A Historical Perspective (CYOA) Thread the III

>>28677897
Whoops. Forgot those Ancient Biographies:

http://pastebin.com/hyYc5xAm

>>28677897

>You awaken with a start in the middle of the night.
>Your legs are still trapped underneath Captain Lily's weight.
>She snores softly, her chest rising and falling rythmically.
>Her smile is gone, but traces of it can still be seen on her face.
>That doesn't concern you right now though.

>What does concern you is that something is skittering about the floor of the infirmary.
>It sounds far to large to be a mouse or rat.
>And in any case, most animals should be hibernating this time of year.
>So what could it be?

>>28677923
Call out to what might be Golet.

>>28677923
>>28677977

>You consider that this creature might be Golet.
>She's the only other creature you can think of that might be moving around at this time of night.
>So you decide to call out.

"Golet? Is that you?"

>Your call goes unanswered and the skittering comes to a halt.
>Suddenly the bed starts to jostle back and forth.
>The Captain stirs and mumbles in her sleep.

>"Private, please... not in public~"

>The Captains comment causes you to blush slightly.
>But you have to remain focused on whatever just crawled under the bed.

>>28678028
Who's there?

>>28678028
>>28678214

"Who's there?"

>Again, no answer.
>You're starting to get a little scared.
>You pull as hard as you can and manage to slip your legs away from the captain.
>She groans in her sleep but is otherwise fine.

>You peek over the edge of the bed.
>You don't see much... but you think you just saw a shadow slip under the bed.

>You hear a muffled sigh.
>Who the hell is under there?

>>28678251
L-look, whoever this is, it isn't funny.

>>28678251
>>28678290

"L-look, whoever this is, this isn't funny."

>You stutter, nervous about what lies in wait just outside your line of sight.
>Suddenly something pokes itself out from under the bed.
>All you can see is two glowing blue orbs in the darkness.
>You're prepared to strike at them, but a voice halts you.

>"Golet sorry, Master...."
>"Golet no protect very well..."

>>28678375
Let out a sigh of relief.
I told you not to protect me. Neither of us knew my training we get so far out of hoof. All is forgiven, Golet.

>>28678425
*would get

>>28678375
Breathe a sigh of relief. That's ok Golet, I'm sure you did your best. Where have you been since... when I got hurt?

>>28678425
But we did say "Golet protect" right before we blacked out tho.

>>28678447
Yeah, but we were plummeting at over a hundred miles an hour.

>>28678508
I'm not blaming her, I'm just pointing it out that's it probably why she feels bad.

>>28678375
>>28678425
>>28678433

>You let out a sigh of relief.
>You're glad it's just her after all.

"That's alright, Golet. I told you not to protect me. Neither of us knew that session would get so out of hoof."

>"But Master call out to Golet! When fall, shout for Golet protect!"
>"Golet try make ground soft, but fall too fast. Ground not soft enough and Master get hurt..."

>That's right. You had shouted for her, just before you hit the ground.
>You didn't think she had actually heard you.
>Had her softening the ground been what allowed you to survive?

"That's okay Golet, I'm sure you did your best. Where have you been since then anyway?"

>Golet removes herself from under the bed.
>She kicks her hooves bashfully.

>"Golet been hiding under bed. Too ashamed to see Master. No good enough to protect Master."
>"Golet need be bigger Master. Need be full big so can protect good!"

Pardon me while I get some food

>>28678526
No, no Golet. I think you're doing a fine job already. There wasn't much you could have done. Besides, you won't be as cute if you're bigger. Boop her.

>>28678532
>>28678590

"No, no Golet, you're doing a fine job already. There wasn't really much you could've done in this situation."
"Besides, you won't be as cute if you're bigger."

>You gently boop her on her stony snoot.
>She recoils, scrunching her rocky features.
>She seems a tad embarrassed.

>"But Golet still be cute if big. No even need be cute. Need protect..."

>Your still very tired.
>Your glad Golet's okay, but this is cutting into some much needed rest time.
>Of course, you also don't wan to leave your guardian spirit mulling over her insecurities all night.
>What to do?

>>28678806
Golet, you trust me, right?
I will think it over and decide if you need to be bigger. For now, you're the perfect size.
I need my sleep now, okay? Good night, Golet.

>>28678806
>>28678821

"Golet, you trust me right?"

>Golet looks at you with what you assume are puppy dog eyes.

>"Yes, Golet trust Master."

"Then trust me when I say I'll think it over. I'll decide if you need to be bigger, but for now, you're the perfect size."

>"... Okay, Master."

"I'm glad you understand. Now, I need my sleep, so you stand guard and make sure nothing happens, okay?"

>"...Yes, Master."

"Good night, Golet."

>Golet begins to sulk around the room, rounding your bed multiple times.
>You'll have to consult the book tomorrow, see what it says about Golet's attitude and desire to be bigger.

>For now though, sleep is in order.
>You lie back down and close your eyes.
>As you drift off, you can feel the Captain lay her foreleg across your body.

>"Ohh, yes, Private~. Right there...."

>Aw, jeez

XXX

>The next morning, you awaken to see that there is nary a leg wrapped around you.
>Golet has returned to her position under the bed.
>You turn around to wish the Captain a good morning, but she's mysteriously absent.
>Where did she go?
>No way she could have gone anywhere on her own.

>>28679080
Look around the room. Any clues as to where she went?

>>28679080
>>28679452

>You look around the room, on the floor, anywhere you can.
>No sign of the Captain.
>This is getting a bit too spooky for you.
>How does a paraplegic pony prance out of an infirmary?
>It just doesn't make sense.

>>28679494
Ask Golet what she's seen.

>>28679494
>>28679564

>Golets been keeping guard all night.
>Surely she must have seen something.

"Golet?"

>"Master?"

>A bump and a jostle and a rustle later, Golet emerges from under the bed.

"Do you have any idea where Captain Lily went?"

>She seems to think for a moment.
>Then she has an answer.

>"Golet see soldier stallion take strong mare earlier. Put her in wheely chair. and take her away."
>"They talk but Golet no hear what say. Hear something about castle and king, but no understand."

>You take it she's talking about Lieutenant Alcum.
>The Lieutenant took the Captain in a wheelchair and took her to the castle.
>But why?

>You figure it's none of your business anyway.
>So what now?

>>28679728
Evocation book.

>>28679728
So were you nice to the soldier stallion that kept you for the days I was asleep? You didn't give him trouble did you?

>>28679728
>>28679744
>>28679795

>You figure now's as good a time as any to read about Golet's behavior.
>As you reach down to your bag for the Evocation guide.

"So, Golet, were you nice to the soldier stallion that kept you for the days I was asleep?"

>"Yes, Master!"

"You didn't give him any trouble, did you?'

>"No, Master! He let Golet know that Golet can see Master if she be good. Golet miss Master, so no be bad."

"That's good to hear."

>Book in hoof, you pull yourself back onto the bed.
>You open to the books index and see three potentially useful sections.

>The first is a section detailing the behavioral patterns of Golem like creatures.
>The second is a seems to be a general guide on the care of lesser spirits.
>The third is a guide on the strengthening of a spirit in general.

>>28679907
Behavioral patterns first.

In fact, that would be a pretty logical order to read the three sections.

>>28679907
>>28679918

>You decide on reading all three sections, beginning with the first one you noticed.
>Flipping to the designated page you begin to read aloud to yourself.

"Golems, and thusly Golet's, due to their heigtened mental capacities in comparison to other spirits, also have heightened emotional capacities."
"Golems and Golets take their duties as a guardian spirit very seriously and will regard any injury befalling their evoker to be a personal failure on their part."
"It is important to reassure and provide encouraging words to your spirit, to ensure they do not enter a depressive loop."
"Once they have entered this near permanent state of sadness it is quite difficult to break them out, and often time, the spirit must be dispelled in favor of a new one."

>Read on to the next section?

>>28680041
Yes.

>>28680041
We are NOT getting rid of Golet.

>>28680041
>>28680053

>The information in that section was useful, but not quite what you wanted, so you move on.
>You clear your throat and read aloud once more.

"Lesser spirits are often summoned under the constraints of a summoning circle. This limits the harm their size and strength for noncombat situations."
"It is expecially useful in curbing, or at least making less destructive, the hyper-aggressive tendencies of spirits such as Ifrytes and Diabyans".
"In spirits such as Shivites and Ramurans, it limits their intelligence, makingthem less likely to mouth off or fight back during training or bonding sessions."
"In Golets, there is little to no reason to limit using a summoning circle. The only result will be a half formed, semi-intelligent creature, who can barely form proper sentences."
"Golet's are at their best unhindered, and have the added benefit of looking vaguely like ponies, so as not to arouse suspicion on the off chance somepony can see them."

>Read on to the next section?

>>28680199
Huh, if there's no reason not to.

Read the final chapter so we can see how to strengthen.

>>28680199
>>28680207

>Well, as it turns out, you've only been hurting Golet by keeping her this way.
>You'll be sure to rectify that as soon as possible.
>But first to read up on what it is that makes a spirit stronger.

"Spirits, and especially lesser spirits, grow dtronger through something called emotinal exchange."
"They bounce emotions off of your subconscious and use the involuntary response they recieve, not only to increase their strength, but to determine how they treat you."
"Ifrytes and Diabyans will ty to subvert your subconcious with fear and intimidation and will refuse to listen to you, sometimes outright attacking you unless met with unwavering confidence and anger."
"They are the spirits of warriors and are not to be taken lightly."
"Shivites and Ramurans will test you by assaulting your mind with complex balls of interwoven emotion, in an attempt to overwhelm and confuse you. They wish only to be met with the mind of a thinker, a pursuer of knowledge who's mind is undeterred by trivial emotions."
"Golets are perhaps the simplest but also most difficult to strengthen. Their entire existence is based upon the validation of their summoner, and while the thoughts they transmit may be happy, there is always an underlying tone of sadness."
"They will take any emotion they can get, but greatly prefer the emotions that let them know they are doing a good job."

