grand.
I'll bow to Frostmourn.
"Waxing Crescent, of Ironfoe."

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 373719

>>373706
how odd that I'm here.

Teleport there? '1d10+3'

Roll #1 6 + 3 = 9

Venia [Battlemage] 373720

>>373716
I look down.
"I'm fine… I'm just sorry for failing so badly."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373721

>>373716
I nod.
"Of course everything is okay. That wasn't even a real fight, you saw it."
Motion to Sunny.
"And she is Sunny, a new friend of ours who had a troubled past, so I decided to help her."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373722

>>373716
I quickly bow as I see him.

DM 373723

>>373717
The tournament began a few hours ago.
Venia and Radiant already fought, and lost.
>>373718
"Ironfoe? I take it Viceroy Deep Rock sent you?"
>>373719
Pomf
Welcome to the break room
Snacks, drinks, soft seats, bags of ice, bandages. Everything a post-fight celebration needs.
>>373720
"We can't always win. Nor can we expect to always win."
>>373721
>>373722
"Sunny, hm?
Where are you from?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373724

>>373723
I smile at her and let her answer.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373725

>>373723
"He did, your majesty. I am to be joining your retinue."

Venia [Battlemage] 373726

>>373723
"… Still. That was just embarrassingly bad fighting on my part. Though we did end up meeting with our opponents afterwards, which was quite nice…"
I look at Sunny.

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373727

>>373723
>>373724
I look over at Radiant expectantly

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 373728

>>373723
greeaaat
sit in a chair and wait for the king to speak of why he summoned us. Or not

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373729

>>373727
"Go on, he asked you a question. I can't be your interpreter, you are a pony of your own now, remember?"
I give her a reassuring smile.

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373730

>>373729
"Yes, Radiant."
I turn to the king, bowing my head.
"I am from Eaglecrest, your highness."

DM 373731

>>373725
"I'll be the judge of that. Tell me a little about yourself."
>>373726
"Ah yes. Well…
…I'm not sure how to comment on that match to be honest. It was rather… unorthodox."
>>373728
"Good to have you with us Nylis. Feeling ready for your match later?"

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 373732

>>373731
"My… what?"

Kilana [deathsinger] 373733

>>373723
I don't think I have a reason to see him yet. I'll just buy a few snacks and wait for the next match to start.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373734

>>373732
Jump off beside her.
"I hope you kept practicing what I thaught you."

DM 373735

>>373732
"Aren't you going to take part in the tournament?"
…Frosty sure looks a lot more buff after Radiant's training…
>>373733
Well not much else to do until the match begins.
Unless you want to play with your cerberus

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373736

>>373731
"There isn't really much to tell, your majesty. I am 25, born and raised in Ironfoe. I am trained in the defense of others, as well as moving quickly in battle despite my armor. King… Viceory Deep Rock has my loyalty, and on his orders I extend that loyalty to you as well."
I'll bow again.
"I was hoping to test myself against some of your retainers to prove my value."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373737

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 373738

>>373735
"But… I only know magic, and I haven't seen any magic use during the fights!"

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 373739

>>373734
"Teleportation building and magic studies have taken a lot of my time."

DM 373740

>>373730
"Eaglecrest? A local then. I hope you weren't too disappointed with your fight?"
>>373736
"Twenty five… then you probably have no real memory of…
…no, certainly not. You were too young.
As for an opponent…
Pumpkin. Here."
>>373738
"I hear they allow magic use if you agree on it with your opponent."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373741

>>373740
I mutter slightly.
"It was that dumb mind magic, I swear…"

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 373742

>>373740
look at the hilt of my shortsword
"Right… I guess this'll be a quick fight then. If you'll excuse me king, I think I'll go find out who I'm up against"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373743

>>373740
"No, your highness. Lady Radiant was a valuable opponent. I am happy she decided to take me up as her serv-… friend, your highness."

Kilana [deathsinger] 373744

>>373735
I probably have Codar waiting out of sight.

Venia [Battlemage] 373745

>>373740
>>373743
I lean in a little closer to whisper in Frostmourn's ear.
"She's an ex-slave."

Sylt 373746

>>373740
"Are you sure Frosty? I wouldn't want to bore him, really.."

DM 373747

>>373741
"Hm?
I agree. It was no battle."
>>373742
"Very well. Thank you for coming to see us."
>>373743
"Making friends already? How n-"
>>373745
"…really?
here?
Whose?"
>>373744
Better be damn well hidden. I doubt most here take kindly to it.
>>373746
"What ever do you mean?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373748

>>373747
"No mind magic is my new rule beside no sneaky stuff…"

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 373749

>>373747
teleport to the lineup queue '1d10+3'
and then look for my name and who I'm up against

Roll #1 3 + 3 = 6

Venia [Battlemage] 373750

>>373747
"Her master died a while back, it appears. She was born and raised as a slave, so she's a little lost right now. We're hoping to help her out."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373751

>>373747
"C'mon you know me. I'm a terrible fighter. Here just to sightsee."
>>373750
"So, did you decide where she's gonna live? We could have another room for her at the palace."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373752

>>373747
>>373750
I nod
"Without a master to serve I have no purpose, your highness. Lady Radiant has decided to take up my contract for the time being."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373753

>>373751
"It matters little if you bore me, master Swansong. Your king gave you an order."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373754

>>373752
"Remind me to tell you about that job opening, when you are done with this no purpouse attitude of yours."

Venia [Battlemage] 373755

>>373751
I shrug
"We'll see after this tournament is over."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373756

>>373752
"We will find what you want to do in life and help you pursue it, don't worry."

>>373751
"She will be staying with Celaire and me for a while. I wouldn't want her to be alone."

DM 373757

>>373749
Looks like it's someone called Smoldering Torch.
And the schedule says the match is about to begin soon!
>>373751
"Well, you always were a fair sparring partner. Or should I ask your mother to take your place for this?"
>>373750
"I wonder…
Might this master been from Snowborded?"

DM 373758

TL;DR
Smouldering Torch is unchained and released into the arena as Nylis enters from her side.

"Well well well folks, this one should get crazy in all kinds of ways! It seems our next combatants are both magically inclined! I guess we can expect some pretty fireworks from this one, even if actual sword clashing is probably going to be a rare sight!"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373759

>>373757
I tilt my head.
"Huh? Why?"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373760

>>373757
"I don't know, your highness. I'm sorry."

Venia [Battlemage] 373761

>>373757
"Maybe…"

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 373762

>>373758
"Oh.. well I was gonna ask you uh… Smoldering, if you wanted to rely on magic. So yea."
rolling for initiative, or whathave you '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

DM 373763

>>373759
>>373760
>>373761
"A thought just crossed my mind…
Care to tell me more about him?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373764

>>373757
"Now, we don't want to scoop him up with a spoon, do we?"
>>373753
"Trust me, I do know what my friend did. And his orders sound a lot different than that.
But since I really just want to get this over without you getting hurt, sure, I will take your challange."

Smoldering Torch [Omniseer] 373765

>>373758
"This is foolishness. I haven't done anything wrong. Release me right now." I shout.

>>373762
"There's no need for you to get hurt, whoever you are."
Rolling for initiative '1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373766

>>373763
I tilt my head curiously.
"What do you have in mind?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373767

>>373766
Smirk.
"C'mon, it's fairly obvious."

Anonymous 373768

>>373765
"I doubt that."
your move

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 373769

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373770

>>373763
"Of course, your highness. Master owned a large plot of land where he employed slaves to provide his needs. I was tasked with various jobs myself, including cooking meals, tending to the garden, curing the sick, fighting other slaves for master's amusement and providing companionship for him at night."

DM 373771

>>373762
>>373765
For the purposes of keeping a good pace, lets go with TL;DR rules
-both roll
-higher roll works
-I describe events, track hits
-crits take 2 hits
Aaaand GO!

DM 373772

>>373771
And of course skills are A-OK

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373773

>>373764
"You think too lowly of me, master Swansong."
Though I suppose that is what I'm here to prove, is it not? My value and reason to stay with and protect King Deep Rock's son.

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 373774

>>373771
STORM BOLT 6 TIMES! '1d10+1'

Roll #1 1 + 1 = 2

Smoldering Torch [Omniseer] 373775

>>373768
>>373771

I glare at him.
"You want a fight? You've got it."

Is Vantage point active?

