The Tale of Iron Hoof - Ch. 1, Arrant's Visit

[16:28]  * Arrant walks through the woods, until he comes across the Hillside Caverns
[16:28] <Iron_Hoof> Traversing the many miles, you approach the ominous caves in the sheer cliff.
[16:29] <Arrant> "Inviting as ever..." He enters the cave, with a shiver down his spine.
[16:30] <Hidden_Glimmer> (Do i even wanna know why someone's going alone into the hillside caverns again?!?)
[16:30] <Iron_Hoof> You enter the cave, quickly coming to a three way intersection
[16:30] <Arrant> (Just to talk with the nice Mr. Scary Minotaur Man)
[16:31] <Arrant> "...Well, fuck."
[16:31] <Al_Dente> [[ inb4 rape ]]
[16:31] <Hidden_Glimmer> (Does he even know you?)
[16:31] <Arrant> (Yes, we meet in LucyQuest)
[16:31] <Hidden_Glimmer> (Yeah, once, with the entire rest of the town)
[16:31] <Arrant> (not a whole lot of interaction, but we met)
[16:31] <Hidden_Glimmer> (Or... twice)
[16:31] <Hidden_Glimmer> (But still, going alone?!)
[16:32] <Arrant> (I'll be fine.)
[16:32] <Hidden_Glimmer> (Grrr! Quick said the same!)
[16:32] <Iron_Hoof> But Hidden, I would never fairly punish a player for being stupid!
[16:32]  * Arrant shouts "Hello Iron Hoof! You there?"
[16:32] <Arrant> (if the going gets tough, I'm getting my ass out of there)
[16:33] <Arrant> (Besides, its not like I'm going to deep in the caves)
[16:33] <Hidden_Glimmer> (Are you even armed- No, i just gotta go. Have IC stuff do. Do whatever you want with im)
[16:33] <Iron_Hoof> You hear a rumble and scrapping of hooves as a burly minotaur armed with his trusty axe rounds a corner to regard the pony.
[16:33] <Iron_Hoof> "Oh? Hello there."
[16:33]  * Iron_Hoof looks around "All alone?"
[16:33] <Arrant> "Hey, Iron!" He says, smiling.
[16:33] <Hidden_Glimmer> (Smack his shit for being an idiot!)
[16:34] <Arrant> "Yeah..."
[16:34]  * Iron_Hoof furrows his brow "Hm, last time someone...Anyhow, can I help you?"
[16:34] <Arrant> "Not much, just came for a visit. It's not like I had plans to explore these things alone."
[16:35] <Arrant> "But, I figured its been a while since someone said 'hi' to you."
[16:35] <Iron_Hoof> "Huh, well that is an oddly inviting proposition, no one's been around since Lucyne visisted."
[16:35] <Iron_Hoof> "By the way, how is the gal, I haven't seen her in a while?"
[16:36]  * Arrant frowns "I dunno. Last I heard, she wasn't feeling to well, but thats the extent of my knowledge. Sorry."
[16:36]  * Iron_Hoof sighs "Oh dear me...if you happen to see her, do tell her fine greetings and I'd love to talk to her sometime."
[16:36] == Hearth has changed nick to Hearth|BoredGames
[16:36] <Iron_Hoof> "Anyhow, may I invite you in? I have little to offer, I fear."
[16:37]  * Arrant smiles "Will do. And sure. I would love to come in."
[16:37] <Iron_Hoof> "Don't get much company 'round here, follow closely."
[16:38]  * Iron_Hoof turns and heads into the labyrinthine tunnels
[16:38]  * Arrant nods and follows Hoof, closely "I'm sorry to hear that. It must be hard, living alone."
[16:38] <Iron_Hoof> !roll 1d100 just how much Kek wants Arrant dead
[16:38] <GameServ> 13 == 13
[16:38] <Iron_Hoof> (You got lucky bro)
[16:38] <Arrant> [Heh.]
[16:38] <Arrant> [Praise Kek]
[16:38] == Horny_Ruse has changed nick to Honey_Rose
[16:39] <Iron_Hoof> You follow the minotaurs fast gait, it's quite difficult as he does many sharp turns with no warning and his steps are so large, you need to trot rather fast to keep up.