>...Wew.
>Heavy stuff.

Gotta walk home, decide what we do next and I'll be back in an hour.

>>28680199
I kinda like her how she is but I guess we'll gver her full power sometime in the future.

>>28680381
Well then, let's go tell Golet how much we appreciate her saving our life twice now.

Added An Historical Perspective to the archive
https://www.anonpone.com/perspective/

>>28680381
So...don't be depressive and treat golet like a friend and everything will be fine? Good idea.

>>28680381
>>28680384
>>28680402
>>28680984

>You look over at Golet.
>She hasn't been paying much attention to you're reading, having gone back to patrolling the room.
>If what the book said holds true...

"Golet, Come here a moment."

>Golet trots over to your bed.
>She looks at you with what you assume is interest.

"All the way, on the bed."

>She preps herself and makes the leap up.
>Her weight makes the bed creak and knocks the wind out of you slightly.
>With a great deal of effort, you pick her up under by her barrel.

"Golet, I need you to know something. You've saved my life twice now. Without your interference, chances are I'd have died by now."

>"Golet... save?"

"That's right, Golet. You saved me. I can't express in words how appreciative I am of you. I can't imagine where I'd be without you."

>"Master... appreciate?"

"That's right. I've come to regard you as my friend, the same way Starswirl is my friend. To put it simply, I love you, Golet."

>At this, Golet becomes excitable.
>She almost seems to have forgotten about being bigger.

>"Master love?! Master love Golet! Golet love Master. Protect and be friends and love!"

>She's loud.
>But damn she's cute.
>What now though?

>>28681465
Absolutely, Golet.
Give her a hug.

Also, we passed out while writing last night and spilled our inkwell. I don't suppose we have another one?

>>28681465
Awww. She's just too cute like this. Her being bigger would also be harder to handle too. Once we're in a better position we'll definitely give her full power. Hey maybe a name too, who knows?

Anywho... this >>28681510. See where we left of and continue.

>>28681465
Pet her head

>>28681465
>>28681510
>>28681588
>>28681706

>You give Golet a big old squeeze.
>She hugs you back, not nearly as hard as you know she can, but it still hurts a little.
>You set her down on your still numb legs.
>She curls up like a dog.
>With that though in mind, you decide to pet her head.
>The coarse rock of her head becomes smooth as your hoof runs over it.
>Interesting.

>Golet settles into your lap, facing the door way in a continuous attempt to keep guard.
>You'd like to get back to your writing.
>But you upset you're inkwell.
>And you have no more ink.
>Like, none at all.
>You want to go out and get more, but you've got no way to leave.

>>28681930
Ah well. I'd rather we not go crawling around the hospital or hitch a ride on Golet.

I guess we could just spend time with the girl until a nurse comes to give us food, at which point we can ask.

>>28681930
Ask Golet if she knows where to get one

>>28681951
>>28682105
>>28681930

>You really need to write.
>Your mind isn't the steel trap Starswirl's is and you need to get your thoughts to paper before they disappear altogether.
>You're willing to wait until the nurse comes back, but you have no idea what time it is.
>You don't know when she'll be around and that bothers you.

>You figure you'll ask Golet if she knows where to get any ink.

"Hey, Golet?"

>"Master?"

"I need to write but don't have any ink. Do you know where you could get some more?"

>"Ooh, ooh! Golet saw ink! Golet saw quill and parchment! Master come get with Golet!"

"Golet, I can't come with you. My legs don't work right now."

>Golet gives you a sullen look.

>"But if Master no come, then Golet steal..."
>"Stealing bad, Master."

>>28682179
I agree. Which is why we should wait for a nurse to come.

I'm actually gonna stop now and continue tomorrow morning guys. I figure if I start and stop at more reasonable times, the experience will be better for everybody.

See ya tomorrow

I'm shocked at how sensible you're being. Why doesn't anyone want to go for a wild ride?

>>28682179
...nevermind then.

>>28682289
Your suggestion still stands. Just tomorrow morning.

Unicorns are better than mudponies bump

>>28682793
Earth ponies being better at magic than hornheads bump

>>28682287
Being nearly killed twice will do that to you. Matter of fact I no longer want to spar with Lily. Ever.

>>28684349
You're gonna hurt her feelings
I'll be back in an hour and then we'll start

>>28684890
K

>>28685526

Apologies guys.

Just had a nasty battle with chocolate shake that turned into a 5 hour vomiting session.

We'll begin soon

>>28687133
That sounds pretty shitty dude.

>>28687185
It was pretty shitty. On the bright side, I called in sick to work and can spend more time here.
>>28682179
>>28682191

>You agree with Golet.
>If she goes without you, she hasa no real way to buy the ink.
>And you'd rather not hitch a ride on her back.
>She can definitely support your weight, but you're not supposed to be leaving the infirmary in the first place.

>So you decide to wait for the nurse.
>And you wait.
>And wait
>And wait....

XXX

>"Hey. Hey, wake up, Private."

>A tapping at your noggin has awakened you.
>It's still light out.
>And it seems to be the nurse who has awakened you.
>Perfect!

"Miss Ton'berri, I was wondering if-"

>"Before you ask me anything, Mr. Scribe, I'd just like to say that I'm proud of you."

>>28687401
Really? For what?

>>28687401
Why?

>>28687401
>>28687409
>>28687420

"Really? Why? For what?"

>"For managing to suppress those self-destructive urges under control long enough to allow you're body to heal."
>"I would have expected you to make at least one escape attempt, but I was pleasantly surprised."
>"Also, I'm not sure how, but you managed to keep that one under control too."

>She motions at the bed to your right. The Captain is in it, lying down.
>Her back is turned to the both of you.
>Miss Ton'berri leans in for a whisper.

>"I'm not going to press you for details. Just treat her well. Or next time it'll be straight to the morgue, not the infirmary."

>>28687478
Of course I'll treat her well, ma'am. A-and you're serious about not healing us next time?

>>28687478
Trust me Miss, if at all possible I would rather not be crippled or worse. Believe me when I say that I did not want the spar to escalate beyond simple staffs.

Basically convey that it's all Lily's fault.

>>28687502
Oh wait, she means like relationship wise. Cut out that second bit.

>>28687540
No, keep the second bit, we don't want this to get outta control

>>28687478
>>28687493
>>28687502

"Of course I'll treat her well, ma'am. B-but are you serious about not healing us next time?'

>"Oh, I'l TRY to heal you. I'm just saying that it'll be hard to reconstruct you from the fine paste I know she'll turn you into."

>You cringe at the thought.

"Trust me, Miss Ton'berri, if at all possible, I'd rather not be crippled or... worse."

>At this, you see the Captain stir.
>You don't know if she's awake but you should still be careful with what you say
>Miss Ton'berri leans in to whisper again.

>"Don't worry, Mr. Scribe. I was informed of what happened those three days ago. I know that Princess Lily can get out of hoof sometimes. She puts on this air like she's the toughest pony around. And chances are she is."
>"But underneath all that, I think she's just a scared little filly. She never had any friends. They were always too scared of her. But you aren't scared of her. And I can tell that she's taken a shine to you."
>"I don't know what you're intentions are Sir Scribe. Nor do I know Princess Lily's. But whatever they are, if anything, be a friend to that poor mare."

>>28687656
You absolutely won't have to worry about that, Miss Ton'berri.

>>28687656
I certainly will. Do you think we can borrow a wheelchair? I would like to visit my brother.

>>28687656
>>28687670
>>28687735

"You absolutely won't have to worry about that, Miss Ton'berri."

>"Good."

"I hate to bother but do you think we could borrow a wheelchair? I'd like to visit my brother today."

>Miss Ton'berri sighs.

>"You're not a self-destructive lout like the rest, but you certainly have trouble listening."
>"Didn't you hear me? I said it's been three days. You slept through all of yesterday, though I have no idea how. I'm here to give you and Gilded Lily your legs back."

>>28687854
Oh good.

>>28687854
Oh... forgive me, Miss Ton'berri. My sense of time has been a tad skewed. But yes, I would love to have my legs back. I thought she was talking about the first time for some reason. Now she thinks we're fucktarded, damnit! So far we've spent six days in this city, all of them in the infirmary. Is this our home now?

>>28687854
>>28687866
>>28687916

"Oh. Well, that's good."
"And I must ask you to forgive me, Miss Ton'berri. My sense of time has been a bit skewed these last few days."

>"It's no issue, Mr. Scribe. We're just lucky you haven't suffered any permanent damage to your psyche. That's something my healing can't fix."

>Her horn glows a bright white and she runs her hoof down the lengths of your hind legs.
>They tingle as sensation returns to them.

>"Now I want you to move around, get some strength back in those legs.
>"In the meantime, I'l be trying to rouse our sleeping beauty over here."

>You do as Miss Ton'berri asks, and hop down from the bed, stretching your legs out.
>You run through the same exercises you did with Starswirl on the caravan, albeit slower.
>You watch as Ton'berri does the same to Captain Lily.
>She attempts to rouse her, but the Captain either refuses to wake up, or simply can't.
>Eventually, she gives up.
>She begins to leave.

>"Let me know when she decides to get up, Mr Scribe."

"Will do."

>Roughly a minute passes after Miss Ton'berri leaves.
>To your surprise, the Captain speaks up.

>"... I never did like that mare. She was always a bit too on the nose with her assumptions of others."

>>28688109
Oh, I'm sorry you overheard that captain, are you doing alright?

