Bard Quest #9

>>28523379
“Everybody makes mistakes sometimes!” You answer the changeling, still with the same enthusiasm “What's the point in spending the rest of your life beating yourself up over something? Everything worked out alright in the end. The merchant wasn't actually crooked, it was the actual product and we just didn't ask what it was going to do. As for the second drugging, our friend had already been drugged, by force, and the ones that did it switched places with him. There wasn't really a way to avoid being tricked. Regardless of the mistakes, there were still fun parts about the experiences!”
You beam at that last sentence, but the changeling looks really unconvinced but your words.
“Come on, you’ve got to see the joy in life! There's nothing wrong with being a little silly sometimes. It's just part of who you are! Accepting somepony's faults is an important part of making friends! For example, you can be pretty mean with your words, but we don't hold it against you! Just try it, Nymph!”

Nymph keeps glaring at you in silence. She squints her eyes, ruminating your words in her mind with a confused face, but still she seems incapable of making any sense out of it.
“We’ll see about that…” She coldly lets out after a little while “Like I said, get me out of her and only then I’ll try to pry into this preachy nonsense of yours.”
The changeling proceeds to lie on her flank on her bed of straw, facing away from you “I don’t think I’ve got anything more to tell you right now” She declares.

>>28523381
Well, that was an… interesting conversation.
But still, there’s actually a chance Nymph might actually accept to change her ways, how cool would that be! She told you her case was in the hands of the Minotaur Steel Stache who wanted her to be fined a head for her crimes, but a wizard from Astranostra called Count Starfall is trying to get her alive for probably magical experiments instead.
It’s currently around 4 p.m., so you’re not sure you’ll be able to talk to anyone before the end of the day. But with the Superbrawl starting tomorrow, things are probably going to be even crazier in the next days.
Unless you’ve got anything else to tell the caged changeling, it’s probably time for you, Gramps and Heartshapre to go. They both remained strangely silent during your conversation with Nymph.

>What do?

>>28523385
Just tell her we'll be trying our best. Let's get out of here.

>>28523385
There's just one other thing I almost forgot to tell you about friendship.

It's magic.

>>28523438
>>28523456
“Alright, I’ll be trying my best!”
You almost expect for the changeling to let out a snide comment about the extent of your best, but nothing comes this time.
“Anyway see you around, Nymph! Also, there’s one thing I forgot to tell you about friendship…” You grin
“It’s magic!”

“Uhg…” The changeling groans in response “Spare me the punchline for selling dolls, please…”

And after a one way wave, you’re escorted back to the outside by the minotaur guards.

“Uhm…” Heartshape catches your attention on the way with a poke of the hoof “Are we… are we really going to have Nymph be with us?” She manages to shyly articulate “I mean… I’m… I don’t want to tell you want to do, but I really wouldn’t like to have her around…”

“Gotta say… I’m more than a little with Heartshape, Harmony.” Gramps nods to himself, using his serious voice “I’ve got a few friends in shady business in my books, but murderers… I waited to see her face to face before saying something, but that changeling really is a textbook psychopath if I’ve ever seen one… I hope you know what you’re doing, Happy Birdie… Because this Nymph-mare look like the kind of pony who would LITTERALLY stab you in the back while you sleep. I’m not saying you won’t be able make something good out of her in the end, but I hope you’re prepared for a lot of trouble before that…”

As Gramps finishes to tell you that, you're out of the bulding and back in the streets of Daedalus.

>What do?

>>28523385
See you later, Nymph!

What did you guys think of that? We should try to make most of what time we have and attempt to track down this wizard.

>>28523619
We probably can't help nymph on our own. Though with the help of our other friends we'll be able to do it. Let's look for steel stache and ask what he thinks if we can reform her? there is also just plain exploring.

>>28523619
I have to at least try. Sometimes the worst ponies are the ones that need help the most.

>>28523716
>>28523748
“You know… I feel like I have to at least try.” You answer “Sometimes the worst ponies are the ones that need help the most. Besides I don’t think I could do it on my own… But with all my friends with me, I’m positive we can do it!” You assure Gramps.

“Mmmh… Yeah, I guess Gale Dust and Winter Seed can help you handle her.” Gramps strokes his beard, before letting out a defeated sigh “Alright… I trust you, Happy Birdie. But please remember!” He insists “You love easily. That’s why so many people came to travel alongside you, but that also makes you a perfect target for that changeling. I beg you to be careful…”
And then finally, a smile appear on his face, and he puts a benevolent hoof on your chest “But I’ve got to say, you seem to have mustered quite the determination here! I’m proud of you, Happy Birdie. And I really hope you’ll make that Nymph into a little lovebug eventually!” He declares before taking you in a hug
“Thanks, Gramps” You answer as you hold the old rogue “And I gotta get to it right away if I wanna succeed!”

You go back to the desks to ask if it would be possible to see Steel Stache or Count Starfall before the day ends. And after a short moment, the desk worker informs you that you can arrange a meeting with Count Starfall but only if you fill a form about why you’d like to see him, and them only he’ll decide if he accepts to see you. However, the civil worker also tells you that Steel Stache is indeed available for a short meeting immediately, but only with you. You promptly accept, and after another guarded walk through the halls of this place, you’re this time brought to the door of an office.
And after you knock, and voice inside invites you to enter.

>>28524029

Inside the plainly decorated office sits a very old bull working on a desk. He’s very skinny for a minotaur, but the impossibly long steel-grey mass of hair behind him along with the curly moustache on his face still give him quite the presence. His piercing brown eyes move up from the paper he was writing on to stare at you, with the judgemental glare of someone who has spent his life seeing the worst ponies and minotaur had to offer.

“Well, what do we have here?” The old bulls greets in a grave and gravelly tone “So you’re the one who caught that treacherous creature, right? My name is Steel Stache, and I guess you want to talk to me about something after seeing that creature, is that right?”

>What do?

>>28524036
You would be correct in that assertion and I would like to find out if it's possible for her to be released to my custody for the possibility of reformation.
she will be in chains and a leash too.

>>28524146
We are vigilant, after all.

>>28524146
>>28524300
“You would be correct in that assertion!” You answer with a clumsy bow, since you’re unfamiliar with the protocol here “and I would like to find out if it's possible for her to be released to my custody for the possibility of reformation.”
“I’ll be vigilant, and of course she will be in chains and a leash too!” You add.

“Reformation?” The minotaur repeats, before letting a long unamused sigh.

“Alright, let’s be quick about this, my day is far from over” The jurist declares with a monotone voice “so I’m gonna give you the two…” He raises two fingers in the air to emphasise “…reasons I’m immediately against that.”

“First, we’re talking about a changeling. I decently can’t let her in the hands of someone who isn’t at least a little… qualified. Correct me if I’m wrong, but you’re never been in a military on ever in an administration before. Not only that, but you also travel around different countries, so it’s going to be a headache following you around for controls.”

“Second, and this one is very important to me, you simply don’t get away with murder.”
The room falls silent, and Steel Stache glares at you with his piercing gaze.
“Not only because the peers of the victims deserve to know the culprit paid” He continues with his montone voice “But because the rest of society needs to know it. I don’t even think you’re lying when you say there potential for this changeling to become a good person, but a justice which doesn’t punish murder will be laughed at by criminals. We have to uphold the sentence we promise to those who break the law, or else justice looks weak. And justice needs to be strong for the society to feel safe.”
“You wanna help someone be a better person? Find an orphanage. There’s a lot of troubled young people there who don’t have blood on their hands.”

The minotaur concludes on this, and keeps watching you for your reaction.

>What do?

See you tomorrow

>>28524421
We are traveling with a military pony and the towns guard will attest to the fact that we were willing to stand up to a dragon despite being a civilian. As far as punishment, it'd be far more effective if the individual that was being punished actually felt guilty over their actions rather than seeing all of it as just an inconvenience.

