A Date with a Sage (Geffect-Bron3 and CableZ)

[GEffect]

At first ThunderCracker was a little unsettled by the silence and, paused movement the masked stallion responded with. He initially figured he was intruding with whatever the masked stallion had planned to do but, it seemed as if all was well when he actually started chuckling for some reason. As if nothing could make the matter even weirder the mysterious pony folded the newspaper into a full scale Ferris Wheel?! You have got to be kidding. There is no way in the life of Equestria that TC would ever think he would personally see somepony do something so...crazy. There was simply no way to comprehend that. He stared at the paper model Ferris Wheel in awe as its creator began to speak to him, driving him out of his temporary trance.


This was all just so weird yet, fun at the sametime. ThunderCracker tried his best to keep track of what the pony was actually saying but, he eventually got lost in the riddle of words that all practically meant the same thing. In the end TC finally deciphered through his scrambled thoughts and, took the answer as: I do what I do because I can do it. “Fair enough” he calmly commented after coming up with his conclusion of the answer. So far this was becoming a nifty little conversation.


A few interesting bits and piece here and, there but, generally TC was really only wrapped up in getting to know the pony as much as possible whole. ThunderCracker felt like he could understand a few things about the stallion before him but, truthfully he was struggling to find any answers to some of the things he said. The basic part and, most important was his name at least he got that down. A unique name in his book. TC passed off a chuckle of his own as he listened. However what really confused him was how this Quip character messed up his name. This was only because he felt like it wasn’t all that hard to get used to saying. At least it was close.

However he couldn’t help but, wonder why everypony he knows is so used to saying TC instead of the full thing as well. The unicorn subsided the thought and, didn’t correct him though, it wasn’t that serious so he moved on. “Nothing really. I admittedly didn’t have any other reason to come over here besides being mindblown over your random performance. I suppose I should get back to my little group of friends; it was nice meeting you though. Maybe we might meet another day?...most likely not but, I can always hope.” TC smiled sheepishly before giving a slight wave goodbye. He would then turn around to make his way back to the mares. He had a cup of tea waiting to be finished anyway.

[Dark Star]

All things considered, this really wasn't what Sun was expecting. The pony he spoke to shot a glare that nearly stopped his heart from beating in just a split-second. His cold, lifeless eyes just continued to pierce through his body and soul, even as he spoke up. The blonde stallion had hoped that he would at least order something sweet, to make up for his murderous aura, but no; he instead didn't make an exact order and simply answered with something vague and likely inconsequential. The idea of a critic being this hard to deal with was something he saw only on TV before, never once did he consider it being based on any real truth.

"Alright then, I'll just go...take care of that" Sun backed away slowly, fearing that one little misstep would end his life.

Jazz just kept on channeling his internal peace, finding bliss among the waves of cosmic energy after a short while. Or a long while, it was always so difficult to tell exactly how much time he spent meditating. In any event, he was finally at peace.

While this was going on, Slipstream and Hummingbird merely watched as Jazz walked passed them and then proceeded to hold perfectly still for at least ten minutes straight. If not for the occasional rise and fall of his breathing chest, they'd thought he was dead.

"Amazing" Hummingbird whispered.

"I know, right?" Slipstream added as the two continued to watch in awe.

Sun could only wish that he could keep such composure, as he worked diligently to make the best cup of tea that he could muster. In the end, he came up with a cup of sweet peach tea, chilled down to the best he could manage. Slowly, carefully, he carrier it on a platter and out towards the "critic", his heartbeat increasing with every step forward. By the time he made it to the table, all could hear was his heart hammering away, like a drummer on caffeine. 

"Here you are, sir" he all but whispered as he slid the cup onto the table. Once that was done, he all but galloped towards the back of the place. He was going to need to drink down an entire gallon of tea to calm his nerves after that one. 

