When in the Dark (Private)

[CableZ]

Dread Lock sighed, while he didn't mind the help he was also very annoyed that these gentlemen had forced their way onto his voyage for their own selfish reasons. He didn't entirely care if they were also concerned for him as so much patronizing him for not considering his own safety. He'd not recalled asking them for help, he'd simply told them about his destination for honesty's sake. When each of them suggested they stick together, Dread's tether was officially at its end.

"Pardon me for asking gentlemen but who do you think you are?" His naturally cold voice was now like ice. "You may have good intentions at heart but I resent the idea that you believe me unprepared or inept at handling myself, especially considering that most of you got on a train without even knowing where it was going!" His voice raised slightly to a tone that was the average speaking voice for most.

"I appreciate the concern...although my dubiousness to their sincerity side, I do not need four strangers imposing on my trip. Fate had nothing to do with it, coincidences and impositions do not make fate." Dread looked at each of them with a fire in his eyes that would cripple the heart of anypony.

"I may not understand emotions or social situations like most ponies but I know how to at least stay sade, you 4 hadn't even heard of the place before I spoke of it and you have the GALL to suggest you know what you're doing over me?! Did any of you happen to bring several..." Dread reached into his back and slammed 5 silver symbols onto the table "Transylvania warding symbols that protect from monsters? Or perhaps did any of you by chance study the local fauna and creatures of the area, cross referencing them with accounts of a place you'd never even heard of?!"

Dread Looked at each of them with a gaze that suggested that he was waiting for an actual answer, the silence spoke volumes. By this point the entire inn had fallen silent and watched as Dread told his companions what for.

"The reason the locals are silent is because none of you have ANY idea what lies beyond those mountains, you've arrived in a town and presumed to know how to better deal with an evil thats been looming over it for hundreds of years and then presumed to know more than the only pony here who has bothered to research upon the topic!!"

Dread breathed with an anger as he sat back and let his tongue lashing sink in, hoping that they may have learned something from what he had said although he wasn't sure. Packing up his things into his bag and standing up and walking away, Dread stopped for a moment to look over his shoulder at each of them before shaking his head and heading through the back door of the inn that lead to the stairs to the upstairs rooms. As he ascended up the stairs and arrived at the hallway to the rooms, he made note of how simple it was. It went to the end of the inn and only had 4 doors, 2 of either side of the hall. As such it was easy to find the room that he and his 'companions' would be sharing, sighing at the fact that he would now have to share with ponies that may hate him.

Shaking off the feeling he opened the door and entered the room, it was pleasant enough he supposed bu of course nothing special. It was a fairly large room, as it faced the side of the inn so was fairly wide. There was a window at the end of the room and 2 on the wall to the right, which was the front of the inn. There were 5 beds in the room, 2 on either side and one at the far end of the room, each having an end table to put stuff on. Dread picked one of the side beds and dumped his stuff on it as he took in the room. Dread usually didn't have out bursts like that but after a two day train ride and some rather imposing characters, he had lost his temper slightly, he'd have to apologize for that later.

[Dream Gaze]

"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"

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

"If, for whatever reason we are all going... we ought to be able to defend. Not just ourselves, but eachother as well."

"Wait, what?" Dream looked sceptical at the others in turn. Yes, it was an extreme coincidence that they all met up again, but he wasn't going to think it was a sign to stick together. He wasn't about to walk into another life or death situation because of fate. Dread didn't seem to take their questioning well... regardless of what intentions they had.

"You may have good intentions at heart but I resent the idea that you believe me unprepared or inept at handling myself, especially considering that most of you got on a train without even knowing where it was going!"

'... this took a wrong turn rather quickly didn't it? I just wanted to know how he had prepared for danger. Now I'm being lectured in public... the igloo is looking better and better right now. Sleeping here is just going to be uncomfortably tense...' Just how much did he know of those present anyway? He didn't know what Dream was doing here as the Alchemist was still very vague on details. He confirmed that earlier before the others arrived...