>>28688109
True. What am I to do today Captain? I would prefer a meal before anything else and if possible to visit my brother.

>>28688122
Sorry for what?

Clarification: The Captain didn't overhear anything. She just really doesn't like Lenna

>>28688109
>>28688143
>>28688122
Sorry for delay, had to get some foods

"True. She's a bit blunt. In any case, are you alright, Captain?"

>"As alright as I can be, Private."

>She turns over to face you, but doesn't get up.

"What am I to do today, Captain? I would prefer a meal before anything else. And if possible, I'd like to visit my brother."

>"I can't guarantee you'll see your brother today. But you'll certainly get your chance, as well as a meal, once you get yourself down to the castle today."

>>28688467
I'll go fetch Ton'berri so she can fix your legs too. Be right back.

>>28688486
She already did.

>>28688467
I am awaiting orders Captain.

>>28688515
Fucking goddammit, I even went back to check that she didn't.

>>28688544
feel free to make another decision

>>28688571
Go with >>28688515

>>28688467
>>28688515
>>28688600

"I am awaiting orders, Captain."

>"Well here they are: go to the armory and pull yourself out a simple weapon, none of that mythical junk I forced on you the other day."
>"Get yourself some armor too. None of it will fit particularly well, but you'll only have to worry about that until you get to the castle."

"And then, Captain?"

>"Then nothing. You'll be going by yourself."

>>28688671
Yes, ma'am!

>>28688671
Let us go. Find Ton'berri on the way.

>>28688671
>>28688673
>>28688751

"Yes, Ma'am! I'll do my best not to get lost."

>The Captain remains serious.

>"Please do. Head straight for the castle. No detours.
>"No stops."

>"Yes, Captain. You have my word, Captain."

>You move to leave the infirmary.
>As you walk out the door, you hear the Captain mutter something.

>"...Please be safe..."

>You don't believe she had intended for you to here her, so you just take the advice to heart.
>As you make your way to the armory, you notice the courtyard is virtually empty.
>Odd, but it doesn't concern you.

>Stepping inside the armory, you find two ponies.
>One is Miss Ton'berri.
>The other is the one that nearly impaled you out of fear the other day.
>Weathervane, you think his name was.

"Miss Ton'berri. The Captain's awake, if you still need to see her.

>"Ah, very good. Thank you, Mr. Scribe. I'll speak with you later, Sir Weathervane."

>"Aye, Miss Ton'berri."

>You both watch as she leaves.
>Then Weathervane turns to you.

>"So, uh, sorry about the other day. Captain always makes me a bit nervous, even when she's not angry."
>"So, uh, what do you need?"

>>28688948
I've been told to select a weapon and some armor for my trip to the castle.

>>28688948
I completely understand you being nervous, Miss.

Look for Golet. I know she trailed us. That or she's up to something.

Okay guys, I hate to cut this short, but I might have to go to the hospital.

The food poisoning might have been something a bit more.

Good night and I'll see you tomorrow.

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>>28689201
>tfw the QM of a cyoa you're really starting to like suddenly dies of a food borne illness

Having a kidney stone removed at midnight bump

>>28689201
Kidney stones hurt like an SOB, so I hear. Maybe they can ultrasound-blast it or something. Good luck!!

>>28691655

>>28688948
>>28688982
>>28689085
"I've been told to select a weapon and some armor. Captain said I'll be spending my day at the castle."

>"Ah, so you managed to avoid wall duty, 'eh?"

"Wall duty?"

>"The whole squadron was given a month's worth of wall duty, guarding the outer perimeters of the city."
>"A punishment of sorts, for the Captain's little outburst. I'm only here cause I'm the only one aside from Lieutenant Alcum who knows how to care for these weapons."
>"Almost wish I had got walled though. The thought of me and the Captain alone here, makes me a tad... uncomfortable."

"I can understand you being nervous, Miss."
"The Captain's mannerisms are a bit extreme. I've only known her a few days, but I can understand why you'd feel that way."

>Weather vane stops what they're doing and looks at you indignantly.

>"What's with this "Miss" business? I may be a bit effeminate, but I'm one hundred percent stallion!"
>"Got myself a girl and everything."

>>28692865
Excuse me, sir. My mistake.

>>28692865
Why did the whole squadron got punished for something entirely out of their control?

>>28692865
Oh, you're just cute so I thought- I mean- I'm just making this worse aren't I?

>>28692980
Seconding this.

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>>28692865
>>28692894
>>28692931

"Er, um, excuse me sir. My mistake."
"It's just, you're so cute, I though- I mean... I'm just making this worse, aren't I?"

>Weathervane laughs it off.

>"Ah, it's alright. Can't tell you how many stallions have tried to make me their lady before realizing I was one of them."
>" 'Course, that didn't stop all of them. In fact, there was this one time-"

>You cut in before this goes somewhere even more awkward.

"So why exactly was the whole squadron punished for something entirely out of their control."

>"Well, the Captains never really taken to personal punishments. She takes a lashing and just fights back twice as hard."
>"Punish her soldiers in her place though..., can't tell you why, but she takes it especially hard."

>Weathervane takes on a rather sullen look.
>For a stallion, he sure takes good care of his mane.
>And his hooves.
>And his incredibly effeminate eyelashes.
>Not to mention his flank looks like it-

>"So you came for armor and a weapon, yeah."

"Uh, yeah, yeah. Weapon and armor."

>"Well, I'll go find something that should fit you fine."
>"In the mean time, take your pick of the stuff on the wall here."

>Weathervane walks off with a sultry gait.
>You try your hardest not to watch him as he does, focusing your attention on the weapons.
>There are spears, maces, clubs, and all kinds of swords.
>Short swords, long swords, curved swords, great swords, and what you could only describe as a slab of iron on a stick.
>Too thick, too long and too dull to be a sword really.
>But there it is.

>What do you choose?

>>28693044
Pointy sticks is what we're used to/good at, so spear i suppose.

>>28693044
Glaive a best.

>>28693044
>>28693071
>>28693072

>You think back to your fight with Captain Lily.
>You had used a spear then and fared pretty well.
>Granted, it had been an ancient, enchanted spear, but a spear nonetheless.
>Well, more a glaive if you're being totally accurate, but more or less the same thing.
>So now you have to choose from a selection of glaives.
>Deciding on a simple one, with steel blade and oaken shaft, you give it a test swing.
>A bit heavier at the tip than Aeglos was, but you'll make due.
>Not every weapon can be Aeglos after all.

>Weathervane returns with several different pieces of armor.
>All rather plain, and none seem to match the motif of the Golden Suns.

>"Spread out, Scribe. You'll need to learn how to affix your own armor, but this stuff wasn't made for you. So I can't rightly expect you to know how to put it on properly."
>"So relax, and I'll do it for you."

>You try to relax, but Weathervanes invasive hooves, combined with the chill of the armor, makes it a bit hard.
>Maybe you can ask a question or two to keep your mind at ease?

>>28693167
How long have you been in the guard? And what should I know about the city? I arrived here seven days ago, six of which were spent either unconscious or in the infirmary.

>>28693167
>makes it a bit hard.
I bet it's hard, very hard.

We can ask him about the daily life of a guard, how often do we actually have to fight? Do we get days off? How he keeps his mane and tail so silky?

>>28693213
>>28693222
>>28693167

"So, Weathervane, how long have you been a guard?"

>"About as long as Gilded Lily's been Captain. I served alongside her in the squadron that went to take exterminate that elder dragon."
>"Don't know if you knew, but Captain Lily flew at the thing full force. After she lost her spear, she flew down it's throat and choked from the inside. Quite a sight to behold."
>"Course, she broke just about every bone she had doing it, but I don't have much faith that we'd have survived otherwise."
>"Then she became Captain after old Oricah Alcum croaked, started giving us all hell. Me especially, but I can't say didn't deserve it, all the hard times I gave her when we were foals."

"I see..., is there anything in particular I should know about the city? And what's it like, in a guards daily life? I've only been here seven days, and six of them have been either spent unconscious or in the infirmary, so I don't know much."

>"Well, first off, if you're nobody important, most ponies won't give you the time of day. Most in Aurus are just looking for a way up the social ladder, and a large portion of them will do anything for taste of upper-class living."
>"They'll stomp and kick their way over any competition. And that's with their fellow unicorns. No telling how they'll treat you. Course, you're a Sun now, so I wouldn't worry too much."
>"As for guard life, we've got little odds and ends we do during the winter months. Every third sunday is a free day.
>"Action doesn't really pick up till the snow starts to thaw. But we'll get to that when we get to it."

"One more question-"

>"My mane right? Wondering how I keep it so smooth, silky and voluminous?"

"Uh, well, yeah, actually."

>"Can't tell you. Personal secret~."

>With a wink, he ducks under you to fasten some straps around your barrel.
>His hot breath on your under belly makes you shiver with... with something.
>He pops back up.

>"Alright, pal, good to go."

>>28693167
Ask how long the soldiers will be on wall duty for?

Also if you get a chance, peek at Weathervane. I'm curious to know for sure what we're dealing with.

>>28693438
This anyhow,
>>28693440
and "How would I go about putting on and removing this on my own, anyhow?"

>>28693438
Thank you sir. Let's get to the castle.

>>28693440
One month, also what do you mean? Look at his bits? No dude, that's gay.

>>28693473
Hey, 'he' was just breathing on ours. I'm curious, odd things abound in this town.

>>28693440
If you're talking about peeking at his 'assets', I totally support this.

>>28693481
>>28693508
C'mon, we can't be gay. We gotta sow our superior Earth Pony seed in those Unicorn mares.

>>28693562
B-but, the lack of homoness makes me sad.

>>28693562
We're not gay, we're just curous to see what actual gender Weathervane is.