>>28524421
We need to make a better case with help from the wizard. Politefully thank him for his time and leave.

>>28523379
That OP pic is ultra kekworthy btw.

Bamp.

>>28526442
pleeny does good

we were the ones that captured her you know! also the murder victim would have probably picked trying to make her good from what we know of her.

The good doesn't wash out the bad and the bad doesn't wash out the good.

rump

>>28528570
I don't think that's a good argument. Not for him anyways.

>>28524481
>>28528570
>>28529338
“Well first, I helped a lot to capture that changeling” You declare to the prosecutor, trying our best to remain composed despite your uneasiness “And even yesterday, I’ll let you know I was faced with a dragon and a pirate, and held up really well! The guards who were there should be able to tell you.”
“Yes, I am well aware of these facts” Stache plainly answer, unflinching.
“Hum.” You nod “So you probably also know a Harrier, Gale Dust, is currently travelling with me. I reckon he could be trustworthy enough for you.”

“As for why reforming her would be a better sentence…” You continue, even more unsure about how to address the second point of Steel Stache “Well, first making her feel the actual harm she done to people would be a far better punishment, as for now she seems to merely see all this as an inconvenience. What good she’ll ever do won’t erase the bas she’s done, but the bad shouldn’t minor the good potential in her. Besides, I firmly believe Marigold, her victim, would have wanted the changeling to be reformed instead of simply put out.” You conclude.

The minotaur raises a quizzical eyebrow, and leans on the back of his seat as he seems to ponder your words. You find it very hard to read him. Though you think he doesn’t look openly hostile to anything you offered.

>>28531017
“That’s starting to look like it could work, actually.” The minotaur finally concedes, still in his monochord voice while he strokes one of his long tuff of facial hair “And that changeling’s situation and whereabouts are probably unique enough to fall through the cracks of the common justice system. I have enough trust in Harriers for that to work. Thought, I’m going to need a written oath from your friend to prove he knows what he’s in for. That also means he would have to stay with you until that changeling is judged as fit for society, so make sure he’s clear with his own superiors. Actually, I’d like their written approval too.”

“And you say the victim would have wanted for the changeling to be reformed? Hum…” He ponders “As I said, I do not believe you’re a liar, but I’m going to need Fair Hero’s word about that, not yours. More than everything I need physical proofs to keep things orderly. So I want his consent sealed in ink too, and then we can start to talk.”

You can’t believe it! It really looks like you’re going to do it! You can’t refrain a grin from appearing on your face.
“Thanks a lot mister-“

“BUT!” He cuts you “It’s still a BIG maybe, and I really want to see you’re one hundred percent on this. What I’m thinking right now, if everything is right on the papers in time, is giving you a probation period of a few days when you’ll remain in Daedalus, just to see if you’re capable enough.”

“Do you understand what I said?”
And there, for the first time, a devious smirk appears on the minotaur’s face “If you do, I hope you understand why I’d ask for all the paperwork to be ready by tomorrow morning, right?”

>What do?

>>28531025
I guess we better talk to fair hero if he's here as a witness and better talk to gust soon.
We understand and we thank you for your time and consideration of the matter.

>>28531025
So he's saying that we'd have to fly all the way to BOTH Malba and wherever our friend's superior is, convince all three parties to agree, and make it back here in around 14 hours?

>>28531025
Y-you want written and signed letters from Gale, the Harriers at Ponlympus, AND Hero by tomorrow morning...? Can't you give me more time?

Too worn out to write straight, sorry
See you tomorrow

That's cutting it pretty close.

Things have become considerably difficult.

have a good night bum

We'll teach her the magic of friendship one way or another.

get away page nine we have things to do and places to be.

page 10.

>>28531177
>>28531212
>>28531288
>>28532212
>>28533058
You smile at the offer… until the math in your head reveals how dreadfully impossible completing everything in time sounds. You’ve got something like 14 hours to go all the way to Malba, come back, get Gust to agree AND his superiors which are Mount Ponlympus… You start to shake a little, and your smile turns into an uncomfortable grin.

“Hum. Hehe…” You giggle nervously “S-so y-you want written and signed letters from Gale Dust, the Harriers at Ponlympus, AND Hero by tomorrow morning...?”

“Yes. That’s what I want.” The minotaur promptly answers, still with his smirk “What’s the problem, does that sound more impossible than trying to make a heartless murderer into a good person?”

“Hum… No, but… Could you give me some more time?”
“There would be no point if I gave you all the time.” The minotaur mischievously answers.
Not so long ago, you thought Steel Stache was more down to earth than most minotaurs. That feeling is definitely gone, now.

“We… We understand and we thank you for your time and consideration of the matter.” You say as a goodbye, earning a nod from the minotaur as you exit his office.

And now, it’s time to go fast!

>what do?

>>28538207
Lets get some pie.

>>28538207
might as well take care of the easiest one. Gale. Then we can fly to malba while he flies as fast as he can to ponlympus.
We should also write a letter for him to carry and his superiors can read it.

>>28538229
That sounds like a great idea. If only we had like a gofast potion.

>>28538224
>>28538229
>>28538308
“So?” Gramps asks as you emerge from the hallways “How did it-“
“I’ve got no time!” You cut him as you run past him and Heartshape “I’ve got to find Gust and fast! I’ll explain but we need to get moving!”

And after exchanging a look, the two pegasi start to follow you. While you tell them what kind of test the minotaur jurist brought on you, you’re already thinking about your options.

You think Gust can handle going to his superiors. He’s probably a good enough flier to make the way in time while you go ask Fair Hero… If you manage to convince him.
But in all honesty, the problem might be yourself. You’re not sure you have the stamina to go all the way to Malba and return in time. Flying is a lot faster than walking, but you doubt you’d be able to keep a proper speed for more than 10 hours straight.
Maybe the energising pie you had the morning before could help you? Well… The effect is probably too short to be meaningful, actually.

Soon, you arrive at the Oakvale Manor, and at this time, you soon find Gale in the room.

“Did something happen?” he asks, jumping off his bed as he sees the three of you nearly out of breath.

>what do?

>>28538319
Explain to Gale that you have been given a difficult challenge

>>28538319
Explain our situation the the fastest manner possible. Ask anyone about the possibility of a gofast potion.

>>28538331
>>28538453
“Gale! *pant*”

“What?”

“GAAAAAAAASP… I-want-to-get-the-mad-changeling-I-met-in-Malba-to-be-in-the-right-path-so-I-need-to-get-your-word-about-watching-over-her-and-getting-your-captain-or-whatever-approval-and-also-Fair-Hero-whos-in-Maba-before-TOMORROW-MORNING-so-can-you-please-fly-to-mount-Ponlympus-pretty-please-and-write-about-how-you’re-okay-about-it-thank-you-I’ll-buy-you-an-ice-creem-if-you-say-yes.”

The rooms finally falls silent again as you catch your breath.

“Whaaat?” Gale repeats, utter confusion on his face.

A little slower this time, you proceed to explain the situation to your friend, reminding him about the event in Malba and why you’d like him to go to Mont Ponlympus.

“Alright!” he answers once you’re finished, with surprisingly little time thinking about it. “If it counts so much for you, I’ll do it! And after a dragon, keeping an eye on a changeling will be like holydays.”

“Thanks a lot, Gust, you’re really saving me there! Also…” You turn to the rest of your friends “I need something to get faster! Do you think I could get a potion for that?”
“Hum…” Gramps ponders “I’m afraid these aren’t sold like that to common folks. I mean, it doesn’t take a lot of imagination to see what kind of mischiefs one could do with a speed potion… So it’s gonna be hard to get one the… Normal way.”

>what do?

>>28538629
but that means you know how to get one don't you?

>>28538629
We do know a shaman that seems very capable.

