My Little Pony: The Elements of RP
Main => Canterlot => Topic started by: Vex Scarlet on January 29, 2016, 04:45:29 am
-
An small airship, about half the size of a commercial one, pulls into the dock built on the outer edge of Canterlot overlooking the land below. A particularly red, vivacious batpony (http://mlpelementsofrp.createaforum.com/characters/vex-scarlet/) wearing nothing but a small jeweled pendant leaps over the portside bow and anchors the ship to the dock with rope in four locations. She opens up a hatch in the side of the hull that turns into a ramp as it rotates down onto the dock. She flies back inside and returns only a few moments later with a simple wooden cart loaded with several sealed crates. She wheels it down the ramp, kicking the ramp back up into the hull on her way out with a wooden smack. She leads her cart along the dock, toward the medieval metropolis of Canterlot, paying a pony at a small booth for docking privileges and tipping an imaginary hat at the guards on her way out, all with a big happy smile on her face, (which no doubt showcases her sharper batpony canines.)
((feel free to jump in with another line at any point here or beyond))
She weaves her way through the streets of Canterlot with her cart in tow, attracting some condescending looks from the more posh locals. She has a look about her composure, or perhaps in her gait that suggests she knows exactly where she's going, navigating the streets with relative ease.
-
The repairs to her shop have just been completed and business is running smoothly again for Nivalia. Heading out into town in her unicorn form she brings with her the standard saddlebags with papers, a list of things to purchase, and her pet python draped elegantly around her shoulders, drawing the eyes of intrigue and some jealously from the nobles as they walk by. Rounding a corner, she spots the adventurous noctral hauling her cart of crates. A posh unicorn mare approaches her with an interest in the disguised pony herself. "Excuse me miss, where on earth did you find that lovely piece around your shoulders? I could swear it looks just like a real reptile."
Caprica looks over to the mare and begins to slither around her owner's body. "Oh she is a real snake, raised her myself when she was just an egg." The python stretches out to the newcomer and flicks her tongue, drawing a sense of dread and surprise from her. The socialite simply nods and slowly backs away from her, not expecting to run into the real deal.
Nivalia simply shrugs and returns her attention back to the bat pony as she nears her. Shrugging, she approaches her and gives a courteous wave. "Hello there, my name's Nivalia. Are you a merchant by chance?"
-
The batpony stops in front of Nivalia. She gives her a quick look up and down and replies
"I'm Vex! I'm sort of a merchant... sometimes." She nods back at the crates in her cart. "These are for my mum though. Are you looking for something?"
Her voice is effervescent, and she speaks with an accent that sounds very local, despite her bubbly attitude.
-
"Vex, nice to meet you. My name's Nivalia, and this little cutie is Caprica." The python simply gives the noctral a blank stare, flicking her tongue to taste the air. "Are you from around here? Your accent seems very familiar, but it's rare that I see someone in this city with so much pep in their step."
-
"Grew up here, in fact! Dropping in to visit my mum. How about you?"
Vex begins to continue walking down the street, but slowly, anticipating Nivalia will follow. The engraved white crystal in her pendant glints slightly in the sunlight. It hangs from her neck by the same sort of chain worn by military ponies with their ID tags, and it chinks around quietly as she moves, muffled by her fur.
-
Nivalia follows along, not needing to be anywhere soon prompts the idea of friendly conversation. "I myself and from further up north, just outside of Vanhoover actually. I'm just running errands for my shop. Had a recent break in and I have to gather some materials for repairs. A bit less pleasant than visiting family. I'm guessing that trinket around your neck is a family heirloom?"
-
Vex glances down at the pendant around her neck. "No, actually I got this one from a lovely little enchantress' shop in Zebrica. They have some of the best magical items I've ever seen!"
Her smile widens slightly as she recalls the visit.
-
"Zebrica? Ah I'd love to go there, so many sights to see and foods to taste." Nivalia adds to the excitement given off by Vex. "So does that little do-dad do anything besides look lovely on you?"