[CableZ]

Quip kicked off his chair quickly, doing a forward roll in the air as he tucked himself into a ball, rotating in all directions. The sound of the wind being shredded by his speed alerted TC to where he was before Quip landed on perfectly, no weak legs or stumble. For all intents and purposes he just did a jump that would get straight 10's at the Equestria games. He landed in front of TC, stopping him from going anywhere.

"Random?!" Quip exclaimed in shock. "Excuse me but I'm QUIP. T . CRACK." He spaced out the words of his name. "I am not random, I preform, its my job. For kings and queens, across the entire world!" Quip giggled at his overly dramatic antics. "I'm many things, but random?" Quip chuckled. "How about this, let me buy you and your friends some tea!" Quip laughed as he wrapped his arm over over TC as the pair now walked back to TC's table.

~~

Dread Lock looked down at the tea, looking back at Sun for a moment with a nod and tiny small.

"Thank you, how much is that?" He asked curiously as he reached into is satchel and pulled out a few bits. However once he looked back he noticed that the pony was gone. He hadn't even heard him leave, how odd. Shrugging, Dread Lock reached down and picked up the tea, blowing on it as he guessed it would be hot. Taking a tentative sip, he let loose a little smile.

It tasted good, very good in fact. Dread Lock might not have been one for warm drinks but this place certainly had potential to convert him.

[GEffect]

If it wasn't clear to him a first he sure as hay got the idea now. There really is no getting used to Quip's actions. And, someponies dare to call ThunderCracker complicated. The orange hued stallion always expected the unexpected to happen, but when they actually do occur he is still never prepared for it. Its like staring into a dimensional mirror they all lead to the same replayed image, but the effects of it all still capture your attention until you finally look away. Even then you still find yourself drawn to it later. That is sort of like how TC is feeling except without the headache.

All he heard was a swift *whomph* sort of noise behind him, making the unicorn stop right in his tracks. After that Quip accurately landed in front of him, forcing ThunderCracker to stay at bay. In fact TC jumped back a little from the literal jumpscare, before he could retrace himself after being caught off guard.

So throughout the whole senario of Quip's short lesson in why Quip T.Crack is not random. ThunderCracker was confused as to if he was offended or not. The giggling and chuckling cloaked his emotions as well as the mask did. TC understood what was being said though. So not random, just doing his job. Alright then. Luckily everything seemed to blow over with healthy laughter from both stallions. However TC's was more of an unsettled, awkward laugh then anything else as he was escorted back to the table. "I appreciate the offer Quip but, we already bought tea. However; I guess it would be nice to at least get something for my sister if you wouldn't mind." ThunderCracker asked generously. Other than that he ended up right where he was headed anyway. He just didn't arrive sooner, but no complaints here. He scored some free tea after all.

[Dark Star]

Sun took a deep breath and then considered his actions. He had tried to charm a possible critic into a better review, nearly had his heart stop from the glare he received soon after, then brought him some tea that he didn't even know if he liked. All in all, a typical day for him, especially considering his crazier lifestyle after moving to town all that while ago. 

The blonde stallion took another deep breath and then considered the direction his life was starting to go in. Then again, maybe it would be better just to seek out Jazz's counsel. With that in mind, he stepped out from the back and nearly had a heart attack at the sight before him. 

Slipstream's hoof was floating dangerously close to Jazz's face. Without even thinking about it-or even knowing it for that matter-Sun rushed the pegasus and leaped towards her. Faust seemed to have quite the sense of humor, since Slipstream apparently saw it coming and jumped up and out of the way, causing gravity-fueled momentum to carry Sun face-first into the floor. 

"Jeez, if you didn't want me to touch him, you could've just said so"

Sun just got back up and glared at the cyan pegasus. 

"Don't you ever watch movies; you never try to touch a monk when he's meditating, that's how you get your ribs broken" Sun retorted angrily. 

"Don't treat me like some little filly, I was perfectly fine the entire time" Slipstream countered. 

"It's true. He's been so out of it, that he hasn't once woken up since talking to that jester pony" Hummingbird added. 

"Just be careful, alright?"

