When in the Dark (Private)

[CableZ]

Dread Lock was trampling through the muddy wet streets of the small town, around his neck he wore a knitted woolen scarf that he had decided to buy from a local stall due to the blistering cold. Having finally found his way, he was sure that he was heading toward the carriage depot thanks to the street signs with the little carriages on them pointing the way. The carriage depot was a walled off affair, a large stone wall with one solid large metal gate protected the depot from unwanted guests. The depot itself was like the streets, no paving whatsoever. There was a roof structure supported by several pillars that protected the carriages not in use from the rain and other such things that may fall from the sky.

However the lanterns within the depot didn't seem to be lit, and there was a a very large chain with a padlock wrapped around the gate. Looking through the gate, Dread sighed as his attention was brought to a notice that was tied to the gate. The yellow piece of paper had the word 'NOTICE' on it and proceeded to say that due to recent weather conditions that the carriages would not be running until the 5th...tomorrow.

With a severely frustrated sigh, Dread knew that he would now have to find somewhere to stay the night. So far this trip had been nothing but a pain, as annoying as travel could be. However he couldn't turn back now for two key reasons, the first being the fact that he couldn't stomach another 2 day train ride, the other being there weren't going to be any trains back to Ponyville for the next few days...he wondered if he had remembered to tell the others that.

Looking around for a moment, Dread saw a little bed symbol on one of the street signs he had been following earlier. It seemed that he had inadvertently found his way without even trying, what luck. Making his way down the street once more, Dread noticed how dark it was getting he supposed that it was a good thing that the carriages weren't running as he'd have to stay the night in a tavern or something anyway. Approaching the homely looking building, Dread took in the sight of it before entering through the heavy set wooden door.

Immediately he was hit with a wholesome warmth of a the large wood burning fire and the body warmth of the current patrons, the smell of warm bread and various drinks was intoxicating. The rustic feel of the place was carried by the large wooden planked floor and cobblestone flooring, along with the old tables. It was a lively place, it seemed to be a popular place in the town as it was quite the bustle. Getting a respectful nod from the barkeep, Dread looked around to see if he could see a free table to sit at as he didn't want to intrude on the locals conversations. Spotting a booth in the corner that didn't seem to have anypony sat at it, What luck..again. Quickly heading over to the bar counter, Dread Lock booked a room, turned out the only room available had 4 other beds so he would be sharing, although he wondered who with, if anyone.

Due to the the fact that the trains weren't running and nor were the carriages...and that the temperature was dropping quite rapidly with the setting sun, there weren't many other places to go.

(if you have trouble picturing the interior of the inn, lookie here)

[Dream Gaze]

Dream Gaze had been walking the streets for some time looking for some form of inn and so far he hadn't had any luck. The places he had found were fully booked and had no vacancies... at this rate he may have to settle for sleeping in an igloo if he didn't find a place soon and as much as he liked the cold, he'd much rather sleep in a bed tonight. On the plus side, the walk around town was a good way to stretch his legs after the long train ride. The Alchemist eventually found some signs that lead him to one last Inn. Very rustic in appearance but the smell of fresh bread was enough to convince him to enter the warm building.

After passing through the wooden doors, Dream removed his hat and left it to hang by his side as he approached the bar. Giving a nod to the barkeep before inquiring about a free room... Turns out that there was one room with plenty of beds but he would be sharing with another four. 'Wait... one room left in town and five beds?... either there was someplace I missed or everyone I met on the train is gonna end up here at some point... just perfect.' Dream Gaze booked for one of the beds and ordered some fresh bread rolls in a small basket before looking around to see if he could find a table. He had no such luck... but he did see a familiar face sitting in one of the booths. 'Dreadlocks is here already it seems... despite his attitude, I'd rather sit next to him then the locals here.' The Alchemist took his order and walked across the room before sitting opposite of the dark stallion in the booth "Hey there... I'd offer a proper greeting but I never got your name before?" he said as he placed his food in the middle of the table, offering some to him with a friendly gesture. "I thought you were getting a carriage to the next town. Why are you still here?"