The Alchemist took special attention to the symbols that dark stallion produced on the table during his rant and his analytical mind began to work as he recognized the material used. 'Alchemically enriched silver? Moulded into some manner of holy symbol... I can see why they would work as a ward against certain types of monsters but they won't be as useful unless he has faith in what it symbolizes... He'd just ward off creatures weak to silver otherwise.' He paused in his thoughts a moment to listen some more before continuing his train of thought. Flora and Fauna were good subjects of his... they had to be, he was an Alchemist and everything around him was a potential ingredient. Messing with stuff that could be poisonous or volatile when mixed was part of his job, knowing what he was doing kept him alive.

Dream just sat there for the rest of the rant with a stern glare of his own. This was one of those situations that couldn't be improved until somepony calmed down... So he remained silent and settled for thinking to himself instead.

"The reason the locals are silent is..."

'He's just as tight lipped as the locals. How long was it to get this much info out of him?'

"...because none of you have ANY idea what lies beyond those mountains,.."

'True.'

"...you've arrived in a town and presumed to know how to better deal with an evil thats been looming over it for hundreds of years..."

'False... When was that ever implied? We want to learn more about it and no pony is letting us.'

"...and then presumed to know more than the only pony here who has bothered to research upon the topic!!"

'He's the one walking into this place with symbols as his only defence and on top of that, he's planning on going in alone. When is that ever a good idea?'

Dream Gaze watched as Dread left for the bedrooms and he got up himself before saying. "I need some air" He then took his stuff and left the inn, taking a deep breath of the cold night air before sitting against a wall.

[Nimbus]

During Dread's, what can be described as an "outburst", Rook sat with one eyebrow raised the entire time, not because he believed to know better, but because a lot of assumptions were being made during said moment that he simply did not agree with, the thing is, he wasn't one for confrontation, simply because, it was one thing he considered himself better than, always looking to find a more logical solution to an issue than to raise voices.

That being said he had to avoid the urge to ask if he knew what was beyond the mountains, that and resisting the urge to prod the fact that his faith seemed to be in these "trinkets" (or so Rook thought, although he didn't dare say that, as he wouldn't like to assume he was correct).

It wasn't long before Dread had left the table in a sort of silence, and another of the ponies had walked away. Not feeling anything about the situation really except great indifference, not because he didn't care, but because he understood both sides to what Dread had said, given that they all had tagged along, but perhaps that Dread did in fact need the help, either way, he was there because it was where what he would call fate had taken him, and for whatever purpose, he would soon find out.

He stood up from the group and just looked at each one of them, sighed himself and took a step back

"Give it some time, perhaps he will need our help, if not, I don't suggest we push him, I'm stepping out onto the roof for a while for some fresh air, the tension in here was a little too high for my liking"

Calmly walking away he left through the front door, before flying upwards into the cold air, but only for a short while until he met with the roof, perching himself up there where he could see a little more of everything, he just sat for a while, observing as it were, really he was just gathering his thoughts before conducting any of those around that table again, especially Dread, who's frustration he totally understood, by now he felt a sense of responsibility that translated more as guilt because he felt responsible for Dread's seeming upset by them.

He considered that perhaps he should try and talk to Dread, but not right now, now wasn't the time, he was clearly unhappy and trying to dig it up again would definitely not help the situation.

Contemplative, he decided he definitely wanted to know so much more about this place, even Dread's words had made him feel a desire to know more, not leave, so in a way, he thought to himself that Dread's words had had the opposite effect to the intended, regardless Rook would take his own path and do as he felt necessary, for now he was determined to find out more, and stick with the rest of them, if he could help it.

[darktobias13]

Gearshift just looked on as all the others left, before snagging one of the mugs of mead that they didn't touch and throwing it back, slamming it back down on the table. He felt kinda weird, he was angry, sure, but at the same time he felt a bit of regret and wondered if it had happened again. Turning to the goat, who was the only other one to not leave yet, he decided to find out.

"Augen, just a question. Was I acting arrogant again? I never realize that i am being so, so i have a few ponies back at home that know to tell me when i am being arrogant and overbearing again."