"Fine" Slipstream rolled eyes and flew back into her seat. 

[CableZ]

Quip pulled up a seat at the table of friends and giggled softly at mentioning of the 'jester pony'

"Ohhh my ears are burning, guess I need my ice-" Quip looked around. "Oh darn, I left my tea back over on my table. Hey you guys wanna see a magic trick?"

A question that generally didn't need an answer as you were going to be shown anyway. Lifting up one of the napkins on the table, Quip folded it out and laid it flat. He then leaned over and picked up another, folding it out again, he looked over to his previous table and seemed to judge the distance. With a slight heft and a whole lot of skill, the napkin flew over the room and landed directly on top of Quip's class, laying over the top and covering it from view. He then rubbed his hooves together with a chuckle. Slowly, he reached down and pinched the napkin, lifting it up slowly. As he lifted one napkin up, the one of the other table softly began to sink down. Quip continued lifting the napkin up, it seemed to have more weight to it than before if his pace and effort were anything to be indicated. After he'd lifted the napkin up a sufficient amount, he let it go with a smirk. Instead of falling back to the table, the napkin landed on some unseen cylindrical object. Quickly pulling the napkin away, Quip let them inspect his work. However his pride was short lived when he saw that it wasn't his drink. With a sigh Quip looked down at the frosty glass of chocolate milk and while he might have liked to drink that, it would have been rude to do that in a tea shop. Throwing the napkin back over the glass, it landed on the table as if it was never there. Pulling the napkin up again, a nice cool glass of iced tea was waiting, while Quip gave a sheepish chuckle.

"Heh, there we go. Hey guys, my name is Quip!" He waved.

~~

Dread Lock meanwhile was feeling a little peckish, he had decided that now was time to ask if there was anything to eat. Standing up and stretching out his particularly tall form, which really only became apparent when he walked over to to the counter and they saw just how far he stood up over the counter. His hair swung down below, swaying softly with his movements. Looking over the counter, Dread Lock looked at the menu for a moment. He tried to flag down Jasmine to get his attention, that cold stare still ever present.

"Excuse me, do you sell anything to eat here?" He asked plainly.

[GEffect]

Once he was taken back to his table, the first thing he did was go back to his seat and sit down to enjoy the rest of his tea. This way Quip can have the right away to become acquainted with his friends. Yet even then he couldn’t relax for a second as Quip asked if they wanted to see a magic trick. Now after seeing all that he has from earlier he was really out of it at them moment. As a unicorn he couldn’t see himself being amazed by this one though; not this time. Yet because of his doubt he was most likely going to again be shown otherwise that you should always just roll with it unless you want to risk being mindblown beyond compare.


He was calm for the time being as Quip folded a lone napkin and, laid it down flat against the table. Grabbing another and, did the same to the previous one. Ok so TC’s attention was nearly grabbed as he tried to hide his interest by drinking his tea bit by bit every time Quip did something. As Quip looked over to his table ThunderCracker had a first guess of what this guy was planning to do and, theoretically it seemed impos~ *whooof*. The napkin was precisely flung into the air and, it flew its way over towards its destination. It was so impossible but, Quip broke all reasoning for somepony to think that way as the napkin landed directly on the cup. TC must be dreaming. He nearly made a spit take from that one thing alone. He choked on his tea a little and, started coughing but, he quickly rebounded himself afterwards. His poor mind can’t handle all of this amazement. It’s just mind blow after mind blow, sooner or later someone is going to pass out or something who knows.


Oh but, of course Quip wasn’t even done as he rubbed his hooves together and, chuckled. What now? Is a anvil going to randomly fall through the roof and, Quip some how magically catches it with his hind hoof without struggle? Oh no, better yet he makes a hurricane style wind just by blowing into a fan, despite the fact he has a mask on. TC facehoofed himself as he tried to calm down again. He can’t let this get him all worked up he is suppose to be enjoying this right? Right? Whatever he wasn’t even going to ask that to himself. TC moved his hoof over slightly so he could peek at what Quip was doing. Looked like he was just picking up the napkin very carefully. TC didn’t notice the actually trick until much later as he ever so slightly caught the slower rate that Quip’s hoof raised the napkin and, how the other one was falling a little. Nothing was there yet as Quip lifted the napkin but, when he dropped it the napkin took the chap of a cylinder, almost cup like. TC just stared as Quip removed the napkin and, a cup was revealed.