[Nimbus]

After having a wander around the town, and deciding that it was getting rather dark, and cold, he decided to call it a night as it were, and head indoors. On his way back through the small town he looked at some stalls, buying a few supplies, namely some food, drinks and a new shawl as his was a little worn. He asked the locals in the market where there was that one could stay and rest a few nights, perhaps just the one, as he was considering heading out into the area around the town in the day tomorrow. He was directed to an inn of sorts, or at least that is what it appeared to be, given the bed sign above the door.

After walking into the older looking building, he put his newly worn shawl away and headed for the bar to ask about where there was to stay, being told there was just the one room with five beds, some of which were already taken, he accepted another of them, being satisfied that he had somewhere to spend the night, rather than out in the cold. He casually pulled up a seat and ordered a drink of some description, he turned to notice that in the booths were two of the characters he had met on the journey here, he simply nodded at them for now, wondering if, just maybe they had taken those beds in some kind of odd co-incidence.

Thinking to himself he thought how strange it was that they had all come here, all ended up in this bar, and possibly had taken the same room. Ignoring it as just a strange turn of events he got his bag out and just made sure he had everything he needed. Some food, drink, his books and shawl. His drink arrived in a small glass, which he left on the bar for now, not taking a drink immediately. He paid for his drink there and then and just sat looking around, he enjoyed the older look of the building and it felt homely, rather comfortable with his surroundings he kept to himself for now. He had no doubt he would be talking to those from the train again rather soon

[darktobias13]

"Hrm? Oh Augen, its you."

Looking down to the notebook containing the map, he sighed.

"The map still has yet to be finished. I took what i could from their records, but they still have a blank spot where this town that the dark one on the train was talking about. I refuse to let a chance to finish this pass, so i seek a carriage station to get to the next town. But i am also vastly under prepared for an extended travel session, so i seek someone. And if i am correct..." Gearshift's ears perked up as he picked up a faint ringing of metal. "AHA! Come on Augen, this is going to help big time."

Gearshift ran off, only checking to see if Augen had followed him after reaching the source of the noise. IT was just as he thought, a blacksmith. The pony was tough and covered in marks from burns, and gave Gearshift a look of suspicion and annoyance when he barged into his shop. Gearshift looked gazes with him, and pulled out a small coin that he flipped to the blacksmith. The coin was pressed iron, and had a crossed hammer and screwdriver on one side, and an anvil on the other side. The blacksmith passed it back, with a massive smile on his face.

"Ах, другой слесарь. Я не ожидал когда-либо видеть другой в этом оставленном городе."(Ah, another metalworker! Didn't expect to see another in this forsaken town.) The blacksmith stated. Gearshift's eyes widened, and he started speaking back in the same language, the one he was born with.

"Хорошо, я не ожидал, что Вы говорите на этом языке. Кодекс crafter's все еще обращается? Я оказываюсь в страшной потребности поставок, и я испытываю недостаток в деньгах." (Well, i didn't expect you to speak this language. Does the code of crafter's still apply? I find myself in dire need of supplies, and i lack money.)

The blacksmith nodded, and started helping Gearshift gather some tools and supplies, while Gearshift himself wrote out a list and an IOU to send to the blacksmith once he got his money back. After that, Gearshift asked about whereabouts in town, and the smith told him about the carriage stand, and that they should probably take a night before riding to the next town. Gearshift tried to get any info about the next town, but he was as tight lipped about it as the receptionist. Gearshift thanked him, and turned to go with Augen, before a thought popped to mind. "Hey Augen, while we are here, you have any questions or needs before we head to the inn? I can translate if need be."