-
Vex's grin takes on a slightly mischievous appearance "Well, I left some equipment on my airship. If I ever need that equipment, this crystal," she holds up the pendant with a hoof for emphasis "will allow me to summon it." She allows a brief pause. "Trouble is, once I've got it, I can't put it back; got to bring it back myself."
-
"Ah a one time use thing, got it." Nivalia replies. "I could make use of one of those at work. I try to rely on my employees but they always forget something on their business trips." The mention of an airship draws the changeling to look up at the sky, "Flying in an airship, now that's the way to travel. Have you been doing that for some time?"
-
"My whole life!" She clearly is enthusiastic about the subject. "My dad's an engineer on a royal guard airship, and I went along with him sometimes. Left home as soon as I could afford one of my own, and I've been flyin'er ever since!" She grins, "I could fly you back to your shop when we're finished here, if you like!"
-
Midnight trots through the streets of Canterlot, with her hood up, her saddlebags at her side, holding various necessities that she needs, food, water, tons of bits from various jobs, and of course, her most valuable item, her large book, "Arcane's Archive". She really didn't have time to be in Canterlot though, she's lived here for a good portion of her life, until she left. What was important was finding a way to Manehatten. She'd already tried going by train, but the ponies there said all standard transport in and out of Manehatten was shut off for at least a few days, because of some kind of emergency going on, they said. None of it made sense to her, as all she understood was that there was an emergency going on, something about armed forces or something like that. A few days was something she didn't have. She could try magic, but even for her, a trip like that would be too far, and she may not make it, and even if she did, her magic would be drained for a week at least. Recently she was talking to some ponies offering pretty good jobs, as well as a place with them, but she needed to see whoever was in charge as soon as possible. Right now she was desperate to get to Manehatten, so she asked around to see if there was any way to get there within the next few days. No such luck so far.
Eventually, she overheard two ponies talk about airships, which got her attention. 'Airships? Why didn't I think of that? I can probably pay off a pilot to get me to Manehatten.' she thought to herself as she continued to listen to their conversation. "I could fly you back to your shop when we're finished here, if you like!" she heard one of them say. Making up her mind, she approached the two ponies. "Hello, I heard that you fly airships?" she said to both of them, not sure which of the two were the airship pilot.
-
Vex looks over at the new pony. "I do! Just the one though." She gives her a smile that's somewhere between welcoming and egotistically confident. She only slows down a little to allow the new pony to join their rapidly growing party.
-
"Heck just having one airship is awesome enough." Nivalia adds, nodding to the newcomer as well. "And I certainly wouldn't mind the ride. It's been a while since I saw the Canterlot skyline." Caprica looks over to the new arrival and begins to extend off her owner's shoulders, her tongue flicking to taste her scent in the air.
-
"Good to hear." she says to the batpony. Before she says anything, she studies the two ponies. One of them has a snake around her neck. 'I've never seen a pony with a snake before.' she thinks to herself. The other one, the batpony, there is definitely something different about her, aside from her being a batpony. Her accent is unmistakably that of a local Canterlot resident, but the way she carries herself, and her confidence makes her feel as though she's not a local. No matter, she'll have time to dwell on it later. "I'm trying to get to Manehatten as soon as possible, but horse-drawn carriage as well as trains to and from Manehatten are closed, apparently due to some kind of emergency that's going on there. Something about a skyscaper..." she says, mumbling the last part, trying to think why all of this is happening. "Anyways, like I said, I'm asking if you could possibly take me there in your airship. If its needed, I can pay you for transportation costs, fuel, the likes." she says, levitating out a reasonably sized brown pouch from her saddlebags, filled with enough bits to cover whatever costs needed. "My name is Hex, its a pleasure to meet you." she says.
-
The batpony gives her a bright smile, marred somewhat by her fangs. She pushes the bag of bits away "No need. I just made a huge profit at my last stop, so I'm happy to do whatever!" She glances at Nivalia "I'll give you both a ride when I'm finished here!" She looks back at Hex "Call me Vex, by the way."