Taking off his goggles, he breathed a bit on them and then shined the lenses using his hoof. His eyes were currently purple, but were turning to green, if anypony was paying attention. He thought about his options, the gears turning in his head.

"I only had the best of intentions. Yeah, sure i don't know much about what we are possibly facing, but if ponies refuse to tell me, what choice do i have about getting more info on it? The part of me that drives me forward forces me to go on blindly in this case, so i would rather know that i have good allies to back me up."

He frowned and looked to the doors.

"But apparently i am not wanted here, so I intend to take off early tomorrow morning when my care package arrives. Express Delivery is very punctual, so it should arrive at dawn tomorrow. Then I shall take off for this 'forbidden' city, or whatever it is."

Standing up from the table, he bowed his head to Augen,

"Thanks for the mead mate, its a nice bit for my stomach before tomorrow. I feel i will need everything i can for the journey. Have a nice night."

He walked to the room, and dumped himself upon one of the beds that was right beside the door, putting his saddlebag beneath the pillow. As he drifted off to sleep quickly, he peeked open an eye,

"For what its worth, I'm sorry for my behavior. I won't be bothering you for too long."

He drifted off to sleep, even planning while dreaming.

[Augen Horns]

The goat couldn't help but grin, an expression conveniently hidden beneath his deathly mask, his amusement enshrouded and disguised as a somber silence. It was only after Dread had made his exit that Augen let out a quiet chuckle before shuffling those thoughts away. Indeed, it was wise to bring charms, but as an adventuring clergy Augen leaned on the position that it was folly to rely solely upon them. A rosary is a good ally, he thought whilst clutching his own. A rosary with a sword is much better.

"I'll do as I planned. Whether he chooses to see it as help, annoyance, or both... is not my concern. If this area is a relative unknown, it's likely where my comrades have gone, and thus it is as much my business as his to investigate," the goat said in response to Rook, before saluting a wave at his departure. "Au revoir."

Now it seemed only Gearshift and Augen remained of the group. The recent outburst on the part of the group's stalkee seemed to have had more of an effect on the tinker than any of the others. The goat bowed his head and gave the unicorn a pat on the back. "Ey, don't beat yourself up. You didn't seem arrogant to me. Dready just got in a his locks-in-a-knot. At all of us. This is no burden for you to blame unto yourself, got it?"

Augen entered the bedroom a short while after Gearshift had. Augen sat upon his own bed, setting his luggage down upon the foot of the mattress. "So, you intend to leave early tomorrow? On your own," the goat asked aloud, unbuckling one of his cases and looking at the equipment allotted to him. "It would be dangerous to go on your own, would it not? Perhaps, if you'd permit, I should follow alongside?... Gear? Are you... oh. Asleep." The goat laughed quietly to himself, leaving his machinery in its cases and locking them shut again. "... Guess I'll just have to share my homeland's knowledge another time."

[CableZ]

Dread Lock didn't engage with anyone who came into the room, he had opted to simply ignore their rebuttals aimed at him or their glances. If they insisted on saying that he would need help then he would be amused to see how they coped when they got to the secretive country, he knew more than he was letting on and made sure no one knew it. He'd made apologies tomorrow for his tone, but probably not for what he said. He decided that there was nothing more to do than to get some sleep, he wanted to be alert and aware for the coach ride tomorrow and didn't want to be late.

Dread had always had this recurring dream; for as long as he could remember, every night the same dream. He didn't know what it meant but he knew he was tired of it, it was a completely lucid dream but he had no control over what it looked like, he was just aware for it all. The dream started the same way, he awoke in a clearing in a huge forest. Everything was monotone, the trees rose up into a thick haze above while the trees stretched further then the eye could see. Now before, Dread would simply try and run to the edge of the forest but eventually he'd collapse at which point he'd wake up. These days he didn't even both, he just walked around a bit then sat down and contemplated various things until it all faded away and he woke up.

This night was exactly the same as all the others, he didn't even bother tonight. He just sat down in the strange dream world and thought about some things, mostly about where he was going. What he had said to his companions, in all fairness he would have appreciated help if it had not been assumed that he needed it. Ah well, he could look after himself. He just decided to settle into his dream, it wouldn't take long...