[Augen Horns]

Having followed Gearshift to his destination: the blacksmith, Augen had freed his hooves by affixing the mask to his face, entering the smith's shop with a look akin to a skull-faced phantom. The presence of an unfamiliar tongue served a reminder to Augen, and the goat stood in a confused silence as he watched the mannerisms between the two... Like some code or society, he thought with heavy uncertainty. The goat felt a bit out of place as a tagalong, his eyes tracing the metallurgic apparatuses making him feel like he had been taken aback in time. Augen wondered how the art of smithery would change in years to come, in the face of magical influence. The goat began jotting down notes and details in his notepad, a page of his own musing and not in the interest of his comrades.

The blacksmith had begun transferring tools and supplies over to Gearshift, and Augen was patiently awaiting, hoping to see some sort of unusual device or spell cast amidst the otherwise hardened atmosphere. However, this seemed to turn out just a simple transaction, and shortly afterwards Gearshift had directed a question at Augen, the sudden use of a common tongue snapping the goat out of his trance. "Oh, uh... Needs? Nono, not that I can muster, I am quite well supplied, though my gratitude for the question," the goat said giving a slight bow.

"However," Augen continued, once again standing tall. "I have a bit of inquiry once we find lodging, if you don't object. It applies quite specifically to the skills you displayed during the train passage. Shall we be off," he asked Gearshift before giving a salute to the blacksmith and starting towards the door. "If you've further business I'd not want to cut it off, but if not expedience to shelter might be optimal. This weather brings a weary, after all," the goat explained with a shiver, making his step outward but keeping an eye on the two ponies inside.

[CableZ]

Dread Lock was slight unsure on how to feel about seeing some familiar faces enter the inn, on the one hand he totally saw this coming and was predicting that this would happen, on the other he was wondering why it was so predictable. Chuckling to himself he just went back to his notes that he now had sprawled out on the table in front of him, mainly as it was all he had to do. It wasn't until Dream Gaze sat across from that he put down his pen and looked at the pony for a moment with a curious look before deciding to simply respond to him.

"It would seem that the carriages are...other wise indisposed for the evening. I'm going to have to catch one tomorrow...is catch the right word?"

Dread shook his head because in all honesty he didn't care if it was the right word, he was a little tired of all the traveling and not in the best moods because of it.

"I'm Dread Lock by the way, please no comments I've been informed about how obvious it is." He waved off whatever comment Dream may have thought up with a sigh.

Dread was through the looking glass at this point so he saw no reason to stop talking to Dream, he had started the conversation after all.

"What about you...didn't you have any more plans for your trip, I'm sorry I don't...I uh don't recall them."

[Dream Gaze]

"It would seem that the carriages are...other wise indisposed for the evening. I'm going to have to catch one tomorrow...is catch the right word?"

"Catch works in this context, yes." Dream confirmed before taking a bite of a bread roll. This was probably the most he heard the stallion speak so perhaps he was one of those 'speak when spoken to' types... or just when he feels like it... hard to tell at the moment.

"I'm Dread Lock by the way, please no comments I've been informed about how obvious it is."

Dream Gaze paused in that instant and just stared at the stallion in front of him with a raised eyebrow. But as requested, he didn't make any further comments about it... Didn't stop him from thinking about it though. 'Here I was labelling him by his hair cut and it turns out to be his name... just... wow...'

"What about you...didn't you have any more plans for your trip, I'm sorry I don't...I uh don't recall them."

The Alchemist shook his head "I didn't expect you to. I was rather brief about it... My plan was to start travelling again. But the trains won't be running to Ponyville for the next day or two. So I'm stuck here until I can get transport."

[Nimbus]

Rook saw that two of the individuals he had met had gathered at a table from the train and thought it best to perhaps make his way over, but first he finished his drink and packed his things to move tables.