-
Nivalia remains silent at the mention of what's happening over Manehattan, knowing full well of what's going on causes her to be distracted from the conversation. She snaps out of it when introductions are given, "Oh uh my name's Nivalia, and this is Caprica." The python retracts from the New pony and resumes with getting comfortable on her owner's shoulders. "Actually Vex, can you take me to Manehattan as well? I have some family I'd like to check on."
-
Vex's smile droops, but only slightly. She asks the two of them: "What's going on in Manehattan? I've been out of Equestria for a few months."
-
"I don't know. When I asked the ponies at the train station what was happening there, it was all somewhat cryptic. They were saying something about a skyscraper, regional emergency, then they said something about armed forces. I don't think they meant anything like the Royal Guard, I have a feeling it was the work of several mysterious armed forces. But why they are involved in some kind of emergency in Manehatten, taking place in a skyscraper, which I am quite sure there are dozens of in Manehatten, is quite frankly beyond me." she says. Although she doesn't say, she has a pretty good idea of the identity of at least one of the parties in this emergency, her future employers, that's why she needs to get to Manehatten. "Nivalia, was it? Who was it that you needed to see in Manehatten?" she asks. 'Maybe she knows something.' she says to herself.
-
The mention of what's going on in Manehattan does make Nivalia a bit uneasy, not so much in terms of its secrecy, but rather one of safety. "Oh uh my brother just went over there before the emergency figured. Unfortunately I haven't heard from him since and I'm getting a bit worried." There's true sincerity in her tone, but the vague answer gives little information about anything else.
-
Vex gives them both a bit of an exasperated look. "So, you two want me to fly you to Manehattan, where there's some sort of mysterious cryptic emergency that neither of you apparently know anything about other than it's taking place in a skyscraper? And you say it's a regional emergency; how do I know we'll even be let into the city? Or that I'll be let out again after"
-
"Look, I know that you have your concerns about this, but Nivalia and myself really need to get to Manehattan for our own reasons. I'm seeing some people there that if I talk to them, they could hopefully get you in and out if needed. If that doesn't work you could simply land us near Manehattan and we can just go the rest of the way on hoof. Besides, we'll never know if we don't try" she says.
-
Nivalia's ears fold back as Hex explains everything. "We'll be able to enter and exit the city with no hassle, I can guarantee that. And if it'll ease your mind Vex I can explain what's happening over there in more detail. Just..." The mare looks around, "Just not here, not in public. Please understand I just... can't say here."
-
Vex grins again. "I've faced greater adversity." Her choice of words suits her accent. "Tell me about it on the ship." She pulls a pad of paper from her cart and wheels it up to the door of the home they're in front of. She scribbles something down on it and leaves it on top of the crates before unhooking it from herself and knocking on the door. She hops up off the door step and hovers alongside her new acquaintances "Let's go then! I'll come back and visit my mum later."
-
"Alright then Vex, lead the way." she says. Before leaving, she glances back at the packages left by Vex. "You mentioned your mother, were those packages for her?" she asks
-
She gives Hex a nod "It's mostly tea and trinkets." She allows a brief silence to pass. "We like to exchange stories about our work. She's a night guard for the city."
-
Vex leads her new acquaintances through the streets of Canterlot, back toward the airship dock overlooking the vast landscape of Equestria. They'll have to fly over or around the mountains to travel East to Manehattan.
((Not to control anyone else's character or anything, but I feel this just needed a quick bump, and I wanted to state more explicitly what Vex intends to do. If anyone has anything they want to do before returning to the airship, feel free to interrupt Vex and do that.))
-
Nivalia looks up at the vast airship with some amazement, the last one she'd been on was several years ago. "Woah, nice ship. I have to admit I'm rather excited, it's been a while." Caprica however shows less enthusiasm, slithering into her saddlebag and rolling up to sleep.
-
Arriving at the airship dock, Hex takes in the sights of the airships and the vast land of Equestria. "A very impressive ship indeed. I was on a commercial airship not too long ago, I wonder how this is going to go." she says. "You say we're going east over the mountain to Manehatten? Ok, but be careful. I heard stories of how there is supposedly a large winged creature that lives on the other side of the mountain, a red beast, waiting in its cave, filled with treasures for any unsuspecting travelers. Its a tall tale, I know, but with everything that has happened in the past, I wouldn't be surprised if the tales were true."