>>28693576
But he told us what gender he was. I see no reason to think he was lying about it.

>>28693438 >>28693440 >>28693469
>>28693473
>>28693508

"How exactly do I go about taking this stuff on and off on my own."

>"If I'm being honest, the armor you're wearing now is absolute garbage."
>"Relics from before the the discovery of mythril crystal and orichalcite, among other things."
>"Of course, to the general populace, this stuff is standard issue, but you're not the general populace."
>"You're a Golden Sun and will be equipped as such. You'll see what I mean once you get down to the castle. Shine on, Private."

"Thank you, sir."

>He salutes and you salute back, followed by the customary exchange of blows.
>He doesn't hit nearly as hard as the Captain.
>As he walks away, to tend to the weaponry, you can't help but get a bit curious.
>You've never known a stallion to be so marish in appearance.
>You found it hard to believe that Weathervane might not be trying to jape you.
>So you hazard a peek as they walk away...

>No, definitely a stallion.
>You don't know why you did that, but you feel you might have to punch something later to get that out of your system.

>You head outside, to the courtyard
>It was still empty and eerily quiet.
>You notice that Golet isn't by your side.
>Where had she gone off to?

>>28693628
Well she WAS in our room with Lily. Call for Golet and see if she comes.

>>28693628
Yeah we should have Golet handy, considering how insistent the captain was that we progress directly to the castle. I took that to mean that some force may be out to get us, particularly with the guard all stationed at the outer walls.

Weathervane can see Golet. Perhaps Weathervane would like his own Golet? The more ponies on 'our side' the better. And now we know for sure what Weathervane is, so that's cool.

If/when she appears, tell Golet to keep an eye peeled, warn of sneak attacks, and to otherwise blend into the earth or flower-pot dirt or mantle dust, anywhere that's handy, to keep an eye on us as we move throughout the day.

>>28693865
I'd rather not summon for others. Beside, he's already on "our side." What do you mean? Can Golet even do those things?

>>28693880
>>28693865
Unless I missed something, I'm pretty sure Weathervane can't see Golet. Alcum's the one we know who can.

>>28693628
Begin the search for our friend.

>>28693902
Ooooh. OK my bad. Well let's keep an eye on Alcum then, and see if he's worthy of joining Golet Club. Shit could hit the fan and we might need all the friends we got, after all.

>>28693917
We're in the fucking guard. We're a Sun. We're all brothers in arms now.

>>28693996
Sure, but let's do everything we can to help our fellows. This could include Starswirl as well. We'd need to ask both first, of course.

>>28693628 >>28693642 >>28693865
>>28693902
>>28693917

>You prepare to call out to Golet.
>But you see her running out of the infirmary.
>You give her a scolding look as she catches up to you.

"Now what were you doing in there?"

>"Golet get stuck, no could escape from bed. Hear mares talk about many things."

"Like what?"

>"Like mare things. Golet no want talk about. Emabarass."

"Fair enough. Now come along, we've got somewhere to be."

>As you and Golet walk off to the courtyard exit, you consider that maybe Weathervane might benefit from his own spirit.
>You quickly reconsider though, as Lieutenant Alcum had said that he was the only one who had seen Golet.
>And as great an asset as a guardian spirit might be, it's not much help if you can't see what it's doing.
>Maybe the Lieutenant himself could benefit from one though? Maybe. But you should wait until you've totally mastered this summoning deal before you start summoning for others.

"Hey, Golet?"

>"Master?"

"Is there any way for you to blend into the earth. Like, camouflaging yourself?"

>"Golet can do! Golet can do hide good!"

>You watch as she collapses into a pile of stone. The stones begin rolling around you, bouncing up and down gleefully.
>You chuckle.

"Good, that's good. Try to stay like that and keep out of sight. We don't want the wrong kind of ponies seeing you."

>You exit the courtyard and and walk along the length of the inner wall until you arrive back at the front entrance.
>From here, you're not entirely sure where to go.
>You'd consult your map, but you left your bag back in the infirmary and don't have time to go get it.

>>28694109
Don't have time? That's our shit. We gotta go get it.

>>28694109
We can send Golet scampering after it later on, maybe at night. Just ask our way from the first approachable-looking pony we see. Going back violates our orders.

>>28694210
Yeah. This is probably best.

>>28694144
Change to this. >>28694210

You know what I bet feels odd? That hole in our armor at our forehead. Probably further excentuates that we don't have a horn.

>>28694109 >>28694210
>>28694215
>>28694358

>You curse at yourself for forgetting something so important.
>But you get over it quickly.
>Asking for directions worked once, surely it could work again.
>Walking up to a fruit vendor, sweeping outside his stall, you introduce yourself.

"Hello, good sir. I am Ghost Scribe, Private in the Golden Suns."
"I was wondering if you might be able to give me some directions."

>The vendor looks you over, stopping to gaze at the glaive on your back and at the hole in your armor.
>Resting at your hornless forehead, it only serves to accentuate how out of place you are.

>"You sure about that boy? Never heard of no Earthie making their way into the King's army, let alone the Golden Suns.

>>28694412
I'm certain, sir.

>>28694412
"Quite sure, sir. I've only been in the guard a few days now. Though I'd be happy to summon the captain, if necessary, to vouch for my credentials. She does so love meeting new ponies. All I want to know is where the nearest guard post is."

>>28694446
>She does so love meeting new ponies.
I'd rather not lie or, more accurately, stretch the truth.

>>28694478
Let me try it stated another way, then. "She does so love greeting new ponies in the guard-established manner."

>>28694478
I'm with this guy.

>>28694446
That sounds like a threat, and this guy's harmless. A little rude for calling us an "Earthie", but that's to be expected where we are. Don't think we should pull out the big guns just like that.

>>28694412
Clarify that, yes, we are a part of the Suns.

>>28694562
"Boy, Earthie", questioning our place in the guard. I don't think a veiled threat is out of order.

>>28694602
I don't think that Scribe would resort to flaunting his authority.

>>28694651
I agree.

>>28694656
Fine, I'm outvoted. But we're gonna end up face-down with a rutabega up our ass if this guy doesn't believe us, you watch.

>>28694672
We're armed, armored, and have a Golet. How can things go that badly if a simple fruit vendor does not believe us?

>>28694682
'Cuz pointy thing on his head. We might end up with the spear, golet, AND the rutabega up our ass.

>>28694412
Such impassioned discussion
>You don't quite like the tone this stallion is taking with you.
>You'd rather not throw some weight around, so you'll just try to stay cordial.

"I assure you sir, I am a Golden Sun, though I've only been in the guard a few days."

>The vendor scoffs.

>"Boy, if you're a Sun, then I'm the Grand-uncle of Chancellor Puddinghead himself."
>"But, uh, getting a closer look at you, I feel like I might have seen you around here before..."
>"No idea when that could've been though."

>Maybe you could try to jog his memory.
>Then again, when could he have seen you?

>>28694699
Shit, is the the vendor innkeeper Whatsherface was at when we met her? Remind him of that.

>>28694699
"Maybe you saw me when I arrived in town a few days back. Regardless if you believe we're in the guard or not, could you direct us to a nearby guard outpost anyway? I'd very much appreciate it."

>>28694699
>>28694711
>>28694741

>You don't recall this stallion very clearly, but there's a good chance you met him on your first day in town.
>You think when you went shopping with Rain?

"You might have seen me walking about with the innkeeper of the Bull Pen. My brother and I were helping her with grocery shopping."

>"Hmmm. Yeah, yeah, that's it! You were walking around with Rain and some other unicorn I've never seen before. That's your brother you say?"

"Yes, citizen."

>"Huh. Well, I don't know what kind of crazy, mixed up town you came from where and Earthie and a unicorn can be brothers, but Rain is good folks."
>"If she trusted you enough to let you help her around town, I suppose I can give you directions, whether or not you're a Golden Sun."

>Good, you're getting somewhere.

"Well, regardless of whether or not you believe I'm a guard, I'd very much appreciate it if you could direct me to the nearest guard post."

>"Wow, you really are new, aren't ya, Earthie?"

"It's Ghost Scribe. PRIVATE Ghost Scribe."

>This stallion was really starting to irk you.

>"Right, right, Private. We don't have set posts here in Aurus. Guards have routes they take, and they take them in shifts, no fewer than twenty or so guards roaming these streets at any time."
>"I'm fairly sure I saw one head down that direction, off towards Bogard Street."
>"If you hurry, you hurry, you might catch them."

>>28694950
We were told to get to the palace, right? Let's give up on this and enter the palace.

>>28694987
We don't know how to get to the palace. We were given one tour of the city, like, six days ago.

>>28694950
Thank him and let's get going.

>>28694950

>You thank the stallion and head off towards what he said was Bogard Street.
>As you through the unusually dirty street, you catch glimpses of a guards armor.
>You try to catch up, but the crowd keeps slowing you down.
>Eventually the crowd thins out, but you've lost sight of the guard.
>You're fairly sure you saw him duck down an alleyway, but in just about every story Starswirl's ever told you, ducking down an alleyway was a one-way ticket on the cliche express. The only stop? A world of hurt.
>Of course, you could risk it, but at this point, you're almost willing to brute force your way to the palace.

>>28695198
Can't we find our way to the palace ourselves? Surely it's not hard to find.

>>28695198
You'd think you just need to find the biggest building in the city.

I think weathervane might have been lying with the whole "I have a girl" business...besides who says we have to stick to one gender of pony? Or even one pony at all?[\spoiler]

>>28695198
>>28695474
>>28695621
The trick is finding the path to that building

>You decide you don't have time to go chasing shadows down alleyways.
>You'll just make your own way and get to the palace on your own.
>After all, how hard could it be to find the BIGGEST BUILDING IN THE CITY.

