The Skills of the Road (Eevee) [Dead]

[ForgottenExistance]

The Everfree was no place for ponies. It was an eerie place, filled with wild creatures, and equally wild landscapes. It was as if some mad painter had painted their worst nightmare into the canvas of the real world, and left it there to grow of its own accord. It was a place of darkness, of death and mystery. To say that anypony willing to travel within the Everfree was brave was a massive understatement. But, nonetheless, there were a select few who would travel through, and even fewer who would live inside the dark confines of the woods. When it came to studying the ways of the world, however, one would not find any better method of studying then to live within sight of the forest's edge. It provided a primarily safe and secure method of observing the occurrences within the forest.

One such residence was a cottage, a few miles away from Ponyville's main school. Within sight of the Everfree's edge, the building was in the perfect position to spot an unfamiliar figure walk out of the darkened forest. As strange as the occurrence was to begin with, what made it significant was the fact that the Unicorn who stepped into the light of day donned a full suit of plate mail armor, from head to tail, and had a very creative array of weaponry strapped to all different parts of her body. Her saddle bags were the same unattractive shade of grey as her armor, and a single rolled up bedroll was strapped over her flanks, and on top of both saddle bags. The resulting image seemed like a steel porcupine.

Of course, the mare was quite far from being a porcupine. Her white pelt was barely visible underneath the coating of armor that she wore, and didn't stand out significantly in comparison to the flat grey of her armor. The armor itself bore no markings or crests, and was not of any armor configuration that was in current use by Equestrian forces. It was flawless though, as if every cut or dent had been smoothed out after every battle, and had eventually worn out the silvery shine that the armor was supposed to hold. Instead of being designed with decoration in mind, it was instead built to cover every inch of her pelt, including her head and her horn. The effect of which made the armor quite a significant difference in comparison to the decorative armor that Royal Guards wore.

The Unicorn stopped only momentarily to look from side to side, squinting behind the eye holes of her helmet to discern if there were any other ponies about. While she was satisfied that there was nopony to either side of her that might question her, she also didn't believe that anypony in their homes would bother to come out just to investigate her. With that in mind, she started her calm walk onwards, aiming to head straight past the Ponyville outskirts, and onward to the Whitetail woods. She had been in enough towns where her name had been harshly soiled by titles such as "Undead Mercenary" or the "Broken Arrow". Scarlet was in no mood to be pointed at and shunned for her past, and felt like it would simply be best if she avoided civilization for the time being. Perhaps other ponies weren't that far off when they called her undead, sometimes with the amount that she talked to other ponies, she might as well be undead. Which was to say, she barely talked to anypony on her journey.

[Eevee]

Loralinda had just settled down on the small window frame couch she had doubled as a bed. Sure it was only mid evening and the sun was still shining proudly in the sky, but this day; spent cluttering around in her own personal library had proven itself to be tiring. With a mighty sigh she landed on the dusty couch cushion and levitated a cup of home brewed tea to her lips. She had only taken a sip before doing a spit take at the sight before her. Outside her window was what looked to be a pony dressed all the way up to the horn in battle ready armor and weaponry. Sure she was still considered 'wet behind the ears' on normal behavior and traditions here in Ponyville, but this surely couldn't be normal!

The pony outside looked from side to side before trudging forward, it didn't take long for Lora to be thoroughly intrigued in this strange mannerism. She, or at least what she assumed to be a she, With the interesting attire it was rather hard for Lora to tell, not to mention the distance factor, looked to be mid aged; a good few years older then herself.

Now not wanting to wait a second longer to confront this odd mare, Lora flung the covers of the make shift bed to the side and only barely managed to balance her cup of tea on the stool beside her before dashing out the door towards her front lawn to call out. Though as soon as she opened her mouth Lora was at a loss for words. If this really was normal behavior here in Ponyville then it would look even weirder to just blurt out from the side of the road. So for now she just stood there, a few feet off from this mare in question, with her jaw gaped open in confusion.

[ForgottenExistance]

By the time that the Unicorn in her house had managed to get outside, the armored one had made quite the amount of distance from the Everfree. She had a fast pace to her walk, like she knew exactly where she needed to be and just wanted to get there. Though that was the case, she also wanted to avoid as much conversation as she could, and had been eager to get as far as she could without anypony seeing her. However, her luck ran out in that situation, and another Unicorn had rushed out of her house. Even more unfortunate, the house was very close to the path that she planned on taking. She was far too close to the house to even bother adjusting her course appropriately, so just decided to continue onwards.