Fire Bolt '1d10+1'

Roll #1 1 + 1 = 2

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 373776

>>373774
ABSORB THAT IF POSSIBLE

Venia [Battlemage] 373777

>>373764
>>373773
"I could fight him if Pumpkin doesn't feel like it."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373778

>>373773
"No, you got me wrong. Frosty here menaced to unleashe my mother on you.
That's a fate I hope nopony has to face."
>>373777
Wave a hoof dismissively.
"It's okay Venia. You had a battle already. I will just have to tell my date our dance is off."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373779

>>373777
"I fear that would be unfair to you, Queen Venia."

Venia [Battlemage] 373780

>>373778
"Well I-"

>>373779
I frown
"What?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373781

>>373780
"As master Swansong said, you've already fought once today, and it would be unfair to force you into a second battle so soon after the first."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373782

Venia [Battlemage] 373783

>>373781
"Please. Your lack of faith in my endurance is insulting. I may be a queen and not in my twenties anymore, but I can still handle myself."

DM 373784

>>373774
>>373775
For a moment both mages stare eachother down, horns glowing, eyes wide, screaming as they charge power.
Then they both explode into clouds of dust, magical sparks and embers.
The entire arena bursts into laughter.
"AHAHAHAHAAHA HAHAHAHAHA OH FUCK! THIS IS SOME GRADE-A MAGE MATERIAL RIGHT HERE FOLKS!"
>>373770
"That certainly does not sound like a traditional Eaglecrest midset…"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373785

>>373784
"Would you mind telling me what you are thinking already?"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373786

>>373784
"I have a room in Eaglecrest, your highness. But master's estate was not here."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373787

>>373783
"I meant no disrespect. Any way you cut it, you would be fighting a fresh opponent, and that gives me a very slight advantage."
I'll shrug.
"I would not turn down the offer after my fight, though. That would put us on equal ground."

Smoldering Torch [Omniseer] 373788

>>373784
Since Anon is gone I suppose we both get carried off? Or will we both get up and finish it later?

Kilana [deathsinger] 373789

>>373784
I keep a straight face, maybe Nylis will see that I'm not laughing at her..

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373790

>>373787
"C'mon give Venia some credit. She is a skilled opponent, you know?"
Flutter away to get some drinks.
Nothing alcoholic for now.
"Say, want something?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373791

>>373787
I scrunch
Equal ground… Hmph.

>>373786
"What are you playing at, Frostmourn?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373792

>>373790
"Queen Venia is one of King Frostmourn's retainers. I have no doubts about her prowess."
I'll shake my head at Pumpkin's offer.
"No, thank you."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373793

>>373792
Droop my ears in disappointment.
"Right…"
Turn to the rest.
"Anypony else? I'm not spiking the fruit juice, I swear!"

Venia [Battlemage] 373794

>>373793
"Sure, I guess I'm thirsty."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373795

>>373794
Mix her something.
Cherry flavored surprise!
'1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373796

>>373793
"Only water will do."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373797

>>373796
Nod and hoof her a glass. Pon, I'm good at this.
"Hey Frosty, you ever thought about starting a bar?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373798

>>373797
"Thank you."

Venia [Battlemage] 373799

>>373795
I smile at him.
"Thanks, Pumpkin dear."

Kilana [deathsinger] 373800

Well, if the fighters are taking a break, I'll go see how my friends are.

Go check the break room.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373801

>>373800
Well look at that.
"Think quick!
One, two or three?"

'3d10'

Roll #1 7, 9, 9 = 25

DM 373802

>>373785
"I'm wondering whether this master of hers was a Snowborder emigrant, or simply someone who picked up influences there."
>>373786
"And where was it?"
>>373788
We can finish later

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373803

>>373802
"Why?"

Kilana [deathsinger] 373804

>>373801
I blink a bit. "Oh, three of course. Its always three with these games."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373805

>>373802
"I don't know. I never left the estate before master died. After he passed, I roamed around in search of a new master until I found this place. I am sorry I cannot provide you with more information, your highness."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373806

>>373804
And then I take the third drink and flutter with it over to her.
Yeah, It's watermelon. They all were.

DM 373807

>>373797
"Not really, no.
I would imagine one might make a good impression in places though."
>>373803
"For the implications.
Emigrants from Snowborder are almost entirely unheard of. And Eaglecrest citizens rarely dilute their culture with outside influences."
>>373805
"roaming in search of a Master… heh. I can relate."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373808

>>373803
"I would assume, Lady Goldentail, that those of Snowborder are less than kind to their slaves. At least according to the direction of the questions."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373809

>>373807
"You think there might be… more slavers?"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373810

>>373807
"I do not understand, your highness."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373811

>>373807
Relax somewhere in the room.
"Well we kinda did find it thou, Frosty."

Kilana [deathsinger] 373812

>>373806
I get a wide grin. "Zigga' you know that's my favorite fruit." I drink it slowly.
"Who is your new friend?"

DM 373813

>>373809
"That is entirely possible.
What worries me more is the fact that she is a second generation slave.-"
>>373810
"-As far as I knew… Snowborder did not deal in those. Nor did they deal in lifelong slavery.
…it may be possible we have rogue slavers."
>>373811
"Indeed.
…indeed… we did…"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373814

>>373813
"It's obvious then. We take out the wretched and free the slaves."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373815

>>373813
I just stare at him blankly, unsure what else to say to this.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373816

>>373814
"And then what? Let them loose on the world the same way Sunny was? We would be doing them no favors."
I'll tap my left forehoof.
"So if you're planning on doing such things, you had best be prepared for the long haul."
I'll gesture to Sunny.
"She alone will take time to teach, and even then she might not completely be her own mare, even to the end. Can you afford to split your attention so far?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373817

>>373816
"Now that I am no longer an officer of the Warriors of Sunlight, I have time for other causes, yes. Freeing slaves is definitely something I would spend time on."

Kilana [deathsinger] 373818

>>373813
>>373814
I shake my head at this, If snowborder is really doing this then we might have to deal with them sooner than we wanted.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373819

>>373817
"But caring for them? There are likely going to be more than just one or two, and housing them while traveling will be beyond impossible."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373820

>>373819
"Then I will lead them back to Wintergrasp. We freed a lot of slaves in the past once already."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373821

>>373812
Sorry, had to pick my sisters up.
"Well that one over there-"
Point at the guy in heavy armor.
"Calls himself Waxing Crescent. He's from Ironfoe, Unyielding sent him to check on Venia, while her-"
Point at Sunny.
"Is a misterious little bird with no name. Ex slave, too.
Radiant took her in."
>>373814
"It's silly even to just think about it, Radiant.
We need to reform the whole way Snowborders works to abolish slavery there.
It will take time."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373822

>>373821
"Then we will take our time. I don't think Frostmourn intends to have a united North where slavery exists, right?"

Look at him.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373823

>>373820
I'll shrug.
"If you think it worth the resources. Though it is really up to King Frostmourn what happens with them."

DM 373824

>>373814
>>373821
"Snowborder is a big job. But if we have slavers in the mountains or along the border roads…
…perhaps they were among those who supplied the Underking?
Or… the other way around?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373825

>>373821
"And her name is Sunny, and you will talk about her with more respect than that!"

>>373824
"Will we get to the bottom of this after the tournament?"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373826

>>373824
"I don't remember ever leaving the domain before master died, your highness. I have served for as long as I can remember. I do not remember my parents. I do not know the Underking or Snowborder."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373827

>>373826
"Don't worry about it, Sunny. This is not an interrogation."

Kilana [deathsinger] 373828

>>373821
"Radiant took someone in?" I smile "Well, more sun worshiping in the morning will help us get up faster right?"
>>373823
I give you a small wave. "I'm Kilana, nice to meet ya' "

DM 373829

>>373826
"As I would expect…
…you were born into slavery, after all. Born to serve, taught to obey."
>>373825
"If we have time.
Trouble is brewing in both Timberjaw and, as Ebonreth told me, Stormheart.
We may need to strike while the iron is hot."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373830

>>373826
I'll grimace beneath my helmet.
>>373828
I'll nod my head slightly.
"A pleasure. I take it you are another of King Frostmourn's retainers?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373831

>>373828
I shake my head with a smile at her comment.

>>373829
"And leave ponies to suffering while you go off to do your politics?"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373832

>>373829
"Yes, your highness."
I bow.
"I live to serve."