[16:39] == Honey_Rose [~webchat@108-78-17-243.lightspeed.nworla.sbcglobal.net]
[16:39] ==  realname : ...
[16:39] ==  channels : #HiddenForbiddenHolyGround #FourCannon-Diner @#FourCannon-Workshop @#honeyspot #FourCannonERP #FourCannonPnP #fourcannon-woods #FourCannon-Townhall #FourCannon-clinic #fourcannon-townsquare #FourCannonInn #FourCannon-docks #Fourcannon
[16:39] ==  server   : availo.esper.net [We've got the most recently updated description!]
[16:39] ==  account  : Honey_Rose
[16:39] == End of WHOIS
[16:39] <Iron_Hoof> "Oh you get used to it, hell, before you ponies started showing up, I never really noticed how much I missed contact."
[16:39]  * Iron_Hoof sighs sadly
[16:40] <Arrant> "Well, you could always come down and say 'hi' to us!" He smiles brightly.
[16:40] <Iron_Hoof> "By the way, please no offence, but you ponies look very...similar to me. What was your name again?"
[16:40] <Arrant> "Arrant Hold."
[16:40]  * Iron_Hoof chuckles "Oh no no, I wouldn't want to scare anyone by marching in. I'm quite fine here."
[16:41] <Iron_Hoof> "Arrant Hold, good, sorry again."
[16:41] <Arrant> "Heh, its alright."
[16:41]  * Iron_Hoof does another sharp turn to reveal the huge expansive cave he calls home
[16:41] <Iron_Hoof> "So Arrant Hold, just came by for a chat?"
[16:42]  * Iron_Hoof sits down next to a large pool of icy water
[16:42] <Iron_Hoof> "Drink? It's very refreshing."
[16:42]  * Arrant nods and seats down "Mhm. And sure, I'll have a drink."
[16:43]  * Iron_Hoof scoops up a bit himself as he leans back on a nearby wall
[16:43] <Iron_Hoof> "So, how is your settlement coming along?"
[16:44] <Arrant> "Well, we're not dead yet, so that's a plus. Right now, we're concerned about winter, but I think we'll get through it."
[16:45] <Iron_Hoof> "I hear, winter isn't much of an issue down here, hell if you need some living space that is somewhat warm during winter, this cave can house many more."
[16:45]  * Iron_Hoof motions to the expansive cave
[16:45] <Iron_Hoof> The cave is really, really cold anyways
[16:47] <Arrant> "Hm... I suppose its something to think about... Once you disregard the monsters, of course." He reclines, on a wall.
[16:47]  * Iron_Hoof scratches his neck "Hm, yea, they sure have been acting up lately, no idea what's stirring them so much."
[16:48] <Arrant> "Something in the air perhaps? Something magical? Or maybe its just that time of the year?" He shrugs "Who knows?"
[16:48] <Iron_Hoof> "Well, if you trust an old minotaur's ghost stories, I think something is a'stirring in the Underdark."
[16:49]  * Iron_Hoof frowns "Makes me shiver just thinking about it."
[16:49]  * Arrant thinks for a moment "Hm... the Underdark? That forest?"
[16:49]  * Iron_Hoof shakes his head "No no, the Underdark is what I call...certain DEEP tunnels."
[16:49] <Iron_Hoof> "Far, far below Ghost Leaf Forest."
[16:50]  * Arrant shivers "What could be down there?"
[16:50]  * Iron_Hoof grimaces "Horrors, Arrant, no other word can fit it, it is a place even I, a seasoned hunter of the tunnels dare not ever venture."
[16:51]  * Arrant eyes go wide "I think I'll withhold this information from the others... They're far too curious for their own good."
[16:52] <Iron_Hoof> "Eh, I've told others as well, if anything, knowing might help them avoid it. But trust me, a soft little pony like yourself will be looong dead before he's anywhere near the Underdark."
[16:52]  * Iron_Hoof chuckles
[16:53]  * Arrant grimaces "...doesn't make me feel better."
[16:53]  * Arrant is eager to change the subject "...What are the Minotaurs like?"
[16:53]  * Iron_Hoof shrugs "The Minotaurs?"