What caught her attention however was the fact that the other Unicorn seemed to be more confused then anything. She hesitated before stopping only a few feet from the other mare, her armor segments clinking together noisily as her momentum halted. In silence, she observed the other mare with her piercing crimson orbs from under the safety of her visor. Scarlet really didn't know what to make of the other Unicorn. She didn't seem to be there to accuse her of murder, or to chase her out of the town. So what was the purpose in simply gaping at her?

Deciding to indulge her own curiosity, she spoke loud enough through her plate helmet so that the other mare could hear her, "Is there something that I can help you with, ma'am?" she asked. While her accent wasn't as thick or pronounced as a Manhattanite's accent, it was still present enough to suggest that she wasn't from Ponyville, or even Canterlot for that matter. And despite the intimidating appearance of her armor and weaponry, the mare's voice was still surprisingly soft and clear, which was quite contradictory to what most ponies assumed she would sound like. Thoughts of heavy and gravelly voices like Colt Eastwood come to mind.

[Eevee]

"U-Uh.." Lora froze her mind mid-process. It was plain to see now that this pony was a mare, as surely no colt could have such a voice. Though the very aspect of a swords woman all the way here at the outskirts of the Everfree forest seemed odd. It almost reminded Lora of some fairytale, a great pony wrapped in thick, metal armour trotting out of the forest one cold, destined evening. The thought alone could make any teenage mare shutter in fear...thankfully Lora was a student of the arts and was used to paranormal things happening all the time...well, not really used to it, but acquainted..

"N-Nothing really..just curious about your attire..Do you live here?" As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt like an idiot. This mare couldn't of lived here, could she? If she by any chance did then how come Lora had never seemed to notice here; One would think a pony like this mare could easily be spotted from a crowd. Lora took a nervous step back and closed her mouth, if it had been hanging open for a moment more then she would have caught a fly. 

[ForgottenExistance]

Scarlet frowned slightly behind the protective barrier of her helmet. It was strange to be asked questions as civilian as that, even if they were not well thought-through. Obviously she didn't live anywhere near Ponyville, but she supposed that the mare in front of her was in a state of surprise that made it difficult to think of anything intelligent to ask. She couldn't really hold that against the mare, the reaction was mostly universal when approached by an armor-clad Unicorn, of all things. Still, Scarlet was surprised that she would even bother to ask her anything, since most would have just turned tail and ran at that point. That was reason enough for her to stick around for the time being.

Not a single part of the mare moved as she stood there, like a steel monument to the sins of war. The sun failed to reflect off of the dull color of her armor, and the wind failed to pull any part of her attire into a state of motion. Even her crimson orbs stayed torn open for the longest time, intent on staring at the poor mare in front of her in consideration of both her options, and trying to sum up the Unicorn. While she couldn't figure out much about the mare from staring at her, she knew enough that she had nothing to fear from her. She was no military figure, and she seemed too young to be another mercenary, or even to be proficient in magic that could actually harm her.

After a few moments of the uncomfortable silence, moments that felt like hours of studying to Scarlet, she finally shook her head, causing the armor segments to scrape together in a quiet metallic rasp. She spoke when her head came to a stand-still, "No ma'am, I do not. I travel, and rest wherever I so please," she said, again speaking loud enough so that it wasn't muffled incoherently by the thick plate metal of her helmet. She had gotten used to speaking with such volume over the years of wearing the blasted armor, so that tone was a primary nature for her whenever she had to speak.

[Eevee]

"Oh" Lora looked a little dead panned from the new information given, "Your just a traveler then..? Must have been through an awful lot just to get here" She glanced over at the ever-murky Everfree Forest. In the low light of evening it looked more 'demonic' then normal, Celestia knows what lurked in its depths. "Care...Care for a rest then? Must be a little strained after all of that.." She pointed a hoof to the forest. It wasn't really that she was concerned for the pony after her trek, however rude that sounded. But a mare of this standard must have been through a whole lot more then just some old cursed forest. She was much more interested in reasons she was just wandering around. "You would be more then welcome to stay for awhile, if you'd like. My hou--shack could house another for awhile at the time being"

[ForgottenExistance]

Scarlet stared unblinking for a few more moments before her gaze turned ever so slowly to the cabin behind the smaller mare. It might not have been the most fabulous house she had ever seen, and most certainly not the best that she would have stayed in. But it was arguably better then having to sleep outside for another night. The mercenary didn't often turn down the offer of having a roof above her head for a night, but figured that it would be best that she went on her way in the morning if she did agree to stay.