Kilana [deathsinger] 373833

>>373826
I give you a sympathetic look.
>>373830
"A friend, and an adviser yes. "

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373834

>>373825
"Respect? Why on heart do you think I don't respect her?
If you really do want to know, there is a reason I didn't call her Sunny.
Because that's the name you gave her! She hasn't had the time to choose for herself yet!"
>>373824
"I think we could deal with a bunch of slavers no problem."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373835

>>373832
I shake my head.
"No, Sunny, don't say that. You no longer need to say that. You live to… live now. You don't need to serve anypony."

>>373834
"Yes, until she is ready to drop it and choose one for herself! Would you prefer we call her simply a number?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373836

>>373831
"They're suffering now while you argue. No matter when you go, you will always arrive too late to help them all."
>>373832
"You live to live, Prettybird. That's all there is to it."
>>373833
I'll nod at that.

DM 373837

>>373832
"In a way… we all do."
>>373831
"Perhaps you do not consider civil war to be suffering. I do."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373838

>>373837
"Yes."
Narrow my eyes slightly.
"But you want to help for your own gain."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373839

>>373837
"Frosty, don't go philosophycal on her."
>>373835
"Right. Absolutely not. But there is a reason I don't like when others pick names."

DM 373840

>>373838
"No.
For the gain of the north."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373841

>>373839
"Once she is ready, she will have her own name."
I sigh.
"Sadly, she is still stuck in this terrible mindset."

>>373840
"Of which you plan to rule over."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373842

>>373833
I just stare back at her with a neutral expression.

>>373835
>>373836
"Okay."

>>373837
"I do not understand. Could you explain, your highness?"

DM 373843

>>373839
"And… may I ask why not?"
>>373841
"Are you trying to imply my goals are selfish?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373844

>>373841
"And the problem with Frosty ruling the north would be?
He fixed Wintergrasp in a month of reign!"
>>373843
"Because she's gonna take it literally."

Kilana [deathsinger] 373845

>>373841
I look shocked. "What are you saying Lady Radiant?"

DM 373846

>>373844
"Is that any wronger an interpretation though? Isn't that what makes us ponies? Forming our own understanding?"
>>373842
"It was just a… theological thought."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373847

>>373841
"Lady Goldentail, is there something wrong with the idea of a unified North under King Frostmourn?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373848

>>373845
"Sunny never got a name, just a number."
I shake my head
"It's just… awful."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373849

>>373846
Look at him with an expression of 'I told you so' on my face.
>>373848
"I wonder, did she ever learn to read and write?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373850

>>373843
"No, they are not, as long as the good of the North is what you really want."

>>373844
>>373847
>>373845
"The way he said 'strike the hot iron' about a civil war was not very fitting for a benevolent ruler. It needs fixing, not precision striking."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373851

>>373846
I nod slowly.
"Okay, your highness. I'm sorry I did not understand."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373852

>>373850
"This is war, Lady Radiant. To minimiza casualties we do need precision striking."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373853

>>373850
"In Ironfoe, 'striking while the iron is hot' is a saying that means one should take action while the time is right. Fixing it would likely be easier now than after it gets worse."

Venia [Battlemage] 373854

>>373849
"She knows a little… the simple stuff at least."
I give him a grave look
"She has trouble understanding parts of her contract, for example."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373855

>>373853
"It still sounded wrong…"

>>373852
"Or a pony they can all look up to and stop fighting."

Kilana [deathsinger] 373856

>>373848
"Radiant will have a lot to teach her then."
>>373851
"Perhaps I can help teach as well?"
>>373850
"What is wrong with using precision to stop causalities? Fix the problem swiftly rather than let them kill each other for years and years?"

DM 373857

>>373850
"The day I betray my ideals for personal gain…
…is the day you deserve to kill me."
>>373851
"It relates to the way some view time and fate as a predefined, immutable concept, or at the very least a vaguely defined line rather than an amorphous mass that takes well to reshaping.
A simple notion on the possible inability of one to truly create their own future, and thus being a servant to the greater powers that rule over the cosmos."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373858

>>373855
"King Frostmourn is trying to do both, is he not? Provide example, and be precise as necessary?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373859

>>373855
"You are asking for the stars. For a god to descend and grace us with a miracle.
Guess what. We are ponies.
No gods, no demons. Just ponies."
>>373854
Wince.
"She could be so much more-"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373860

>>373859
"And as her caretaker, I believe Lady Goldentail has the last say on that, master Swansong."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373861

>>373857
I look a little overwhelmed.
"Okay. Thank you for explaining this to me, your highness."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373862

>>373860
Look surprised at him.
"O… kay? What are you even on about?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373863

>>373857
"You know none of us would want that."

>>373856
"I will try to teach her the best I can, yes."

>>373858
"We should try and look for peaceful options first at least."

>>373859
"You know miracles can be real, if you believe in them enough."
Roll my eyes.
"And I hope you are not still thinking of what you were saying earlier."

Venia [Battlemage] 373864

>>373860
"No, Sunny is the one with the last say about it."

>>373857
"Frostmourn… I don't think she understood any of that."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373865

>>373862
"It seems you and Lady Goldentail were having an argument about Sunny's fate earlier while I spoke to Queen Venia. I had assumed this was related."

DM 373866

>>373861
He pauses for a moment
"You really didn't understand what I said, did you?"
>>373859
"But then… what is to stop us from becoming gods?"
>>373863
"The least of all me. For if it were to happen, I would not only have failed myself, my dreams, my people…
my most importantly
…my friends."
he grabs you all into a hug with telekinesis
'1d10+1'

Roll #1 6 + 1 = 7

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373867

>>373863
Shrug.
"Who knows.
I'm just saying, we are ponies, we will act as ponies."
>>373865
"My arguments with my old Teacher are mine and mine alone.
And if I do have to express my opinion, frankly, I don't think Lady Radiant should be the one to choose her faith.
She should choose for herself."
>>373866
Oh, big hug time.
Let out a sigh of relief.
"We should stop ourselves, Frosty…"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373868

>>373866
"I…"
I look down at the ground.
"… No, your highness… I'm sorry for failing you."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373869

>>373867
I'll shrug.
>>373868
"You shouldn't be, Prettybird. I didn't really catch most of that either."

Venia [Battlemage] 373870

>>373866
I chuckle as he draws us all into a hug.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373871

>>373866
Well it's not a smile from a goddess, but it's decent.
Smile and hug him back.

>>373867
"What you are trying to make her do is not a healthy life. She deserves better."

>>373868
>>373866
Sigh.
"Frostmourn, please, go easy on her. And don't worry Sunny, it's not a problem."

Kilana [deathsinger] 373872

>>373866
"Our mortality will stop us from becoming gods. Even the Underking was no god."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373873

>>373871
"Radiant, please. Enjoy the hug."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373874

>>373872
"You know Kila, Frosty… I've had an interesting talk with a pony about gods.
Remind me to tell you both, another time."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373875

>>373872
I'm pretty sure I met a god once… her smile was so pretty~
Smile to myself

DM 373876

>>373868
"Well. I suppose I did perhaps go overboard on the eloquence.
What I meant to say is, that because some believe destiny has been predefined for us, we are all servants to it, rather than masters of our own futures."
>>373867
"Should we, old friend?"
>>373874
>>373872
"it will surely be a most fascinating topic."

Venia [Battlemage] 373877

>>373874
I frown at this but say nothing.

Kilana [deathsinger] 373878

>>373874
>>373876
"Sounds like something to look forward to."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373879

>>373876
"Oh yes Frosty. We definitely should.
You might say this is the reason I'm here in this room today."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373880

>>373876
"We make our own decisions."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373881

>>373876
I consider this for a moment.
"How does destiny instruct us?"

DM 373882

>>373881
He chuckles
"I find that amusing because an old friend of mine is named Destiny. He is a priest in Wintersgrasp.
And he no longer instructs me."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373883

>>373882
I nod.
"Okay. I have a purpose. I will find Destiny and ask how to serve. Thank you, your highness."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373884

>>373883
"So… you want to become a priest like Manifest?"
I frown slightly.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373885

>>373883
I'll sigh rather loudly.
"I don't quite think that's what the King meant, Prettybird."

DM 373886

>>373883
"Hm. I believe he'd simply tell you to serve The Master.
And I think we can find more to your life than that joyless existence."