~~

Dread's eyes slowly opened, he wasn't used to a morning where the sun didn't hurt him like a fiery alarm clock. Still he body clock meant that he woke up long before any of the others in the room, looking around in the darkened room he yawned softly as he sat up in his bed. There was an uncanny feeling about waking up in a strange bed in an unfamiliar place, it didn't matter how good a nights sleep you go, there was just a feeling you woke up with. Shaking it off he looked around for a moment to make sure all of of his stuff was there, he stretched with another yawn before silently getting out of bed.

Not wanting to waste any time, he quietly gathered his bags and tip hooved out of the room, closing the door ever so slowly. Breathing a sigh of relief as he heard the door clicked closed, turning and heading down the corridor he once again let out out a yawn. Dread always took a while to wake up properly, he simply wasn't a morning person. As he passed through the empty and quiet tavern main room, nodding respectfully and thankfully to the inn keeper as he passed the bar and walked out of the door. Immediately the cold hit him like a tonne of bricks, the early morning chill combined with the cold freeze of the north really took the breath out of you. Wrapping his scarf around his neck, he moved forward into the dried muddied streets of this cold northern town. The sun was still just rising, so the light was a pale and bright number. There was no blue in the sky as it was coated in a layer of pale grey clouds, the sun light managed to break through.

It only took a brief walk to the stage coach depot, the streets were mostly empty due to the early hour. He was happy to see that the gates that were previously locked the night before were wide open, allowing access to the walled off area where the coaches were stored or being prepared for departure. In a paved dry area of the depot there was a pony with a clipboard sat behind a desk, seemed like the place to get a ticket from. Dread approached calmly, making a few steps to avoid the less than patient workers. The clipboard pony seemed quite happy to see Dread, after all he was a customer and customers meant bits. However the pony certainly lost his smile when he heard Dread's desired destination, he asked Dread if he was sure twice. Understandable he thought, although it seemed like a counter intuitive business plan to Dread. Still, he sold the ticket the the locked pony all the same and pointed him toward a find looking stage coach that would suit him quite nicely. Handing his backs to the workers who promptly strapped and tied them down to the roof, he piled in. He'd have to wait a bit while they prepared some more things before they head off, namely talking the coach pullers into actually going. Dread didn't mind, it was warm in the coach so he could sit there in happy comfort.

[Dream Gaze]

(OOC: Sorry for the wait everyone. Things have been really busy here as of late and will be for the next 2 weeks or so.)

The cool night air was refreshing to the Alchemist. It helped calm his nerves after what had transpired and he began to think back on what was said. Dread was right in saying that he knew more of what was going on in the area and he was better prepared... the others of the group that had actually heard anything about Tramplevania were going off vague rumours and legends. Despite what he had heard he insisted on doing this by himself... whether this was due to being a lone wolf or to protect others was something Dream was unsure of, but entering such a place alone was a death wish waiting to come true... regardless of whatever precautions he may have taken. Being an Alchemist, he was used to great risks producing great rewards on a daily basis and the idea of finding new exotic ingredients to experiment with was great incentive to visit... it could possibly help him finish his current projects. On top of this... though he wouldn't admit it. He wouldn't feel right just leaving with the knowledge that somepony and possibly the group walking into danger like this... not if he could help in some way.

Believing he had stayed out long enough, Dream walked back inside and made his way to the room before placing his things down and laying down on the bed. Staring up at the ceiling with his amber eyes until eventually falling into an uncomfortable sleep...

-----------------------

Dream's light sleep was interrupted at the sound of movement within the room and through half closed eyes he lazily watched as a silhouette picked up some bags and snuck out of the room. Dream was still feeling very lethargic... having not slept that well the night before and after about 10 minutes his horn gave a faint glow as a small yellow vial levitated rather uncertainly toward the Alchemist's raised hoof before making contact. The contents of the vial drained and his eyes shot open as his body was filled with energy. He pushed himself up into a sitting position and thought to himself 'I really need to fix my sleeping pattern and those energy potions don't help... oh well... at least I'm awake.' He got up slowly and used his magic to lift his stuff and carry it out of the room before closing the door behind him. He donned his cloak and bags on the way down to the bar before ordering a drink and taking a seat... he'd wait for the others in the group before planning what to do next... minus whoever had left before him but he already had a good idea who that was.

