Darkest Days Session 1

[2012-09-03 17:00:53] <Ilushia> 12Long before LittlePip would emerge from Stable 2, before there was a Red-Eye which gazed to the future, before sunshine and rainbows, there were dark days. Far above Trottingham black clouds swirled as the boom of thunder echoed through the ancient flooded streets. Amidst the fallen skyscrapers of the city a small settlement, Hoofstep Terrace, put out salvaged pots and pans
[2012-09-03 17:00:53] <Ilushia> 12beneath leaking cracked window panes.
[2012-09-03 17:02:47] <Ilushia> 12 The great buildings which had once made up the center of the city fell collapsed against one another here, the dangling bridges formed of steel cables stolen from old power lines and the vines which seemed to be determined to reclaim the outer city. The soft light of electric torches hung from exposed girders gave the halls interior of the town a cheerful, but cold, glow.
[2012-09-03 17:02:50] <Ilushia> 12Most of the town was taking refuge within, but the distinctive sound of a fanboat engine managed to make its way through the den as a single vehicle returned to the drenched carpark which the once-proud Solstice Industrial building had sagged against. A boat now devoid of most of its inhabitants save a lone pegasus and its driver. A sight not too odd to the locals, who had seen
[2012-09-03 17:02:50] <Ilushia> 12many go in search of fortune and instead lose themselves to the darkness.
[2012-09-03 17:06:23] * Father_White-Eyes looks out through the rain and muses, "More lost souls, by the sound of it. I wonder where they're going..."
[2012-09-03 17:09:27] <Eclipse_> 6The lone zebra sat in the gutted cubby of a building that she called her home; really more of a camp than anything else.  The zebra mare, hidden by her leather cloak, calmly inspected her rifle for rust.  The stars were not feeling generous today.  Her lavender eyes glanced down at the fan boat as it arrived.  The comings and goings of pony kind were beyond
[2012-09-03 17:10:01] <Unnamed_Slave> It cut off at 'beyond'
[2012-09-03 17:10:15] <Eclipse_> 6her interests for the most part.  So long as they did not threaten her, there were more than enough creatures to hunt in the bogs, streets, and ruins.
[2012-09-03 17:16:39] * Unnamed_Slave stands once the boat comes to a full halt and slowly makes her way off it, keeping her head low and her mouth and wings closed.
[2012-09-03 17:17:42] * Rosemary_Thyme draws the hood of her cloak about her, as much to conceal what she wore underneath as to shield herself from the beastly rain.  The rain was always beastly in Trottingham.  And that's how proper Trottingham ponies liked it.  Which was good, because it was always raining in Trottingham.  Or, at least, it often felt that way.
[2012-09-03 17:18:46] * Rosemary_Thyme moved though the alleys of Hoofstep Terrace, her gaze searching for signs of an open market.  Surely everypony wasn't closed already?
[2012-09-03 17:19:15] * Father_White-Eyes walks up softly next to Rosemary_Thyme and looks up and out. "It's always been rainy in Trottingham. Not quite as much before the pegasi closed off the sky, but rainy all the same." He lowers his gaze. "Looking for something, madam?"
[2012-09-03 17:21:15] <Ilushia> 12Lightning lanced between black clouds far above, casting brilliant white outlines of fallen buildings onto those in the ruins below. The winding hallways of Hoofstep Terrace, built into the upper levels of collapsed buildings, above the flooded streets and drowned sewers, were easy to get lost in if one didn't know where they were going.
[2012-09-03 17:21:26] <Ilushia> 12Across from the parking lot, Eclipse could easily see the outline of the black and white pegasus. She had left with three others, and come back alone. But not as their equal. Even at a distance it was easy to see that she was little more than an object to her one-time companions. Just an expensive thing to be owned and contained.
[2012-09-03 17:29:48] <Eclipse_> 6She was not a covetous zebra, but there were oddities ahoof.  Things that could be interesting.  She pulled out a small pendant on a string and dangled it over an intricate circle scratched into the concrete floor.  Four stars were carved in the cardnal points.  As the pendant dangled, it seemed to sway closer to one.  Were the stars making their whims
[2012-09-03 17:30:08] <Unnamed_Slave> Cut off at 'whims'.
[2012-09-03 17:31:21] <Eclipse_> 6known?  "Oddities..."  She murmured and then tied her pendant to the rifle.  Slipping in into the holster on her saddle bags the cloaked mare slipped off her camp and walked slowly out into the rain after the pegasus.  Perhaps this would be a distraction.  Perhaps more...
[2012-09-03 17:33:24] * Rosemary_Thyme frowns for just a moment before putting on her social graces.  One must always be wary when approached by strangers, but there is no need to show it.  That would be impolite.  "Why yes.  Would you know where one might procure provisions at this hour?"  She adds, "...and in this weather?  Particularly, canned goods and herbs?"
[2012-09-03 17:35:02] * Unnamed_Slave was, in the meantime, simply walking in a straight line. Wether she was unaware of anything following her, or simply ignoring it, was probably easy enough to tell.
[2012-09-03 17:40:37] <Ilushia> 12Reaching the settlement through the rain was something of a journey in itself. The rope bridges connecting the few local buildings were swaying in the wind and wet. Not yet violent enough to be truly dangerous, but not wise to spend long periouds out and about, it would seem. Far below the water churned with falling rain, even the radigators were waiting this one out.