Venia [Battlemage] 373887

>>373881
>>373882
>>373883
"Now hold on just one second… Manifest Destiny is just a simple pony like us, he does not provide you with special purpose."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373888

>>373884
"I want to serve."

>>373886
I cock my head to the side slightly
"The master? Who is he? Where is he?"

>>373887
"… Destiny provides purpose. I have no purpose so I have to find Destiny."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373889

>>373888
"The Master… they say it's some sort of deity that is supposed to control us. But we control ourselves."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373890

>>373888
"Destiny is an old pony who goes on and on about faith. Do you really need to?"

Kilana [deathsinger] 373891

>>373888
"Maybe you can find your own purpose. Give it a little time at least?"

DM 373892

>>373888
"I went to his altar earlier. Saw him. Spoke to him.
Learned from him.
But I am not sure if it did me any good."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373893

>>373892
Perk up my ears.
"Ah. Right. I never asked you about… That."
Look at him with a bit of apprehension.
"I will come around tonight."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373894

>>373892
I shake my head disapporivingly.

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373895

>>373889
"Oh."
I look down

>>373891
"My purpose is to serve. Radiant is my mistress, but she does not wish for me to serve. I need to find a master who does."

>>373892
"You serve the Master, your highness?"

Kilana [deathsinger] 373896

>>373892
My eyes widen a bit. "Amazing."

DM 373897

>>373894
"Speak your mind."
>>373895
He does not comment

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373898

>>373895
"I wouldn't mind taking you off her hooves, though I doubt Lady Goldentail will be willing to let you go off with just anyone."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373899

>>373895
"No, I told you! You don't need to serve anypony! You need to find a life that you control! You must be in charge of yourself!"

>>373897
"I just want to imagine all that time I spent teaching you about the Sun did not go to waste."

Venia [Battlemage] 373900

>>373892
I frown deeply.

>>373895
I sigh and turn to Radiant.
"I think we should burn that contract of hers. This isn't going anywhere."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373901

>>373900
I shake my head.
"Venia, please, you have to see this. It doesn't mean anything if we do it. She needs to do it, and she needs to want to do it, by herself. Then it will mean she is finally free of it forever."

Kilana [deathsinger] 373902

>>373901
"Why not let her serve you? You can show her freedom by example."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373903

>>373897
I just keep looking at him expectantly.

>>373899
"If I don't serve, I have no purpose."
I pause for a moment
"… Are you my mistress, Radiant?"

>>373898
"You wish me to serve you?"

DM 373904

>>373899
>>373900
He sighs mournfully
"I am no longer proud of doing it.
Because facing your looks every time it is brought up hurts so much. Knowledge may be power… but in this case, it was probably not worth it.
…please excuse me."
He turns to leave
We could pause on my part

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373905

>>373898
I shake my head.
"Out of the question."

>>373902
"What do you mean?"

>>373903
"No, I told you, I am not. I am a friend."
I sigh.
"But I will show you that you don't need no master nor mistress."

>>373904
I frown, but just nod.
I guess.

Venia [Battlemage] 373906

>>373904
If you want to go to sleep, go ahead. I'm still fine with going though.
I sigh and go after him.
"Come on now Frostmourn…"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373907

>>373905
"Okay."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373908

>>373896
Lean close and whisper to her.
"Did not help that we had to fight a swarm of changelings before that."
>>373898
"No way. I'd sooner have her at my own home than send her with somepony I don't know."
>>373904
Sure, we can rp from now.

Kilana [deathsinger] 373909

>>373905
"Let her serve you, and train her to be better." I pause trying to explain it "while she is serving you show her the way of your sun, show her how to choose by choosing yourself."

Kilana [deathsinger] 373910

>>373904
Sleep well.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373911

>>373909
I frown.
"I want her to teach her how to choose by herself, but… she is an equal. I can't even imagine of having a servant, not to mention a slave. I couldn't sleep at night with the thought."

DM 373912

Enjoy the RP

NEXT TIME ON COLD BUTTS
GETTING TO KNOW THE NEW MAGES
FIGHTING DUELS THAT TAKE AGES
AND THE DESIRE TO MOVE THE PLOT ONWARDS RAGES

Kilana [deathsinger] 373913

>>373911
"Then treat her as an equal as much as possible. You know.. it just takes a single person to treat you better to show you you're a pony too." I look toward venia, and pumpkin for a moment.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373914

>>373913
"I will treat her as a friend. I will do my best to provide the life anypony deserves to her."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373915

>>373913
Smirk back at her.
>>373914
"I'm just worried you might be a little too extreme, at times."

Venia [Battlemage] 373916

>>373915
"Chances are she'll praise the Sun just like Radiant soon…"

Kilana [deathsinger] 373917

>>373908
>>373915
"You have to tell me the whole story sometime"
>>373914
"That should do her well." I smile.

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373918

>>373913
>>373914
>>373915
>>373916
I just observe them all talk with a blank look on my face.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373919

>>373917
I smile slightly.
"I hope."

>>373915
"What, you think I would mistreat her?"

>>373916
"Like everypony should."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373920

>>373918
"Hey. Join us for a moment, okay?"
Take a pillow and pat on it.
>>373919
"No, I think you might exagerate with the shouting part."
Chuckle a bit.
>>373917
Nod.
"We can do tonight if you aren't busy with somepony else in town."

Venia [Battlemage] 373921

>>373919
I roll my eyes
"See Radiant, that's where you're wrong. Religious conviction should not be forced on somepony. There are other beliefs aside from praising the Sun. Heck maybe she doesn't want to praise any gods at all."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373922

>>373920
I look at Radiant expectantly.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373923

>>373905
>>373908
I'll just have shrugged.
It's like they expect me to bite her head off the moment they aren't looking. Not that I blame them, I suppose.
I'll listen for a little, having been phased out of the conversation.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373924

>>373922
"You don't need my permission to anything, Sunny. If you want to, then go ahead."

>>373920
"You deserved every time I shouted at you!"

>>373921
"The Sun guides us all…"
I sigh.
"But you are right… I won't force it if she won't want it."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373925

>>373924
"Okay. Thank you, Radiant."
I settle down on the pillow.

Kilana [deathsinger] 373926

>>373920
"We can find the time I'm sure."
>>373923
"Why not take off you helmet and relax with us? The next match isn't for a little while."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373927

>>373926
"I would… prefer to leave my helmet on, thank you. The offer to relax, however, I shall accept."
And I'll just hunker down a bit. When in armor, any spot's as good as the next.

Venia [Battlemage] 373928

>>373924
"Just the name you've given her is a little biased… Are you sure you are up for this, Radiant? I could take on the task instead."

>>373927
"Isn't that armor a little… uncomfortable?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373929

>>373928
"It's only temporarly. I will let her choose a different name as soon as she wants to. I can do this."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373930

>>373928
"Not at all. Once you get used to it, anyway. The interior actually has a layer of padding, so as to prevent chafing or pinching."

Kilana [deathsinger] 373931

>>373927
I look a bit suspiciously at you "Alright, well how long have you been a fighter?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373932

>>373929
"Okay then. I hope so."

>>373930
"Oh… But it must be hot in there, no? It's not that cold in here is it?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373933

>>373924
"And you deserved every time I pulled your tail from the darkness."
Stick my tongue out at her.
>>373926
"Me and Frosty were having a night out. And Peach will most likely be there because, well, you know how she is.
Care to join?"
>>373928
>>373929
Look at Radiant.
"I'm with Venia on this one.
Just look at me. Before training with you I couldn't care less about gods. Good thing the Moon was there, or I'd be waking up at dawn each day."
>>373930
"Look, we are not gonna eat you. It's just uncomfortable to see somepony always in armor right in front of you."
>>373925
"So. Tell me the truth. What do you think of Lady Radiant?"
Smirk.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373934

>>373932
I shrug.
"I never get hot in my armor yet I wear it all day too."

>>373933
I stand next to them, but don't sit down.
"And you deserved every time I bucked back into the darkness… also, Pumpkin, you asked me to tell you about the Sun and the Moon. Especially the Moon, and I did not judge you for it."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373935

>>373933
I look down.
"She holds my contract, but she says she is not my mistress. She provides me no purpose, but seeks new purpose instead. I do not understand, but I will follow."