[Nimbus]

Rook had spent the evening on the rooftop, getting some sleep while perched up there, truth be told he really didn't want, or need the sleep, he instead sat and observed, taking in as much as he could, but more than that he was in quiet reflection of what had happened earlier and he came to the conclusion that he and the others had been at fault in their assumptions, despite the fact he felt it had been dealt with in the wrong way, easily being as wrong as their assumption that help was needed in the first place.

The dawn soon came and he saw one leave, only paying half attention he just assumed it would be Dread, hoping to leave before the others were around, or more to the point, awake. The morning was alive with the townsfolk going about their business, and Rook had grown hungry, and decided to head inside for something to eat. The griffon decided not to pursue Dread, as he felt it would most certainly not help anything, and if anything it would further alienate the two of them, and the groups at that, given their last conversation as it were had been less than pleasant.

Inside he found Dream already inside, and sat nearby, he ordered some food and drink, paying his money and ate in silence, it appeared to him that clearly the group was going to have its differences and issues, and more to the point, Dread was, for now gone, which left the lot of them in a rather strange situation, as they had, essentially followed him here, intentionally or not, and would now be without him to direct what was to happen next.

Rook considered letting the others know he had seen Dread leave and in which direction, but had decided against it because he clearly didn't want to be followed, or accompanied, plus he felt this would effect his already nondescript standing with the colt, regardless of their lack of knowledge of each other, and that essentially Dread was a stranger. It didn't matter, Rook didn't like to consider himself a burden, or a cause of problems.

He acknowledged Dream and continued eating, pulling out his book of urban legends as he did, eagerly awaiting the others to see what would happen on this day, it would indeed proove to be interesting.

[darktobias13]

Gearshift woke up and panicked for a moment, glancing around, trying to remember where he was, as this was not The Forge. He sighed and looked down as he remembered.

"Ah yes, forgot I was on an adventure. Ugh, and without my stuff too....oh wait." He perked up as he realized that if all had gone well, "then the express delivery did not fail me." He exclaimed as he started to get up and stretched out, before trotting downstairs, spotting a familiar sigil on a large bag that was resting on the counter.

He spun the middle dial, and the bag unwrapped to reveal several items, including a large gem that had a hole drilled through the middle,and seemed to unclasp via hinges, a large roll of white fabric, and a seemingly randomly put together bundle of poles and plates. Grasping a pole that was sticking out, he flicked it to the side, and with a sound like a small avalanche of metal, the bundle unfolded into a large hammer that used the poles and plates to distribute pressure throughout the head of the weapon, making it lightweight yet still effective if needed in battle. He grinned as the last bundle was revealed under the hammer, a small basket that was full of parts that he might need,a fair amount of bits, as well as a letter from his little sister. He opened it and read it quickly, laughing at her displeasure that he was on an adventure without her.

He tucked it into his saddlebag, and took stock of himself. He thought he was a bit more prepared now, feeling the comforting weight of his hammer on his shoulder. Walking back up to the room, he did a quick search to make sure he wasn't leaving anything, and began to walk out. After a second though, he trotted back in, seeing Augen as the only one left. A part of his mind remembered the goat offering to go with him, and Gearshift was happy to have him, since he felt comradeship in the strange goat.

"Oy, Augen, rise and shine, there are mysteries to be concluded!"

[Augen Horns]

The sleep had done Augen well, and he lay in a state of complete bliss. The Saddle Arabian hoofmaidens waved fans of finest feather at the lazy goat as he watched the sunlight trickle through the palm leaves above. This joy was not long-lived, though, as one of them began speaking with a strangely masculine and familiar voice. "Oy, Augen, rise and shine, there are mysteries to be concluded!" "That's strange," the goat responded. "You sound an awful lot like Gearshift," he said, opening his eyes to look at the speaker. It was Gearshift. And this wasn't an oasis garden. It was an innroom, in a dreary northern town. Reality came back to Augen like a ton of bricks.