He left his stool and walked across the inn, noting once again that the place was indeed old and he admired the older feel of the place. He reached the edge of the table and spoke to those that were sat there

"Well hello there, I suppose we've been brought together again at the tavern, that or we all had the same Idea that it was not a good idea by any standard to be outside and that we needed to get out of the cold"

he laughed slightly as he sat down, looking at those sat with him, purely to confirm he was not making any of them feel uncomfortable in any way.

"It really is lucky this place had a spare bed, otherwise I have no Idea where I would be staying the night tonight, it seems too late on for me to go out looking around to be honest, did any of you manage to reserve a bed here? Just out of interest"

He felt making general conversation would at least help the awkward silence inevitable caused by him meandering over to a table and placing himself at it. The last thing he wanted to do was appear to be rude and just sit there expectantly.

[darktobias13]

Gearshift nodded to Augen, before bowing to the blacksmith and walking to the door. A sound from the blacksmith got his attention before he left however, and he turned to see the smith glancing around before handing Gearshift a small piece of paper. He opened it, to see one of the many symbols that the secret organization used with each other. It was simply one sign, but it told Gearshift far more than he needed to know. He solemnly nodded before walking back outside to Augen. He thought hard at what the message had been, and his face showed his determination to figure out exactly was going on. These ponies obviously knew something of the area of the map that he was heading to, and the symbol just reinforced his thoughts that something might be wrong. The symbol was a sword bent in half, which meant; Stay Alert, Danger Around.

Gearshift caught up to Augen, and waved to get his attention. When the goat turned to him, he jumped back a bit.

"Celestia, mate, you trying to spook the gray out of pelt? That is not the friendliest mask, but i know of at least one pony that would love to see it. But anyhow, he told me of a decent inn that he knew would have at least a few beds open. And it would also serve to get a bit of grub. the smith was kind enough to get a letter sent for me, so some of the things i need should arrive by morning. Would it be a bit much to ask for a few bits so i could eat dinner tonight? My funds should be back active tomorrow."

They reached the inn, and walked to the front desk. Gearshift turned to Augen, as he remembered something the goat had said.

"Oh, and by the way. What was it you wanted to ask me about my talents?" Gearshift reached into his saddlebag and felt around, finding the feel of the invention a bit soothing to his worries.

[Augen Horns]

"Oh, my apologies," Augen said at the apparent startling of his fellow traveler. "I grew tired of carrying this thing in my hoof. Besides," he said, giving a skeletal grin and holding up a mirror. "... I kinda like the way it looks. Goes with my outfit." The goat gave a witchly cackle before responding to the unicorn's inquiry. "But aye, I've enough dough to fill our guts and crash for quite some time, if need be. I could go for a warm room and a warm meal m'self," he said, picking up the pace a bit in hopes of getting there sooner.

-------

Upon entering the inn, the goat inhaled as he basked in the relative warmth before looking back to Gearshift. "Well, I couldn't help but notice your little display back there in the train. A combination of the material sciences and magic, right? This is a field I've taken a particular interest in, you see," the goat explained, looking across the commons of the inn. His face, serious though unmorose, cracked into a comical grin past his mask at the familiar faces he'd not quite expected to run into. "... The fates are at work," he broke the topic, pointing out to Gear the presence of the other travelers.

"... Er, pardon my digression," Augen said with an awkward laugh before returning to topic. "But back to business, where I come from technology is strong, but magic is weak. Unicorn magic has allowed Equestria to thrive off of innate forces for much longer periods than the goats of my homeland. However, magitechnology... Would I be mistaken in presuming this to be your field of study," he asked, trying to recall exactly what that device back on the train was. "... The industry of my folk, and the magic of yours... Such a unification of powers could, indeed, prove quite formidable. Would you, perhaps, join me in a mutual study of this craft?"