Kilana [deathsinger] 373936

>>373933
I smile "Yeah, it would be nice to talk to spend a little time with you both again, its been a while hasn't it?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373937

>>373934
"And I'm grateful for that. You shaped me."
Smile at her.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373938

>>373931
I'll think for a moment.
"It's hard to give an exact day. But, I suppose I could say that it was from the first time I held an axe. That was nearly… seventeen, eighteen years ago? Might have been earlier…"
>>373932
"It's a common misconception, Queen Venia. So long as I have at least a foot or so of open space, my armor is capable of venting body heat. However, it does tend to get a bit stuffy if I'm caught in a melee for longer than, say, an hour. There have been some who have blacked out due to temperatures."
>>373933
I'll nod slightly to Pumpkin.
"Even so, I'm certain each of you have your own… peculiarities?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373939

>>373937
"Sun knows you needed it."
Chuckle.

>>373935
I look at her but say nothing.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373940

>>373935
"Have you ever thought what the master would feel like?
I don't mean at touch. I mean what he is like.
What not-slaves are like."
>>373936
"Last time was… After the whole dogs thing?"
>>373938
"Which doesn't make you any less unsettling to watch."
>>373939
Sigh heavily, but smile again.

Venia [Battlemage] 373941

>>373935
I shuffle my hooves uncomfortably.

>>373938
"Oh… See my armor has cloth to keep me warm as well. The north can be quite cold after all. The downside is that it tends to get warm pretty quickly when it's not cold around me."

Kilana [deathsinger] 373942

>>373935
"I'm sure it will become clear what she wants for you." I say encouragingly
>>373938
I nod. "You don't sound very old to me must have started very young then?"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373943

>>373940
"No. Our master told us we were to serve all our lives. My own thoughts do not matter, as it's master who instructs me."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373944

>>373940
"My apologies, master Swansong."
>>373942
"I've recently come into my 25th year, so yes, I suppose I did."

Kilana [deathsinger] 373945

>>373940
"I think so, but it feels like it was just last night." I laugh a bit. "This time we'll have to buy our own drinks instead of borrowing them."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373946

>>373943
"Your former master is dead, Prettybird, and his orders with him. The only one you need care to serve is yourself, at the moment."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373947

>>373943
"Now your thoughts matter. And feel free to speak them too."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373948

>>373943
"Okay. Try now. Pretend I'm a slave and you are a master. Act like one."
>>373944
Shake my head and sigh.
>>373945
"I'm not too sure about getting drunk again while away from home…"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373949

>>373946
>>373947
"Okay."

>>373948
"I cannot. I am to serve, not to order."

Kilana [deathsinger] 373950

>>373948
"Well, you're probably right we won't want to be hung over. We'll save the party for home then. But still, it will be nice to talk. "

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373951

>>373949
"Radiant. Order her to pretend to be a master and order me."

Kilana [deathsinger] 373952

>>373949
I shake my head a bit. "This is going to take a while"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373953

>>373952
"Not if I can help it."

Stand up and look straight at Sunny.
"C'mon. Order me something, master."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373954

>>373951
I narrow my eyes.
"Pumpkin! I am NOT going to order her anything!"

>>373949
"No, you don't need to serve. Okay? The ponies who said that you have to lied to you."

Venia [Battlemage] 373955

>>373951
"That will hardly help, Pumpkin."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373956

>>373955
"Oh I think it would.
Imagine it, she will be forced to make her own thought surface. She will be forced to think and take decisions!"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373957

>>373953
"I doubt forcing the issue is going to do her much good, master Swansong. Especially if she is as ingrained in her training as I think she is."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373958

>>373956
"We don't want to force her to do anything."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373959

>>373957
"We can try. I'm not giving up on somepony just because of her training."
>>373958
"So you want her to be… This, forever?"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373960

>>373953
I look at Radiant uneasily.

>>373954
"The contract dictates it…"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373961

>>373959
"I never said to give up, master Swansong. However, it is likely too early for her. You don't try and hammer cold iron, do you? It has to be heated to a workable state."
I'll gesture slightly to Sunny.
"As it is, Prettybird is still ore. She's far from anywhere near being ready for what you have in mind."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373962

>>373959
I facehoof.
"No, but ordering her to order something is still ordering!"

>>373960
"The contract lies too. You don't have to believe a word of it. You are not an item, you are not property."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373963

>>373960
"Your contract was made under false pretenses, to my understanding, Prettybird. That means that it is not binding. And were your old master still alive, he would be punished for doing what he did to you and his other slaves."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373964

>>373962
>>373963
I consider this for a moment, then nod.
"Okay."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373965

>>373964
I'll pause for a moment.
"Do you actually understand what this means, or are you simply saying that because you think that's what we want to hear?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373966

>>373964
"It also means that you are free. That you can make your own choices."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373967

>>373964
>>373960
Facehoof.
"You are just playing along, uh?"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373968

>>373965
"Radiant is not my mistress. She does not provide me orders. The contract is invalid and irrelevant now that my master is dead. I have no purpose and must find a new one."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373969

>>373968
Go back sitting and sigh.
"Solid enough."
I wonder if she even understand what that means.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373970

>>373968
"Have you considered any option besides finding a new master? Settling down, finding a pony, or zebra, or anyone to love? Start a family? Or just do something you like to do?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373971

>>373969
"I have an idea…"

>>373968
"Are you thirsty, Sunny?"

Venia [Battlemage] 373972

>>373968
"So… what will you do?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373973

>>373971
Nod slowly and look at her do.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373974

>>373973
Motion him closer.
"Let's show her true freedom of choice… or at least try. Could you get two glasses of different juices, please?"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373975

>>373970
I look down.
"No."

>>373971
"… Yes."

>>373972
I give her a blank look
"Find new purpose, your highness."

373976

>>373974
Nod and flutter over to the bar.

Mix two. One red, one orange.

Roll #1 1, 3 = 4

373977

>>373976
And promptly throw them out.
"Those were terrible."

Two more.

Roll #1 6, 7 = 13

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373978

>>373975
I smile.
"Okay, dear. Pumpkin will get you a drink in a second."

>>373976
>>373977
I wait for him to return.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373979

>>373977
Place them in front of me.
"Good enough. Lady Radiant, it's ready."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373980

>>373975
"Well, if the mood strikes you, don't shut the thoughts away. You're free, after all. It's the right of all those living to find love and happiness."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373981

>>373978
And then I guess I take those to her.

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373982

>>373980
"Master said I am unfit for having a family. He showed me."

>>373981
I hesitate for a moment as I'm presented the two glasses.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373983

>>373982
I give her a hopeful smile.
"Choose whichever you like!"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373984

>>373982
"Too bad master is not here to stop you now, uh?"
Smirk.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373985

>>373982
"Your former master was also as close to a monster as could fit in a pony's skin. Anything he has said about your suitability to do anything is suspect at best."

Kilana [deathsinger] 373986

>>373982
"Unfit for a family.. No, there are many ways to have a family."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373987

>>373983
"Okay."
I pick up the orange juice and drink it.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373988

>>373987
I smile at her gleefully.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373989

>>373987
>>373983
Look from her to radiant.
"Well, looks like she's got the 'what you like' part down right."

Then, turn suddenly and look at Sunny.
"Put it down. Now."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 373990

>>373989
I freeze and drop the glass on the floor.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373991

>>373989
"What?! Pumpkin!!"

Kilana [deathsinger] 373992

>>373989
>>373990
I frown. "What was that for?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373993

>>373989
I'll glower at Pumpkin from behind my helmet.
"That was rather petty of you, master Swansong. You knew at this stage she would be forced to obey."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373994

>>373990
Groan.
"See. She's not over it."
Sigh.
"You are not supposed to do what ponies order you. That was the point."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373995

>>373993
>>373992
>>373991
"I swear, at times it's like you can't see past your nose!"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 373996

>>373994
"And you, master Swansong, are not to strike the iron before it is ready. Have you learned nothing of tact in your tagging along with King Frostmourn?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 373997

>>373990
"I'm so sorry for this…"

>>373994
Walk over to him, and give him a slap.
"You should be ashamed of yourself! The point was to show her the that she has the freedom to choose what she wants! And now what did you achive? Scared her of just that!"

