Exploration [Dead]

[EN]

"Canterlot you say? I've been there a couple of times when I was a colt. A really good city. Are they liking it up there?" Canterlot, the capital of Equestria. To a pony who has lived in high society before, Canterlot is a glamorous and sophisticated city. The city is home to countless of high degree shops, restaurants, art galleries, and it's needless to say that many famous ponies were born from such a city. Unfortunately this stallion could not see himself living within such a place as he already proved that long ago by moving to Ponyville rather than living close with his family. It wasn't that he didn't love them, even if they see differences he still hold his family dear in his heart, however he couldn't bear to put up an act any longer.

As the midnight pony slowly ate the apple fritters, he remained quiet. He couldn't really remember the last time he's seen his family, or even heard from them. He always tells himself he would write to them, but in the end it seems to always be the last thing of his mind. It was a while, but after pouring some cider into his throat, the unicorn spoke once again, "So what do you usually do during days like this?" He turn his head towards Aeverie and watching her with the brown orbs connected onto his face. Midnight tried to remember what he was going to do when he left his shop but unfortunately he could vaguely remember it know, but least he knows it wasn't important.

[Val]

A wave of rememberance flew over the Pegasus as the stallion said this, and she suddenly slapped herself mentally for not remembering to send her brothers a letter or visit them. And despite it being hard to send mail or go on vacation on such low funding, she couldn't exactly forgive herself for it. So, marking a red x in her mind over the day of which she was going to visit, she replied with another grin gracing her lips. "I don't know, in every exactly got the chance to contact them about it. Though I hear it's a really good city." She restrained herself from adding on that the high-tech city was expensive as well. Of course it was expensive, it was where the princesses - Celestia and Luna - resided. But Aeverie couldn't help but knowing that her brothers were fine. After all, Aeverie's brothers have always been a bit more... Organized than her.

Aeverie slowly took a bite of the apple fritter that was now sitting in front of her, steam billowing up to the sky. The mare could vaguely feel the sun burning down upon her, rather unusual for the usual cloudy November skies. Too bad Aeverie had no way to check and see what the weather pegasi were planning for each day. After a long pause without chat, Aeverie finally swallowed the mushed up food, it sliding down her throat in a small lump. That's when Midnight's voice broke the silence again, and the white pelted pony replied without hesitation. "Wandering around, looking for something to do, ya know, the usual."

[EN]

"I get the feeling that they're doing just fine up there." Midnight had more questions for the mare, like if her brothers had jobs there, why didn't she go with them, things like that, but he held his tongue and took a sip of the apple cider. Seeing as the bag full of fritters, now empty, the unicorn slowly hover the empty bag over to a trashcan before dispelling his levitation magic, watching it disappear into the canister. "Well, that was refreshing. I don't think I really ate anything before I left the store this morning." Speaking of the store, maybe he should open it today, then again he's suppose to be off today. He always needed to remind himself not to overwork, after all he didn't have anypony that's officially working for him. Did he have plans today? Nope. Nada. At first he was thinking of heading over to the park for a relaxing stroll, but as one can see, it changed.

"Just a thought, but have you ever been to Cloudsdale?" He found himself glancing at the pegasus's wings on occasion. What was it like to fly? Is Cloudsdale really made of clouds? How can a unicorn, such as himself, visit the place without falling through? Those were just some of his questions that happens to pop into his mind when ever he would meet a winged pony like Aeverie. He knew not all pegasus originated from, or been to, Cloudsdale, but it wouldn't hurt to ask right? He is a unicorn. He could just learn some spell that could allow him to fly, maybe create a pair of wings, or even a spell that allows him to walk on clouds. Unfortunately magic was not his forte and the only area of magic he specializes in was levitation. It's not even anything special since majority of the unicorn can apply the basic magic.