As mind boggling as that was ThunderCracker couldn’t help but, notice how disappointed Quip was. What went wrong. Did the cup not explode into spontaneous confetti or something? Quip threw the napkin back on the quickly removed it again revealing a different cup. This seemed to be satisfactory. It took a minute to realize but, TC soon figured out that it was probably the wrong cup the first time. Ok then that proves Quip isn’t some paradox formed into a pony. Even this guy can mess up. Well at least this is real right? ThunderCracker smiled. “Are you sure there isn’t a secret horn under that mask of yours?” TC chuckled at his lame joke. “Anyway that was cool I would be lying if I said I wasn’t impressed...again...for the third or fourth time.” TC kept his smile pure and, shining. Entertainment at its best, true and simple.

[Dark Star]

For the second time in one day, Sun nearly felt his heart stop beating. The same pony from earlier had just requested something to eat, and it took a bucket of courage not to say 'As long as it's not me or my boss, we have anything that you'd want with your tea'. He simply took a deep breath, turned and then smiled.

"Why, yes, we have a great selection of sweet pastries and many other things. Would you perhaps like a menu, sir?" Sun pulled out a menu from another table-where he just barely managed to see some kind of magic act going on in the background-and set it down before the client.  "You just take a moment to decide and I'll come back" Sun added before walking off calmly. Now, if you thought that Sun could take such agony without anything, you'd be wrong. The second he got behind the back curtain, the blonde stallion just went and dropped down onto the floor. At the very least, it was good that they had vacuumed before opening up. 

---

Slipstream, meanwhile, was still entertaining the thought of watching Jazz continue to fake death right in front of them. Hummingbird, however, had decided to take part in watching a jester in business. 

"Outstanding!" she cheered. "I was thinking today would be boring, but this has been the most exciting day since I first moved here!" she added happily. The pop pegasus was just seconds away from clapping her hooves together. Of course, it'd make a lot more sense if there were a couple more patrons there to join oh. Oh well. 

Without any further indications, Hummingbird happily clapped for the pony, half-tempted to give him a tip in the process. 

"Oh, I'm Hummingbird Heartbeat, by the way" she almost forgot. Cute. 

[CableZ]

"Quip, Quip Crack." He gave a cute little wave.

Looking around the table, Quip inspected each pony. They all seemed nice, what pony didn't? He was unsure of the relationships at play, it was always fun knowing who meant what to who. He recalled that TC mentioned a sister, who might that be? Quip didn't want to make assumptions, for all he knew TC's sister could have been that dude behind the counter, especially with the way he was running away from tall, dark and tentacly.

"I'm glad I could entertain you, it's what I do! Hey, your buddy here hasn't heard of me and I was wondering if you guys had? I'm wondering if I need to order another hundred thousand fliers." Quip asked with a nonchalant shrug and a giggle as he sipped his iced tea through his overly elaborate silly straw.

Quip was an eccentric, there was not question about that. However the nature of him meant that while his ideas had an eccentricity to them, they sort of panned out in that 'if I believe in it hard enough surely it will happen' improbable kind of way. Sure, a hundred thousand fliers sounded impractical and like a major littering crime. Yet the last time he tried, he got sixty three offerings for performances and like twenty commercial offers. Of course he also got over two thousand random creepy calls, but you had to take the good and bad.

~~

Dread Lock looked at the menu for a moment, pleasantly surprised by the options available. Pastries abound, he was spoilt for choice. He had a bit of a sweet tooth, which didn't explain how skinny he was. He got the sneaking suspicion that the pony behind the counter was avoiding him, Dread may have been terrible with emotion but he wasn't stupid. He decided to simply leave it, feeling a little unwelcome. He returned to his seat to finish the tea, he wanted to go home.