Augen glanced through the side of his peripherals. He couldn't help but notice a stark-white griffon and a burka-wearing figure eyeing the pair of them. "... Perhaps it'd be best for us to resume this topic behind closed doors. Numbers are strength," he whispered to Gearshift. Augen began a pace towards the rest of the commons, approaching the table and bowing to the familiar company. "Ah, good evening. It seems the fates have brought us together once more," he said enthusiastically, taking a seat close to Rook. If there was one thing Augen expected to deter the unknown figure eyeing him, it was one of her own kind. "Pray tell, I trust this town has treated you all well so far? Ah! Barmaid," the goat called out to a passing tavern worker, holding up his satchel of coin. "A round of mead for my fellows here, on me!"

[CableZ]

The sudden arrival of so many familiar faces caused Dread to look up to the sky with eyes that questioned why the universe hated him so much, however when he really thought about it he preferred the company over being sat on his own, the reasons eluded him but really what did it matter? There was no time for any answers to any questions to statements made before some other face came along and made around 5 or 6 more. As such Dread kept quiet, a trait that they others would think characteristic of him by this point. He simply went back to looking at his notes in a perfect example of what dejavu is, however he got pretty bored of them and packed them away shortly after. Deciding to try and immerse himself in the conversation that went on around him, Dread shifted in his seat and was ready to get started. However before he could his sight was blocked by by a flagon of something, Dread had never appreciated ponies buying drinks for him because he felt obligated to drink them even if he didn't like it and to be honest this looked like something he wasn't going to enjoy.

Slowly reaching his hoof around and securing it in the handle and bringing it up in front of him, he decided that being nonchalant about the whole thing would avoid embarrassing him or Augen, at least he thought that's how it worked, he was severely unsure. Taking a sip of the drink, Dread suspicions about his distaste for it were well placed. Not that it tasted as bad as other drinks that had been offered to him in such places in the past but it still wasn't pleasant...darn. Occasionally taking some unpleasant sips from it, Dread wondered what would be a good topic to bring up.=, this of course sent him deep into thought and consideration. Dread easily got lost in a tangent of thought and began thinking some on his company of present.

He started with Augen, odd, ODD fellow. The way he spoke is what really gave it away, goats being a rare site as it was the speech is what made this one in particular stand out even further. Still he seemed to be a merry and pleasant sort, if not slightly too loud for Dread's liking at times. Dread had to admit he hadn't really been paying attention during the conversation of traveling intent that these various fellows had so he couldn't begin to imagine what the goat was actually doing up here, The dark stallion recalled reading some books on geographical history and it mentioning that goats used to live in the frozen north so perhaps this goat may be looking for them? Or whatever may remain of them.

Next came Rook, the word that came to mind when considering the nature of him was chipper. He could tell the lad was young by his speech and the way he carried himself, he seemed to be full of curiosity and optimism, ironically Dread was much the same but in a more analytical way. Truth be told Dread had met very few griffons so he had no way f comparing him to many others, most of the feathered race seemed very proud, some a little overly so but hubris is not an inherently Griffonish trait so who's to judge? Certainly seemed to be a traveler, the way he carried himself showed comfort, at least that's what Dread concluded.

Gearshift he could see out of the corner of his eye at the front desk, HE was nothing new to Dread Lock. Ponyville was weirdly full of inventors, Dread had guessed that any pony with a seldom rational idea and a tool kit called themselves inventors, probably why the town had so many explosions. What they have in practical and planning skill most painfully lack in common sense or direction, it made no waves in Dread's mind that the pony had fallen asleep and ended up in a place that was a full 2 day train journey away, it just seemed like exactly the sort of thing that would happen to a pony like that.

Finally Dream, a distinctly more difficult pony to pin down. Mysterious with be the obvious word, obvious more ways than one. Certainly one that kept his cards close to his chest, his real cards anyway...actually Dread never understood that expression, if one kept one's cards close to their chest how would they see what they were? Oh anyway. His vague answer about his reasons for being this far north were a slight confirmation of this though, although Dread never did put much stock into his own conclusions, he once concluded from sheer observation that a babies natural environment is custard so what did he know. From what he could tell, Dream Gaze was a pony that never let on more than he needed to, not that he needed to let on much in the situation.