[Gentle Storm]

Gentle Storm blew her forelock out of her eyes for what had to be the hundredth time that day, and sighed. It was definitely time for a manecut... She stopped for a moment, silently deciding whether or not it was worth the trip into an enclosed, crowded barber shop or not. One pale yellow hoof tapped on the ground with small, dull thuds. Thump. Thump. Thump. Just when she was about to muster the courage to make her way to the barber, her empty stomach released a vicious, deep growl that rumbled throughout her body. Well, that settled it then... She would get something to eat instead, and therefore stay outside in the open instead of in a crowded shop. She'd get her mane cut next week.

She adjusted her saddle, and trotted over the hard ground toward the nearest food cart; an apple cart, from what she could see. As she drew closer, the delicious, warm scents of cinnamon, apples, and fresh bread and pastries wafted under her nose, and her mouth began to water. The scents of butter and cloves soon joined the others, and her stomach growled again. Loudly. "Patience. Almost there." she whispered to the grumbling organ, picking up her pace, and almost breaking into a full gallop.

When she reached the cart, she stood there, probably slack-jawed, staring at the mouth-watering assortment of apple-related goodies. The apple pie looked tasty, but the apple crumble also looked lovely. The freshly baked, and still warm, apple cinnamon bread was tempting, but the apple salsa with gingerbread almost took the cake. Cake! There was a beautiful apple cake with caramel frosting that was just screaming her name. She was about to pay for it, and then promptly swallow it whole when she spotted them... The apple braids. Apple pie filling in a flake pastry braid with caramelized sugar and toasted pecans on top. She stood there for a moment staring at it like an idiot, until the sound of a throat clearing awkwardly roused her. She glanced up at the shop keeper, who looked uncomfortable. And no wonder, with Gentle Storm salivating over all of her food while a line of ponies piled up behind her. Her face flushed red, and she pointed at the apple braids. "I'll take three of those please." The shop keeper looked at her like she was odd. Each apple braid was the length of a loaf of bread, and about half as thick. But the shop keeper brought out the three apple braids, and bagged them for her. Gentle Storm tossed a few bits onto the cart, probably a few too many, and grabbed the bag with the heavenly pastries in it.

Seeing nowhere to sit, she ran to a grassy patch near a couple of occupied benches, and plopped down, quite ungracefully, on the ground, opening her bag. After scarfing one and a half of the braids, she wasn't quite as starving, and could look around at the happenings around her. Her eyes settled on a white mare sitting on the bench closest to her. She didn't look familiar, which was odd. Gentle Storm knew who everypony was. She hadn't met them all personally, but through quiet observation, and through the foals she counciled, she had a fair idea of who everypony in Ponyville was. So that meant that this unfamiliar pony had to be new around here. She of course recognized the stallion next to the new mare. He owned a cafe here, and was well known in the community. She sometimes wished she was brave enough to approach new ponies in town and make actual friends, but she was afraid of messing it up. She didn't always say things right, or laugh at the right times when ponies were talking. She also would sometimes forget to dole out sympathy when needed. This social awkwardness made her have a lot of uncomfortable encounters with ponies, and eventually, she became wary of them altogether. Still, she stared longingly at the two ponies, wishing she could have a friend. Someone to talk to and hang out with... She watched them as she took another bite of apple braid.

((OOC: If I'm intruding, just pm me and tell me to go away, and I'll gracefully bow out of the thread. Also, sorry about the long post. I'm used to rps with a very high word count.))

[Val]

The day rolled lazily along, as if it were a small river current, pulling along anything in its path. The sun beat down, though continued to warm Aeverie's back, as the slight voices of other ponies made up background noise. Though, the mare quickly replied to Midnight with a curt nod, and blinking of her eyes. And with a stretch of her wings and a satisfying crackle heard, she let the tin of crumbs slide onto her left feathered wing, and the now empty cider bottle on the right. Carrying these quickly, she disposed of them and quickly returned to the small benches, sitting down down as she avoided the splinters of the wood that threatened to stab her like glass.