Kilana [deathsinger] 373998

>>373994
>>373995
"Of course she's not over it, she's not going to get over it right away. This is a like a very deep scar.. it will take time to mend it.."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 373999

>>373997
Sigh.
"The point was to have her make a choice. She did it, but was still fixed on the whole 'listen to orders' thing.
I wanted to see if she could completely forget it, for a second."
>>373996
Look at him flatly.
"No. I only study liquors."
>>373998
Raise my hooves in defeat.
"Right. I did something terribly wrong. Honestly, I though some shock therapy might have worked."


Turn to Sunny, start cleaning where she dropped the drink.
Speak in a low voice.
"You know, I did not mean it. I just wanted to see if you could enjoy it. If you could tell me no."

Kilana [deathsinger] 374000

>>373999
I help you clean up. "Its okay, I know you meant well. "

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374001

>>373999
"Pumpkin, I told you this will be a long process! Now you scared her of making her own choices! You did the opposite of helping! Now apologize to her properly!"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374002

>>373999
"Hmph."
At least in Ironfoe the nobles aren't so disconnected from reality.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374003

>>374001
"I already did, Lady Radiant."
>>374000
Nod.
"So did Waymarker. So did Hailstorm."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374004

>>373999
I just give him a confused look.
"I don't understand."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374005

>>374003
"You admitted that you are wrong. You did not apologize properly to her yet. You owe her that."

>>374004
"What he did was a very bad thing!"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374006

>>374004
"I wanted you to tell me no. A deep, strong no.
To tell me I had no right to tell you to drop the drink."
Sigh again.
"And I'm sorry for taking the wrong path and scaring you."
>>374005
Roll my eyes.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374007

>>374006
I snark.
"Don't you roll your eyes at me, Pumpkin! Sun give me strenght to deal with you!"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374008

>>374006
"Oh."
I look down.
"I am sorry for disappointing you."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374009

>>374007
I was turned towards Sunny, cleaning up the fallen drink.
>>374008
"I'm sorry for asking you something you couldn't possibly do."
Finish cleaning and trot back to the drinks.
"Did you like the last one?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374010

>>374008
"No, no, you shouldn't feel sorry. You did nothing wrong, he did. The only pony who dissapointed anypony here is just Pumpkin. I was very proud of you when you chose something by yourself without asking for permission."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374011

>>374009
"… Yes."

>>374010
"Okay."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374012

>>374011
I stay silent for a few seconds.
"Uh… do you know what pride is?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374013

>>374011
'1d10', mix it again.
Ask in a slow, calm voice.
"Would you like anything else in it?"

Roll #1 7 = 7

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374014

>>374012
"Pride?"

>>374013
"… No."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374015

>>374014
Slowly walk up to her and leave the drink there.
"Here. I'm sorry for before."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374016

>>374014
"Pride is a good feeling… when you do something good, you feel pride for doing it good. Like how I was proud of you that you did good by choosing yourself, and I thought… that would make you happy."
After a few seconds, I add.
"Oh, but don't overdo pride, or take pride in bad things or every small thing, because that is being arrogant."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374017

>>374016
"Lady Goldentail, it would probably be best for Sunny if you took things from the beginning. Once she learns her letters, she'll be able to read, and reading will likely answer many more questions than any of us by ourselves."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374018

>>374015
I look down.
"Thank you for being nice to me."

>>374016
I just look at her confusedly.

>>374017
"I can read simple things, but struggle with harder words."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374019

>>374017
"Are you saying that explaining things is not helpful?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374020

>>374018
"Uh… did you never feel good or happy your whole life? Not even once?"
I look at her sadly.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374021

>>374018
"Don't mention it. It's just a drink after all."
Go back sitting somewhere.
>>374019
"I'm with him on this one. You are overdoing it."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374022

>>374019
"Not at all. But our explanations and understandings are colored by our own experiences. As she has not had them, how can we expect her to come to the same reasoning you, or any of, have?"
>>374018
"Until you have learned all you can, you are still 'learning.' Most ponies spend their entire lives doing so."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374023

>>374021
>>374022
"At least it urges her to talk and think, which is better than her being silent."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374024

>>374023
"Even if it basically boils down to you ordering her to talk?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374025

>>374024
"I'm not ordering her to talk. If she finds something interesting or wants to learn, she asks by herself."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374026

>>374020
I look away.
"Sometimes I feel better than other times. But I cannot complain. My feelings are irrelevant. They do not provide master anything."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374027

>>374026
I shake my head.
"No, your feelings are very much relevant. You shouldn't suppress them."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374028

>>374026
"But your feelings provide you something, Sunny."
I'll wave a hoof.
"Which would you enjoy more: being happy, or listening to an order?"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374029

>>374027
"Okay."

>>374028
"A purpose in life makes me happy."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374030

>>374029
"That is a non-answer, Sunny."
I'll sigh a little.
"How about this: would you prefer a slave's cot, or a warm bed?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374031

>>374029
"All ponies need a purpose, but you also need to appreciate and enjoy small things."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374032

>>374030
"I sleep wherever I need to sleep. A warm bed is better, but that is irrelevant if master orders us to sleep in the slave pit."

>>374031
"Okay."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374033

>>374032
"Would you like a warm bed?"

Venia [Battlemage] 374034

>>374032
"Slave pi-"
I sigh and shake my head
"Okay… how about this, what is your favorite color?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374035

>>374032
I sigh.
"Don't worry, I'll provide you with beds. You won't ever need to sleep in pits again."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374036

>>374033
"It is comfortable. Master's bed was comfortable."

>>374034
"… I don't understand, your highness. A color is a color. My opinion does not change it."

>>374035
"Okay."

Venia [Battlemage] 374037

>>374036
I smile at her
"It doesn't change it, no… but that doesn't mean your opinion is not important. Voicing your concerns and opinions on things can be very cathartic, you know."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374038

>>374036
"But your opinion counts."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374039

>>374036
"Okay let's try this way.
You have to choose which color you want the curtains of your room to be.
Which one would you choose?"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374040

I stay silent as I think this over for a moment, then nod.
"Okay."
I look myself over and run a hoof over my pinkish coat.
"I like pink."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374041

>>374036
Bah. It's like trying to speak to a wall.
>>374040
"Pink is… a good color for mares."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374042

>>374040
"See, you are doing progresses."
>>374041
Frown at him.
"Hey I like pink too!"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374043

>>374040
I smile.
"It's a nice color. They always said my eyes are sort of pink-ish."
I chuckle.
"They just don't know it's not actually pink."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374044

>>374042
"Pink mares or pink drinks, most likely."
I'll shrug.
"Not that there's anything wrong with either of those."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374045

>>374044
Think to myself.
"I doubt I've ever bedded a pink mare…"

Venia [Battlemage] 374046

>>374040
"Pink… that is a nice color, yeah. Are there any other colors you like?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374047

>>374045
"Language, Pumpkin! You are in the company of mares! Do you have no sense of shame?"

Kilana [deathsinger] 374048

>>374044
>>374042
>>374040
"Pink.. I had a friend who loved pink before." I smile a bit at an old memory "She loved to shop as well."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374049

>>374045
I give him a flat stare.

>>374046
"… I like green too. Master's garden was very green."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374050

>>374049
"Do you like flowers then? Have any favourites?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374051

>>374047
Give her a 'later' look.
"Oh c'mon Lady Radiant. You know I was just joking.
You were the one who wed me after all."
Smile at her.
>>374048
"Zigga you talking about that one friend?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374052

>>374045
>>374051
"I'm certain your wife would have strong words about extramarital pursuits, master Swansong."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374053

>>374052
"Gee, you were there too? It was mostly a joke to get under Lady Radiant's skin."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374054

>>374051
"I will force Frostmourn to give you lessons in politeness, I swear…"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374055

>>374053
"With your personality, master Swansong, it's a testament to Lady Goldentail's temper that you need to resort to jokes."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374056

>>374050
"… Poison Joke is pretty."

Kilana [deathsinger] 374057

>>374051
I give you a small nod. "Just remembering the happy times. "
>>374053
>>374054
I hold back a snicker. "Oh, its alright here, we're among friends. "

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374058

>>374054
"Again, it was a joke. I think we are all old enough not to care for something as silly as that."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374059

>>374056
"I don't believe I've heard of that flower, Sunny. Could you describe it, please?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374060

>>374058
>>374057
"We are old enough, yes, but a gentlepony does not joke of that!"
I let out an annoyed groan.