Turning her attention back to the mare, she thought for a moment to herself before she nodded once, "I would be most grateful for your hospitality, if you would have me for the night," she spoke with respect, and made it clear that she didn't intend on taking advantage of the hospitality. She was genuinely grateful to have a soft place to sleep for the night. But, Scarlet also didn't think that it was necessary to let the other mare know that a walk through the Everfree was anything but straining. She'd go so far as to call a walk through the Everfree a calming experience, especially when she didn't need to draw her blades on anything.

[Eevee]

"T-Then please do, id absolutely love to have you stay" She flushed and nodded in haste, it would be an honor really; to host a pony of such obvious high standards..or maybe she was just a rouge? Either way, it was an opertunity. And in her eyes a great one. This pony must have picked up a lot of lore from her travels, it would be wonderful to learn a thing or two about the open road.

She blushed a little having realised that by now she must have zoned out for a good moment or two. "O-Oh uh" Lora hurried over to the front steps of the cabin and held the flimsy door open with a hoof, as if to gesture the guest inside. There was only the one bed but since she constantly slept out on the windowsill couch anyway it wouldn't be much of a problem. "I-If there is anything I could get you, after your journey please just ask"

[ForgottenExistance]

Scarlet stared at the mare in silence, studying her in curiosity as she seemed to zone out. It was strange, considering that most ponies would be completely alert and aware around a shifty figure such as herself. Yet this one seemed to zone out and enter her own little world of thought. Strange. But no matter, she waited patiently for the other Unicorn to regain her senses and snap back to reality. While she had gotten used to the feel of the armor and her luggage over the years, and sleeping outside with all that was no problem for her, she looked forward to being able to sleep somewhere soft. It would be the first time in three months and eight days that she would step foot inside a building, and the first time in even longer that she slept on something softer then grass.

The mercenary nodded once to her when she snapped back to reality, then quickly followed her up to the cabin, appraising it in silence. While the cabin might not have been as size as some of the mansions she'd had the privilege of sleeping in before, it was still homely, and she was certainly grateful that the mare was allowing her to stay. With a quick bow of her head to the mare in thanks for holding the door open, she quickly crossed the threshold and took a few steps inside, looking around with curiosity. After a moment of studying the place and memorizing its details, she enveloped her helmet in a low glow of crimson telekinetic magic. Removing the heavy plate helm, which in turn freed her long braid of crimson red mane, she kept the helm hovering close to her chest, and turned around to face the other mare. She considered for a moment before hesitantly asking, "If it is alright with you, may I have some tea?" she asked pleasantly, speaking a few tones quieter without the muffling effect of the helmet to work around.

[Eevee]

"Oh, yes yes, h-how would you like it?" Lora was a little dazzled, she didn't really expect such a mare to be so quiet after giving off such a ferocious appearance in the battle worn armor. But not wanting to lose herself and zone out again she trotted on inside after her and got working on her tea request. There wasn't much to work with in her kitchen, but within a few minutes Lora had some water up and boiling in a surprising well kept iron pot.

Waiting for the mares reply she rushed back into the main room; leaving the water to a mild simmer, and prepped up the bed in the corner. It was stacked high with quilts and small pillows and Lora smiled, quickly gesturing her to take a seat. "Make yourself at home, please, the tea will be out in a moment, a-anything else I could get you?"

[ForgottenExistance]

Scarlet looked around for a few more moments before she responded, "However you make it will be fine," she said pleasantly, turning towards the kitchen to watch the other Unicorn's progress curiously. It wasn't really a huge kitchen, but it seemed well kept enough that it could function effectively. Turning as the Unicorn went to the bed, she followed her movements, then walked over to the bed at the gesture. She hesitated before she levitated her helmet to the ground next to the bed, then sat down on the bed facing out towards the kitchen.