>Taking a look at the area, you figure you must be in some kind of slums district.
>Even the most polished diamond has it's flaws you suppose.
>Perhaps if you make your way to more well-to-do areas, the path to the palace will make itself clear.
>Surprisingly, navigating the streets based on cleanliness is far easier than just wandering them blindly.
>As you retrace your steps back to where you were though, you can feel something strange.
>Almost as if you're being followed.
>Should you speed up and or slow down and see what's going on?

>>28695708
Let's slow down.

>>28695708
Keep going at normal pace.

>>28695708
Speed up a little bit but get ready to run. With how generally unkind the ponies seem to be here, some ruffian picking a fight with a guard is not to be unexpected

>>28695708
"Golet, I'm being followed. Find out which ponies are doing it, and if they're unfamiliar and seem up to no good, trip them up, slow them down without being detected."

>>28695769 >>28696040 >>28695815
>>28695865
>>28695708

>You decide to speed up.
>Or maybe you should slow down?
>On second thought, maybe you'll just keep a steady pace.
>You ready yourself to strike though.
>As unfriendly as everypony has been since you came to this city, you wouldn't put it past some ruffian to try and take out a guard for bragging rights.
>You can hear hoofsteps now.

"Golet, I'm being followed. Find out who they are, and if you don't recognize them, trip them up."

>The stones around you bounce in an affirmative.
>They roll out, and some distance behind you, you can hear the results of Golet's actions.
>You hear the clanging of metal as whatever figure was following you falls over.
>They must have been wearing armor.
>A guard?

>"DAMNIT! DAMNIT ALL!"

>That voice sounds vaguely familiar, but you can't quite place it.

"Who goes there? Reveal yourself!"

>A figure emerges from the shadows, slowly and cautiously.
>As it steps into the light, you see a lightly armored stallion, a broadsword at his side.
>He's no guard though.
>His armor is far too shabby.

>"Whoa now, no need to get violent.
>"I, uh, don't know if you remember me, but, uh, the name's Brutus."

>He extends a hoof.

>"Pleasure to formally meet you."

>>28696102
reach out cautiously.

So what is he doing here?

>>28696102
Brutus. The mercenary, right? Pleased to meet you... "formally." Shake his hoof. Ask why he was folllowing us and if he can lead us to the palace.

>>28696102
"You too, Brutus?"... I trust this pony less due to name.

I'm already worried about attack en route to the palace. IRL, I'd be tempted to bolt and outrun him until I knew what's up.

I vote bolt, but I'll go with the majority.

>>28696102 >>28696126
>>28696137
>>28696264

"Brutus...,the mercenary right?"

>He nods.
>You cautiously extend your hoof and meet Brutus'.
>You shake.

"Pleased to meet you... formally."
"So, what exactly are you doing here?

>"I could ask you the same thing. But you did ask first."
>"To be perfectly honest, I was following you. Of course, I wasn't totally sure it was you, what with your armor and everything."
>"But anyway, I just wanted to say thank you, since I never did get to thank you properly back at the Bull Pen."

"Thank you for what exactly?"

>"For helping me make less of an ass of myself than usual. And believe me, I tend to make a mighty ass of myself."
>"Most just laugh and pass me by, watching my drunken antics. I'm pretty sure Miss Rain hates me. But, uh, you helped me."
>"I know it might seem trivial, but I appreciate it."

"No problem."

>"So I take it by your armor, you've taken to mercenary work too? Tough spot for an Earthie in these parts. Er, no offense."

"Actually, I'm trying to find my way to the palace. Don't know why, but it was a direct order from Captain Lily, so-"

>"Captain Lily? As in Captain Gilded Lily? Wait, wait, wait, don't tell me... are you a Golden Sun?"

"Uh, yes, actually."

>Brutus stares at you in disbelief.

>"Well, I'll be damned. Well. then if you'd let me, it'd be my honor to escort you to the palace. I know this city like the grooves of my horn, I do."
>"And I think it would be fair repayment for the service you did me. What do you say?"

>>28696469
Please do. I'm a bit lost.

>>28696469
"Yes please, I've been looking for some time now!"

>>28696469
>>28696478

"Yes, please! I'm a bit lost."

>Brutus laughs.
>"Well I can see that. Nopony comes down Bogard street unless they live here."
>"And it just so happens I was on my way home, when I spotted you walking by."
>"Didn't mean to startle you, but I tripped over some rocks on my way to greet you."
>"Strangest thing too. One minute there was nothing there, then BAM. Under hoof, tripping me up, like they had been told to."

"Y-yeah. Real strange."

>The two of you walk in silence for a bit, as you make your way back to the main streets.
>Then Brutus speaks up.

>"So what's it like? Being a Sun I mean?"
>"Is Captain Lily as brutal as she's made out to be? I hear she'll beat a soldier down for so much as looking at her the wrong way?"

Leave your responses and I'll be back tomorrow. Good night

>>28696658
She's intense. That much is for certain. There's a pony underneath all that, though.

>>28696658
"Yeah, she's nothing to be trifled with. I just got out of my second hospital stay, and that was just from sparring. She cares about her troops though, she thinks it makes us tougher."

Goodnight, Morami.

>>28696658
Let's say the rumors are not undeserved, and leave it at that

10

>>28698325

Rendered unconscious every other day bump

We obviously should waifu Golet.

>>28699374

>>28696658 >>28697031
>>28697160
>>28697819

>You wonder how best to answer.
>You definitely can't tell him everything you know, that would ruin the Captain's image.
>And worse, it would destroy the trust she's placed in you.
>So you decide to be honest, but omit the truth ever so slightly.

"Yeah, she's nothing to be trifled with. I just got out of my second stay in the infirmary, thanks to her. And that was just from sparring."

>"Oh really? She must be an absolute powerhouse, to put an Earthie in the white room! Er, no offense again."

"None taken. And she's intense, that much is for certain. She thinks it makes us stronger. I'm inclined to agree."

>"Stronger 'eh? ...Must be nice."

>An awkward silence falls over the conversation.
>Brutus continues to lead you on towards the palace, a sunken look on his face.

>>28700753
Something wrong, Brutus?

>>28700753
How is your line of work?

>>28700753
...jealous or something? What's eating you?
We're not on the clock yet are we? If we had any coin I'd buy him a popsicle or something. Food gets people talking

>>28700753
>>28700775
>>28700781

"Is something wrong, Brutus?"

>He shakes the look off, meeting your question with an uncertain smile.

>"Oh, uh, nothing's wrong. I was just thinking about some stuff."
>"That was my thinking face, you know."

"Oh, okay."

>He's not a very convincing liar.
>But who are you to pry into his personal life?
>You shift the subject.

"So how is your line of work?"

>"Pardon?"

"How does mercenary work treat you?"

>"Oh, it treats me well enough. Whenever something happens that the guards can't attend to it fast enough, ponies will call on me or some other sellsword."
>"Pay's usually pretty good, even if the jobs can bee a bit dangerous. Of course, not much for me to do during the winter months, just like the guards."
>"So I mostly look for odd jobs around town, busing tables for busy taverns and the like."
>"Most of the time I get paid in food and drink, which is fine, trust me."
>"But, uh, I'm sure you can see, my equipment ain't in the best shape."
>"Been in the family for generations, since my great, great grandfather was discharged from the guard."
>"Not sure if it'll last another winter... or if I'll be able to afford anything once it goes."
>"But such is life, eh?"

>>28700973
Why not join the guard? Any guard. Mercenary work seems like the perfect resume

>>28700973
I bet such antique armor is worth alot. I wouldn't blame you if you didn't want to sell it though. I'd like to meet some other time. Maybe share a drink when I'm off-duty.

>>28700973
>>28700992
>>28701036

"Why not join the guard? Mercenary work seems like the perfect resume, if you ask me."

>Brutus thinks for a moment, absorbed by the possibility you have presented him.
>But then he just shakes his head and laughs.

>"Believe me when I say I've tried."
>"From the Golden Suns, to the Scholars of War, everywhere I've one, I've always lacked... something."
>"Always something that ensures I'll land just outside that threshold of adequacy."
>"Ah, but look at me, feeding you all my problems and worries."

>The silence returns for a moment.
>You don't let it last though.

"If your strapped for money, why not sell your armor? I'm sure an antique like it might fetch you a pretty bit. Though I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to sell it."

>Brutus laughs.

>"This armor holds no value to me sentiment wise. Or any other pony, really. I've tried to trade up before, heft this junk onto somepony else, but at this point, the stuffs too worn to be worth repairing and reselling."
>"Just another bit of disappointment. I've learned to live with them."
>"Oh! Looks like we've hit your stop, friend."

>Looking up, you see that you have in fact arrived at the palace gates.

>"That's as far as I can take you. I trust you can make it the rest of the way on your own?"

"I'm sure I can. You know, I'd like to meet some other time. Maybe share a drink when I'm off-duty?"

>"Eh, I don't know about a drink. But I'd definitely like to see you again. Just ask around, you'll know where to find me."

>He turns and quickly runs off.

>"Farewell, Friend! Shine on!"

>As you watch Brutus disappear into the city, you realize you never gave him your name.
>Oh well. You know his, so it shouldn't be too big an issue.

>>28701252
Oh well. Guess we should try to request entry from whoever's the gatekeeper.

>>28701252
And here I thought about suggesting he start his own mercenary company

>>28701252
>>28701273
>>28701329

>Next time you see that Brutus, you think you'll suggest he start his own mercenary company.
>If his story was to be believed, he was just bad enough to not be accepted into any of the guard regiments.
>Conversely, that must mean he was good enough to at least be considered.
>It's a thought for another time though, so you store that particular suggestion away.
>Now you have to worry about what exactly it is you're supposed to be doing here.