[2012-09-03 17:40:45] * Father_White-Eyes smiles. "Well, I used to say "The downtown market" and describe several herbalists, when asked question, but that answer hasn't been correct for a long, long time. There is a market in town, but I've only just gotten in myself, and I've been away for a while. It may have moved since I was last here, these buildings aren't exactly stable."
[2012-09-03 17:41:46] * Eclipse_ 6followed the pegasus in the rain and finally she stepped in front of her.  "Where are you going?"  She asked softly, her voice almost as soft a hiss as the rain.
[2012-09-03 17:47:49] * Unnamed_Slave froze the second she was obstructed and very quickly tried to make herself look as small as possible. It wasn't until she was spoken to did she make any kind of noise, a voice just loud enough to be audiable. "I... I'm..." It was easy to tell she was restraining herself, with difficulty, not to panic. "I'msorrypleasedon'tpunishmeIwastoolatetodoanything!"
[2012-09-03 17:49:39] * Eclipse_ 6blinked.  "It is not my place to punish you or not punish you, and the stars have not demanded your end.  Who are you?  Where are you going?  where are the two who left with you?"  She asked in that even, low voice.  Only the tip of her muzzle and her brilliant lavender eyes could be seen in the hood of her cloak.
[2012-09-03 17:55:00] * Unnamed_Slave couldn't see much other than the floor, her gaze refusing to leave that spot. "I'm... just a servant... nothing more. My... my owners were dead... when I came back with thier prize..."
[2012-09-03 17:55:02] * Rosemary_Thyme nods.  He didn't know.  Well it was worth a try.  She shrugs under her cloak and steps out onto one of the rope bridges.  Perhaps the shop in the ruins across the street was still open.
[2012-09-03 17:56:26] -->| Doubleclick (ottertech@Pony-me9vdp.va.comcast.net) has joined #FalloutEquestriaPnP2
[2012-09-03 17:57:17] * Father_White-Eyes continues, "If I were you madam, I'd get under shelter. I've seen a lot of storms, and I suspect this one is only going to get worse. I know where the town hall is, and I can take you there if you like. Mind where you step, these bridges are dangerous even at the best of times."
[2012-09-03 17:59:08] <Ilushia> 12Across the rope bridge was a lit lantern. The sort powered by disposable magical spark packs. It swung slightly in the rain, illuminating the crudely painted metal sign, once having been the license plate from a carriage, now thick black paint marked it with the words "General Store". It wasn't easy to read in the rain, by any stretch, but the bridge was at least not too long.
[2012-09-03 17:59:09] <Ilushia> 12The rain poured from above with seemingly no sign of stopping. Sharp lightning showing off the vast white tower which rose from the very heart of the city into the blackness far above.
[2012-09-03 17:59:31] * Eclipse_ stares into her eyes and then says softly.  "Oh.  What prize?"  She asked as the rain dripped off her cloak in little streamers and cascades.
[2012-09-03 18:00:46] <Unnamed_Slave> "I'm not allowed to say..."
[2012-09-03 18:01:37] * Father_White-Eyes 's mottled and blotched hide is lit weirdly by the flashes from the lightning strokes. "After you madam, and I suggest hurrying."
[2012-09-03 18:01:40] <Eclipse_> "Not allowed?"  She arched a brow.  "Didn't you just say your owners are dead?"  Her lavender eyes drilled into the pegasus'.  "What prize do you speak of?"
[2012-09-03 18:04:02] * Unnamed_Slave clearly appears to be holding herself from backing away at this point. "They did not permit me to speak of it, even if they died."
[2012-09-03 18:04:17] * Rosemary_Thyme looks to Father_White-Eyes, "I'm thankful for your offer.  But I am not new to town, and already have a place to stay.  But errands do not wait sometimes.
[2012-09-03 18:07:17] * Eclipse_ advances one slow step, her gaze drilling into her eyes.  "Are you trying to be funny, mare?  Are you?  Because you are failing at it, and it is not amusing.  Therefore I will ask you this one more time... and not again... what prize do you speak of?"  She didn't seem to move an inch before she snapped, "Speak!"
[2012-09-03 18:09:46] * Unnamed_Slave didn't speak, nor did she move. There was little else to do but cower and wait for the inevitable.
[2012-09-03 18:10:22] <Ilushia> 12Lightning flashes and thunder crashes as Eclipse_ makes her demand. From the other rope bridge both of the crossing ponies can see the odd cloaked figure speaking to the cowering pegasus. The pegasus both had seen before, amongst the halls of the town.
[2012-09-03 18:12:22] <Eclipse_> "I see..." she said coldly, and then turned away.  "Very well.  Be that way."  And with that she turned and walked towards the shelter of the market.  It would at least be dry there.
[2012-09-03 18:14:00] * Father_White-Eyes nods, "Then allow me to escort you to your destination. This is an ill day to be out and about alone." Noticing the confrontation, "I'm sorry, can you please excuse me for a moment..." He carefully makes his way closer to the zebra and the pegasus.
[2012-09-03 18:14:52] * Father_White-Eyes shouts. "Hallo there! You two should get under cover, and soon! This storm is going to get worse before it gets better! Do either of you need assistance?"