A little groan forced it's way out as the goat pushed himself up, almost instead opting to keel over and fall back into a dream. But alas, there were more pressing matters now than hedonist fantasies. The good of his kin, the will of his employer, and the safety of some strangers likely depended on him, so the goat stood tall and tossed his robes and mask back on. "Ugh... A pleasurous morn," he said, despite his being clearly unenthused by the sudden awakening.

Augen's eyes traced the room through the dark, hollow lenses encasing them... Empty, he noted. He must have been the last one to awaken. Not unusual, as he was usually a late dozer. Nonetheless, the goat posed the question. "Where have gone the others? Surely they'd not have left without us, d'not they?" Augen unbolted his luggage from the bedside and bucked it onto his back, making a sharp rush for the door and pushing it open. He looked back to Gearshift and nodded before making his way back to the main room of the tavern, where he spotted two familiar faces... But no Dread. Curious, the goat thought, yawning and trotting forward.

"A fair morn," he said aloud, taking a seat not far from Rook and Dream. "My apologies for my slumberous habits. I tend to sleep well through the noon most days," he explained, before looking to one of the tavern workers and ordering a coffee.

Augen's view scrolled between the others. One cohort seemed to be waiting. The other, reading. After his morning beverage arrived, Augen decided to break the silence and ask, "by the way, where's our bit-too-fearless leader? He swallow 'is pride and shop off to arm himself? A need not, I've carried spare," he said, holding up a pair of what looked like very foreign maces with a pair of small horns on the end of each cudgel. Augen was unaware of Dread's initiative to departure, and in his absence had simply assumed he was on errand. An unwit made clear by his question.

[CableZ]

(Short post, you guys ought to start making moves to get to Tramplevania either with Dread)

Dread Shuffled softly in his seat, he was antsy to get going. While the others in the group assumed that he would be helpless, he knew otherwise; in fact he almost wanted them to come along so he could prove them wrong. Still he knew he was ready, he wouldn't go anywhere anymore without knowing what he was in for. It was an almost obsessive level that Dread prepared for his expeditions, at least ones such as this; he didn't do so much for a simply outing to the park etc. The more he thought about it, the more he hoped those others didn't decide to head for Tramplevania. Not for his own sake but for theirs, they had no clue what they might be in for and he didn't want to see them hurt. He almost considered going back and telling them but he assumed they'd all be gone by this point, this wasn't going on any prior knowledge he was simply going on what he would be like.

The driver was taking awhile so Dread felt that this was a good time to start being productive, from the beginning of his journey he'd been keeping a journal among other things. In it he documented perceived emotions and general goings on, it was to help him recall things at a better degree. He flipped through the pages he had written on previously, he then went back to the blank page that the little red strip of ribbon attached to his little not book was separating out. Thinking for a moment, he recalled all that had happened since his previous entry the night before.

'Day 4

I feel that I may have been too hard on the companions I had met during this journey last night, I took their insinuations that I wasn't prepared to be an insult. I'm not sure if I was in the right, I felt they had no place to lecture me when they had no clue where they were heading. Perhaps I am in the right, but I know that I misspoke, they were looking out for me I suppose; albeit in their own way.

If I see them again I shall apologize, it was an incident that showed I still have a ways to go to understand the social graces of my pony kin. I will however note that I felt a definite anger, at least I believe it to have been anger. I can't worry about that now however, while I may not forgot the purpose of my expedition, I cannot forget what lays ahead...I wonder where the driver is. '

~ Meanwhile, back at the Inn ~

As the rest of the group reconvened in the main area of the tavern, each deciding what they might do next, one of the locals walked in. He was more well kept than some of the others, he wore a simple cap and looked like a strong sort. He stopped for a moment in a little bit of hidden bewilderment at the sight of so many outsiders, and some strange looking ones at that. Shaking his head slightly he went to sit at the bar, where the Bartender already had a glass waiting for him. The new arrival sat at the bar and placed his cap down.