>>28538629
Engage cheeky/mischievous smile at him and say >>28538645

>>28538645
>>28538652
>>28538655
“I’ll get going right away.” Gust declares. “I’ve got a long night ahead of me so I better get going if I want to take a nap before the Superbrawl”
“Good luck, Gust!” You wish him, and he answers with a cheeky smirk as he exits the room.

“Now… Grammmmmps…” You sheepishly call with a mischievous grin directed at your grandfather.
“Grlmlmlrb…” He only grumbles as he looks away.
“Hard to get a potion the normal way…” You push on, getting closer to your grandfather “That means you know how to get one, don’t’ you?”
“Hey, give me a break, Happy Birdie!” He groans “Do you know how hard it is for a responsible adult like me to tell his grand-daughter about his illegal potion suppliers? That’s the opposite of what I’m supposed to do! Can’t you think of something else?”
“Well…” You ponder “There’s that shaman who helped me when I was transformed in a hamster, maybe he can help me once more…”
“That Willowhorn guy, right?” Gramps replies “Hum… I’m not sure he’s doing this kind of potions… But I’m for asking him first anyway!”

>what do?

>>28538781
I think I'd rather see your way.

>>28538781
fine, but let's hurry. Every minute that passes is critical.

>>28538804
>>28538814
“Honestly, I’d rather use your way about it” You answer “But fine, let’s ask Willowhorn first, but hurry up!”
Gramps nods, and soon the two of you are flying toward the shop of the shaman. You burst in the shop, making the old bull jump from the noise.

“Willowhorn!” You desperately call “I’m in a hurry, do you happen to have a speed potion of some sort, by any chance?!”
“Hum… A potion for being faster?” The elder bull ponders after a few seconds of surprise “Well, I do not believe I have one of these right now, sorry…”

>what do?

see you tomorrow

Looks like we're going to have to go with Grandpa's less savory methods.

>>28538993
Do you know how to make one? Are the ingredients pegasus feathers and alarune spores by any chance?

have a good night bump

>>28523379

Bamp.

enjoy episode day

a little bump in the morning to keep you going.

leaving nine.

getting bumped to page one is good for you little bard.

>>28538993
Scream internally. Thank him for the help and quickly leave.

Things came up
Gonna need to wait tomorrow

>>28547520
good luck surviving episode day.

i just wanted to enjoy the superbrawl.

>>28548785

I hope pleen can deliver.

Adventures on page nine.

here is a bump from page 10. You're welcome.

>>28553637
Is that like adventuring on a mountainside?

>>28546839
>>28539323
You cringe.
“W-wouldn’t you know how to make one? I’ve got pegasus feathers and alraune spores, d-does that help…?”
“Ahem…” The embarrassed shaman answers “I’m afraid I’ve never learned how to do this potion you’re looking for…”
You swear you can hear the steam hissing out of your ears, and the old the bull does take a careful step back despite your forced smile. You thank him and leave as fast as you came.

“Gramps!” You almost bark as you both fly “We’re going to have to do it your way!”
“Yeah, yeah…” He grumpily answers “I know, but you’ll have to wait me a little. I’m gonna have to negotiate my way in once more since it’s been so long… wait me here!” He says as he enters the Bread Eater.
You wait out nervously. You tap the ground increasingly fast as you see the sun closing up on the top of the roofs of Daedalus. You came all the way to see the minotaurs and their crazy challenges, but you didn’t think you’d have to sign up for one!

Finally, Gramps come back, and start to lead you in the maze of streets once again, until you arrive a back-alley dead-end.
After double checking no one was in sight, Gramps starts to tap on the wall with his hoof in a melodic rhythm you’ve never heard before. And after ten second of musical password, several rows of planks start to sink into the ground, revealing an entrance to a dark passage-way.

“*Sigh…* Here we go…” Gramps grumbles as he enters the passage “That changeling better be the best friend we’ll ever have, because we’re doing an awful lot for her!”

You follow your grandpa in the dark tunnel and jump a little as the way closes right behind you, leaving you no other choice than to push forward.
And eventually, you arrive in what looks like a covered market.

>>28556051
Despite the large street opening in front of you, a wooden roof is covering the sky entirely and the only lights around are coming from torches and candles, which gives you the strange impression to be inside a gigantic boat. The air here is so heavy with fumes and alien smells you almost cough from simply breathing at first, but that doesn’t seem to bother the many people walking around here. And no matter how you look at them, you can’t shake the feeling that all these bulls, ponies and dogs are all… odd, one way or another. May in de because of ample cloth covering the whole body, a metal arm prosthesis with a built-in blade or twin dragons tattooed on the whole body, everyone here would be frowned upon outside, but here they seem to be at home, and the ambient noise they make as they casually talk to each other isn’t that different from what you could hear on a regular market day in a small peaceful city. Truly, you’ve came across a slightly different dimension in your quest right now.

“Welcome to Little Daedalus Harmony” Gramps tensely announces “Probably the worst place to spend your holydays. Here, they use to say that if something is banned from the sane world, it’ll end up here instead… A lot of the stuff you find here is either deemed too dangerous to be sold to civilians, weird creations of demented wizards, or some exotic magical antique that some adventurer couldn’t afford to sell in the open.”

“Now hear me out, Happy Birdie” Gramps takes his serious voice, staring in your eyes “People here aren’t there to help you. They’re here because they want your coins, whatever the means to do it! Here, the word “refund” is taboo, so you better watch out for fakes and cons… But at least, pick-pockets are relatively absent from this place.”

>>28556064
And just as Gramps mentions petty theft, a mountain of a diamond dog passes in front of you, wearing a parody of a peacekeeper’s outfit with a little more spikes here and there. He gives you a menacing glance and you can’t refrain a gulp as you eye the many weapons on his belt as he walks down the street “There’s not petty theft in here, since the… *ahem* let’s call them “guards”… have been given all the authorities to make it so.”

“We… we’re going to have to find a potion from HERE?” You asks.

“Yep, and since the stocks are incredibly inconsistent here, we’d better split up to raise our chances. So here’s a few ground rules when you talk to the merchants here. First, don’t tell them what you want! They’ll try to sell you anything that remotely fits your need. And by remotely, I mean they’re going to tell you each of their wares fits your description, even when it doesn’t! And you’ll lose a lot of time. So unfortunately, the best way to go is to look around and ask what each thing does…”

“Secondly, people here often aren’t even sure themselves what they’re selling. Usually, when someone describes you something as a “lucky charm”, understand that as “It’s probably magical, but I don’t know how it works”. And that’s only when they’re not trying to sell you something completely useless! Always ask for a demonstration in doubt, and avoid those who refuse like the plague, since some of the stuff here can be really dangerous!”

“And finally, remember that here more than everywhere else, price doesn’t make for quality and neither does gold and glitter. Some of this stuff has been rotting here for decades, but all a seller needs is one goof who buys a piece of wood at the price of diamond to make profit. And on the other hoof, there actually is a chance for you to find something surprisingly useful in a shard of broken glass, so open both your eyes open at every single time!"

>>28556074
“Got it, Harmony?”

“H-Hum! I’ll try my best!” You answer only with a half confident nod.

“Alright.” Gramps says “I’m going to ask someone I know. He gets his stock directly for unused material he… borrows from the governments, these are the less likely to explode in your hooves you can find here. I just hope he’s got something for our problem!” Gramps says, before walking away toward a place called the Royal Landfill, how lovely…

So while Gramps gets to see some friends, you’re left with the rest of Little Daedalus to explore.
As the name says, it actually not that big. It’s only one street which goes in circle, and after only a few minutes of walking, you’re already back in from of the Royal Landfill.
And you saw a couple of places which could actually have what you’re looking for.