[2012-09-03 18:15:17] * Rosemary_Thyme watches that, a frown forming on her face.  "Now what do you suppose that was about?"  Seeing the Father inclined to investigate, the Trottingham mare finds herself following him.
[2012-09-03 18:16:12] * Eclipse_ turns and looks at the ghoul with her hard eyes.  "She needs it far more than I." She said over the rain before turning and continuing towards the Terrace Market.
[2012-09-03 18:16:25] <Ilushia> 12Crossing from bridge to bridge is only possible at the few meeting points, old buildings and roofs which act as junctions for their hanging connections. But making their way to the market and general store would be easy enough.
[2012-09-03 18:20:27] * Father_White-Eyes trots briskly up to Unnamed_Slave. "Hello, monochrome one. Some call me 'White-Eyes', some call me 'Father', and some call me both. You need to get into shelter before you catch your death of cold. Do you have a place to live?"
[2012-09-03 18:21:39] <Unnamed_Slave> "P-please don't worry about... me, I live wherever my owners do..." She was somewhat adamant about moving though.
[2012-09-03 18:23:22] * Rosemary_Thyme stares, eyes widening.  "Owners?  Dear, this is Trottingham.  We do not suffer slavers here!"
[2012-09-03 18:23:31] [INFO] There is nothing to tab-complete. Use F6 to cycle through the user list, input box and the chat output.
[2012-09-03 18:24:13] * Father_White-Eyes winces, "Owners? You don't look like a slave. At least, you don't have a slave collar like most do. Where are these guardians of yours then? Even slavers know better than to leave their 'property'" —Father_White-Eyes seems to spit the word out like a bad taste— "out in the rain where it could be harmed."
[2012-09-03 18:25:29] <Unnamed_Slave> "My... my current owners are dead... I don't know what did it, I swear!" And the snout is buried between the forelegs again.
[2012-09-03 18:25:47] * Father_White-Eyes /lifts his doctor's coat (embroidered with a trio of butterflies on the breast pocket) off himself and drapes it over Unnamed_Slave. "There. That'll keep the wind out and the rain off for a while. Let's get you to safety."
[2012-09-03 18:27:04] * Rosemary_Thyme looks about for the one who was yelling at the poor pegasus.  But at those words, her attention shots back.  "Well, then, you are free now.  And in the care of Trottingham."  She eyes the Father a moment and then nods briskly.  "Yes, let's."
[2012-09-03 18:27:16] <Ilushia> 12Lightning boomed as the rain gained more intensity. It seemed the stormclouds were determined to vent their wrath upon the city, as the fanboat owner had long since vanished into the corridors of the ancient hotel which made up the town center. The wind blew hard at times, strong enough to make the bridges rattle. They were built tough, tough enough to weather the storms, but
[2012-09-03 18:27:17] <Ilushia> 12staying out in the rain would get dangerous soon.
[2012-09-03 18:28:26] <Eclipse_> The closer to the market she grew, the more looks she recieved.  She pulled the cloak across her features.  No reason to give the locals more to be disagreeable about.  She stepped into the market and out of the rain; her stripes may be unwelcome, but her caps weren't.  Nor were the hides and meat she tried to bring back from her hunts.
[2012-09-03 18:30:50] * Father_White-Eyes looks up as more thunder crashes, "Right. It's really starting to come down now." To Unnamed_Slave: "Walk with us, we'll get you to safety."
[2012-09-03 18:31:34] * Unnamed_Slave didn't do anything to stop the ghoul from putting his coat on her, but she was quick to grab hold of it and pull it off. "I'll hang it up for you, may I take anything else? Your saddlebags? Robes?" She walked with the others when indicated to do so.
[2012-09-03 18:32:54] <Ilushia> 12The locals give Eclipse a wide berth. Her cloak does much to hide her features, but those of the town know well enough who lurks beneath. They weren't so rude as to refuse to trade with her, but she didn't get many friendly smiles and happy greetings either. A weathered poster with a group of earth ponies standing at the base of a newly constructed skyscraper was fastened to
[2012-09-03 18:32:54] <Ilushia> 12the wall within.  'Ministry of Technology Reconstruction Corps'
[2012-09-03 18:33:09] * Father_White-Eyes addresses Rosemary_Thyme. "Please forgive me, my manners appear to have completely deserted me. I am White-Eyes. You addressed me earlier as 'Father', so I suppose my reputation precedes me, but it's always better to be polite. You needn't use the honorific if you don't like, it's not an appellation I chose myself. It seems to have been bestowed on me."
[2012-09-03 18:33:52] * Father_White-Eyes sighs, and lifts the coat back onto the pegasus. "No no no my dear. Wear this until we get under cover."
[2012-09-03 18:33:55] <Ilushia> 12The locals give Eclipse a wide berth. Her cloak does much to hide her features, but those of the town know well enough who lurks beneath. They weren't so rude as to refuse to trade with her, but she didn't get many friendly smiles and happy greetings either. A weathered poster with a group of earth ponies standing at the base of a newly constructed skyscraper was fastened to
[2012-09-03 18:33:56] <Ilushia> 12the wall within. 'Building a better future, no matter the costs' was written across the top 'Ministry of Technology Reconstruction Corps, proud sponders of Trottingham repairs' was written along the bottom.
[2012-09-03 18:34:57] * Unnamed_Slave looked visibly uncomfortable with this. "I'm sorry my barding is staining it, I'll wash it for you immediatly..."