Quip was looking over his seat at the pony for a moment, sighing softly.

"You know, there are happy ponies. There's sad ponies. That guy isn't either, ah well!" He chuckled as he turned back to his new table of friends.

[GEffect]

At this time ThunderCracker was once again finding himself trying to get over whatever drama he had to no avail. Is this how his mom felt? Living a life of stressful thoughts and, constantly trying to be calm in a world of random things always happening? Now that can't be right his momther was always happy. At least that is how he saw her.

Anyway on a different scale everything seemed nice so far. The group was getting along just fine for a little bit. TC figured it wouldn't be too hard to adapt. Other ponies have to deal with his uncanny schemes all the time so it was the least he could/should do. HummingBird sure did soften up though. Well he wasn't sure if she was even unsettled in the first place it was probably just him acting weird as usual. His views are normally unethical and, or require more thought. And as his thought process was about to get going, Quip pointed him out a little. His mind was all over the place to even really understand what he said. Whatever.

TC had no clue what was going on actually. He forgot what was supposed to be happening. What were they ever talking about? If anything he could try to start a conversion straight from scratch. Just maybe? But what should he try to talk about? The possibilities are there but, they don't want to pop into his mind. Wait was Quip talking again? Oh crud what did he even say this time? TC was helplessly lost so he just sat there and, looked like he knew what was going on.

[Dark Star]

Feeling refreshed, Jazz slowly fluttered his eyes open and stood, smiling at his customers warmly as he trotted up to a rather popular table. 

"I assume everything is working out to your liking?" he greeted calmly, keeping a watchful eye for facial expressions. 

"Everything is just wonderful" Hummingbird beamed, Jazz getting just a bit happier knowing about it. Slipstream just seemed starstruck though. She stared right into the sage's eyes and saw an Adonis-like pony staring back at her. She was expecting him to be older, but supposed that a sage could take on any kind of form. 

"Is there a problem, young lady?" Jazz leaned down and whispered, keeping his expression neutral and his ears quirked. Slipstream was mildly surprised by it, and looked at him as though he could read minds. "I can tell by the look on your face that you are concerned with something" Jazz added on. 

"It's just...Well, I don't really know" Slipstream admitted, scratching the back of her head. She didn't really have anything troubling her, but one look in his eyes made her think that she did. Still, mind tricks wouldn't really just make her talk or anything. 

"Ah, my mistake then. It seems I'm really off my game today; oh well, I suppose things like these are to happen" Jazz shrugged his shoulders and walked off, headed towards the back while Slipstream's eyes wandered across his body. 

"Must you stare at everyone, especially with TC right here?" Hummingbird's voice snapped the other pegasus out of her trance. 

"Uh, no, I just didn't..." Slipstream simply avoided eye contact, then looked over towards Quip. "S-so, tell us about yourself, Quip" changing the subject would probably help, right?

[CableZ]

Quip looked at Jasmine for a moment, then back at the table. His eyes ran back and forth as the cogs in his head churned somewhat, trying to figure something out. What was up with these girls just staring at him, Quip simply wasn't in touch with...well reality so figuring out something like that was a little beyond him. Still, it was odd.

"Me myself and I huh?" Quip rubbed his chin, a slight scraping sound as his hoof tapped the metal. "I don't like bragging, it's unbecoming but I guess you could say I'm sort of kinda maybe possibly a little world famous?" Quip seemed to shrink a little as he mentioned his fame. "I'm a clown, jester, acrobat, dare devil, gymnast, uhhh, I'd say ventriloquist but it's not too impressive with the mask..OH and I was the butler for the Griffon king for a week!" He chuckled.

Now when most ponies wanted to stretch, they put their arms out and tensed their muscles, general definition of a stretch. Quip was a little more elaborate, he'd done stretches his entire life and because of that was impossibly flexible. Brining his arms out, he wrapped both of them around the back of his head, from behind his back. It was really freaky.