>You approach the gates, ready to state your name and rank.

"Private Ghost Scribe, of the Golden Suns, reporting for-"

>"Ah, Ghost Scribe, your here! Perfect."

>A familiar voice interrupts you.

"Lieutenant Alcum, sir?"

>>28701432
Oh boy. Time to swallow our fear.

Sir, reporting for duty and requesting entrance to the castle.

>>28701432
Oh..er, apologies for not getting here earlier. I'm still unfamiliar with this city.

>>28701432
>>28701465
>>28701591

"Sir, reporting for duty, and requesting entrance into the castle."
"And,er... apologies for not being here sooner. I'm still a bit unfamiliar with this city."

>"You never really get used to it, Private. There are certain sections of this city I don't even know."
>"In any case, I'm glad you're so ready to enter. I'm sure the Captain took the time to tell you what you'd be coming for, yes?"

>>28701704
Sorry, sir, she didn't. Just told me to get some armor and a weapon, then to the castle, no detours.

>>28701704
>>28701720

"Sorry, sir, she didn't. Just told me to don some armor, grab a weapon, then to the castle, no detours."

>"Huh. Not like her to be so barebones about an assignment, but she is a bit out of sorts since yesterday."
>"I'm sure you heard about how the Suns got walled, eh?"

"Yes, sir, I did."

>"Yup, everypony but me, Weathervane and the Captain herself. I'm sure you're wondering why I wasn't walled as well, right Private?"

>Before you can answer, the Lieutenant calls for somepony.

>"Vitae! It's your shift! I have a recruit to attend to."

>The pony named Vitae runs over and takes the Lieutenants place beside the gate.
>You recall him being there when you first arrived in Aurus.
>Being "walled" must be a common punishment in the army.
>Dealing with Commander Barques certainly seemed like a punishment all its own.

>"Follow me, lad. We've got important business to attend to."

>As the doors of the palace swing silently open, you follow the Lieutenant.
>You take an early turn and he leads you down another section of the maze-like castle.
>One of these days, you'll have to take the time to write up a map of the place.
>It didn't seem possible for so many rooms to exist in one space.

>>28701867
Would you mind filling me in, sir? I'm feeling a bit in the dark.

>>28701867
>>28701882

"Would you mind filling me in, sir? I'm feeling a bit in the dark."

>"We're here to get you fitted, lad."

"Fitted, sir?"

>You begin ascending a staircase.
>It spirals and spirals, spinning endlessly into the sky.
>But not really endlessly.
>At most it goes up about four or five floors.
>Your definitely not ground level anymore.
>At the top of the staircase is a average sized door, something your not quite used to seeing in the palace.

>"Fitted for your armor, of course."

>The Lieutenant swings the door open, revealing a large room, filled with all sorts of things.
>A smithing furnace, anvil and cooling pool.
>One wall lined with all kinds of straps and buckles.
>And another,lined with bar after bar of a metal you couldn't identify, stacked halfway to the ceiling.

>>28702038
Wait to be directed to do something. Until then, take it in.

>>28702038
Then what?

>>28702038
>>28702045

>The Lieutenant ushers you into the room. There aren't any windows and the furnace is clearly burning hot.
>Despite this, it remains pleasantly cool.
>You watch as the Lieutenant removes his armor.
>As he moves to put on his smiths apron, you notice that he's covered in cuts and burns,long scarred over.
>They cover most of his fore legs and a good amount of his barrel.
>He dons the apron and motions for you to come to him.
>You do so.
>Looking your armor up and down he flicks his hoof at each specific piece.
>They all fall off with minimal effort.

>"Armor made for somepony else won't do anypony but who it was made for much good."
>"I'm sure you can understand that, Ghost Scribe?"

>You nod.
>It's a simple enough concept to understand.

"Now before we get started, where's your little friend, the rocky one?"

>>28702251
She should be following me.

>>28702251
She should be close by. Golet, come here please.

>>28702251
>>28702275
>>28702311

"She should be close by actually. Let me call her."
"Golet! Come here!"

>Your call echoes through the spiraling hallway.
>You hear something galumphing it's way up towards you, at incredibly high speeds.
>Golet reaches the top, triumphantly bursting through the doorway into the room.

>"Golet get stuck at bottom! Master go up stairs, but no tell Golet change back!"
>"Golet worry and scared Master forget Golet. But Master remember!"

>You had forgotten that you had asked Golet to disguise herself.
>Certainly a pile of rocks would have trouble climbing stairs.
>You'll find a way to make up for that later.

>"Good, good, she's here. We don't particularly need her, but I've got a treat she might enjoy."
>"I did a little research of my own after I bagged that little critter. Couldn't find much on 'em, but there's an old mares's tale that said something about creatures born from the earth eating metal or something."
>"I took some of my stock and placed it in the corner over there, she's free to partake of it."

>You see some metal scraps and armor plating, even a bent sword or two.
>The Lieutenant kicks the armor you came in over into the pile.

>"Won't be needing that."

"Go eat, Golet."

>"Eat? Eat!"

>You're not sure what kind of effect that'll have on her, but you'll consult the guide later.

>"Now, while I take your measurements, I'm gonna need you to answer a few questions."

"Yes, Lieutenant."

>"None of that, Private. In the fires of the forge, there is no Lieutenant. Only Orich."
>"Now first question: What do you want to do with your life. Really dig deep and tell me what your dreams are."

>>28702477
Wow, hat's quite a big question to open with.

I guess if I had to answer, it'd be this. For my whole life, I've lived basically in the shadow of everypony around me. I'm a scribe after all, it's my calling to record greatness. But I wouldn't mind the chance to come into my own, spread my wings so to speak.

>>28702477
Ooh, so you're that kinda smith.

Well I cant say for sure what I want now will be what I want forever, but right now I want a better life for myself.
Where I'll be judged for my actions and motives instead of my race or connections. That goes for the ponies I know too. I want my brother to become the best damn wizard the kingdom has seen, I want Captain Lily to become a normal pony, and there are others.

Putting it that way, I suppose I also want to help others, in any way I can. Finding a pony to come home to at night would be nice too, if it happens.

>>28702477
>>28702517
>>28702521

>Boy.
>Big question to start with.
>But you think you know how to answer.

"Well I can't say for sure what I want now will be what I want forever, but right now I want a better life for myself."
"Where I'll be judged for my actions and motives instead of my race or connections. That goes for the ponies I know too."
"I want my brother to become the best damn wizard the kingdom has seen, I want Captain Lily to become a normal pony, and so many others besides!"
"Putting it that way, I suppose I also want to help others, in any way I can."

>Orich's horn begins to glow a bright silvery-white.
>His hooves take on the same aura, and he begins to run them down the length of your body.
>They're cold to the touch.

>"Good, good. A noble dream to have. And yet, I feel like there's something more. Something you aren't telling me."

"Well...my whole life, I've lived basically in the shadow of everypony around me. I'm a scribe after all, it's my calling to record greatness."
"But I wouldn't mind the chance to come into my own, spread my wings so to speak."
"And I suppose it would be nice to find a pony I could come home to at night."

>"Yes...that feels about right."
>"Now, second question: How exactly do you plan to make these dreams come true? How will you protect these ponies you claim to hold so dearly? And what of yourself?"

>>28702655
I seem to have been given an opportunity through the Golden Suns, which I hope I'll be able to make the best of.

At the moment, though, my life is in turmoil, with a lot of uncertainties ahead. I simply can't answer your question.

>>28702655
Plan? One can't really plan for something like this, the best we can do is work towards it, day by day.

>>28702655
"Following Starswirl is the majority of my plan, and it's led me to what I'm doing now. My dreams of being the pony to enable Starswirl to become the greatest, in so doing becoming great myself, relies on our becoming a success in this city, and that means I must become an important member or the Suns. This will enable me to protect and help Starswirl to attain his destiny, and me and those with me to attain our goals as well."

10

>>28704442

>>28702655 >>28702898
>>28702930
>>28703686

"Plan? One can't really plan for something like this, the best we can do is work towards it, day by day."
"Though I seem to have been given an opportunity through the Golden Suns, which I hope I'll be able to make the best of."
"At the moment, though, my life is in turmoil, with many uncertainties ahead. I simply can't answer your question."

>Orich's Ice cold hooves run along your body once more.
>You can't help but feel like he's touching something much deeper than your skin.
>You have no idea what that might be though.

>"Come now, Ghost Scribe. An uncertain answer is no answer at all. Think real hard, find your certainty."

>You really aren't sure what he needs these answers for so badly.
>But you guess if he needs them, you can try your best to provide.

"Following Starswirl is the majority of my plan, and it's led me to what I'm doing now."
"My dreams of being the pony to enable Starswirl to become the greatest, in so doing becoming great myself, relies on our becoming a success in this city, and that means I must become an important member or the Suns."
"This will enable me to protect and help Starswirl to attain his destiny, and me and those with me to attain our goals as well."

>"A long winded answer, but an honest one. I'm glad you were able to find your certainty."
>"Now, one last question and then I can do my job proper."
>"You are provided a choice between three abilities: the first ensures that you can heal others of any wound."
>"The second ensures that your strength will be enough to prevent these wounds."
>"The third does not ensure anything, but gives you the ability to try. With healing and strength in hoof, nothing will be guaranteed but you can try your best to prevent harm."
>"Of these three, which would you choose?"

>>28705416
Not every wound can be prevented. The ability to heal is stronger.

>>28705416
I choose the second, the strength to prevent wounds.

>>28705416
To be able to heal others of any wound is my choice, as even with unlimited strength, I will never be able to be there to protect everyone every time.