Then Dread considered one more final thing, himself. He had made several observations based on these quite colourful companions he had inadvertently picked up in his travels but realized he had said so little and let on near enough nothing about himself that he was proving to be quite the enigma. He considered further that what he had said only further the confusion about him...that actually is a good character trait for a book character, he'd have to remember that one. He supposed that if he thought this much about simply what he had seen, perhaps there would be more to talk about if he spoke of himself, at least that way he wouldn't get anything wrong and embarrass himself. Not that he knew what being embarrassed even was, being laughed at was one thing he was sure...but that's beside the point. Placing the mug down and rubbing his chin for a moment before clearing his throat, Dread picked his words with no hint of grace.

"It occurs to..me, that I perhaps...lacked the communication that you exchanged between each other." Pausing to consider his neck words, Dread wanted to keep talking as to not get himself lost in thought as he was aware that he was prone to doing so. "I suppose I should restate the intent of my travels..I believe I wasn't perfectly open with you all about my destination..I'm not the best liar. There were stories and rumours of the place, I believe it would be quite impossible for it to be any other way. Tramplevania, is said to be a land of monsters. According to the very rare and scarce stories I have actually been able to find, the people there live under the will of these beasts, or so far as I can understand, the stories are old and I am not a talented translator from dead languages. I lack...the necessary complex subconscious thoughts and reflexes for true fear, I was hoping to travel to the land to experience some psychological fear that I might better my stories with and...feel lightly more...normal."

Dread decided to think over the next part of his sentence, to the others it would just seem like he was waiting for what he had just said to sink in.

"I'm unsure if these stories are even true, I've seen my fair share of monsters and beasts but they are usually just that so I cannot imagine they hold any merit but I have been given a leave of absence by my publisher with the chance that it may lead to something. I didn't tell you this before because frankly I did not feel it held any importance..to you four at least." Dread chuckled softly at the idea that his travels might interest others, he didn't realize realize what importance the things he was saying held.

[Dream Gaze]

"Well hello there, I suppose we've been brought together again at the tavern, that or we all had the same Idea that it was not a good idea by any standard to be outside and that we needed to get out of the cold. It really is lucky this place had a spare bed, otherwise I have no Idea where I would be staying the night tonight, it seems too late on for me to go out looking around to be honest, did any of you manage to reserve a bed here? Just out of interest"

... Darn it... timing couldn't have been better could it? With the arrival of the griffon, Dread lock returned to his usual quiet self and this frustrated him a little as he hoped to learn a bit more about the curious dark Stallion... oh well... he got a name out of him so that'll have to suffice for now. Dream Gaze turned his attention to Rook with a shrug before speaking nonchalantly "The cold doesn't bother me at all. I just figured the locals wouldn't appreciate me making an igloo near or in their town..."

He paused a moment to rub the back of his neck with a hoof, feeling a few clicks before casting a glance over to the bar. "I did manage to get a bed here after a bit of looking around. This place seems to be the only one with spare beds so getting a room to myself is out of the question" He couldn't complain about the possible company in said room though. He had travelled with them for two days and provided that they booked the last of the beds before any other possible travellers that entered this place... but what were the chances of that?

"Ah, good evening. It seems the fates have brought us together once more..."

Dream stared at the Goat and Inventor and just shook his head '..."Speak of the devil and he shall appear" as they say. This is too much of a coincidence...' He had to double take as he saw Augen's mask. He looked like some form of undead. Still... he had been to the 'other side' once and the outskirts of Tartarus so he encountered ghosts and sprits before. This wasn't as scary...

"...A round of mead for my fellows here, on me!"

The Alchemist was unsure of how to react at the offer of this beverage. He knew he wouldn't drink it and unlike Dread, he didn't have a problem telling another. "You shouldn't have... Really, you shouldn't have. I don't drink alcohol, I'd much rather drink my potions or water."