"Oh yeah, and I'm a contortionist!" He laughed as he let loose the tension in his arms and they spiralled back into their usual place. "You should drop by one of my free shows sometime, I'm in the park!" He smiled, or at least he did so under his mask. "So what about you, young group of ponies out and about?" Quip asked with a happy laugh.

~~

Dread Lock was done with his tea, ready to wrap things up here and head home to start organizing the book. He wanted to give this new place a chance though, there was a chance a store like this might close but he felt that the guide needed a newer store aspect to it, he didn't really hold loyalty to this specific store considering his emotionless being. He decided that he'd talk to some patrons, then at least he could get an idea of what this place was like.

Standing up once more, stretching himself out. Dread Lock walked over to the table that was fairly busy and from the look of him he was terrifying. Black tendrils of hair hung over his face, giving mere glimpses of a cold look beneath, shaded and menacing. However then he did something a little unseen. Pulling out a band, he pulled his dreads back and tied them back into a pony tail. With all the hair out of his face he took on a new look, he had a smooth face, yet chiselled. He actually looked more than a little pretty, even his eyes looked deep and complex. He was still fairly tall, and he was still fairly dark but he had lost a lot of that intimating quality and taken on a more alluring one.

"Excuse me, can I ask you ponies some questions?" Tone was still a little off, but he sounded sincere in his interest.

[GEffect]

With his short term trance of daydreaming out the way, ThunderCracker had some catching up to do. It was like an unexpected flash of life. He glanced at each pony seprately taking his time to soak up any or all lingering information. Then when he least expected it TC's locked on another pony walking in their direction. He could barely latch on to if this guy was the actually sage. Yet noticing how blown away Slipstream was he had a pretty big clue.

ThunderCracker's espression didn't exactly change. In good spirits he at least made sure he didn't seem...irritated. No he was going to keep from being moody. Instead he focused on the new arriving stallion himself as he greeted them. He gave a content nod of the head as he kept looking at this green hue pony. TC was hooves down not seeing the amazment here. But it would best to not ruin Slipstream's moment. The fact the cyan pegasus couldn't respond however was minorly amusing. He was not sure why however.

Point blank TC moved on. He had seen and, heard all that he wanted. First hand experince of meeting this sage was an odd moment but, he can't complain. When the stallion admitted his faults of the day, TC unreasonably smiled. Why did he do that? It is a mystery to even the culprit himself. Yet he at least took the spare moment to share some short words. "Hey it happens right? No need to worry." TC beamed a straight forward smile. No teeth showing; just a relaxed facial espression overall.

The sage shrugged and walked off. As soon as her left ear range HummingBird was the first to acknowledge Slipstream's onesided sraring contest. He chuckled a little and, rolled his eyes playfully. Classic Slipstream. Never thinking twice when she suddenly put Quip on blast to save herself. Such an obvious yet still a sneaky move. "I will pretend I didn't hear or see any of this." he teased as he turned towards Quip.

Now that the spotlight was pointed back towards Quip TC could try to get anything he might have missed earlier. To top it off everything Quip said about his profession made the past events make a lot more sense. He eased up in his chair as he released all the built up tension with a happy sigh.

He wouldn't have guessed that Quip was kinda, maybe, possibly a little world famous. Then again that is probably how Quip liked it. Right when TC thought it was going to end sorta normally the masked stallion started stretching in a highly unusual way. TC cocked an eyebrow as he looked at the bending arms. Out of all the other ways for it to happen this was how Quip remembered another skill. ThunderCracker didn't know what to say at first but, he eventually snapped out of it. "Well then you surely wouldn't disappoint if somepony asked you to wow them. But, as for me my reputation grows at its own rate. I'm a local DJ/ Musician, Store Owner, basic stuff. Its all in good fun though under my stage name Razipony. Nothing serious. I'm out on a mini date with little miss ego over here." he joked while tilting his head towards Slipstream.