First, there was couple of little stalls with a bunch of weird looking vials and objects on display, and the minotaur child running the biggest of them would tell anyone interested that all of these were all magical. Maybe you could try there.
Second, there was a bigger shop called the “First Resort”, which seemed to sell some esoteric weaponry and accessories, but you saw some potions and some strange metal devices through the window too, maybe it’s worth checking out.
And third, there was strange cloaked unicorn in a counter open to the street, and a bulletin board which said he was doing spells on demand. He had strange spasms and you could swear there was maggots in the glass he was drinking.

>>28556082
Aside from that, you saw a big tavern from where many laughs could be heard and a faint hint of vomit could be smelled, a heavily-jewelled zebra mare who offered massages involving needles and a lot of aromatic fumes, a diamond dog selling grilled mammoth meat to many enthusiastic customers (the smell almost made you retch) and several fortune-tellers and other suspicious street artists inviting the crowd to bet on probably rigged address and luck games. Some sellers also yell to the public about the one miracle-making artefact they had for sale and how it would solve all their daily problems. But unless the wish-granting ring was legit, something you highly doubt, none of these items could actually address your issue. You also came across an auction house, the single price you saw for a bottle cap made you forget about finding anything here, and the barracks right next to it are probably there to discourage anything funny to happen. The rest of the place is packed with shady establishments promising a fun night and advertising for many recreational concoctions, and you suspect the hostesses at the door to be professional cuddlers.

>What do?

>>28556093
first resort sounds good and looks the most legitimate but it could also be obscenely expensive.
i think the stalls would be good and we could tell the minotaur child to tell us what he sells and then to drink it so we can see how magical they are and if he doesn't then we just turn around and leave.

>>28556093
Lets start with First Resort. For the minotaur child to run largest stall, he must be pretty good at selling stuff down here.

>>28556093
I think Harmony couldn't help but to forget herself in such a new and exciting (and a little scary) place like this. Check out the First Resort.

>>28556153
>>28556170
>>28556185
Despite the dire situation, you can’t help but to feel a little excited by the place. So many new things, some are scary… but so exciting too! M-maybe once you’re done with that errand, you could convince Gramps to bring you here one more…

For now, you make your way inside the First Resort, and you soon break a sweat as you come in view with more stabby things than in all the kitchens you’ve ever visited. One whole wall of the shop is so covered in blades of a kinds and sizes than one client is currently using it as a mirror for the shiny spiky armour he’s trying on.

After calming down a little, you manage to look at the rest of the stuff on display under the eye of the shopkeeper, who a minotaur who’s face is hidden behind a steel helmet with ludicrously long mammoth tusks protruding from it.
Aside from the various collection of weapons which you disregard, you quickly realise most of the magical stuff is really expensive. Enchanted rings, collars and horseshoes are for the most out of your prices, in addition for none of them to be built for especially speed!

Among the few interesting things you find, there are a “Bandana of Stamina” for 50 silvers, a “Cape of Wind” for 10 silvers and a “Warp Dagger” for 90 silvers.

For the potions, these are already more affordable, all at 8 silvers. However, the only things you find here are one green vial simply labelled “Agility potion”, several electric blue ones labelled “Lightning potion” and an old, deep red one with an almost erased label which reads “Fast…”. You think.

Also, you can’t help but to notice one giant shiny metal thingy displayed alone behind a glass. It looks like a giant firework flare with straps to attach it on your back.
You feel like you should know the intended purpose for this hellish device, and you get excited just looking at it, but your brain doesn’t dare to completely express it out of self-preservation.

>>28556493
Also this one rocket thing costs one hundred silvers.

>what do?

>>28556498
ask what a warp dagger does. also how much silver do we have to spend?
there a try before you buy option?

>>28556498
Ask what the lightning potion does, also the "fast" one too. Let's not be hasty and buy anything in case Grandpa has any luck.

>>28556493
Lets ask about what the potions do. Don't mention anything about what we're looking for.

>>28556521
>>28556535
>>28556538
You look at your purse. The 63 silvers and 5 coopers you had seemed like a lot until now… <but still, there might be ways here to make more money fast around here… even if they’re risky. But if you’re desperate, you could trying selling some of your stuff since you have everything you own on yourself right now. You also reckon haggling should be possible around here.

“E-excuse me, sir?” You hail the storekeeper “Can you show me how does this “Warp Dagger” work?”

“The Warp Dagger?” He answers as he comes closer “A fine choice! Let me show you…”
On these words, the bull takes the small blade in hand and proceeds to throw it on the opposite wall. But as he does, you realise something is wrong as the “TCHONG” of the dagger piercing the wall happens as soon as the dagger leaves the minotaur’s palm… and disappears at the same time, to reappear already stuck at the other end of the shop.
“Ya’ saw that?” The bull boisterously says as he walks to “’Bet you didn’t, but I can’t blame you! This little baby cuts through space to cut its target faster! Undodgable! How cool is that!”
“Hum…” You shiver a little “Th-thanks for the show, but there’s other things I’d like to ask first. These potions over there.” You lead the bull to the lightning potions. You feel like the agility potion is rather self-explanatory “What do these do?”

“Haha!” The bull crosses his arms, showing his muscles “These? Let me ask you, ‘ever wanted to breathe fire like a dragon? Well, these potions make dragons look like PUSSIES, since you can breathe LIGHTNING with them! Selling absolute Babassitu…abadass…ba-badassery in small bottles for so cheap should be a crime, bwahaha!”

>>28556948
“A-alright, and what about this one?” You point at the “Fast” Potion.
The minotaur takes a closer look, and ends up lifting the visor of his helmet to reveal a confused look on his face which has a muzzle butchered by many nasty-looking scars.
“Mmmh… Oh! Wait, this is my Fast Digestion potion! Hehe… How did it end up here...” The storekeeper says as he sheepishly puts the vial in his back pocket.

>what do?

>>28556963
how fast does an agility potion make you? How long does it last? Do you need to eat a big meal before taking it?

>>28557006
“And now about that agility potion, how fast does it make me? How long does it last and what are the downsides?” You methodically ask the merchant.
“Hmmm…” The bull ponders “Well, if it’s like the strength potions which I got from the same guy, it should last for one hour with no downsides.”
“And?” You push.
“And… that’s it.” The bulls shrugs.

You give the bull your most genuine disgruntled look in response.
“Hey, now… Do I look like someone an expert in agility potions, little pony?” He argues “I’ll let you know I tripped on my shower curtain this morning and I hit my head really hard, hahaha! But still, I’ve sold a few of these to sneaky looking diamond dogs a week ago or so, and they never came back to tell they’re unsatisfied. Is that not a proof of how good it is?”
“B-but you know what?” He picks up the green potion “Since that thing doesn’t really goes with the vibe of my shop, I’m giving it to you for 5 silvers! Nice price, huh?

>What do?

>>28557169

I don't think agility is exactly what we need. Let's try those small stalls instead.

>>28557169
What does the Cape of Wind do?

>>28557169
This guy you got it from, the potions he makes are reliable? Also how about 4 silvers instead?

>>28557270
>>28557287
>>28557299
You’re probably gonna have to look somewhere else. But despite your doubts about the equality of speed and agility in a potion maker’s mind, you’re still a little interested in the green potion.

“And your provider” You inquire “Is he really a reliable guy?”
“He’s the best!” The bull boasts “I’ve heard he got banned from the alchemist’s guild of Hortensia for avoiding taxes. That’s probably the most reliable thing you can hope for in Little Daedalus, haha!”
“Alright then…” You nod, trying not to sound too interested in the potion “I’ll get you rid out of it… for 4 silvers!”
“5 Silvers” He retorts “And I’ll give you a good piece of advice about potions since you sound… no offence… a little new to the business.”
“Hmm… Let me think first…” You answer “Meanwhile, why don’t you tell me what does this Cape of Wind does?”