"Mornin' Haul, pre job drink I take it?" The bartender asked in a stern fashion, already knowing the answer.

"Aye, although I'm not much looking forward to it" The pony said as he drank some cider.

"Why's that? Long job?"

"Nah, some fool heading into the mountains." The pony spoke with a sigh, as if he had given up long ago trying to convince ponies to do otherwise.

There was a silence for a moment as the bartender just shook his head.

"There's something about this one however, an air about him" The pony spoke up again, sounding almost impressed.

"How's that?"

"I dunno, I can't quite explain it. He's quiet, but you get the sense nothing could touch him, as if he knows whats beyond those cursed rocks."

The bartender scoffed for a moment.

"He'll just be another for the undertaker" The barpony shook his head as he walked away into the store room to do some work.

Picking up his cap after placing his empty glass down, the pony put it on his head with a solemn look.

"you're probably right.."

With no more to say, the pony walked back out of the inn, he had a pony to ferry to his doom.

[Dream Gaze]

(OOC: After what feels like forever. I've returned from the dead! Apologies for the wait to all of you. I hope to get back into rp in general within the next few days.)

Dream Gaze had plenty of time to let his mind wonder as he waited... thinking about what surprises were in store for him in the future. What was it about those mountains that had the locals so tight lipped? Why was it never charted or explored and if it was... why didn't the explorers return? It was quite the conundrum... and one that couldn't be solved until more knowledge was obtained

It took some time but eventually the rest of the group came down from the room and Dream gave a small acknowledgement to each of them as they took a seat. It wasn't until Augen spoke up that the Alchemist gave a shrug and spoke up.

"by the way, where's our bit-too-fearless leader? He swallow 'is pride and shop off to arm himself? A need not, I've carried spare,"
"Dread left earlier this morning... He's probably on his way already."

He took a moment to gather his thoughts together before he continued speaking. "If we intend on reaching the same destination, we'll need to either start walking or get transportation." The alchemist stopped and looked toward the bar out of the corner of his eye as he believed he heard something interesting, a conversation between the barkeep and another... He didn't catch a lot of what was said but what he did hear was all he needed.

"He's quiet, but you get the sense nothing could touch him, as if he knows what's beyond those cursed rocks."

Dream Gaze watched the pony at the bar finish his drink and leave the inn before turning back to the others "... I believe we found a trail to our 'bit-too-fearless leader'... I dunno about the rest of you but I still don't like the idea of him going to this place alone. No matter how prepared he is for what is there."

[Nimbus]

Having heard the others speak up, Rook decided to join in their conversation, as had already been said, Dread, who had made his feelings very clear was likely on his way already on whatever venture he may be pursuing, and rightfully so, having only known him a short while some were concerned for his apparent safety, backed up by the tight lipped community they had found themselves in, something was certainly going on that was out of the ordinary and it bothered Rook that he couldn't particularly see what.

He began to think of himself at this point, he had often undertaken things suggested by others that he should not, done things on his own when he would have appreciated the help but lacked the humility to accept that he was only capable of whatever his mental and physical capacities were, this had of course lead to some rather unfortunate situations, which is why he felt a need to try and assist Dread, despite his apparent ability to help himself, which Rook evidently did not doubt, but je certainly knew everyone had a limit, sometimes not even noticed by themselves.

He decided to speak up, he wanted to voice his opinion on the subject

"I too am slightly concerned for his wellbeing should be he travelling alone, surely venturing into the unknown without some kind of backup, or at least someone who can get help should they be in trouble seems like a bad idea with only bad outcomes. However, perhaps we should respect his desire to go alone, but that is simply respect. Logic would dictate going after him immediately but not alerting him to us until we became a necessary part of his venture, but that could lead to a backlash from him. I for one am curious about this place, and would like to go simply to feed my curiosity, and of course out of legitimate concern. My worry once again is that our friend may not take our presence too well, and we may find ourselves a burden on his success..."