Not sure what that comment would earn him. Negative or positive. Oh but, whats this? Looks like the emotionless, dreaded stallion from before was coming by as well. He looked different. TC was smiling at least. This is certainly an attention grabbing area with so many ponies here chatting it up. Now as stated before the seemingly coal coated stallion came by to ask some questions. Whatever they may be TC wouldn't mind answering as he nodded his head a little then waited for everyone else reply.

[Dark Star]

Without needing to open his eyes, Jazz knew that Sun's legs were shaking awkwardly. 

"Best to take a sip before serving it" the sage told him gently as he could. Sun just gave an audible gulp and shook his head. 

"Sorry, it's just-" Sun tried to explain before Jazz wrapped an arm around his shoulder and leaned in, pressing his muzzle against his. 

"Just take a deep breath and then you can continue" Jazz told him sweetly before resuming his previous business. Sun was merely left with a few awkward thoughts and a bit of pink adorning his normally-white face. Nothing was technically keeping him there, though he did have some incentive to leave quickly, and just in time as the masked pony from earlier was now chatting up his friends. 

---

Slipstream chuckled to herself as cute as she could manage. Something about TC talking about her just made her light up inside. Maybe that was because the two were still in a relatively new relationship with each other, they were still trying to figure each other out and at least one of them was loving every second of it. 

"Slipstream, I do a lot of different things" Slipstream introduced-

"The most that she does is bum a house off a friend's house and live her life as an heiress" Sun interrupted with a smug grin, all before getting himself a knee-full of hurt by a sudden retaliation. The stallion groaned painfully and knelt down, trying to find a word he could scream without getting in trouble with his boss. 

Hummingbird on the other hand, simply sighed. 

"Do you two always have to resort to blows?" she asked while placing a hoof to her forehead. 

"I wouldn't have to if he just didn't agitate me" Slipstream pouted with her fore-hooves crossed across her chest. 

"I agi-" Sun started before the pop pegasus interrupted her. 

"I sing at the local tavern. It's actually interesting what happened; I got the job just a few minutes after moving into my new home here in town" Hummingbird started happily. 

"Best part is that she's right next door to me" Slipstream added before the other pony in the room stepped up and asked to ask some questions. 

"What about?" Sun and Slipstream asked in unison. 

[CableZ]

"I'm looking for opinions on this place, I'm writing a travel guide and I wanted to know what you think about this place."

The first thought about Dread Lock went something like 'is this guy depressed or something?'. The lack of much emotion or tone in his voice threw many ponies off, how were you meant to get a read on somepony who had nothing to read? He didn't sound excited, he didn't sound sad, he just sort of was. His voice was deep, it was to the point. He did't really waste time even introducing himself, but he wasn't threatening. He seemed unsure in a way in what he was saying, he paused at odd points as if he were trying to determine if he had said the right thing. In fact before anyone could reply, he seemed to remember something.

"Oh...uh, if it's okay with you?" He added, later than it made sense to.

~~

Quip stared at this pony for a moment, almost fascinated. He then looked back at the others for a moment, wondering what they would say. Quip was happy to answer some questions and give some opinions, they might not inherently have anything to do with this tea shop but you never know. Quip nodded vigorously as he got Dread Lock's attention.

"Sure sure, take a seat, join us!" Quip pointed to a seat behind Dread Lock that wasn't even there a moment ago.

Dread turned his head and saw the seat, raising an eyebrow for a moment before sitting down and looking around the table. Even sat down Dread Lock seemed to tower over the ponies somewhat, though you could see that he was fairly skinny compared to more physical working stallions. Although despite his skinny nature, he was an earth pony so he was naturally more build than any Pegasus or Unicorn.

"Uh, thank you." Dread Lock said with an unsure tone as he pulled out his pen and pad. "Let's see...um, What are your thoughts on this store, and what made you decide to visit it?" Dread Lock read the question word by word, clearly not sure enough in his own words to ask from his mind.