>>28705416 >>28705442
>>28705456
>>28705474

>You consider the implications of each choice.
>The third one holds no appeal for you.
>Strength and the ability to heal are great, but if all you can do is try, what purpose is there?
>The strength to prevent wounds is quite tempting, but you know that strength alone is not enough to prevent every wound.
>Which leaves you with only one choice.

"I would chose the ability to heal any wound."
"It's all well and good to prevent things, but I know that even with unlimited strength, I will never be able to protect everypony at every time."

>Orich's cold hooves become warm.

>"The heart of a healer, the soul of a scholar, the calculating mind of a warrior."
>"Lofty dreams, grounded by a desire to help others."
>"And something else. Love. There is love in your heart. Love for your brother and love for knowledge."
>"Love for that stone beast in the corner. And a desire to share it with somepony else. You're not sure who yet. But you know they're out there."
>"Hmmm..., yes. I think I know exactly what you need."

>Orich's now warm hooves trace a line from your flank to your head.
>His hooves meet at your forehead, and leave a tingling sensation at the center.
>Nothing special comes of the tingling, but it feels strange all the same.
>Before you can say anything, you see that Orich has taken several bars of the strange metal from the wall, and has started heating them.
>He must be preparing to melt them down.

>"Don't just stand there like a bump on a log, Scribe. I'm sure you must have some questions of your own."
>"Go on and ask away. Helps me get the work done quicker."

>>28705697
I have many questions, most of them practical, cause I don't recognize many of these metals.

Maybe you could explain to me what you're doing? I always love watching masters work at their craft.

>>28705697
>>28705717

"Well I have quite a few questions, most of them practical."
"I don't recognize a great deal of these metals, and I would appreciate it if you could explain what they are, and what it is you're doing."
"I do love to watch masters work at their craft."

>Orich laughs as he pumps his bellows, stoking flames and heating the bars to melting point.

>"Master, you say? You flatter me, Scribe. The last true master smith in my line was Orich Alcum the Second."
>"The rest of us have just been trying to live up to that legacy. Some in our family would say that even with magic, our works still fail to compare to those of the first two smiths in our line."
>"Your looking at Orich Alcum the Seventh, by the way. Only son of Orich Alcum the Sixth, second unicorn to bare the name Alcum."
>"That's enough about my self though. To answer your question, the metals you see me using are all variants on the alloy, Orichalcum."
>"There's the pure metal, purified from orichalcite, an ore with no real discernible point of origin. That's the metal I use to create armor for the majority of the kings army."
>"It's stronger than steel by a large margin and more malleable, but makes for poor weaponry due to it's density.
>"The next one up is Mythrim, which is an alloy composed of Orichalcite and Mythril crystal. Despite their name, Mythril crystals are actually a crystalline metal, a waste byproduct created when dragons overeat."
>"It's practically indestructible and much lighter than Orichalcum on it's own. I use it to craft armor for the King's personal guard as well as weapons for the army as a whole. The stuff never dulls and could cut through a brick wall like a hot knife through butter."
>"The best stuff, though, I save for myself and the Suns. I've never been sure what to call it, but for the time being, I've taken to calling it Ultimecium."
>"I'd be more than happy to share how it's made, but you might not want to know."

>>28705967
Well, if you say something like that, how can I not ask?

>>28705967
>>28705976

"Well, if you say something like that, how can I not ask?"

>"Curious, good. A curious mind is a good thing to have."
>"Ultimecium is quite difficult to make, as there a few materials I need to craft it outside of Orichalcum and Mythril crystal. Namely, I need Draco-keratin, and Scorched ivory. Can you guess where those two things come from?"

>>28706131
Dragon claws and horns, maybe teeth?

>>28706131
Definitely dragon claws. As for scortched ivory, maybe from a dragon-eaten elephant carcass?

>>28706131
>>28706140
>>28706311

"I would assume dragon claws? Maybe teeth, and horns?"

>You hear the clanging of metal on metal.
>Without you noticing, Orich had already melted down and set the metal in a cast.

>"Good guesses, and mostly right. Scorched ivory does indeed come from dragon teeth and horns. But you forgot the most important part of the dragon: the scales."
>"Much like a unicorns horn never stops growing, a dragons scales will grow non-stop. Nopony is sure how, but a dragons scales are capable of responding to impacts by hardening at the point of offense. The rest of the time, they simply act as soft, thick blankets, guarding the dragons hide from the elements."
>"Ten years ago though, when Captain Lily and my father took on that elder dragon, our scouts who went back out to scavenge the body discovered a strange organ within the dragons body. It was quite small, relative to the dragon anyway, and contained an almost mercurial substance."
>"Upon striking the organ, it hardened, and softened to compensate for the abuse we hurled at it."
>"Eventualy we were able to slice it open, and I was able to melt it down like any other metal. It's quite magical really."

>The hammering continues as Orich shapes the metal into a thin strip.

>"Ultimecium made armor reacts in the same way a dragons body would. In a way, it's almost an extension of it's wearer, only responding when the wearer is in danger. Hardening on impact, otherwise remaining smooth and flexible, allowing the wearer to remain lithe and nimble."
>"In my experience, it also tends to change shape to reflect the wearers personality, though that's an unintended side effect."

"This is all remarkably impressive."

>"Your words are kind, but my work still pales in comparison to the works of my ancestors."
>"Gungnir, Aeglos, Gae Bulg, and all the ancient weapons that rest within the armory of the Golden Suns."
>"Excalibur, and Asclepius and Asterius in the Earth pony armories."
>"I have a ways to go."

>>28706332
Check on Golet. Want to make sure she's not getting into trouble.

Ask him about the trio of legendary spears of which the Dragonfly Cutter is from. Do they have all three here or are they held by the other races?

QM had to go to work and is sorry he left so abruptly but will happily do a short run when he returns bump

>>28707021

>>28708033

>>28706332
What is it that separates you from the legendary smiths? Surely they would have passed on their techniques?

File: 1476875260063.jpg (141KB, 1024x1253px) Image search: [Google]

141KB, 1024x1253px

Anything's possible with a stick with some metal on the end.

I'd like to carry something with an end like 10, 12, or 20. Hell, we might could have it be interchangeable.

10

>>28711544

>>28712104

>>28713625

Forgot name>>28714757

>>28706332
>>28706424
>>28709687

"Well, what is it that separates you from these legendary smiths? Surely they would have passed down their techniques?"

>"You can pass on the technique, but you can't pass on raw talent and years of experience."
>"Before they created their magnum opi, Orich Alcum were both three hundred and two hundred-fifty years old respectively."
>"The skill they had managed to accumulate by that time, combined with the purity and unmatched quality of the metals they used, lead to the creation of the most magnificent weaponry and armor any of the three tribes has ever seen."
>"Of course, the pegasi have only ever been on the receiving end of these creations. There is yet to be an Alcum pegasus, and so we feel no need to craft for them."

>Orich's tale certainly is an interesting one.
>You have more you'd like to ask him, but first you need to check on Golet.
>Turning to face the corner she's in, you see that she's made her way through roughly half of the scrap Orich laid aside for her.
>You'll need to check back to make sure she doesn't consume anything more.

"So, Orich?"

>"Yes?"

"I recall Starswirl once read me a tale, of three legendary spears forged by three skilled smiths. It never went into any great detail, but said the spears were remarkably sharp and held magical properties."
"You wouldn't happen to know anything about these, would you."

>A look of concentration appears on Orich's face.
>The pounding of the hammer continues.

>"I believe you're referring to the spears Orich the first made with some far-eastern pony. Don't remember where they came from, but they were here on some visit."
>"Learning more about our smithing techniques, or something like that. I believe his name was Sengo Maremasa? Can't say for sure."
>"I only know the name of one of those spears as well. Tonbogiri, the Dragonfly Cutter. That one sits comfortably in our armory. One of the others is an Earth pony relic."
>"The last, Sengo took back home with him."

>>28714933
I can't think of anything else to ask.

>>28714933
>>28714980

>You scan through your mind.
>But you come back blank.
>You don't really know what else you could ask him.

>"Has your well of questions run dry already? Can't be helped I suppose. Ain't much to me but my smithing."
>"And speaking of smithing, I'm just about done with you're armor."

>Orich turns triumphantly.
>In his hooves he now holds two items, both a bright silvery-gray.
>Neither looks particularly capable of providing any kind of defense though.
>In one hoof he holds a simple circlet.
>In the other a necklace, free of any gems or other fanciful trappings.

>>28715423
Huh. This is my armor?

May I try it on?

>>28715423
>>28715445

"Huh. So this is my armor? May I try it on?"

>"Well I wouldn't be giving it to you if I didn't want you to try it on, now would I?"

"No, I suppose not."

>You take the necklace from him first, fixing it behind your neck.
>As the Ultimecium hits your chest, you feel something heat up from within.
>It's a heat similar to what you felt from Orich's hooves.
>Not bad, not painful, but not quite natural in it's origin.
>You take the circlet next.
>Placing it on your head it sits snugly between your ears and comfortably on your forehead.
>You feel the burning again.
>It's still not painful, but it's starting to worry you a bit.

>>28715574
Is this burning normal, Orich?

>>28715574
Now what more is there to these? I can feel that there's more to them than meets the eye.

>>28715574
"How does this armor work? It's obviously not typical gear."

>>28715615 >>28715742

>>28715604
>>28715574

"How does this armor work? It's obviously not typical gear. I can feel that there's more to these than meets the eye."
"And is this burning normal?"

>"There's quite a bit more to those than meets the eye. In most cases, I'd be able to show you what that more is right away. But you don't have unicorn magic, so I had to get a bit creative."
>"That burning you feel is a reactivity spell I applied to the necklace and circlet. They read into your emotional state as well as various other factors, and use that to determine whether or not to activate."
>"It sounds complicated, but it's quite simple really. And I think I have just the way to show you how it works. Give me just a moment."