It was then that Dread Lock spoke up again and much to Dream's surprise he was going into more detail about what he where he was going and what he had heard about it. Which matched up to what he was told by Jamais Seule... He was in this area for a few days and he was really close to this mysterious place so he could sate his curiosity while he was here. Who knows he could even find some potion ingredient's never used before in that supposingly uncharted area. He snapped himself out of his thoughts as he heard the last part of Dread's explanation and couldn't help but speak up after

"I lack...the necessary complex subconscious thoughts and reflexes for true fear, I was hoping to travel to the land to experience some psychological fear that I might better my stories with and...feel lightly more...normal."

"'Normal' is overrated. As far as I can see, it's just a definition that changes depending on opinion. Is it fair to say that we're an odd bunch? An Alchemist, Inventor, Rabbi, Writer and a Griffon sitting in a tavern... sounds like the start of a bad joke."

"I'm unsure if these stories are even true, I've seen my fair share of monsters and beasts but they are usually just that so I cannot imagine they hold any merit but I have been given a leave of absence by my publisher with the chance that it may lead to something. I didn't tell you this before because frankly I did not feel it held any importance..to you four at least."

Dream Gaze remained silent for a few moments as he thought a few things over... there was still something bothering him about Dread's trip. "Dread? Have you thought about the possibility of the monster rumours being true? As unlikely as it seems there could be a chance you don't leave Tramplevania because you weren't prepared for danger."

[Nimbus]

Rook listened closely as Dread lock spoke of his intentions and the mysterious land that they were now it, and it sparked something in him, a sense of adventure, oh yes, but then that was always there, him being somewhat nomadic in his sense of living, wandering place to place and staying where he can and how he can. Something more, he looked for the reference called to mind in his book of tales from around the world, he had been given this many years ago and it was by far his favourite book.

Turning to one page it simply depicted a mountainous region covered in snow, with a short story which told of terrible strange creatures that should not be trifled with under any circumstance, and that there was, according to the story a strange air in the land of shrill and foreboding presences that lurked in the shadows.

while it was very vague, and could literally have been about any snowy and mountainous region of Equestria, he felt perhaps it was about this place, but as with many of the fables in this book. there was not a location attached to it, just the story itself, perhaps that is what gave it more atmosphere, more mystery.

"This story perhaps has something to do with what you're talking about, but I can't be sure, it is old tales of sorts, I must find out, excuse me a minute! The book is there, if you want to read"

He excused himself from the table for a moment before approaching the hardened-looking barkeep, clearly to the others he was inquiring about any local mythology or danger, and was met with somewhat a shun, the barkeep simply wouldn't talk about it, and busied himself serving other people in the tavern.

Rook returned looking rather disappointed, but with a  sort of knowing that in such denial, there must me something strikingly peculiar about the place, perhaps so much so that it scared even those that lived here.

"He Wasn't so chatty"

He shrugged, sitting back down behind his book, looking at it intently, before looking to Dread, having though about what he had said earlier

"I think this sounds really interesting, and if I may be so bold, may I accompany you on your travels through this place? It doesn't seem like anyone should travel alone here, if what you're saying is true about there being monsters, who knows what we might find out there, Celestia forbid someone find it on their own and be at the mercy of a beast which we know so little about, should there be any at all"

With that, he took on a new aura of intent, he was dead set on finding out more about the curious land in which they had ended up, and the possibility of adventure allured him even more.

"I, personally think that the lot of us, perhaps should stick together, who knows what we might find out here. I can't help but feel that we would only be brought together by fate again anyway, should we choose to separate at this point"

[darktobias13]

Gearshift had followed Augen to the table, taking the edge seat next to him, and nodded.