>>374056
"Is that the purple one? Or is it the blue one?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374061

>>374057
"Hey I dunno about you but I'm pretty happy right now too!"
>>374060
"Really, given the number of ladies in this room I should feel in danger."
Take a sip from my drink.
"You, Venia, Kila, Peach, Sunny, Valeriana in the back…"

"Waxing, I do believe we are surrounded!"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374062

>>374059
I think hard for a moment, trying to recall something, then nodding.
"Blue flower. Family: Liliaceae. Resembles tulip. Origin: Equestria."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374063

>>374061
"There are far worse things to be surrounded by, master Swansong."
>>374062
"Have you ever seen a real one, Sunny? It does sound like a lovely flower."

Venia [Battlemage] 374064

>>374062
I look surprised as I hear this.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374065

>>374061
"Oh you should feel in danger from me alone if you keep making untasteful jokes, especially around our newest friend."

>>374062
"It was the blue one then…"
I smile.
"You seem to know flowers pretty well. Can you tell me about some other pretty flower you like?"

Kilana [deathsinger] 374066

>>374061
"Yeah, you're right. There is plenty to be happy about now."

Kilana [deathsinger] 374067

>>374062
"You say your master had these in his garden? Must have been very rich to have plants from so far away.."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374068

>>374063
I'll continue after a moment.
"Peach?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374070

>>374065
"I'm not saying another word, promise!"
>>374066
"Just look at Sunny. Until today she was a slave, now… She's got a chance. Damn good if you ask me."
>>374068
And Valeriana, I mentioned her too.
"A friend of mine. No doubt she's touring the place still."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374071

>>374063
"Yes. Risky flower as name implies. Master ordered me to grow them in covered garden. He used them on us for his amusement."

>>374065
I nod slowly and think for a moment again.
"Yes. Nightshade. Family: Alstroemeriaceae. Purple flower. Blooms at night. Magical properties."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374072

>>374071
"Wait a minute, go back on the flowers.
Risky how?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374074

>>374070
I narrow my eyes and nod.

>>374071
Then immediately smile at her, clapping my hooves together.
"That's great! You seem to know really much about them!"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374076

>>374071
"Used them… on you. For his amusement."
I'll grind my teeth slightly.
"I see."

Venia [Battlemage] 374079

>>374067
"Well if he could afford that many slaves, I'm sure he was plenty rich…"

>>374071
"… I think I heard about Poison Joke before… I can't quite remember though…"

Kilana [deathsinger] 374080

>>374071
I stare silently for a moment.
>>374070
"Yeah, its better that she is with us now."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374083

>>374072
>>374079
"Poison Joke has magical properties. Direct contact results in… jokes."

>>374074
"Yes."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374084

>>374083
I'll calm myself for a second.
"Were there any nonmagical flowers you liked, Sunny? Daffodils, sunflowers, anything?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374085

>>374083
"Hmm… would you like garden of your own? Maybe I could arrange for one once we are back in Wintergrasp."

Venia [Battlemage] 374087

>>374083
"Jokes? Oh! Now I remember! Mom told me about them once! She stumbled into a grove filled with them and shrank to the size of a filly"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374088

>>374087
I tilt my head slightly.
"A mare as a filly?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374090

>>374088
>>374087
"Teh.
Makes you wonder, what joke would it play on you, Venia?"
Smirk.
"Actually, everypony, think about it. What joke would the flower play on you?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374091

>>374090
"I'd rather not entertain the notion. I would hate to be disappointed if it were not to be accurate."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374093

>>374091
"It's a game. For fun, you know.
I imagine what it'd do to me already.
Maybe I'd get a new cutiemark."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374094

>>374084
"Edelweiss are nice too. Useful. I have not seen Sunflowers yet."

>>374085
"… Yes. Would allow me to work. Give me purpose."

>>374087
>>374088
"Yes. Poison joke plays joke on anypony coming into contact."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374095

>>374090
I scrunch as I try to think.
"Uh… I was never too good with jokes…"

Kilana [deathsinger] 374096

>>374090
"Oh, a prank. I bet it would be like an ink well prank, I'd be dyed a bright color."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374098

>>374094
"Sunflowers are nice, they always turn towards the light!"
I smile.
"Only if you like to work with flowers. Not as a job, but to relax."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374099

>>374095
"I dunno. Maybe it'd make you yell out to the moon every night? Or make you fall asleep at dawn!"
>>374096
"I could totally see you. A zebra with pink and purple stripes!
There a place in Rockeye that would party non-stop with you."

Venia [Battlemage] 374100

>>374094
I grin and look at Radiant.
"I'll arrange it for you. Give you a nice garden to work with. Maybe even a greenhouse!"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374102

>>374098
I nod slowly.
"Edelweiss is part of the Sunflower family Compositae. Very large and common family."

>>374100
"Okay."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374104

>>374100
"One step at a time, Venia!"

>>374099
I frown.
"But I have to be up before sunrise to praise it as it rises!"

>>374102
I smile at her.
"Could you tell me why you like flowers? With your own words. I'm very interested."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374105

>>374093
"A better joke would be turning you into a mare. Or incapable of bragging."
I'll think for a moment.
"In my case, it might make me incapable of wearing anything. Or it could just make my joints rust. Who knows."
>>374102
"I thought you said you had trouble with large words. Did you take extra care to learn these ones?"

Kilana [deathsinger] 374106

>>374099
"Ha, that would be something wouldn't it."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374110

>>374104
"That would be the joke."
>>374105
"Oh damn, I'm terrible at picking clothes. I'd have a hard time trying to be a pretty mare."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374112

>>374110
I keep frowning.
"It's not a very nice joke…"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374114

>>374112
"It'd be funny once or twice…"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374115

>>374104
"Flowers are useful. Bright. Smell good. I work with them a lot."
I close my eyes and cast Nature elemental: Life again.
"Nature is versatile. Always changing. Never stops. Adapts to new environments. Evolves."

>>374105
I look down.
"Yes. Master taught me."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374117

>>374115
"Then that was likely one of the very few good things he did."
I'll huff a little.
"And you don't have to keep looking down. I'm not chastising you. Be proud of the knowledge you have."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374118

>>374115
I smile at her, and nod in awe.
"You have amazing talent, Sunny."

Kilana [deathsinger] 374119

>>374115
Seeing you transform I look surprised. "Whoa, that's amazing. How do you do that magic?"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374125

>>374117
"Okay."

>>374118
I look down
"Thank you."

>>374119
"Earth elemental magic. Requires a lot of practice."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374127

>>374125
I keep smiling at her with a reassuring expression.
"You don't need to look away from me, Sunny."

Kilana [deathsinger] 374132

>>374125
"Amazing, I've never seen anything like it." I circle around you admiring your flowery form.

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374133

>>374127
I look back up again and nod quietly.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374138

>>374133
I keep smiling gently.
"You are a beautiful person, and I will see to it that you get the life you deserve."

Venia [Battlemage] 374139

>>374133
"So… what other type of magic do you know? I can't believe all that potential you have has been wasted on… on…"
I sigh.
"Bah."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374140

>>374139
"It's almost a shame, don't you think? All this talent.
I'm not heartless enough ask more of somepony who went through all that…"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374141

>>374140
"Yes. She deserves a better life than… what you would have in mind for her."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374142

>>374140
"Well, there is one thing we can ask of her."
I'll gesture vaguely.
"We could ask her to enjoy the new life she has. If she likes, she could have a garden. If she likes, she could have a family. If she likes, she could travel with Lady Goldentail and the rest."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374143

>>374141
"Hey, think about it this way. We fail, nopony has a better life."
>>374142
"I'd drop the family thing if I were you… Didn't you hear her? She…Can't."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374144

>>374132
"It is a healing spell, slowly regenerating those it is directed at… There are different forms aside from this one as well."

>>374138
>>374139
>>374140
>>374141
>>374142
I silently observe them as they talk.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374145

>>374143
"She was told she couldn't. That's not the same. Besides, there are more ways to have a family than just breeding one."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374147

>>374145
"Yeah I know that, don't worry.
Just… Hold the argument off, will ya?"
Shift back to my old seat.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374148

>>374143
"I trust you won't fail then. But leave her out if it."

Andelia 374149

>>374142
"A gardener is a fine job, flowers are tasty and great gifts. There isn't any shame in it."
>>374144
I stop in front of you. "Well, Maybe you'll come show me some time, I'm going to be a teacher so it would be helpful."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374150

>>374148
"I will do all I can."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374155

>>374149
I cock my head
"You teach about flowers and nature?"