"That was good as well, thank you so much for buying it. Do you think I could repay you?" She asked with a hint of worry leaking from her eyes as she stared at him with her sharp sapphire optics. The mare didn't want to trouble this stallion with herself, and if she could pay him back, she would. Though, of course, that depended on his decision. She also didn't want to do anything he didn't want, so it was quite the neutral feeling. Though she shrugged mentally, and moved on from her ways of repaying ponies.

"Hm? Cloudsdale?" She asked as Midnight spoke about her wings, a question tone laying across his voice. To be honest, Aeverie had never been to Cloudsdale. It was never quite her type, to be living in the sky with no connection to the Earth and it's living creatures. Nor has she ever thought about visiting the neighboring city, so she just let her voice roll off her tongue blandly. "No, not really. My special talent is really connected with earth, not the sky. It would be like a sore thumb if I went up there."

It was about then that a pony had strolled over, blowing her mane from her turquoise orbs that laid upon her face. She seemed hungry, as a hard to hear rumble sounded and she had quickly devoured the sweet pastry she had brought along. Aeverie stole a glance at her, the corals and blue jay feather that hung at her neck rattling in response. Her striking eyes landed upon the pony, as she seemed to be eying them as well. And with another sweep of her eyes, the Pegasus could tell this mare was lonely. Suddenly, a gentle smile graced her lips and she spoke out with a clear voice. "Hello miss, would you like to join us, perhaps?"

[EN]

"Repay? Oh no miss Aeverie, I couldn't possibility ask for any sort of repayment. Especially not after what had happened earlier. I mean, I did almost brought harm to you." The unicorn give the mare a sincere smile, telling her not to fret over such a small matter. This pony was no stranger to kindness. It was how he was raised ever since he could start comprehending words and his surroundings. Midnight remain silent for a few moments as he shut his eyes gently. He felt so relaxed. The sun's rays brought warmth onto his midnight coat making him remain still, not wanting to shift even the slightest. To the stallion, today could be deem one of the perfect days. It was not too cold, nor to hot thanks to the occasional breeze that swept pass. The weather pegasi done a great job today so he thanked them before lifting the lids concealing a pair light brown orbs.

He listened to his company spoke of how she's has not gone to Cloudsdale. Well she didn't exactly say she's never been there, but going by how she replied, that's how the unicorn took her answer. Midnight hovered the bottle of cider towards his lips before taking a sip. He always did enjoy drinks slowly to savor their flavor, like how he drinks his tea. Course, apple cider isn't anything close to tea, but it was still a drink. 'Connected with the earth?' The unicorn became rather intrigued by what Aeverie said, but kept to himself. "It's rude to ask for a lady's special talent." One of mother's many teaching decided to pay him a visit, in his mind that is. He could probably gain a clue of what the mare does, but it is also rude to stare, especially at a mare's flank. He didn't need mother to teach him that, why it should be customary for all stallions to abide by this. Unfortunately there will always be some pony in this society who fails to uphold some decency.

"Hello miss, would you like to join us, perhaps?" Who was Aeverie speaking to? Midnight follow the mare's gaze towards another mare who seems to have her gaze settled on them. The mare, herself, was also partaking some delicious pastries. The question was, why was she staring at them. Was she even looking at them or was she trying to look pass them? Instead of taking a second to look behind, he went along with Aeverie. "Yes, please do join us if you wish. More the merrier I say." He gave the pony a warm smile before shifting more towards the left, with Aeverie sitting in the middle of the bench. The bench had enough room for another pony to sit, four if you don't mind your personal space being invaded.

[Gentle Storm]

Gentle Storm stiffened for a moment when the mare turned to her and spoke, politely inviting Storm over. One, she had been caught staring... how embarrassing. And two, this triggered the stallion's reaction, turning to look at her as well. He had an odd look on his face, as if wondering why she was staring at them. Her face burned with embarrassment. Then his expression shifted into a warm smile, and he too extended an offer for her to join them.