[2012-09-03 18:35:58] * Father_White-Eyes shakes his head. "You will do nothing of the kind. You will wear that until we get you warmed up. Doctor's orders."
[2012-09-03 18:36:30] <Eclipse_> "Tch."  She finds one of her usual haunts; a ledge off to one side where she could watch for trouble and defend herself in a pinch.  She didn't have any wares today, which meant she'd be going hungry for the time being.  Such was the whims of the stars.
[2012-09-03 18:37:08] * Unnamed_Slave just hangs her head, emitting a simple "Yes."
[2012-09-03 18:42:13] <Ilushia> 12The interior of the market is relatively dry and warm. Florescent lights gave cold white glow to the trading stalls set out amongst one of the ballrooms in the hotel. Dozens of ponies were taking refuge here and in the surrounding rooms, their old furnishings long since scavenged to help construct some pony's personal home, but the ceilings were solid and the windows remarkably
[2012-09-03 18:42:13] <Ilushia> 12intact.
[2012-09-03 18:42:18] <Ilushia> 12Water dripped from the occasional crack in the walls, into buckets as a handful of patroling ponies collected the fresh liquid and replaced them with new buckets. Rain was a hazard, but had its uses even in these dark times. There wasn't much on sale tonight, as few of the scavenging parties had managed to make it back before the rain began. But it was better than what those
[2012-09-03 18:42:18] <Ilushia> 12around the edges of the city might see in a month.
[2012-09-03 18:43:36] <Ilushia> 12Most of the residents of the small settlement were hiding elsewhere, leaving the halls of the hotel sparsely populated to see the least. Not abandoned, just sparse.
[2012-09-03 18:44:11] * Eclipse_ did what she did best; sit back and observe with a sharp, critical eye.  Her gaze returned to the pegasus and her two new companions.  Curiouser and curiouser....
[2012-09-03 18:46:12] * Father_White-Eyes looks around. "So this is where the market is these days. Glad to see they moved it indoors, last time I was here it was an outdoor market... never saw a more miserable bunch of shopkeeps in my un-life!"
[2012-09-03 18:56:06] * Rosemary_Thyme agrees, pulling back her hood to reveal the surpisingly stunning mane and head of a mare, her mottled silver and green coat marking her as a proper Trottingham descendant.  There is the hint of black robing beneath the cloak.  She addresses the shop keeper by name, asking for a selection of canned foods and flavorful herbs..
[2012-09-03 18:57:24] * Father_White-Eyes smiles wistfully. "Please forgive me madam, but I don't believe I caught your name...?"
[2012-09-03 19:00:45] <Ilushia> 12The shop keeper, Pittance, begins to search through one of the small stalls. From beneath it she produces a small stand full of canned goods and another with ground herbs and spices, still in their sealed pre-war containers. They weren't the freshest ingredients, but they'd keep for a long time. Her own coat a dark forest-green mottled with spots of blue and a mane streaked
[2012-09-03 19:00:45] <Ilushia> 12pink and yellow. "Not much today, I'm afraid, Miss Rosemary. This blasted storm blew in before the scavenging parties came back. Hope it doesn't last too long, this one."
[2012-09-03 19:00:46] * Eclipse_ was not so impressed by the appearance of the aristocrat.  Oh certainly she was beautiful... they were all beautiful... but she knew that to them she was nothing but a stripe.  Strip away her beauty and finery and wait till she was hungry or desperate enough and she'd be as savage as any raider.  With a snort she pulled out her rifle and started to dry
[2012-09-03 19:00:52] <Eclipse_> it out before it rusted.
[2012-09-03 19:02:50] * Father_White-Eyes eyes the packages, "Oooh! That used to be my favorite brand for bay leaves.  Ah, sometimes I miss being able to taste delicate flavors..."
[2012-09-03 19:05:19] * Rosemary_Thyme curtsies to the ghoul Father, "Thyme.  Rosemary Thyme."
[2012-09-03 19:08:20] * Father_White-Eyes takes her hoof and kisses it, "A pleasure to meet you, my dear. Not all my manners have deserted me, though sometimes it seems I desert them... Anyways. I've been out of town for a, a, well, let's just call it 'a while' and leave it at that. I've been traveling, but for now I need to see that this mare gets dry and warm. Have you a flat she can stay in?"
[2012-09-03 19:09:53] * Rosemary_Thyme smiles at the hoofkiss.  A gentlepony!  So rare these days!  "The pleasure is all mine."
[2012-09-03 19:11:43] * Rosemary_Thyme slides payment across to Pittance.  "It will do nicely," she assures.  While most of the payment is from the coffers, she adds a few additional caps from her own money.  A slight tip, because Pittance could use it, and she liked remaining on good terms with the shopkeepers.
[2012-09-03 19:12:30] * Rosemary_Thyme then turned back to Father_White-Eyes, slightly concerned.  "Of my own?  My place is unfortunately a far trot, and the weather is indeed getting worse.  We should find a place here."
[2012-09-03 19:13:17] <Ilushia> 12Pittance lowered her head briefly with a smile. "Thank you Miss Rosemary. Have a good night." She carefully set out the things Rosemary had bought for her to take back home. The hotel had many still-unoccupied rooms in the upper floors. They weren't as well maintained as the lower, more commonly used, areas. But they'd serve, if necessary. It had been the safe place for the
[2012-09-03 19:13:18] <Ilushia> 12community for decades, after all.