Kilana [deathsinger] 374156

>>374155
Stupid names "No, about magic, and not yet but soon. I don't think I've ever even heard about your kind of magic."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374157

>>374156
"Hey. Imagine your magic applied on plants… Could that even work?"

Kilana [deathsinger] 374159

>>374157
I nod a bit. "Well, it could work in theory.. . I mean.. it works on us, and we're a part of nature right bro?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374161

>>374159
"Right, but isn't all that about, you know, souls and so on?"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374162

>>374156
"Oh. Okay."

Venia [Battlemage] 374163

>>374157
>>374159
>>374156
"Doesn't Valeriana know some earth magic? I could have sworn she did…"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374164

>>374163
"Uh? I… Don't think, actually. Are you sure about that?"

Kilana [deathsinger] 374166

>>374163
"I think so, but nothing like this.. Transforming your whole body into nature, that's something different"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374167

>>374163
"I don't think she does, though we are not best of friends."

Venia [Battlemage] 374175

>>374164
"I think she mentioned picking a few things up while spending all that time in the forests all those years ago."
I shrug
"Probably nothing huge though."

>>374162
"So… what else do you know how to do?"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374180

>374175
I nod and repeat what I said earlier.
"I am practiced at subterfuge and staying hidden, your highness. I also know how to cook meals suitable for my master. I have combat experience thanks to the slave fights master organized for his amusement. I am trained to provide for my master in any way he wishes me to and am bound for life to comply to every order he gives me with complete and utter obedience."

Venia [Battlemage] 374181

>>374180
"Right… you told us before already. Hmmm… do you want to keep fighting in the tournament?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374182

>>374181
"Do you really think that's a good idea?"

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374183

>>374181
"Yes."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374184

>>374183
"You do?"
I'll express some surprise at this.
"Why?"

Venia [Battlemage] 374185

>>374182
"Well we'll have to see if that's what she wants, no?"

>>374183
"Why so?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374186

>>374182
"Well she did beat you up…"
>>374183
"Are you sure about it? Nopony is gonna be mad if you stop."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374187

>>374183
"Why?"

>>374186
"I think you missed the first half of the fight when I wasn't held in one place by mind magic."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374188

>>374187
"You mean the one where a paladin of the sun hit a slave with an interest in plants with a huge hammer and all the fury of her zeal?"
Smirk.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374190

>>374188
I roll my eyes.
"It was a fighting tournament. And I didn't know she was a slave, how could I have?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374191

>>374190
Take a deep breath and sigh.
"Again, I was just messing with you."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374193

>>374191
"Don't. You know I can't stand it."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374194

>>374184
>>374185
>>374186
>>374187
"Tournament gives me purpose. Ponies asked me to sign up for it and I was given a place to sleep in return. No contract, but still a way to improve myself to become stronger."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374195

>>374194
"Fair enough. Do you want to keep the name they gave you, or would you rather make one of your own?"

Venia [Battlemage] 374196

>>374194
I look her over
"You're absolutely sure about this? You really don't have to if you don't want to."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374198

>>374194
"You have a place with us now. You don't need to fight just for that, unless you really want to."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374199

>>374195
I give him a blank stare
"It does not matter to me."

>>374196
"Yes."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374200

>>374199
"Why not? A name can be an important thing."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374201

>>374200
"Master said names are irrelevant. Numbers are easier to keep track of."

Venia [Battlemage] 374202

>>374201
"Well your master was wrong. Names are very important. They are part of who we are. Our identity."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374203

>>374201
"Your master's words have no power over you now. And he was lying. Names are incredibly important. For many, it seems they are tied to their talents."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374204

>>374201
"I dunno… There is a thing names are good for.
You know, my first name wasn't this one. I had a different one.
Then, one day I met somepony I grew so close to, that she decided to take me under her wing.
And I took her name, to forever remember how close we are, how much I love her and how much she loves me back."
Pause for a second.
"That's why names matter."

Sunny [Ex-slave] 374205

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 374207

>>374205
"It gives you a sense of… identity."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374208

>>374205
Sigh.
"Guess you will have to wait."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374218

>>374205
"Names… have a power. They can support you, reinforce who you are. Sometimes they are tied in some way to the mark ponies get. For instance, my mark is a pair of axes roughly in the shape of a moon, similar to the waxing crescent of the moon's phases."
I'll vaguely wave a hoof.
"As you had no name when you found your talent, you have a rare chance. You can pick what you wish to be called. Who do you wish to be, Prettybird?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374219

>>374218
"I sure do hope she won't go with Prettybird…"
Shrudder slightly.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374220

>>374219
"What's wrong with that as a nickname? She's pretty, she has wings, and she's a free bird, now."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374221

>>374220
"As a nickname, nothing. As a name, that's gonna call for some bad innuendos."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374222

>>374221
"Then that just means we, as stallions of honor, would have to educate the ones making such innuendos about proper etiquette, wouldn't we?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374224

>>374222
"I did, once. Lady Radiant over there had me do a week of community service because I had attacked them without reason in her view.
Long story between me, those two punks, and my dearest friend."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374226

>>374224
"Defending a mare's honor seems reason enough to me."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374227

>>374226
Shrug.
"Go tell her."

Shift closer to Kilana.

Kilana [deathsinger] 374233

I look a little uncomfortable. "It was very noble, but trying to educate their kind, it can get out hoof easily."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374236

>>374233
"I'd still do it. This time, I would cut to kill."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374237

>>374233
"And that's why you must be efficient, and harsh. So they don't do it again."

Kilana [deathsinger] 374239

>>374236
I shake my head. "The punishment for such an act wouldn't be worth it. "
>>374237
"Yes, moving quickly is the key there."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374241

>>374239
Sigh at this.
Stand up, take a stroll around the room.
"I should rest. Wax is waiting for me to be in good shape for our fight."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374244

>>374239
"In my line of work, I'm not allowed to be slow."
>>374241
'I thought you were resting? Was this not restful?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374245

>>374244
"I said it already.
Your helm always on makes me feel uneasy.
What about a little bet, uh?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374248

>>374245
"If the terms are fair, I don't suppose there's any harm in it. Though whether I accept or not will hinge on those terms."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374250

>>374248
"Fair enough.
So let's say I win.
You will have to take off that helm while walking around us.
In return, well, ask me anything if I lose."
Smirk at him.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374253

>>374250
"Anything?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374255

>>374253
"Well let's see, I'm not up for some freaky stuff in bed."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374258

>>374255
I'll shake my head.
"I had no intention of asking for that. But it is not wise to promise anything. Especially if you lose."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374259

>>374258
Sigh.
"Just ask what you want. Let's see if it's a fair deal."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 374260

>>374259
"Very well. If I win, I will ask you one question that you must answer with complete honesty. If the question I ask is a state secret or answering it would weaken the kingdom, then I shall dismiss the question. Is that fair?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374262

>>374260
"Absolutely."
Smile at him and flutter away.
Now I really gotta sleep.

Lecturer 10 [Lifebinder] 374330

Restlessly, I linger in the common area outside the preparation rooms. Still covered in my heavy traveling cloaks that completely obscure my body (to the point of looking more like a pile of cloth than a donkey), it's getting warm here around all the other ponies in an enclosed space.

Shielded by my featureless mask, I glance around uneasily, looking for potential threats.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374331

>>374330
And then as I walk outside of the break room, I notice you sitting around and flutter close.
"You were Ten, right?"

Lecturer 10 [Lifebinder] 374332

>>374331
"That is correct. And you introduced yourself as a friend of the Queen and High King, as I recall."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374333

>>374332
Nod and land near him.
"Pretty much, yes. You are resting after the fight?"

DM 374334

I can make a new thread if you want one.
Or hell, you can make one with my name.

Lecturer 10 [Lifebinder] 374335

>>374333
"Perhaps. The adrenaline has subsided, wounds healed. More likely curiosity has kept me here. I can afford a delay, and it would seem the bulk of the administrative body of the Northlands is here today. Risky. The High King must be confident."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374336

>>374335
"He's got reasons to.
So, were sent here from Rockeye I heard?"
>>374334
Just tell me what to write in the OP and I'll make one.

Lecturer 10 [Lifebinder] 374337

>>374336
"It was voluntary."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 374339

>>374337
"For that whole academy thing?"

DM 374340



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