“The cape of wind? Nope, I won’t tell you… I’ll SHOW you!”
The bulls wildly snatches the bright red piece of cloth and ties it arounds his neck in a swift motion. He then crosses his arms to flex once again, looking like one of those legendary hero from fairy tales, his cape floating graciously behind him… despite the obvious absence of wind inside his shop.
Oh, that’s what it does…

“I’ll be honest with you little pony” The bull proudly states, swooshing his cape around which magically never wraps around him. “This is my favourite thing after the Dragon Buster 9000™”

>what do?

see you tomorrow

well that cape turned out to be useless.

>>28557539
Little bard is VERY excited at the thought of being a superhero. But! She must curb her enthusiasm. I'd rather buy the lightning potion. Ask if he thinks a pony like us could handle that kind of potion.

>>28558746
lightning potion doesn't help us in any meaningful way. We're trying to get to malba remember?

So, despite having managed to poison ourselves repeatedly in the few days we've been in this city, we're now tasked with finding a particular potion in the absolute shadiest place in the city filled with countless ambiguously labeled, misrepresented, or downright mysterious potions being sold by devious and lying sellers?

This should go great.

>>28559367
You have to admit that it would still be neat to have. Like a secret last resort.

>>28559659
We just need to test it out on something once we get it, see if it werks. Maybe on some bugs. Kinda like that one camouflage potion we found on the way to Malba.

>>28560478

Good idea. We're slowly developing a sense of self-preservation.

saved from page 10.

>>28560785
>>28560478
>>28559686
>>28559659
>>28559367
>>28558746
>>28558720

Despite how much you’d LOVE to look like a superhero, you’ve got to admit this isn’t the best use you could make of your silvers, and you don’t have that many of them!

Speaking of which, you’re still not sure whether or not you’d like to buy one lightning potion in addition to the agility one. That would make for one nice last resort, but this one is still at 8 silvers. You also better test the agility potion on some little critter or bug, you’ve had enough magical accidents in the last pas days.

What do you tell the storekeeper once you’ve cleaned the drool off your face?

>What do?

>>28563256
That was awesome! But I don't think you carry what we're looking for. Might as well buy the agility potion since it comes from the same source as the strength potions he considers very reliable, it's also at a discount. Should we ask him to test it?

>>28563256
Let's just get the agility potion.

>>28563318
>>28563347
You’d like to ask him to test that agility potion but… You’re not sure how you could right now. Yet, it’s cheap enough to make you spend the price he demands since the risks also seems reasonably low. You’ll do your own testing later.

“Fine, I’ll take the agility potion for 5 silvers” You declare.

“Alright then!” The bulls says as he pockets your coins. “Now for a little advice, you look like you’ve got enough common sense for not trying to mix potions together, right? But I’ve seen an awful lot of people who wouldn’t stretch that logic to their belly!”
“What I’m telling you is… do not try to drink several potions at once, even if it’s the same potion twice! There’s something like a 1 in 3 chance you’re going to get a weird surprise if you gulp down two magic drinks too close to each other, and I’m not even talking about having more than two... The rule of thumb is to simply wait either one hour or until the effect of one potion wears off to have another, whichever is longer. And… that’s it, here you go!” The bulls says as he hands you the green vial, which you put in your own saddlebags.

“Thanks for everything, mister!” You say as you exit the shop.

>What do?

>>28563393
Lets go check the little minotaur's stand now.

File: wares.png (277KB, 1200x600px) Image search: [Google]

277KB, 1200x600px

>>28563402
That potion is a start, but you’re not sure it’s going to be enough, so you decide to check what one of the stalls with various artefacts has for sale.

“Heya, miss” The little bull greets you as you approach “These are all magical items I gather from here and there. Mostly adventurers who didn’t even notice these were special. See something that catches your eye?”

>What do?

>>28563458
what do the gold rings do, what does the blue gem on the top left next to the purple jar with the lightning bolt do?
what does the purple jar with the lightning bolt do?

>>28563458
What's the clock thingie for?

>>28563527
Are you talking about the gauge or the thing at the far left?

>>28563626
The thing in the middle next to the book.

>>28563490
>>28563527
>>28563700
“What do the gold rings do?” You ask for a start
“Ah, these are earrings actually…” The kid answers “There’s a minor spell on them, but no one managed to find out what it was! I tried to wear them, but I felt nothing out of the ordinary. Still, they’re rather pretty, aren’t they?” He says as he swiftly attaches them to his own ears “They’d go perfectly with your coat if I may say! They’re probably just minor lucky charms, and they’re in real gold!” The merchant tells you with a bright smile

“Oh… I see” You respond, unconvinced “Then, what about this jar?” You point at the heart-shaped container adorned with a lightning bolt.
“Hehe… This one is a classic! A love potion, in the flask! Drink this and you’ll be irresistible, as simple as that!” He assures you while nodding to himself, making the earing swing at each side of his head.

You huff, a little intrigued, but you’ve got more questions.
“And what about this electric gem right next to it? What does it do?”
“That one… is a scale from a legendary dragon, Fulgurocerta!” The minotaur kids proudly reveals “He was said to be made of pure lightning! And seeing how his scales still hurt when you touch them, I’m tempted to believe the story!”
“And so… It’s just a raw scale?” You ask, puzzled.
“Yes, but you don’t find these anywhere anymore! I’m just a spoony merchant, but some high class wizards or historians would KILL to have this scale.”

“Huh… alright, and what about this gauge?”
“Oooooooh… That one is nasty…” The bulls says, feigning fear. “This bad boy can leech energy in EVERY FORM from remotely ANYTHING… and then release it in a bang! Perfect for making pranks that go too far!”

>What do?

>>28563770
How about the rainbow feather or horseshoes? Also, why haven't we asked about the musical instrument yet?

>>28563458
>>28563770
That mask, it's just like Winter's. Ask the kid about it.

>>28563770
how about that green statue or the hoops next to them?

>>28563797
>>28563801
>>28563863
“Wait, that mask!” You point at the wooden face “I recognize it! My friend who’s a monk of Brahma has the same!”
“That sounds reasonable, since mine belonged to a monk of Brahma too.” The kid nods “I should water it sometimes by the way… And so you probably also know that these masks have potent healing properties, don’t you? Well, this mask survived his owner’s demise, and it’s still in good enough shape provide some services.”

“Oh, I see… then…” You look around once more. So much stuff… and they all look interesting, you can’t decide which one you want to hear about first!
“What about this rainbow feather over there?” You ask.
“This feather… uhm…” The kid scratches his head “There’s a spell written on it, as you can see. And it makes it… hum… E-extra tickly. Spooky, huh?”

“…And these horseshoes?”
“These? Hehe… They’re a real treasure! They’ll let you safely walk on absolutely anything which isn’t air! Water, lava, glue and even walls and roofs! Just imagine the possibilities! The only reason I haven’t sold them yet is because there aren’t that many ponies around, and you need the four of them for the magic to work…”

“…And that accordion!?”
“Ah… a fine piece! Belonged to a famous pirate who was also a gambler! Playing this instrument while gambling makes you so lucky people will believe you rigged the game! Which is how the previous owner ended by the way…”

“…And this Statue‼?”
“This statuette is a really rare piece! I got it form adventurers who just came back from exploring a lost temple in the north. This piece is magical, but it never did anything else than just sit on my stall doing nothing! But that not important since this on has got some nice historical value. It probably belongs in a museum, but I don’t like the attention donating can bring on you…”

>>28564032
“…AND THESE HOOPS‼!?”
“These are armlets, young mare, they grant the worthy wearer with mareculean strength! Once again, a classic, if I may say.”

“Wooaaaah!” You jump and flap you wings in excitement “You really own a bunch of awesome stuff! That’s so cool to deal with such amazing items!”
“Sure, I love my job!” The kid answers, his smile becoming a little tense “But maybe it’s time you actually tell me if you’d like to buy something…”

>What do?

>>28564041
How much for the mask?

I think Winter would appreciate that we get it to him.

>>28564041
We need something to help us with traveling.