Letting out a quiet sigh of contentment, she settled down and then shook her head, "No, there's nothing else. Just tea will suffice, thank you," she said, giving a small smile to the other Unicorn. Realizing she had never asked her name, she quickly spoke, "My name is Scarlet, by the way. A pleasure to meet you," she spoke, offering over her hoof to shake. It didn't really occur to her that shaking an armored hoof may not have been the most desirable of situations.

[Eevee]

"Nice to meet you, Scarlet" Lora grinned and shook her hoof without hesitation, "My names Loralinda, feel free to call me Lora if you'd like to" She glanced back to the kitchen and noticed the water was now at full blown boil. "Oh uh, just a moment" She trotted back out the the other room and took out the tea bags, leaving a sweet smelling liquid in its place. It was kinda pinkish in color, an odd shade for tea, but if it tastes good then it wasn't an issue. Lora pulled out two small mugs and poured out the liquid in spades for the both of them before trotting hastily back out to entertain her guest.

"Here you are.." Lora slowly floated one of the cups over for Scarlet to take, as to not spill the tea. "Sorry if its a bit sharp" Waiting for her to take it, she levitated over a plump pillow to sit on. "A-Anyway" Lora moved on to another topic, awkwardly eying the helmet sitting beside the bed in wonder; the idea of traveling around the world like Scarlet did for a living was; though not wanting to make the conversation any more awkward then it may already be. Considering the both of them were practically strangers, she steered clear of bringing it up. "Are you comfortable enough, I-I could go grab some extra blankets"

[ForgottenExistance]

Scarlet nodded, and gave her a small smile when she left to the kitchen. Curiously, she spoke her name quietly to herself, "Loralinda... Hmm..." she spoke under her breath, testing out the name. She had to admit that she liked the name, it was quite unique in its own way. Giving a little hum of thought, she rested back on the bed, looking around with her crimson orbs, observing the little details as she waited for the tea to be ready. She looked forward to being able to sleep somewhere comfortable for the night, especially since the weather ponies in the area seemed to be readying some well-needed rain for the night.

Looking up at her, she smiled and quickly accepted the tea, enveloping it in her own magic and levitating it over to her with ease. Giving a little bow of her head, she spoke, "Thank you very much, it smells lovely," she said contently, sniffing at the sweet smelling tea. She angled herself on the bed so she could sit facing her host, expecting a barrage of questions. Instead, she was only asked one question, and it was completely irrelevant to what she was expecting. Blinking a few times in surprise, she hesitantly nodded, "Uh... Yes, I'm quite comfortable, thank you," she said gratefully before taking an experimental sip of her tea, enough that it wouldn't burn her mouth. Happy with the flavor of it, she lowered the tea slightly and allowed it to cool as she spoke, "Though, I imagine you have questions for me?"

[Eevee]

Loralinda watched as Scarlet took her first sip, some nagging thought at the back of her mind expected her to spit it out in disgust; as Lora surely wasn't the best at making tea. "Glad you're comfortable" As she bent down to take a sip of her own drink, Lora just couldn't stop watching over her guest. It must have been border line creepy; getting invited to sleep in a strangers house, then not being able to get a moments rest without the host watching you over. With that thought in mind, Lora ripped her eyes away and stared awkwardly into her cup of tea.

As Scarlet spoke up again, Lora almost did a spit take. "I uh..well, Its just not every day one gets to meet somepony like you, guess I just want to learn everything about you ventures, you must know so much.."

[ForgottenExistance]

Scarlet thought for a moment in silence, staring at her host in consideration of her words. She had no real way to explain to her what it was that she did or why she did it, at least not in few words. Instead of just monologuing, she would let her host guide the flow of the conversation. Setting her tea off to the side, she stood up off of the bed and allowed her magic to envelop her wide array of strapped-on weapons around her body. Without a word, she removed each and every one of them, laying them on the bed behind her before sitting back and returning her gaze to her host.

There was no fewer then thirty weapons of assorted styles, lengths, aesthetics, but each and every one of them were tended to and kept in pristine condition. Returning her tea to her hooves, she spoke, "Every one of these weapons are from a new place that I've visited, a memento of training with different groups of fighters. Like a pony, each one has a story, a name, even so far as a personality. I will tell you anything and everything about them, and my adventures. But it is up to you to ask the right questions," she spoke softly, looking up from the tea to see her host's reaction.