>You watch as he removes his apron, and goes searching through a chest at the back of the room.
>Golet has rejoined you and sits by your side, equally interested in whatever Orich has in store.

>>28715778
How did you enjoy your meal, Golet?

>>28715778
>>28715790

"Did you enjoy your meal Golet?'

>"Golet think tasty. Good food!"

"Well, that's good to hear. Maybe we can make this a regular thing, those meals. I'd have to consult the book first of course, to see if-"

>"THINK FAST!"

>You snap your vision back to Orich to see that he's sent a rusty smithing hammer flying at you!
>Is everypony in the Golden Suns insane?!

>>28716158
Hit the dirt.

>>28716158
Brace self?

>>28716158
>>28716187
>>28716263

>You hit the dirt and duck under the hammer.
>In a misguided attempt to save you, Golet intercepts the hammer.
>She catches it, but the momentum of the hammer sends her careening into the wall, knocking several bits and baubles off the wall.
>Getting back up, you're heart pounding, you see yet another hammer is coming your way.
>You brace yourself for impact, but when hammer meets head, all you feel is a soft thwump.
>You hear something similar to a bell being rung, but your not sure what could have made that noise.
>You feel something cold envelop your body.

>>28716354
Inspect self.

>>28716354
>>28716362

>Opening your eyes, you see Orich looking at you smugly.
>The hammer has fallen to the floor.
>But how?
>It very clearly made contact with your head, though perhaps not very hard.
>You decide to inspect yourself, and find out what in the world is going on.
>You're quite shocked to see that you've been covered, from flank to forehead, in armor!
>It extends across the entirety of your body, it's composition like some strange combination between normal plate and scaled armor.
>The helm is quite similar to that of a normal guards helm though.

>"Well, I'm glad that worked out. Otherwise I'd be cleaning you of the wall and likely dealing with a very angry spirit."
>"Can't say the Captain would have been very pleased either."
>"Now that you're armors accounted for, I think I remember you saying something about a weapon?"
>"What's your weapon of choice lad?"

>>28716638
Aeglos served me well. Why not a glaive?

>>28716638
I am comfortable with polearms. I want something like 12 in the pic here >>28709834

That way we got some stabby bitz and can use our erf pone strength with the hammer part.

>>28716638
A glaive, I guess? I know its kind of a stupid question, but do you do collapsable weapons? If the haft could be shortened at will I could use it as a sword too.

>>28716638 >>28716772
>>28716660
>>28716682

"Well, I've grown quite comfortable with polearms since I've been here. And Aeglos served me well in my fight with the Captain. Why not a glaive."

>"Well, not every weapon can be Aeglos, Scribe. I could craft you a glaive, but it would be vastly different in weight and handling."
>"You have to remember that Aeglos was crafted for a unicorn, not one with Earth pony strength."
>"I think one with innate strength such as yours should possess something a bit more..., bashy than slicey."
>"Maybe even a combination of the two! I could forge a lucerne for you, if you'd like?"

"Hmm...I'll think on it."

>"Well you've got a moment top think while I re-ready my tools."

>You watch as Orich preps the forge once more.
>Then another question pops into you're mind.

"Orich, I'm sure this might seem like a dumb question, but would it be possible for you to craft me a collapsable weapon?"
"If the shaft could be shortened at will, I could potentially use it as a blade as well."

>"Collapsable? Well, it's possible, but it would require the whole weapon be made out of metal. Wood doesn't last too long when placed under that kind of stress. It would make the weapon significantly heavier, but I'm sure you could handle it."

>Can you handle it?
>And how exactly do you want the weapon? Pure glaive or a lucerne?

>>28716951
Guess lucerne, then.

>>28716951
I'm all for lucerne.

>>28716951
We can handle it, and give us the lucrene.

>>28716951 >>28716962
>>28716987 >>28717084

"I'll take it as a lucerne. And I'm more than sure I can handle whatever weight difference there is."

>"If you say so. Just remember, every weapon is made a tad differently. But this one will be yours."

>You watch Orich pull some Mythrium from the wall.
>He begins heating the bars, and they melt more quickly than the Ultimecium.

>"So, Scribe, while I get to work on this I hope you don't mind if I ask you a few more questions. None of that philosophical stuff, mind you. That was just to get a feel for your mind so I could get the armor proper to do it's thing."
>"These would be a bit more personal. Of course, You're free to decline. Hell, you could ask me a bit about my personal life if you're so inclined."

>>28717430
It'll depend on the questions you ask. Go ahead.

>>28717430
Sure. But first, Golet. Are you ok?

>>28717430
>>28717496
>>28717501

"Well, it really depends on the questions you ask, but sure. Let me check something first."
"Golet, are you okay?"

>"Golet protect! Golet do good!"

"Sure did, Golet!"

>"She can that hammer if she wants. I've got plenty."

>The sounds of bending scraping metal tell you she's already fast on it.

>"So first, I just want to know: How did Estrella treat you growing up? I know you're dad couldn't be around much, but he took every chance he could to tell me how proud he was of the both of you. I just want to make sure that little mare did right by him and treated you well."

>>28717675
My mom? She treated me well. At first, she may have loved Starswirl more and shoved me to the side, but I think after I came home with enough bruises and suffered enough night terrors, she realized that I was just as much her colt as Starswirl.
After that, I could always look to her as a caring and loving mother, and I'm proud to be her son.

>>28717721
That sounds good to me.

I thought you were going to stick with the other name?

>>28717970

Fuck. Let me fix that.

All replies stand firm

>>28717982
>Cannot delete a post this old

HAHA FUCK ME AMIRITE

>>28717675
>>28717721
>>28717970

"Estrella?"

>"Sorry, did I say Estrella, I meant Evanescence. The Captain loves to talk about her grandmare and well... well that's for another time."

"Oh. Well, okay then. Let's see...She treated me well. At first, she may have loved Starswirl more and shoved me to the side, but I think after I came home with enough bruises and suffered enough night terrors, she realized that I was just as much her colt as Starswirl."
"After that, I could always look to her as a caring and loving mother, and I'm proud to be her son."

>"Well that's good to hear. You're father being as old as he is and marrying a mare that young, I was expecting far worse."
>"Now, I noticed you walking up with Brutus earlier, that drunk bastard. What's a good colt like you doing mixing with lot like him?"

>>28718023
I wouldn't say that we're close friends, more acquaintances. I helped him out, he helped me out. Despite that though, just cause he has a habit of drinking doesn't mean he's a bad pony or that he deserves to be spat on.

>>28718023
He gave me directions to the palace.

I wouldn't say he's the best kind of stallion, no. But he's got a great deal of bad luck, and not enough belief in himself to get out of it. A shame, really. I feel kinda bad for him.

>>28718023
Is there a problem with that?

Ponies keep telling me how unpleasant he is. He's a vulgar drunk, sure, but outside of that, he isn't that bad.

One thing you could be more careful about is your use of your and you're, since you seem to have them mixed up.

Your=possessive
you're=you are

10

>>28718023
I met him at the inn Starswirl and I were staying at. He doesn't seem a bad sort, he got me out of a bad part of town and led me here, after all.

From talking to him, I gather that he lacks confidence and his equipment is failing him due to lack of a good revenue stream. It might be a vicious circle, and the drinking certainly doesn't help. But overall he doesn't seem a bad sort, really.

10

>>28718023 >>28718106
>>28718122 >>28718126
>>28720246

"I met him at the inn Starswirl and I were staying at. We're not exactly friends, more acquaintances really. But he helped me out of rather seedy part of town , and led me here, so I'm thankful for that."
"From talking to him, I gathered his main issue is that he lacks confidence. His equipment is failing him due to lack of a good revenue stream. It seems like a vicious circle, and while the drinking certainly doesn't help, I feel it's hardly something to condemn him for."
"He's a vulgar drunk, but he's not a bad pony. I just think he's hit some bad luck."

>"Good! Marvelous! So grand, that you can form your own opinions. I can't tell you how many recruits we've had to send packing because they couldn't be honest about their feelings. They just fed us what they thought we'd want to hear."
>"A soldier must be obedient, yes. But they can't afford to be a sheep. Sheep do not last on the battlefield."

>The clanging of metal on metal resumes, as Orich pulls the soon-to-be-lucerne from it's cast.
>It burns white hot.

>"To be honest, I've no real qualms with the stallion either. But he's a pony pleaser. Dishonest not because he's a sneaky fellow, but because he wants everypony to be satisfied. It's the main reason he couldn't be a Sun."
>"Though I can't say I blame him for his dishonesty. There's a fair bit in his family history I wouldn't want to be hones about either."

>>28721780
Stand in silence, I can't really think of a response.

>>28721780
Sounds like a lot of ponies are like that.

>>28721780
What about his family? He told me that his armor has been passed down.

>>28722027 >>28721780
>>28721953 >>28722180

"Sounds like a lot of ponies, actually."

>"Everypony has something to hide. Remember that."

>You stand silent for a moment, unsure of what to say.
>You worry that your questions have run dry again.
>But something comes to mind.

"Brutus told me the armor he wears has been passed down in his family for generations. His great, great grandfather was in the guard. What could he have to be ashamed of?"

>"Aye, Caesar. He was a good stallion, I heard. The last good stallion in Brutus' ancestry."
>"The stallions of Brutus' line are notoriously short lived. Not one has lived passed sixty. And all have died doing remarkably stupid things."
>"It's not my place to tell you his shame though. Maybe you can squeeze it out of him the next time you see him."

>>28722502
Hm. Did you know my father? Or know him personally, anyways?

Polite bump for a quest that I genuinely enjoy.