On the one hoof, she was scared of further embarrassing herself, but on the other, this could be just the opportunity she had been looking for. Hadn't she just been wishing and hoping for a friend just a few seconds ago? She took a deep, cleansing breath, got to her hooves, picked up her bag, and trotted over, being careful not to trip or anything else awkward "That would be lovely, thank you." She sat on the spot that had been cleared for her and smiled nervously at the handsome stallion. "Midnight, right? You own the cafe..." She then turned to the white mare, and said in a small voice, "And you're new, aren't you? I don't recognize you..." She realized she was being abrupt, and rude, not having even introduced herself.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude."  She blew her wild chocolate mane out of her eyes again, and looked at them shyly through her eyelashes.  "I'm Gentle Storm." She smiled as sweetly as she could, and gave them a chance to respond.

[Val]

Though Aeverie continued to look at this new mare, the glare front he ever burning sun shone in her eyes, making her blink and cringe from the sudden light of the sun. Eventually she had to wrap her eyelids around her optics, so that she would stop cringing at the sudden sunlight that continued to wash the land. With a small breeze passing through her mane, and making it blow lightly, she glanced at Midnight with a nod of thanks for being able to go without pay. And, turning her head back to the unicorn that had been sitting on the ground, a smile graced her lips as the winds blew skeletal branches above them, causing a few leaves to flitter from their spot.

The crisp leaves blew across the paths and ground, tumbling with no choice to go anywhere else that didn't have the air currents following. It was simply a nice autumn day, with red, oranges, and browns flecking and surrounded every pony. Soon, light dappled the ground as few clouds drifted across the sky, some blocking the sun from shining on the living things below. And with closed eyes, Aeverie slowly made room for the new pony. And soon, flesh sat next to her, and Gentle Storm had went onto introductions.

The pony seemed to know Midnight, Aeverie had observe after she finally got the guts to quite embracing her eyes with their lids, but yes, of course she would not know the white pegasus. Afterall, Aeverie had just arrived a few weeks ago, and she hadn't really got out much since. It wasn't that much of a surprise. But, with one pricked ear, the pony listened to the yellow cream colored unicorn's aliases before introducing herself as well.

"Hello Gentle Storm, my name is Aeverie. You seem to be nervous."

Aeverie added on the last part that corresponded with her blunt and insensitive personality. And despite the kind face she has that carried the smile with it, her blunt nature seemed to shine through her teeth, unable to hide its light. Yes, as far as Aeverie knew, this side of her ruined relationships, but she couldn't help it. She just couldn't keep her mouth shut.

[EN]

Super! The mare accepted their offer and decided to join them on this lovely day. He was now glad he decided to have his off-day today. He could thank the three little ponies who almost crashed into him, because had it not be for that he probably wouldn't have been able to meet Aeverie. If he never met Aeverie, then he wouldn't be sitting here with the chance to meet this new pony with the chocolate color mane. Now that the new pony was settled, she introduced herself to be Gentle Storm. Midnight was about to introduce himself, but it would seem the mare already knew of him. She only knew of his name and that he owns a cafe. Majority of the time all you would need to know is the pony's name to start a decent conversation, but with her knowing of his business, that was a plus in his book, figuratively speaking of course. "Oh my, I'm rather embarrassed for not knowing you miss Storm, or would you prefer Gentle?" His cheeks became flushed with red. "But yes, I'm Midnight Mocha and I do own a cafe. It's a pleasure to meet you." The unicorn finished off before giving the mare a slight bow with his head.