[2012-09-03 19:13:31] * Father_White-Eyes looks around. "I don't feel the cold much anymore, but I'd wager most ponies around here do. I suggest we find a good barrel fire. I need to give our new friend a physical.
[2012-09-03 19:13:34] <Father_White-Eyes> "
[2012-09-03 19:15:45] * Eclipse_ slipped off her ledge and slipped the gun into her holster and moved to stay close to the strange mare.  There was some mischief ahoof... an oddity that she should follow however she could.
[2012-09-03 19:17:23] <Ilushia> 12Barrel fires weren't terribly common here, but there were heaters. Cobbled together from space heaters and set up like odd stumpy trees in the public gathering places. Ponies were on their own to find heat for their own homes, but at least this place would not be turned to frost and snow. It was perhaps not the most comfortable way to stay warm, but better than the bitter cold
[2012-09-03 19:17:23] <Ilushia> 12and wind of Trottingham winters.
[2012-09-03 19:26:34] <Eclipse_> She moved from shadow to shadow on silent hooves as she stayed close enough to listen in on their conversation.
[2012-09-03 19:27:31] * Father_White-Eyes sighs, "I'm pretty sure I saw the collapsed ruins of my old building, so that's out of the question as a destination. I haven't any caps right now either. Perhaps we can find lodging for free somewhere upstairs?"
[2012-09-03 19:28:51] * Father_White-Eyes beckons the pegasus, lifts the now soaked coat off of her, wrings it out over a tub, then puts it back on. "C'mon now, lets find you a place to warm up."
[2012-09-03 19:30:27] * Unnamed_Slave just follows quietly.
[2012-09-03 19:34:24] <Ilushia> 12As White-Eyes pulls the coat off the unnamed slave, one of the bags on her side jostles enough to send a small satchel of caps crashing to the floor with a soft 'thunk, tinkle'. Odd that a slave would have such a weighty collection of money, but there's no indication of who it belongs to either.
[2012-09-03 19:36:38] * Father_White-Eyes apologizes profusely, "Oh, oh dear. I'm sorry my dear, please excuse my clumsiness." He gathers up the satchel and carefully replaces it, that mystery he can solve later. Spotting a free public radiator, he moves to it and motions for the pegasus to curl up next to it. "C'mon now, lets get you warmed up."
[2012-09-03 19:37:43] <Unnamed_Slave> "I... uh... no... it's my fault..." She just moves and stand where indicated.
[2012-09-03 19:39:31] * Father_White-Eyes shakes his head, "I see this is going to be an interesting day. It's not your fault. It really isn't. Now sit down and get warm, doctor's orders."
[2012-09-03 19:40:31] -->| Xavi- (petersp1@Pony-72m60g.vf.net.nz) has joined #FalloutEquestriaPnP2
[2012-09-03 19:40:40] * Unnamed_Slave immediatly sits and spreads her wings, when told to. The wings serving to lift the tattered slave clothing she wore to reveal her cutie mark, if one were to look.
[2012-09-03 19:45:15] * Rosemary_Thyme accompanies the Father, agreeing.
[2012-09-03 19:47:56] * Eclipse_ steps out of the shadows.  "She is a curious mystery.  She is a slave, but claims her masters are dead.  She wears no collar, yes she submits to their will.  She wears tatters, yet carries a small treasure with her.  Very curious." the shrouded mare said as her eyes narrowed on the pegasus.
[2012-09-03 19:49:15] * Rosemary_Thyme whispers to the ghoul, "I'd really like to know who took this poor pegasus and enslaved him.  But it seems impolitic to ask."
[2012-09-03 19:49:28] * Unnamed_Slave is a mare.
[2012-09-03 19:49:41] <Rosemary_Thyme> ("her", sorry.
[2012-09-03 19:49:45] <Rosemary_Thyme> )
[2012-09-03 19:50:21] * Father_White-Eyes continues, as if picking up where Eclipse left off: "She's soaked to the bone, and she doesn't complain. She's a pegasus slave to earthbound ponies. This is indeed a mystery."
[2012-09-03 19:50:26] <Ilushia> 12The occasional patrol up and down the halls passes by, and many of the local ponies move away from the heater the group was gathered at when Eclipse revealed herself, but there was no obvious hostility in any direct sense. Just a sense of quiet shunning, or perhaps fear.
[2012-09-03 19:51:25] <Eclipse_> She walked right up to Unnamed, looking her in the eye.  "Who is your owner, pony?"  She asked in a soft, low voice.  The effect was ruined by the fact she was a few inches shorter than the pegasus.
[2012-09-03 19:52:37] =-= Arcane_Scroll is now known as Arcane_Eating[A]
[2012-09-03 19:53:27] * Rosemary_Thyme nickers, "A mystery?  More like an abomination.  Those responsible should be... dealt with."
[2012-09-03 19:53:33] * Father_White-Eyes lays his gaze on Eclipse. "Where are your manners, zebra? I am White-Eyes, some call me 'Father', feel free not to. This shade of loveliness is madam Rosemary_Thyme, and this poor shivering pegasus is quite possibly the most lost soul I've ever met in all my years caring for such as her."