He paused for a moment to think

"... That said, I do feel responsible in some way as someone who knows him, sort of, to ensure that he is alright and to help in any way that we can. I think as much as he may hate it he is going to need us, personally"

He sat back comfortably again, once he had gotten that off his chest, in truth he wanted to go, to help and to discover, but he didn't want to admit that he would willingly cause annoyance to another and go against a respected wish of sorts.

[darktobias13]

Gearshift stood up by the table, leaning on his hammer as he thought. His feelings were still a bit negative about Dread, but his good nature didn't like the thought, as the others had said, of a pony heading off to face unknown conditions without backup. Gripping his hammer tightly, he nodded as he made up his mind.

"I'm not entirely sure of this anymore, I'll be honest. But I am even more unsure of leaving him to run off alone, no matter how prepared he is for them. I may not be very knowledgeable of this situation and possible threats, but that doesn't mean that I can't be of use."

He smirked, and came to a realization, face hoofing as he began to gather everything and wrapped his straps and scarf tightly around himself.

"Well then, Dream, Rook, Augen. We could just sit here talking about this, or we could actually try to catch the carriage before it leaves. From the looks of that pony, he is most likely the one of the only ones that will transport us there, unless one of us would like to be the pony to pull us all the way there. And trust me, I am not pulling you all."

He trotted over to the door and threw it open, the cold and wind welcoming him back to the cruel environment.

"Time to go, none to waste."

He galloped down the road, trying to find the carriage pony, and eventually found him, following to the stand. Paying a small pile of bits for the ride, he then walked over to the carriage and opened the door. Turning to the workponies, he asked, "I apologize, but could you wait a few minutes? There should be a few others that are behind me." Getting in, he sat by the window, on the side opposite from Dread. Realizing that the space might be a bit sparse, he folded his hammer back up and stored it into his bag, before sitting back and relaxing a little.

"Hopefully they aren't too far behind or change their minds." He muttered to himself as he sat there. He wanted to talk to Dread, but at the same time, didn't want to risk making him angry again, waiting for the others to arrive.

[Augen Horns]

The news of Dread's departure was amusing, though not surprising, thought Augen as he tucked his metal rods back into his robes. "This was to be expected," he spoke aloud in plain tone, the smallest bit of intrigue perhaps audible to the attentive ear. "Frankly, I delaud myself for not assuming as much earlier. His intentions aview clear the night before, but I faithed too much judgement abetter." The goat poured his coffee down his gaping throat and got up from his seat.

As the other three expressed their concerns over leaving Dread to fend for himself out there, Augen couldn't help but nod in agreement. "Aye, concurbulations of the highest sense. As much an amusement karma might prove, we'd best reach the strangehair prior. Aside the pursuit, some of us have business to attend nonetheless, or solo am I in such," he asked, apathetic on whether or not he received answer. Higher priorities were at hoof.

Augen was surprised at the expedience Gearshift had shown, not that it was unnecessary in the least... But the unicorn's statement and immediate departure was at no wait for the rest of the group. Fortunately for Augen, he had grabbed all of his belongings before having left the bedchambers that morning, and was ready to make an immediate exit. Which he did, keeping the unicorn ahead continually in his sights but making no attempt to catch up, should he be a necessary beacon similar for Dream or Rook.

However, as his lenses spotted Gearshift's entry, Augen decided to pick up the pace, accelerating his steps into a mad charge before skidding along the ground and beside the carriage. "Oy, my apologies for the request but nay haste in yer departure," he said aloud to the workponies. The goat swung into the cart and took seat not far from Gearshift, Augen letting out an tired exhale before saying, "Aview you make not delay. A worry almost one might lose path, had I not followed sooner." His eyes glanced briefly to the other familiar passenger. "So the journey true begins here, then? An ascent alast to the destination at hand?" Augen lifted his mask off, grinning at nopony in particular. The goat seemed unhindered, if perhaps a bit cocky... He himself claimed no knowledge of what lay in those mountains, but in some ways both that mystery and the bleakness of this town felt more familiar to him than the colorful whimsies he knew back in Ponyville. For the first time in a long time, he felt almost free again.