As much as he enjoys to meet other ponies, Midnight can not prioritize that more than his grandparent's shop. With that said, it's a given that the pony spends most of his days in the cafe, working, and only on occasionally would he venture out. The actual days he would leave his cafe behind were either he's out to gather supplies, meet the ones shipping boxes of goods to him, or like today when he's off for the entire day to do whatever. He does try his best to remember every one of his customer's face, so with the given time there was a slideshow racing through his mind. To him, part of being a good owner was whether or not he remembers his customers, even if they once visited once. It is even better if he knew their name and with frequent visits from them, he would even be able to grasp what they usually order. With that said, right now, he as trying to remember if the yellow buttery mare visited his cafe before. The unicorn was a bit thankful that he wasn't alone with the mare, otherwise this might had turn into silence, especially since she knew him.

Midnight continued to smile throughout the small conversation between Aeverie and Gentle Storm, hearing the chocolate mane mare ask if she was new. The white coated mare, Aeverie, introduced herself and then said Gentle Storm seems nervous. Was she nervous? Well, maybe she was a little nervous, but if he thought about it, this was all a little sudden. If this were any other ponies, then maybe it would had turn into an awkward situation, but it didn't and he was glad. Miss Storm did get invited by them to join them, invited by two complete strangers at that, ponies who never really spoke to one another. Gentle Storm seems to know him, but they never actually spoke before, so Midnight could understand why the mare would be nervous. Hopefully given some time, that nervousness would go away and the three of them can go off have conversation on who knows what.

[Gentle Storm]

Midnight seemed taken aback that Storm knew his name, and where he worked. Was that creepy of her to say, she wondered? Probably.  He asked whether she preferred to be called Gentle or Storm. "You can call me either." She said with a smile. When he expressed his embarrassment at not knowing her as well, she shook her head gently.  Oh you wouldn't know me. I don't get out much, if I can help it.  One of the fillies I council has a crush on you. She described you and your cafe." As soon as the words were out, she regretted it. Patient confidentiality! Her mind screamed at her. Ah, she argued back, but I didn't reveal her name, did I? And with that, the internal conflict was over. Now that she had seen him in person, though, she could see why the filly was so infatuated. He was pretty good looking. And he seemed nice. But I digress... her mind urged.

Gentle Storm listened to Aeverie's introduction, then winced almost imperceptibly at the white mare's sharp observation. Yes, she was nervous. She was on the verge of beginning to shake. Her social anxiety was almost overwhelming, but she didn't want to let them know that, so she simply replied "I don't talk to other ponies often..." A gentle breeze blew, and she glanced down shyly and then looked up again. "It's nice to meet you, Aeverie. I hope you're liking Ponyville so far." Then there was an awkward silence for a few moments.

"So..." She drew out. "What were you discussing before you so kindly invited me over?" She took a big bite of her apple braid. She had little experience with real conversation so she couldn't tell whether or not she was being weird. She hoped not.

[Val]

A small symphony of wind kicked forth, more forceful and carefree than the other, but still comforting and nice against Aeverie's face. Though despite the cool accepting, the pegasus's eyes stung and her mane constantly tangled into her face, of which she responded hey brushing back her mane and squeezing her eyes shut. Though through the wind - of which disturbed piles of leaves raked up freshly - Aeverie could still make out the conversation taking place. And she couldn't hold back a slight giggle that rose from her throat in Gentle Storm's confession of one of the fillies.

And despite knowing what would meet her once she opened her eyes, she rose her eyelids, and was pleasantly surprised to find that the wind had returned to its gentle lullaby, as if it were bipolar. And so, turning her head to see the answer of the sunset yellow unicorn, she couldn't help but feel guilty for saying what she did. The pony was visibly shaken, on the verge of trembles beginning to rake at her body. And so she let out a soft apology, and let the silence take the wheel.

But, once the newcomer spoke again, Aeverie had a visible smile on her lips for the breaking of no voices, for it had honestly been bugging her. She wasn't the very patient pony, and she was mentally squirming for someone to talk, for it was scientifically proven that silence can make you crazy. And so thankful for the voice, Aeverie immediately piped up. "We were talking about Cloudsdale and family really."