[2012-09-03 19:55:09] * Unnamed_Slave kept still and quiet as the others spoke, but when the zebra intercepted her attempt to warm herself, as she was told, she started shuffling to the side. "My owner is called Crem de la creme. She and her husband were here not long ago...""
[2012-09-03 19:55:32] * Father_White-Eyes continues, "I agree, the ponies responsible for her horrible state need to be punished, but at the very least /you/ can demonstrate some kindness." To the pegasus: "What is your name?"
[2012-09-03 19:56:15] <Eclipse_> "Radgator ate them," she replied to the ghoul, not taking her eyes off Unnamed.  Then she stepped back at her answer, looking at Rosemary to see if she recognized the name.  It sounded like a bloody aristocrat name.
[2012-09-03 19:56:21] * Rosemary_Thyme scowls at the zebra but gives a proper curtsey.
[2012-09-03 19:56:35] * Unnamed_Slave continues to move away so as to properly warm herself, keeping her head low. "I do not have a name."
[2012-09-03 19:58:45] =-= Xavi- is now known as Zaliz
[2012-09-03 19:58:54] <Eclipse_> "She refuses to say where her owner is.  If she killed her.  Where her belongings are.  What they were doing."  She said bruskly as she stepped lightly away, looking back at the other two.  "Do you know the name, aristocrat?" She said as she looked at Rosemary.
[2012-09-03 19:59:12] * Father_White-Eyes does not even allow a shadow to pass over his eyes. "You do not? Where were you raised? Did your parents not see fit to name you? Pegasi are almost completely unheard of beneath the clouds these days. Where did you come from, lost one?"
[2012-09-03 19:59:15] * Rosemary_Thyme whinnies, "Nonsense.  What did your name used to be.  Back when you were a filly?"
[2012-09-03 20:00:19] * Unnamed_Slave just hangs her head and folds her wings back, speaking quietly. "I finished warming myself..."
[2012-09-03 20:01:52] * Rosemary_Thyme watches the poor pegasus mare and just hurts inside for her.
[2012-09-03 20:03:31] <Eclipse_> "Her name is Slave, unless she says otherwise," she said scornfully.  "Else name her whatever you ponies wish, and use it in its place.  Why will she not answer?"
[2012-09-03 20:05:46] * Rosemary_Thyme nickers, "Her name isn't Slave any more than yours is Stripes."
[2012-09-03 20:07:13] <Eclipse_> "If it were she would say so.  If not, she would not.  Either way is irrevelent, Aristocrat."  She said, not showing any surprise or ire at the disrespectful slang, but not correcting her either.
[2012-09-03 20:13:05] * Father_White-Eyes speaks mildly, but his unblinking fierce white gaze is colder than the piercing wind. "Is it irrelevant? Shall I call you 'Star-Lover', zebra? 'Luna-Worshipper'? Tell me, do you still think and do as your so-called Caeser tells you to? No? Then I'll thank you to keep a civil tongue in your head."
[2012-09-03 20:17:59] * Rosemary_Thyme cocks her head.  Aristocrat?  Really.
[2012-09-03 20:18:37] <Unnamed_Slave> Given the simple nomadic life a zebra lives, an average pony could be considered as such.
[2012-09-03 20:20:04] <Eclipse_> "You are a pony.  Why should I care what you call me?  If you wish my name, earn it.  If you wish me to use yours be worthy of whatever name you have, ghoul. Otherwise, do not task me my manners.  The Radgator does not care for manners.  The Radpig, Hellhounds, and Skylurks do not care for manners.  This slave has a mystery, and yet you task me on manners."
[2012-09-03 20:21:12] <Eclipse_> She said in a low, oddly lyrical rush.  "Are you not curious, ghoul?  Do you not wonder what she has done?  What has been done that she keeps concealed?"  She asked, her lavender eyes bright behind the leather veil draping her features.
[2012-09-03 20:24:26] * Rosemary_Thyme nickers, "I cannot speak for the Father, but I for one am not.  I am, however, interested in what has been done to her.
[2012-09-03 20:25:24] <Ilushia> 12The slave rags worn by the unnamed pony are definitely covering something. There's a pair of lumps at the sides, which seem to be saddle bags based on the fallen coin bag from before. She's definitely got possessions, though whether or not they belong to her is another question.
[2012-09-03 20:25:31] <Rosemary_Thyme> ..."and what can be done to ensure it does not happen to other citizens of Trottingham.  Including yourself."
[2012-09-03 20:25:51] * Father_White-Eyes returns her gaze placidly. "Manners are the trappings of the foundation of civilization and the only reason this city still lives. You'll forgive an old ghoul for his eccentricities. I task you on manners because they are /simple./ They cost /nothing/ and as such any return on the investment of simple /manners/ is infinitely valuable. If there's one thing I've learned in all my years is that...
[2012-09-03 20:25:51] * Father_White-Eyes ...simple courtesies get you farther in life, and yes, unlife, than curtness and incivility. To answer your question, yes. I wonder. But first, I care. Before I became like this, I was a healer of the body. I will see to it that she remains healthy, to the best of my ability. Mysteries can wait until then."
[2012-09-03 20:27:30] * Unnamed_Slave suddenly raises her head and announces in a clearer voice than usual. "It is now 10 PM, your scheduled bed time."