>>28564072
Don't you remember what gramps said? Never tell them what you're looking for.

>>28564041
can we try on the armlets and the hooves?

>>28564128
Keep it vague. We could keep asking about every item we come across or we can have the shop keeper narrow it down a bit.

>>28564041

Nope, don't want a thing. Thanks for the information, though!

>>28564066
>>28564072
>>28564128
>>28564137
>>28564151
“Alright” You tell the seller “How much for the mask?”
“Surely you’ll have 10 silvers to spare for that.” The kid answers.
“Huh…” You cringe “We’ll see about that. First, I’d also like to try the armlets and the horseshoes! May I?”

“Sure you can, just don’t break anything, and I sure hope you don’t plan on using mareculean strength for anything funny…” The kids grimly declares, taking the wand on display in hand and giving you a mischievous grin.

More than a little excited, you secure the shoes on your hooves. A little zap of electricity courses through your legs as you make contact with the fourth one. You proceed to use a nearby wall to confirm that indeed, these stick to the wall like glue, and with barely any more effort than walking on straight ground. You also go as far as touching the flame of a torch with your protected hoof… to feel absolutely nothing! These shoes look like they’re the real thing!

Now, for the armlets, you feel a strange tingle of energy course through your body as you put on the second one. Already, your almost stop feeling the weight of your saddlebags on your rump. And to make absolutely sure everything works, you decide to try your hooves on the nearest big thing. You heart skips a beat as you find yourself lifting the whole stall a few centimetres above the ground, and it’s almost like you’re carrying an empty cardboard box!

>>28564640
“See?” The kid brags, once you’ve placed his stall back on the grounds “I’m the most legit merchant of Little Daedalus, you can trust me about the quality of my stuff!”
“That was awesome!” You beam, but only for a second as you realise you not anyway nearer to find a solution to your problem… Gramps told you to be careful, but the time is running down on you. It’s probably been one hour already you’ve been in Little Daedalus.
“Actually…” You start “I’m searching for something…”
“Yeeees?” The minotaur grins, like a predator who just spotted a prey.
“Well, I… I need something for traveling.” You simply state.

“For travelling? Hehe?” The little bull flashes you a wicked grin “I might have something just for you!” He says as he grabs the steel doorknob on his stall.
“This enchanted doorknob… it actually allows you to go almost anywhere! Fix it on a door, knock and call someone’s name. If that person is near a closed door, he’ll hear you through it, and if he decides to open to you… bingo! You got your one-way ticket for his place!”
“You’ll understand that this item is extremely precious. It took me out of countless nasty situations! So I simply can’t give it to you for less than… let’s say, 50 golds!”

>what do?

>>28564656
Got anything cheaper?

Also I think those armlets would be really handy in the future so we should consider getting them.
the horse shoes can help us land in lakes or great bodies of water if we're too tired from flying.

>>28564656
Her hopes and dreams: gone.

T-that's a tad pricey for me... I think I'm going to go meet my official advisor and get back to you.

Let's look for pa.

>>28564750
50 golds… That’s way too much! That’s twice the price you father charges for a whole house!

“Hum… G-got anything cheaper?!” You try.
“Haha, so you do need something like that!” The bull beams in victory “Don’t worry, I’d never sell this thing for a million golds to tell you the truth… But I’d let you use it, ONCE for 50 silvers!”

>What do?

See you tomorrow

>>28564849
Not exactly what we had in mind, we don't mind putting in some effort, especially if it costs less.

>>28564849
50 silvers? I'm not THAT desperate, mister! Make it 10 and you have a deal.

>>28564849

How about he demonstrate it for us?

we should talk to our grandpa first before we commit to this. Ask if he's planning on going anywhere and that we'll be right back.
does that include the return trip?

>>28564849
As interesting as it is, it doesn't seem all that useful for our situation. It's limited to places we've already been, or at least to places where individuals we met are. If the door gets closed it'd be a one-way trip. If the person we're looking for is away from a door or traveling between city's, it'll be completely useless. infact, anywhere besides a city would be bypassed entirely preventing one of the best parts of traveling. It's also to expensive for us.

Let's leave page 10

>>28568858
sure

>>28565057
>>28565962
>>28566639
>>28566893
>>28567884
That’s still way too much money for something so unreliable. Good thing you’d also get to only use it once! That artefact takes out all the good parts of travelling… But right now, there’s a high probability you could instantly reach Malba by calling Fair Hero or Secure Shift. You’ve got to make sure it works.

“Alright” You start “For that price, you better let me test it first! And include the trip back!”
“Don’t you worry about that” The kid assures “I’ll be the one using it for you, and you can pay me when you’re sure it works. Also, sorry, but I’m pretty sure I told you “one-way ticket” ”

“Hum… But… 50 silvers is still a lot of money!” You declare “I say 10 silvers should be enough to just use it!”

“10 silvers? HA! I don’t know if you noticed, but I’m not running a charity!” The merchant kid nonchalantly answers “How about you buy something else? I think some of my stuff looked rather nice on you, didn’t it? Come on, just untie your pouch, and I promise I’ll make an effort to strike the deal with the doorknob too.”

“Humf!” You huff angrily “I’ll think about that! First I’m going to talk about it with someone I know, so that’ll have to wait a little.”

“Eeeeeeh… I don’t know…” He tells you, sounding very tired all of a sudden “I’ve been entertaining customers for a while now, but I still haven’t sold anything… I should probably go home since it’s starting to get late. Unless someone buys me something right now… Then, things would be different!” He says with a wink.
This kid is starting to get on your nerves…
“Hey… Don’t give me that angry look…” the bull says, looking embarrassed “Tell you what, for everything you buy right now, I directly subtract its price from the 50 silvers for using the doorknob! That’s a unique discount just for you!”

>What do?

>>28570759
Tell the kid that it's an interesting proposition to be sure, but we might have to pass on his wares for today. Though odds are that in a day or two we will return with much looser pockets.

>>28570759
No deal! If you don't have something else we can use, we'll take our money elsewhere.

>>28570759
>That’s still way too much money for something so unreliable. Good thing you’d also get to only use it once! That artefact takes out all the good parts of travelling… But right now, there’s a high probability you could instantly reach Malba by calling Fair Hero or Secure Shift.
How did you take all of >>28567884 and make it a positive comment?

>>28570800
>>28570814
“No deal!” You shake your head “That’s an interesting proposition, but I can’t afford to spend so much on something so fickle right now, so if you don’t have something else we can use, I’m taking my money elsewhere.”

“Well, you better get the hell out of my sight then!” The little bulls hisses, much less politely than how he talked to you until now, as he starts to angrily put his stuff in a big bag “Talk about making me lose my time…”

You leave behind the grumpy little bull and go search for your grandpa. And you find him rather quickly. He looks… disappointed.

“Him… did you find something, Gramps?” You ask him with an uncomfortable smile.
“Well… Sort of…” He says as he pulls show you a vial containing a deep purple liquid.
“It’s a recall potion.” He explains “This one warps you back to the barracks of Daedalus when you drink it, no matter where you are in the world. But normally it’s used only by important people to quickly arrive in the city, so we better have a good excuse ready for using one…”

“B-but, we’re doing all this on the order of a prosecutor!” You say “We can’t decently use openly something that breaks the law!”

“Yeah, but your prosecutor also gave you an impossible errand to do, so there’s a good chance he’ll forgive a harmless transgression like that. Aou can always play dumb and say you thought it was grape juice or something. And it would be Steel Stache’s fault anyway if you ask me…”

>what do?

>>28570993
So we only need to find a way there now. Maybe a teleportation spell from that strange unicorn?

>>28571010
Yeah! Hornheads do all kinds of neat stuff!