[16:53]  * Iron_Hoof frowns "Well, I am the only one here, right now."
[16:54] <Arrant> "Didn't you get any interactions with members inside of your species?"
[16:54] <Iron_Hoof> "Well, of course, but that was...long ago."
[16:55]  * Iron_Hoof readjusts his position to sit more comfortably
[16:55]  * Arrant flattens his ears "...If it's too personal..." His voice trails off.
[16:56]  * Iron_Hoof chuckles "Oh it's quite all right, you're just being curious."
[16:56] <Iron_Hoof> "Anyways, I ran from home at a young age, worked as a wandring farm hand and later, freelance adventurer."
[16:56]  * Arrant listens to Iron Hoof
[16:57] <Iron_Hoof> "It was...stupid really, but my large physique helped me do things Ponies or Gryphons couldn't do, and gods, did I see a lot of places."
[16:57] <Arrant> "That must've been very exciting."
[16:57]  * Iron_Hoof gazes idly into the air, recalling old memories of splendor
[16:57] <Arrant> "Could you tell me about one of your 'adventures'?"
[16:57] <Iron_Hoof> "Oh it was! The places I visited, the people I met!"
[16:57] <Iron_Hoof> "Oh there are so many..."
[16:58]  * Iron_Hoof chuckles softly, happy to recall the memories
[16:58]  * Arrant looks at Iron, listening eagerly.
[16:58] <Iron_Hoof> "I've fought atop a pegasus airship with my loyal griffon buddy on the one and my trusty unicorn magician on the other against fearsome gargoyls."
[16:59] <Iron_Hoof> "I've saved a group of young Earth Ponies from a burning building after a particularly nasty fire mage attacked."
[16:59]  * Iron_Hoof smiles
[16:59] <Iron_Hoof> "I am very proud of that one."
[16:59]  * Iron_Hoof shows a patch without fur on the lower part of his arm
[16:59] <Arrant> "Oh! Tell me about that one!"
[16:59] <Iron_Hoof> "Still got a burn to show."
[17:00] <Iron_Hoof> "Sure!"
[17:00] <Iron_Hoof> "So, there was this beautiful little pony town I'd have helped a few times."
[17:00] <Iron_Hoof> [don't press me for names, please]
[17:00] <Arrant> [I understand that feeling. I wont]
[17:01] <Iron_Hoof> "It had a picturesque position, on the side of a rolling green hill."
[17:01]  * Iron_Hoof gazes off, savoring the image in his mind
[17:01] <Iron_Hoof> "This was one of my earliest adventures, one that got me into it."
[17:02] <Iron_Hoof> "One day, a nast, nasty fire magician decided HE deserved a castle, at exactly this location."
[17:02] <Iron_Hoof> "He just popped up and said everyone needed to leave."
[17:03] <Iron_Hoof> "Well, people sure were unsure, half saying we should submit and not risk lives, the other half, amongst them a curious grey unicorn, said we should take the fight to him."
[17:03]  * Iron_Hoof shrugs "I was only a lowly farm hand, I only overheard snippets and decided not to get involved."
[17:03] <Arrant> "What was curious about the unicorn?"
[17:04] <Iron_Hoof> "Oh you see, me and him later became adventuring partners."
[17:04] <Iron_Hoof> "But that's a story for another time."
[17:04]  * Arrant nods.
[17:04] <Iron_Hoof> "Anyhow, it was decided to submit to his demands."
[17:04] <Iron_Hoof> "but..."
[17:04]  * Iron_Hoof slams his fist onto the ground in anger
[17:05] <Iron_Hoof> "That MONSTER attacked anyways, for pure joy!"
[17:05]  * Arrant jumps up a bit
[17:05] <Iron_Hoof> "the fires raged across our humble wooden village."
[17:05] <Iron_Hoof> "And something in my head...just...clicked."
[17:05]  * Iron_Hoof sighs
[17:05] <Iron_Hoof> "It's hard to describe..."
[17:06] <Hidden_Glimmer> (*me munches popcorn*)
[17:06] <Iron_Hoof> "I just felt so...perfectly calm, as I grabbed the biggest tree-trunk of a club I could handle and approached that fiend."