[2012-09-03 20:28:06] * Eclipse_ makes a disgusted noise and gestures around her as the devistation.  "Do restore your civilization and I will employ your manners.  Till then, I am not your slave, ghoul, nor am I your offspring.  Task me no more with this."  Then she looks at the slave critically.  What is this?
[2012-09-03 20:28:59] * Father_White-Eyes is taken aback, "Well. This is new. Tell me, unnamed one, what is your cutie mark?"
[2012-09-03 20:30:41] * Unnamed_Slave looks at the others, then lowers her head and stands up, lifting her wing, and by extension her rags, to show the handless clock face on her flanks. "One of my instructions was to announce whenever it became a new hour and any important schedule items that came with it."
[2012-09-03 20:30:49] <Ilushia> 12Moments after the unnamed slave makes her announcement, the distant sound of a ringing bell, massive and ancient, cracks over the ruined city. Ten chimes, audible even over the rain and thunder, mark the passage of hours.
[2012-09-03 20:31:20] <Eclipse_> She blinked and then said flatly, "She's the wasteland's largest pocket watches."
[2012-09-03 20:32:22] * Rosemary_Thyme wears a heavy cloak which completely obscures her body and clothing.  She is hardly in position to judge another for concealing things, nor does she care to press about them.
[2012-09-03 20:34:17] * Father_White-Eyes battens down the hatches and dives for a pun. "Well then, I think it's /time/ you stopped doing that. Consider that order reversed and expunged."
[2012-09-03 20:34:38] <Unnamed_Slave> "Yes."
[2012-09-03 20:35:42] * Father_White-Eyes "Tell me, how long has it been since you took to the air? I've heard that /time flies/ but when did you last have that pleasure?"
[2012-09-03 20:36:31] |<-- Strifer has left irc.canternet.org (Ping timeout: 121 seconds)
[2012-09-03 20:36:34] * Father_White-Eyes smirks, "One of the small pleasures of being /everypony's/ elder is that no-one can make me stop punning."
[2012-09-03 20:37:28] <Unnamed_Slave> "I last flew 4 hours and 56 minutes ago, by order of my owner."
[2012-09-03 20:38:23] <Eclipse_> "Of course one can.  You would not like how."  She said sharply as she looked at the slave.  "What, exactly, was the last order of your owner?"
[2012-09-03 20:38:26] <Unnamed_Slave> Sorry, add 2 days to that as well.
[2012-09-03 20:38:39] <Unnamed_Slave> Accidentally deleted that.
[2012-09-03 20:40:14] * Rosemary_Thyme gazes at the pegasus, clearly impressed by this newly shown skill.
[2012-09-03 20:40:52] * Father_White-Eyes sighs, "And another thing: You are hereby divested of the chains of ownership. By my order, you are no longer a slave. You are an orphan in need of care, companionship and love, and unless anypony has an objection I will volunteer myself as your guardian. You are a pony, you will comport yourself as such. Your first assignment as my student is to /give yourself a name./ I want you to /think...
[2012-09-03 20:40:52] * Father_White-Eyes ...critically/ about that. Can you do that for me?"
[2012-09-03 20:42:13] <Eclipse_> Seems to shutter with keeping her response to herself.
[2012-09-03 20:42:33] * Father_White-Eyes "In the very succinct words of one of Equestria's lost scholars, 'A pony chooses, a slave obeys.' What do you choose?"
[2012-09-03 20:43:31] * Unnamed_Slave stood up straight and spoke, once again, oddly clearly. "Fly to the roof of that building and make your way three floors down, then take the second door on your left, first on your right. Use this key on the box you find in there and bring the contents to us and don't you dare drool on it!" Once she went quiet and the priest began to speak, her reaction would make it seem
[2012-09-03 20:43:32] * Unnamed_Slave like he suddenly turned into an alicorn packing a balefire egg launcher or something. Either way, something he said terrified her. "I...I can't!"
[2012-09-03 20:44:48] * Father_White-Eyes is mild. "You must. You're not a slave anymore, nopony here can think for you. You must choose."
[2012-09-03 20:44:54] * Unnamed_Slave was getting real fidgety all of a sudden.
[2012-09-03 20:46:09] <Eclipse_> "She can't,"  She said sharply.  "Stop terrifying her.  You may as well shoot her as ask her to think on her own."  She took a deep breath and then pointed at Rosemary.  "Do you see this mare?  Consider her your owner.  She will tell you what to do."
[2012-09-03 20:47:55] <Ilushia> 12Perhaps it was a good thing Eclipse was enough to keep the other ponies from prying too close at the conversation. The rumble of thunder through the building rattled floors just slightly. That strike must have been close by. Several ponies from other heating stations were playing cards or making their own conversations. Thankfully none seemed to be paying too much attention to
[2012-09-03 20:47:55] <Ilushia> 12the four. Or at least none wanted to admit it openly.
[2012-09-03 20:53:34] * Rosemary_Thyme moves to the poor mare and puts a foreleg around her in a comforting hug.  Doing so causes her cloak to slide back enough to reveal the embroidered black cloth of a Steel Rangers Scribe robe.
[2012-09-03 20:54:40] * Rosemary_Thyme whinnies comfortingly.  "Please relax.  There's no need to be afraid"
[2012-09-03 20:55:05] <Eclipse_> If you're not in power armor, you're not a steel ranger.  The zebra sighed.  "There.  You have someone to take care of you now.  Feel better?"  She asked, oddly without her usual sharpness.