>>28571010
>>28571109
“Well, for now all I’ve got is this agility potion” You tell gramps, showing him your meagre prize.
“Mmmh… Better than nothing” Gramps nods in response “At least it’ll be useful even if we don’t use it now.”
“Still we’ve got to find something for me to make my way to Malba.” You say, putting back the flask in you bag “I’ve seen some unicorn wizard who made spells on demand, maybe he can help!”

And so you approach the counter where the unicorn is waiting, Gramps in tow. Seen up close, you can see the wizard is old and misses entire spots of fur on his face, revealing some pink among the grey of his coat. One of his eyes is also a glass eye, and this wizard can’t seem able to keep his tongue inside his mouth, making it hang comically out while strings of drool fall on the wood of the counter. Also, a strange smell of… bleach tickles you nose now that you’re close.

“Hi mister!” You cheerfully says.
“Hay, Flks, WhaDayawaN?” The unicorn gibbers as a greeting and punctuates it with a warm, almost toothless smile.

>What do?

>>28571181
Can you do teleportation spells?

>>28571181
He seems friendly.

>>28571200
>>28571241
“Can you do teleportation spells?” You ask.
“AYY telprntshhhuny zeze!”
After that, the old unicorn’s horn flashes he appears right next to you in a flash, before reappearing behind the counter just as fast.
“WhaDayawaN telprntshhhunfo?”

>What do?

>>28571290
ask if he can cover great distances.

>>28571362
“Hum… can you cover great distances?”
“AYY! Btt…” The old Unicorn take a deep breath in “ANe Smuthig ThawuZwur U wango foa loooooooooooooongtmu. No u. Aza catalsshhht”

>What do?

>>28571393
I can barely tell the fuck this guy is saying. Uh, what does he need? Ask Gramps if he can speak crazy old pony.

>>28571393
do you have a pencil and paper? also another dumb question but do you also know how to write? I'm having a bit of trouble understanding what you're saying.

>>28571434
>>28571451
That definitely beyond what you can understand.
“Hum… Gramps, do you understand crazy old pony?”
“Err… nope, I’m not old enough yet, Happy Birdie, but I think he wants something, probably for the spell…”
“AYYY!” The old unicorn nods with energy.

“Well… I still need to know what you need, do you have a pencil and paper?” You ask the old unicorn. “Can you write maybe? I have trouble understanding what you’re saying.”
“Zory, ikunt writizer” He says, lifting his hooves from the counter, and they shake like crazy, so you doubt he can do any better with a pen than with his tongue. “muh mazig an erz woks, evuthig elsiza mezz…” He says, sounding a little sad.

He ponders for a moment too, and then.
“Oke, WheDayawango?” He asks, sounding determined to make himself understood.

>what do?

>>28571599
Malba.

>>28571599
You don't need to write with just your hooves. You could just use your magic to hold the pen steady couldn't you?
then again what do i know, I'm a pegasus. maybe there are some objects down here that will give you telepathy. then you can just direct your thoughts into ponies heads.

>>28571625
>>28571659
For a moment you think about asking him about why he doesn’t use his magic to hold his pen since it works, but that would probably be rude since he could very well have dyslexia or whatever in addition to his other disabilities.
But still, he’s getting on your nerves, so you might fetch him some telepathy thingy if this goes on for too long.

“Malba” You tell him for now, pretty confident in what he asked earlier.
“AYYY, Mbla!” He answers “ANe. Smuthig. FroMbla. Smuthig Thawuz Looooooooooongtmu in Mbla!”

>What do?

>>28571720
we have the superbrawl tickets. those were in malba for awhile. though are we going to lose them if we use them like this?

>>28571720
What about the claws we got from that shaman in Malba? Also, how much will it cost?

>>28571777
That works.

>>28571766
>>28571777
>>28571787
“Ah! You want something that stayed a long time in Malba!” You beam.
“AAAYYYY!” The old pony claps his hooves and nods vigorously.
“Well, I’ve got these claws.” You say, showing him the Diamond Claws. “But… Are they going to be consumed by the spell? And how much does it costs”
“Uh-uh, Ur rend kipit. No destrshprk!” The old pony shakes his head “Alo, prish iz ree zivars!” He says, knocking his hoof three times on the counter.

>What do?

>>28571841
That sounds like a deal!

>>28571841
Ask Gramps how much the potion was.

>>28571841
Cool let's do that then.
we must help this wizard get a telepathy hat or something.

>>28571853
>>28571868
>>28571870
That must be the fairest price you’ve heard in a while! This old guy really deserves some help, maybe you could find some telepathy thingy for him if you come back around here?

“Sounds like a deal!” You say, popping the three silver coins from your pouch, and the old wizard gratefully accepts them. He then proceeds to open a small door next to his counter and invites you in.
You try not to look too much at his collection of dead-things-in-jars on the walls and simply go into the magic circle drawn in a corner of the shop the old wizard points to.

“By the way, how much did the potion recall potion cost?” You ask Gramps as he gives you the Purple vial.
“That scum made me pay 10 silvers for it. I’m not very happy about it, but consider it an early Winterfeast present for your Grandpa.” He says with a wink.
“Alright, thanks! I’ll make good use of it!”

So let’s sum it up, you’re going to Malba with all your stuff thanks to that old crazy wizard. There, you’ll try to convince Fair Hero to advocate for the reformation of Nymph and write it down. Then, you’ll use the recall potion to end up in the barracks of Daedalus. There, you’ll probably have to answer a couple of inquisitive questions about the use of restricted potions and hopefully get released quickly enough.

You try to think about some problem you might have overlooked, because that’s probably the last time you can take your precautions.

>What do?

See you tomorrow

we can lie and say we were looking for someone in the barracks? That could also be a terrible idea. I think we're ready to go though.

>>28572142
Will the travel affect us or any of our items?

>>28572815

The best way to go about it is to just insist that we're on official business from the judge and not act like we're doing anything wrong. Just go straight to him. Any guards will assume he'll handle the situation.

>>28573898
acting official is pretty effective if you don't second-guess it

mornin'

I hope this can all work out.

>>28572815
>>28573567
>>28573898
>>28575424
For now, you think saying you’re on official business with Steel Stache might be the best course of action when you end up in the barracks. Like Gramps said, it’s his fault you have to resort to such mean, so he better not send you to jail after that!
After confirming that it’s safe to bring your stuff along, it’s time for you to go.

“Alright, I’m ready!” You tell the cranky wizard.

“AAAAAYYYY!” The old unicorn exclaims, his horn lighting up as he holds the claw in his hooves “Etsgo!” Before unleashing a blinding flash of light on you.

And all of a sudden, you’re in darkness.
At least, until your eyes get used to the low light since the sun has set for quite some time now.
The scent of medicinal herbs fills your nostrils, but there’s now an aftertaste of rot, since the shaman’s place near Malba has been abandoned for about a week now.

>What do?

>>28577841
Find what's rotting and throw it away/ clean it. Let's make it semi easier to clean for when the next person lives here. Also let's go to fair hero!

>>28577841
Fly to the factory at incredibly high speeds.

>>28577971
>>28578291
Turns out the smell came for an avocado which was left in the open, but it’s a little too dark to do more cleaning efficiently. So you make your way out of the shaman’s hut through the window and after disposing of the spoiled vegetable, you fly toward Malba at the incredible hihg speed of a very fast running doggo.

The fence is closed when you arrive and no guard seem to be in shift. There seems to be no one in the factory right now, but you think you some light through the windows of the manor which is a little further away.

>what do?

>>28578655
Try throwing small stones at the window with the light to get whoever's inside's attention.

>>28578681
Fly up and knock if that doesn't work.

>>28578681
>>28578707
There’s actually only one window where there’s light, so your choice is quickly done. However, since throwing little pebbles didn’t really work, you decide to directly move up there.

You approach from window and inside you see the Fair Hero sitting in a chair eyes, his eyes staring at something you cannot see on his lap.
His seems a little slimmer than the last time you saw him, and also infinitely older in just a week, and even shaved the moustache which was the only hair left on his head.