[17:07] <Iron_Hoof> "I saw that same unicorn from earlier, engaged in fierce magical duel against the pyromancer!"
[17:07] <Iron_Hoof> "It was the perfect time to strike, everything was there."
[17:07] <Iron_Hoof> "You see...I was never a violent man..."
[17:07] <Iron_Hoof> "I...couldn't even kill a bunny to eat..."
[17:07] <Iron_Hoof> "And, well...I flinched."
[17:07]  * Iron_Hoof looks down in shame
[17:07] <Iron_Hoof> "I...didn't take the hit and he noticed me."
[17:08] <Iron_Hoof> "And...oh god..."
[17:08]  * Iron_Hoof breathes in and out heavily
[17:08] <Iron_Hoof> "I evaded his spell but it hit...the communal nursery and kindergarten."
[17:08] <Iron_Hoof> "The whole world...stopped as I heard the impact."
[17:09] <Iron_Hoof> "And then, it all went so very fast."
[17:09]  * Iron_Hoof looks up determined
[17:09] <Iron_Hoof> "I sprinted to the building and burst straight through the wall, the fire already blazing across the thatch roof."
[17:10] <Hidden_Glimmer> (/me reaches arrant some of her popcorn)
[17:10] <Iron_Hoof> "I heard the cries and I tore straight through the wooden walls with a brutality and determiness I hadn't ever felt in the timid body of mine."
[17:10] <Arrant> (/me takes some of the popcorn)
[17:10]  * Iron_Hoof chuckles "You wouldn't think I was always the wimp of the rut, eh?"
[17:11]  * Arrant shakes his head "Big guy like you? That's kinda hard to picture."
[17:11] <Iron_Hoof> "Anyhow, I reached the center room, the teachers and nurses having gathered the children but there was no escpae from the flames."
[17:11] <Iron_Hoof> "The roof was about to collapse, the magical flames burning with a hotness intensity of no normal fire."
[17:12] <Iron_Hoof> "And without a single doubt, I threw my large body over them, shielding them as the thatch collapsed."
[17:12]  * Iron_Hoof leans forward pointing to some bald spots
[17:12] <Iron_Hoof> "Few back here I am told, haven't had a mirror to confirm in a looong time."
[17:12] == Hearth|BoredGames [webchat@197.sub-70-215-11.myvzw.com] has quit [Ping timeout: 192 seconds]
[17:13] <Arrant> "You got some."
[17:13] <Hidden_Glimmer> (*munching intensifies*)
[17:13] <Iron_Hoof> "The fire singed my flesh but I didn't care, blocking out all pain as I scooped them all up and burst out of the ruins, using my arms and back as a shield against the fires."
[17:14] <Iron_Hoof> "If it weren't for magical healing, I might have not survived that ordeal."
[17:14] <Iron_Hoof> "but...you see...that wasn't important."
[17:14]  * Iron_Hoof looks to the ceiling
[17:14] <Iron_Hoof> "In that moment, that very instant, I felt those lives in my arms, dependent on ME to save them, and that's all that mattered."
[17:15] <Iron_Hoof> "I didn't care what happened to me."
[17:15] <Iron_Hoof> "And that is why I ultimately became an adventurer."
[17:15] <Arrant> "You became an adventurer because you wanted to help people?"
[17:15]  * Iron_Hoof nods "Because I wanted to give all of my abilities, my incredible strength, to saving others."
[17:16] <Iron_Hoof> "Anyhow, I burst out and dragged them to safety, giving them to other townsfolk as I grabbed my makeshift club to confront the magician, now very powered out fighting the town's soul wizard."
[17:17] <Iron_Hoof> "The battle was short but intense, the local wizard shielding me with his magic as I got close and took the hit, no hesistation."
[17:17] <Iron_Hoof> "One hit, one crunch, and it was all over."
[17:17] <Arrant> "You weren't gonna hold back after that last one."
[17:17] <Iron_Hoof> "And you know what? I didn't feel sick that day as when skinning a bunny, because others depended on me."
[17:18] <Iron_Hoof> "And that is, how I met my first adventuring companion and started our career."
[17:18]  * Iron_Hoof chuckles "I wonder if the madman is still alive."