[2012-09-03 20:55:12] * Father_White-Eyes is genuinely taken aback. "Well. That's interesting, and by 'interesting' I mean it in the Zebra sense of the word. You're a scribe, madam. How did you come to be living here in Trottingham?
[2012-09-03 20:55:15] <Father_White-Eyes> "
[2012-09-03 20:55:37] <Unnamed_Slave> "I'll do anything you say, I swear. Please don't punish me, I'll work harder."
[2012-09-03 20:57:19] * Rosemary_Thyme lifts her gaze to Father_White-Eyes, "I assure you, I'm not the only one."
[2012-09-03 20:58:03] * Father_White-Eyes turns to Rosemary_Thyme. "Madam, be you ranger or not I do not care. Do you swear by Applejack's memory to care for this mare, to guide her, educate her, and inform her as if she were your own daughter?"
[2012-09-03 20:58:46] <Eclipse_> "Good.  I'm sure you'll be a good servant.  We won't punish you."  she said as she took a seat.
[2012-09-03 20:59:09] * Rosemary_Thyme sighs, then turns to the mare and gives her a gentle nuzzle.  "You've been wonderful.  We're sorry for frightening you."  She shakes her head looking at the others.  "This... I fear, this is going to take time."
[2012-09-03 21:03:05] <Eclipse_> "Of course it is."  She said with a sigh.  Then she pulled her veil aside and her hood.  Unlike most zebra, her stripes seemed almost artistic.  There were black tattoos covering her face and brow depicting circles and strange, vaguely ominous glyphs.  "I've known slaves like this.  It's not something that goes away with a little freedom."
[2012-09-03 21:03:44] * Father_White-Eyes is adamant, "Rosemary Thyme, swear on Applejack's memory. Do it."
[2012-09-03 21:03:47] * Rosemary_Thyme gives Eclipse a brief glare.  She's a scribe.  She can't have a slave!  But this mare clearly needs help.  And who better to help her."
[2012-09-03 21:04:35] * Rosemary_Thyme turns a longer start to Father_White-Eyes.  "That's a dangerous thing to be swearing by in Trottingham, Father."
[2012-09-03 21:05:08] * Father_White-Eyes "So do it quietly. I want to hear you swear and mean it."
[2012-09-03 21:05:30] * Eclipse_ groans and rolls her eyes.
[2012-09-03 21:10:45] * Unnamed_Slave just keeps her head down. "I'm sorry that i'm causing you so much trouble."
[2012-09-03 21:11:36] * Rosemary_Thyme narrows her eyes.  "That's not a swear I'm willing to make lightly.  Nor to strangers."   She looks to the mare and smiles gently, "You're not the cause of the trouble, dear.  You're just caught up in it."
[2012-09-03 21:12:08] * Rosemary_Thyme turns back, saying, "I promise I will do what I can within the constraints I am given.'
[2012-09-03 21:12:55] * Eclipse_ looks at the Father.  "Satisfied?"
[2012-09-03 21:14:49] * Father_White-Eyes returns Rosemary_Thyme's glare with two-hundred years interest. "That is exactly why I was asking you to swear on Applejack's memory. I'll take your promise, for now. I am watching you, young lady." To Eclipse_: "For the time being. I never caught your name, though. Would you care to share it?"
[2012-09-03 21:16:08] * Rosemary_Thyme cocks her head.  "Mine or the Father's?"
[2012-09-03 21:16:42] <Eclipse_> "Not particularly.  Call be Eclipse if you wish." she replied evenly.  "The question remains what to do now."
[2012-09-03 21:16:50] <Eclipse_> me*
[2012-09-03 21:17:57] * Father_White-Eyes "Given the lateness of the hour, I suggest finding somewhere to sleep. Let the storm rage on, we need not pay it mind under cover and warm."
[2012-09-03 21:19:41] * Rosemary_Thyme nods.  "That seems wise."
[2012-09-03 21:21:09] <Eclipse_> "Fair enough."  She said as she pulled her hood back over her face.  She trotted to a corner, pulled out her shotgun, checked it to make sure it was loaded and ready to fire, then curled up, covering the gun with her cloak.
[2012-09-03 21:21:28] <Ilushia> 12Ponies have been filtering out of the area steadily as the discussions go on, filling the side rooms. Most had opted to spend the night in the remains of the hotel, rather than risk the bridges to return to their homes. A pair wander by talking to one another. "Fifth floor's still got a few rooms, I think." "Oh, good. I think there's a few rooms up there which still have bedding
[2012-09-03 21:21:28] <Ilushia> 12too. Wouldn't that be a lucky night? Get to sleep in a room with a real bed."
[2012-09-03 21:22:49] * Father_White-Eyes "Is that so? Would anypony care to join me? I've been trekking nonstop for three days now, some sleep would be a luxury."
[2012-09-03 21:28:22] <Ilushia> 12Finding a room upstairs on the fifth floor proves only slightly difficult. Most of the rooms were taken, indeed all of the fourth floor was, but there were a few which weren't. The one the group had found was only slightly leaky, a few drops of water falling around the edges of the window through the night, collected by a small bucket set out by the patrols of ponies. There
[2012-09-03 21:28:23] <Ilushia> 12was even a matress in the corner, old and disheveled as it might be.