You gently knock on the window, and this time the minotaur perks up. After noticing you flying out there, he comes to open to you.

“Harmony?” He asks in a monotonous voice “What bring you here… and at this hour? I thought you left for Daedalus?”

>What do?

>>28578779
I certainly did. There's no easy way of asking you about this but... the Changling. They want her dead for what she's done but given her being a special case with being a Changling and all there's another possibility. With your written consent I, and my friends, will attempt to reform her. That is why I am here. If you refuse then... then I understand your decision.

>>28578905
You’ll go on to explain him your case. You reckon he might not really be happy about it, but you’ve got to ask.
“I certainly did go to Daedalus, but there’s something I need to ask you.” You start
“Erm… There's no easy way of asking you about this but... the Changeling. They want her dead for what she's done but given her being a special case with being a Changeling and all there's another possibility. With your written consent I, and my friends, will attempt to reform her. That is why I am here. If you refuse then... then I understand your decision.”

After your heartfelt plea, the minotaur answers with a slow and blink of his tired eyes.
“Sure. Whatever.” He just says, with about as much energy as a yawning sloth.
And without any more words, he moves to a desk, take some paper and ink, and start to write.

“So they want my avail for you to make that changeling a good person, that’s right?” He asks.
“Uhm… Yes, that’s it.” You answer, still a little confused.

The bull continues to write, and a minute letter he comes back to you.
“Here.” He simply states as he hands you the paper. I’s exactly what you asked for, complete with his signature and seal.

>What do?

See you tomorrow

let's not forget to thank him.

>>28579647
that would be bad

>>28579137
Something is wrong. He accepted way to easily.

>>28579137
Fair Hero? Is there anything I can help you with? Anything at all?

>>28582515
night

security bmp

>>28584895

>>28579137
We'll succeed fair hero. No matter what.

>>28579647
>>28580442
>>28580587
>>28581094
Well that was… easy. Too easy, probably. There’s definitely something wrong with Fair Hero, and maybe you can help.
Since technically you’re going to be back in Daedalus in a flash, you actually have some time to talk to him.

“Hum… Thanks Fair Hero, but…” You tell him, putting a compassionate hoof on his shoulder “Is there anything I can help you with? Anything at all?”

Once again, he blink absently, before giving you a drawn out “No, thanks for asking.” as an answer.

>What do?

>>28586557
I'm not sure that we should push him so let's just tell him to get some rest and to just take it one day at a time. But to remember merrigold's words. Live his life and be happy. We'll visit again when we can.

>>28586689
I think you're right. We'll stop on by again on our way back south.

>>28586689
>>28586833
Unfortunately… You’re afraid it would take a lot more that simply a little talk to cheer him up.
Also, he probably just needs to take it one day at a time, you’d better see him one your way back to Hortensia after the Superbrawl.

“W-well… Thanks again Fair Hero, I really appreciate it!” You tell him “But just remember what Marigold said, you’ve got to live your life and be happy, alright?”

“Easier said than done…” He grumbles after a deep sigh, before closing the window right up your nose.
You hear his hoofsteps getting away and soon the light in the room is turned off.

>What do?

>>28587036
recall potion

>>28587036
Make sure we have our story straight and use the potion.

>>28587109
>>28587129
Welp, time to for a total recall.
You pop out the purple potion and drink. And as a pleasant surprise, it does taste like grape juice! For a second you were a little afraid the liquid was a fake, but a strange fizzing inside your belly soon calms that fear.

All of a sudden, the air collapses around you, and after a short dive in a wash of inchoate colours and noise, you find yourself in a bare yet spacious room of yellow stone illuminated by several torches, and with a barred door as its only exit.

“Who goes there?!” The minotaur at the other side of the bars barks “We weren’t expecting anyone at this time, identify yourself!”

>What do?

>>28587211
Hello! I am Happy Harmonica. Sir Steel Stache wanted this form on VERY short notice and I would like to deliver or have it delivered to him as soon as possible.

>>28587302
“Hello!” You cheerfully say despite the rather cold welcome “I’m Happy Harmonica! Sir Steel Stache wanted this form…” You show him the letter form Fair Hero “…on VERY short notice and I would like to deliver or have it delivered to him as soon as possible!”

“Really? Give me that!” The unwelcoming Minotaur blares, before taking the paper through the bars. You can see his inquisitive eyes going through the letter, before once more giving you a mean glance.
“I’m gonna talk to him.” He finally says “You stay here!” He tells you before leaving you alone.

Not like you could do anything to get out on your own… And it takes the jumpy guard about twenty boring minutes to come back.

“Alright.” He says a little more calmly, opening the door “Steel Stache said you’re free to go, but also that he expects the rest, he told me to tell you. I’ll escort you out!”
And so the guard does, and soon you’re back once again in the streets of Daedalus, near the House of Clans. The streets are quite crowded right now, and there’s a little electricity in the air.

>What do?

>>28587531
Jump into the air and do a hoofpump of victory! That went great all things considered. All we need now is for Gale to pull through. Let's go the manor to find grandpa and let him know we're ok then we'll go to some rooftop and watch for Gale's return.

>>28587531
I promise we're going to try to help that unicorn wizard. He's awesome!

>>28587785
I completely agree.

>>28587621
>>28587785
>>28587825
After a few airborne acrobatic moves of celebration which earned you some quizzical raised eyebrows, you fly back the Oakvale manor. On the way, you remember about that old wizard from little Daedalus. You’re definitely going back to help him! He looked like the nicest yet unluckiest guy of this crooked place. But that’ll have to wait for tomorrow at least. Right now, you’re back to the manor where the rest of your friends are.

“I did it, gramps!” You happily announce him as you get through the door of your room, where Gramps wait on his bed. “Steel Stache got the notice form Fair Hero!”
“Back already, Happy Birdie?” Gramps cheerfully says, giving you a well-deserved hug “And with great news… I guess… since that means we’re going to get a mean bug with us, haha! At least you’ll be able to get a good night of sleep tonight.”
“Nah.” You shake your head, letting Gramps go “I think I’m going to wait for Gust to return. That’s the least I can do after what I asked him!”

“Well… Gust decided to with his sheer speed alone. Even if he’s fast, I doubt he’s gonna be back before late in the night… if not early in the morning. And in all honesty…” Gramps lets out a hearty yawn “I feel like I’m not going to wait for him to go to bed myself…”
“Hmm…” You ponder “Still gonna wait for him!”
“Okay… As you wish, Happy Birdie!” Gramps answers “By the way, I think Winter Seed was with Heartshape in the gardens when I got home. I’m not sure if they’re still there.” He tells you, before wrapping himself inside his covers.

>What do?

>>28587995
Go check on winterseed and heartshape.

>>28587995
I guess since we have time to kill we can see them. I hope they're getting along well!

>>28588037
>>28588053
You decide to go check on them, you remember you abandoned Heartshape quite suddenly when you had to go for little Daedalus. You hope she’s doing well with Winty.

As Gramps said you find them on the garden in a… woah…

As you arrive, you find both Winter Seed and Heartshape sitting in what seem to be a little swarm of night bugs. And far from being inconvenienced, they both seems to really enjoy looking at the dancing forms of the nocturnal butterflies, moths and even fireflies. There’s so much both you friends look like they’re in a tiny snowstorm. Heartshape looks all around her with a huge smile on her face while releasing the occasional chuckle when a little friend come to close to her ear or lips, while WInty remains completely still despite being nearly covered in bugs.

It looks like there’s some sort of incense slowly burning between them, and you suppose this might be the source for the beautiful invasion.

Cabbage is also here, jumping around with his massive maw open to catch as many of these night bugs as possible.

>What do?

See you tomorrow

>>28588303
Apprach and ask what all this is, in mild amazement.

Bump cause this a good quest even though I don't have time to read it.

Don't die on me yet!

>>28593605