[17:19]  * Arrant is absolutely amazed "Wow... that's... I have no words."
[17:19] <Arrant> "It was very good story..."
[17:20]  * Iron_Hoof smiles "Surprised an old minotaur in some cave has so much to tell eh?"
[17:20]  * Iron_Hoof laughs
[17:20] <Hidden_Glimmer> (Writing blockade my ass, that was amazing!)
[17:20] <Arrant> (^)
[17:20] <Iron_Hoof> (Oh please)
[17:20] <Iron_Hoof> (but thanks~)
[17:21] <Hidden_Glimmer> (/me claps her hoofs for lucy)
[17:21]  * Arrant is smiling, and laughing, out of sheer amazement. "Oh... just.... WOW!"
[17:21] <Arrant> "Do you mind if I come by regularly to hear more of your stories?"
[17:21]  * Iron_Hoof chuckles along "Honestly? Not at all! It...was really fun to relive the old times."
[17:22] <Hidden_Glimmer> (I-i want to come too... I-i mean i can't let him go alone again, now can i?)
[17:22] == Hearth [webchat@197.sub-70-215-11.myvzw.com] has joined #fourcannon-woods
[17:22] <Arrant> (Aw, I'm so happy you care about me~!)
[17:22] <Iron_Hoof> (>tfw I am legitely surprised you liked the story)
[17:23] <Hidden_Glimmer> (I am very entertained and that is all that matters, right?)
[17:23]  * Arrant smiles brightly "Thanks for the story Hoof! It was.... FANTASTIC!" He shouts, excited, making an echo.
[17:23]  * Arrant jumps at the echo, and clears his throat.
[17:23] <Iron_Hoof> (Heh yea. I'm happy you liked, I'm gonna flesh out his history more now since you like it)
[17:24] <Hidden_Glimmer> (Now, please, we need a slime so iron hoof can demonstrate his amazing fighting skills. Also to whipe arrants ass for going alone)
[17:24]  * Iron_Hoof smiles widely "Oh you are very welcome, making an old minotaur like me feel like a hero one more time."
[17:24] <Arrant> (Hey!)
[17:24] <Iron_Hoof> (Nah, Kek said no fights)
[17:24] <Hidden_Glimmer> (Damnit! Oh well, still a fantastic story)
[17:25]  * Arrant returns the smile "It was my pleasure... erm... could you see me out? I don't wanna risk getting lost in the labyrinth..." He chuckles.
[17:25] <Hidden_Glimmer> (Or dissolved by smiles...)
[17:25]  * Iron_Hoof gets up, bones creaking "No problem at all, let's go then."
[17:26] <Iron_Hoof> (His fighting is totally based though)
[17:26] <Quicksilver> [>dissolved by smiles]
[17:26]  * Arrant gets up and follows Iron Hoof.
[17:26] <Hidden_Glimmer> (I can imagine it.)
[17:26] <Arrant> [>smiles]
[17:26] <Hidden_Glimmer> (>SMILES)
[17:26] <Quicksilver> [that sounds like how Rain would kill you]
[17:26] <Iron_Hoof> (>tfw adventurer reunion and they defend 4C one day)
[17:26] <Hidden_Glimmer> (Make it happen!)
[17:26] <Arrant> (DO IT DO IT DO IT!)
[17:26] <Hidden_Glimmer> (DO IT DO IT DO IT)
[17:26] <Arrant> (DO IT DO IT DO IT!)
[17:27] <Iron_Hoof> (All in time, all in time, I'm gonna flesh out his whole party now)
[17:27] <Iron_Hoof> (>tfw inspiration strikes)
[17:27]  * Iron_Hoof swiftly guides Arrant back to the entrance, still smiling
[17:27] <Hidden_Glimmer> (>tfw curiosity and anticipation)
[17:28] <Arrant> "Well, I'm gonna get going now. Thanks again Hoof! I'll be sure to tell Lucy you said 'hi' when I see her!"
[17:28] <Iron_Hoof> "Thank you sincerely for the visit! Have a good trip home!"
[17:28]  * Iron_Hoof waves as Arrant leaves
[17:28]  * Arrant walks off waving and looking back "Take care! See you soon!"