[EN]

Council? "Oh! You're a counselor? How is that like, being a counselor and all?" He spoke with interest in his voice. When Gentle spoke about a filly having crush on him, the word confused him. 'Crush... What was that again?' The stallion recalls his grandfather teaching him about a peculiar subject. His memory was hazy on the matter so he couldn't remember what the subject was really about. 'I think, it had something to do with liking a pony...?' Yeah, his mind was usually elsewhere when ever grandpa spoke of romance. Midnight was always a seemly busy pony, especially during the times when he was learning how to run his family's shop and about business. With that said, it was given that he's never had any experience in that sort of matter, nor would he even know how to react if confronted. 'Crush... Like..' He wonder if the two words had the same meaning. "I'm glad! For her to talk about me and my cafe, she must have liked the beverages and desserts that I make." He was happy somepony was liking his creations for her to tell Gentle about it. Yep, this unicorn completely got the wrong idea.

Midnight remained quite while the two have their exchange of names and just chuckled slightly after hearing the chocolate-maned mare speak, "I don't talk to other ponies often." A counselor not speaking to ponies often? Doesn't that kind of contradict with her job? Besides, she was speaking to them just fine right now. "Why, you're talking just fine I'll have you know. I can't honestly see how you don't speak to other ponies when you're a counselor." He was confused by that, but it did cross his mind that it only happens outside of her job. Sure she may be professional during her counsel sessions with other ponies, but she could be different outside her office.

What were Aeverie and Midnight talking about before they invited Gentle Storm to join them? "We were talking about Cloudsdale and family really." Right, they were talking about the cloud city and their family. "Yep, that pretty much sums it up. I was asking Miss Aeverie here if she's been to Cloudsdale before. I would love to visit the city made of clouds, but unfortunately I do not process any means of being able to. I may be a unicorn, but I don't believe I'm well in depth with magic to learn a spell to walk on clouds." He laughed in the end, wondering just how long would it even take him to learn such a spell. To other magic using ponies, a spell that allows them to walk on clouds, without having to be a pegasus pony, is no hard task. Midnight is, how to put this, like one of the many unicorns who only need mastery over one spell, levitation.

[Gentle Storm]

Midnight asked about her counseling job. "Oh I adore it!" she gushed, smiling wistfully at the thought of her colts. "I get to see so many young ponies, and help them when they need it. It's my happy place." She thought of her mother, and her gift with young pegasi. She ran a daycare. She always told Storm how proud she was of her when she wrote. Storm missed her mother more than anypony else when they were apart.

Midnight seemed a bit confused at the concept of a crush. He seemed to think the filly had just liked his cafe. Gentle Storm stifled a giggle. Was he really so innocent and naive? From the look on his face, apparently so. He also seemed confused about her comment on not talking to other ponies often. "I love talking to the colts I council. Ponies my own age and older sometimes think I'm strange and awkward, so I eventually learned to keep my mouth shut in public, and ponies just stopped talking to me or even noticing me. I guess when you don't speak up, you aren't very memorable..." She shrugged, and looked away for a moment. She hadn't really meant to spill her guts like that, but it all had kind of tumbled out when she opened her mouth. Prime example of her needing to shut up.

Then Aeverie thankfully stepped in and said that they had been discussing family and Cloudsdale. Gentle Storm glanced at the White mare's wings, and felt a painful stab of jealousy. She would give anything to have been born a pegasus so she could have stayed with her family. How would her life have been different? Midnight agreed with the topic, and added his desire to find a spell to walk on clouds. "My whole family lives in Cloudsdale, except my grandmother and I. I had to come here after I was born to live with her, because I couldn't walk up there. I tried a spell to walk on the clouds once a long time ago, but I couldn't make it work. I'm not exactly what you'd call magically gifted..." Granted, she had only tried once, and hadn't practiced the spell first, but she had tried other spells that hadn't worked either. She only had basic levitation, as far as she could tell.