-
Vex flashes Hex a grin "Oh yeah, his name's Trevor!" She leaps up and loops nimbly over the port-side bow of the ship's relatively small deck. The balloon itself is far larger than its payload, and is reinforced with plate metal. On either side of the hull of the ship are a pair of apparently magically driven propellers. Vex returns a moment later through a small door that swings down onto the dock to form a ramp "Come inside!"
The room just beyond the door to the dock is filled with wooden crates, cluttered with a few trinkets and curios from around the world among them. It smells strongly of tea.
-
Nivalia steps onto the ramp and heads inside the ship, captivated by all of the trinkets scattered about. "Woah, talk about fancy! Oh and the aroma, I recognize a few of them but the others are really throwing me off."
-
"Oh ha ha." Midnight says sarcastically as she boards the airship. "I will say this is quite a fancy airship, but jeez, that aroma is really strong. I can't even think straight, my sinuses are exploding. Does this airship happen to have an open deck?" Midnight says as she explores the ship, looking at all of the trinkets.
((So sorry for not being online! I've been pretty busy lately))
-
"It does!" Vex points to a door "Through there and up the stairs." She points to a staircase at the opposite end of the room, beneath the stern. "Those stairs go to my quarters." She smiles. "Make yourselves at home!" and after a moment's hesitation, points at the stairs again and adds "But not up there. And please don't touch the controls."
The room through the door is significantly less crowded with boxes than the cargo hold. On the right is a sort of small kitchen, with a few cupboards and a counter, equipped with fairly standard kitchenware, along with a few odd tools that Nivalia and Hex have never seen before. There are also a couple of crates, one of which is open and half filled with carrots. On the left is a set of stairs that lead up, presumably to the outer deck. Below the stairs is a roughly 4 meter square dip in the ground, only about half a meter deep, absolutely filled with cushions of a wide variety of styles and designs. It looks very comfortable. Directly ahead is a set of controls on a raised platform, with a large ship wheel along with a few long switches protruding from the floor. Surrounding this platform is a floor to ceiling window, set into the bow of the ship, which gives the pilot a panoramic view of what's ahead and below the ship.
The deck above is through a hatch at the top of the stairs. It's fairly simple, and has a comfortable looking sofa in front of the starboard railing. It's in surprisingly good condition, considering it's outside, but the balloon likely protects the deck from at least most rain. The raised stern of the ship has a pair of doors - presumably Vex's quarters - and a pair of short staircases leading up to it on either side. There is another set of controls on the stern, matching the ones below deck.
((Don't even worry about it; I'm just glad you're back!))
-
"Woah! This place is huge! Such elaboration in its design and aesthetics." Nivalia says as she looks around the ship. "I certainly wouldn't mind travelling in this. How many ponies do you need to run this ship?"
-
"Alright, if its alright with you, I'm going to be going above deck. Don't worry, I won't go anywhere else. I just need a bit of fresh air." she says as she waits for a response. Meanwhile, Hex looks around the ship, looking at the trinkets, seeing if she recognises any.
-
Vex addresses Nivalia first "Only one! Once I set a course, it practically flies itself; just need to adjust occasionally to account for wind."
The trinkets Hex is looking at are mostly just simple jewelry and decorations, of a wide variety of styles and quality. Vex raises the ramp they entered on and pulls it into the hull with a click. She turns around to Hex "You go right ahead! I'll be outside shortly to untie us from the dock."
-
"Neat! It's awesome to see some self efficiency when running something of this size." Nivalia says as she examines some navigational equipment. As Hex makes her way topside, the changeling follows. "Oh, I'm coming too! I want to see what it's like outside."
-
Midnight makes her way up onto the open air deck. Upon getting up, she gets a full view of Canterlot, and the wide expanse of Equestria, from Ponyville to the Crystal Mountains. Turning back she calls out "Vex, when will we be heading off?"