"Magitech, Hex-tech, Technomancy, many names for it, but all mean the same. I knew not that the goats were so mechanically industrialized, but i would love to visit a place that thinks the same way. But I'll be honest, I'm not really sure how well many of machines would work if they didn't run on my magic. It partly keeps them together, as well as a source of energy to have them run in the first place."

As Gearshift listened in on the rest of the conversation, he looked around at the other customers, and noticed a few other patrons seeming to take an interest in the discussion that was happening. He nudged Augen, and used his horn and subtle movements to indicate the other ponies in the tavern.

"We are being watched, just letting you know." He whispered.

Turning back to the group, his attention was seized by the topics popping up. Looking at the mug of mead that Augen had been so kind to buy for him, he shrugged and downed the entire thing in one go. His eyes watered a bit, and his hoof twitched as he put the mug back down, and turned to them, croaking a bit as he said,

"Sweet Celestia, that burns going down. But I don't turn down a free drink, and its not the worst thing i have tasted. Or the most in one go for that matter."

He listened in on what Dread said, and a few lines connected in his head.

"I must chime in with Dream, Mr. Dread Locks. If the stories are in any way true, how do you plan on getting away or possibly having to resort to fighting to survive. If the monsters are so bad that they top everything that are monstrous and we consider normal, Dragons, Sea Serpents, Hydra, what exactly do you plan on running into here?

And Rook, they are not the first ponies that i have seen shut tighter than a wing nut at the first mention of that town. The few i have questioned about it have suddenly lost their voices , or deny that there is a town there at all. I don't believe that they appreciate us talking about it, by the by." he said calmly, while his eyes glanced around the inn.

"Fate might keep us together, but if it comes down to it, we might need teamwork to keep our pelts in one piece."

[Augen Horns]

Augen grinned at Gearshift's talk of the subject of technology. It became clear that the concept of technology without magic was probably as fascinating to a unicorn as the prospect of combining the two would be to a goat. The fact that he was unaware of the goats' affinity for tech did not surprise, however, and Augen expressed in return, "Indeed, not many this far know of my peoples' advancements. Most goats outside of Hircinia are nomads, rural. Many must have descended from pre-industrial bloodlines, even."

The goat gave a nod to Gearshift at the mention of being watched, a fact he was well aware of. "Yes... I know not who the two enigmas are, but I get the feeling that ain't just the usual stinkeye they're givin' us. Perhaps I shall show you some of the workings of my devices when we take to our rooms," he whispered back. Likewise he refocused on the group, matters of which the goat thought more pressing at this moment.

"Frankly, as an outsider myself", the goat said aloud, "I'd not discount any possibilities. I've seen things here in Equestria that my kin back home would have trouble believing as anything more than smoke and mirrors. Surely the same could be said of your kind, in some parts of the world." Augen crooked one hoof and rested his jaw upon it, his other reaching for his flagon of mead and taking a swig. He briefly eyed Dream's portion, curious as to whether another would take claim of it. He was tempted to toss it to the pair of watching strangers, but was surprised to notice they'd vanished. Oh well, probably for the better.

"... It'd be best if we prepared for any danger. And I must concurbulate with sir Rook; it'd be best that we support one another. As many of us have already said, fate has brought us together. That might prove a well-needed advantage. Even if these 'monsters' are purely myth, it's very possible that some other dangers lurk here, am I wrong," the goat mused aloud to the group. "If, for whatever reason we are all going... we ought to be able to defend. Not just ourselves, but eachother as well."

This statement brought Augen's eyes to glance across the travellers. From what he could figure, the two unicorns had their magic, Rook with his beak and talons, and Augen himself horned as well as carrying the equipment provided to him by the hidden tower. This left to mind Dread, the earth pony, and as far as Augen was aware the only other one who actually intended on making this trip. "I must ask, sir Dread... Surely you came with some form of protection with which to brave such uncharted lands?" While not outward saying so, the goat made a mental note that he'd be willing to part with one of his hircine weapons for a while, if need be.