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Heroes
Apr 28, 2014 18:41:09 GMT -5
Post by Admin on Apr 28, 2014 18:41:09 GMT -5
www.youtube.com/watch?v=elKGnfiwR2EHollow Shades. Mysterious, secluded from the rest of the world in the middle of a thick forest and almost entirely autonomous. The birth place of Equestria's many infamous urban legends, ranging from monsters, the Story of the Blanks, ghosts and evil spirits... even the infamous Slender Pony would've originated from there if we took all those tall tales for truth. Though, anypony who lived there obviously knew better. Being in the middle of nowhere, lost in a forest, sure made it quite the enigmatic place, but none of those atrocities where anywhere near true. All of them created, perhaps, to second-guess tourists? Otherwise Hollow Shades, despite it's strange emplacement, was calm, serine... a place where everypony had their very own little routine, where everyone just about knew one another... where nothing truly bad ever really happened and where the day after was just about as predictable and customary as the last one. And that's how everypony there loved to see things going. Today had begun and ended just like all the others. The sun had shined, ponies woke up, went to their usual routine until the end of the day, Luna and her moon taking over daytime, letting place to a wonderfully lit night sky. From there, the curfew would take motion as everypony would get into their houses; nopony really knew who came up with the idea of a curfew to begin with, but nopony never really bothered to argue against it... if anything, it kept things in order and kept night vandals away. Plus... the village did have its own guards; a few during daytime, clad in armor coming straight from Canterlot... and one other... that lived here in the old, abandoned clock tower at the edge of the town. Nopony really knew anything about him. Aside his general look... and even there. Even his name remained a complete mystery. Spooky stories were even made revolving around this mysterious individual. All of them unfounded, of course. But that wouldn't deter the resolve for him to wake himself up every night and do his job. Living literally at the opposite of everyone else; up at nigh, sleeping at day. Days off on Monday and Tuesday. He would make his few patrols, light up the village's oil lamps... wander around town, pick up a few trashes here and there, keeping the place clean. All that could be heard coming from him were the gentle jingle of his collar's bell. Tonight had been just like all the others... so far at least. The air was crisp and clean with a gentle, cool breeze rustling through the leaves of the many trees. Few owls here and there, sometimes breaking the silence that reigned here, creaking window wooden flaps moving about... as well as the wind whistling from time to time. And it was perfect. He loved it exactly the way it was. Alone. Calm. Quiet. He was used to it and those elements were his best friends. His comfort zone and home. A barely visible smirk would appear on his face as his lips would get ready to whistle. He loved whistling... especially when nopony was around to hear it. Otherwise he'd stop himself. He did this for himself. To nourish the night with his sole presence. www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaPoBhiMkgsThe first notes similar to those of a bird, perhaps. But as he went on, notes playing in his head, anypony in the surrounding area, lucky enough to be hearing those entrancing, mysterious notes, would immediately understand that those were no mere result of simple local wildlife.
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Jolleh
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Heroes
Apr 30, 2014 15:29:36 GMT -5
Post by Jolleh on Apr 30, 2014 15:29:36 GMT -5
In this small village, kept away from the world, few visited this place. The residents who dared to install themselves there at first had never regretted their choice. The place was calm, it was small and peaceful. Ponies were doing their business everyday and none would complain. They'd help each other if needed and for the rest, they would simply keep at their things. This town was surrounded by a forest and most houses were built near the trees, leaving the center of the town opened and easy to walk in. One house in particular was kept a little farther than the others, though. The pegasus pony living there was known as the flowerist of the town. He had his business there, selling all sort of flowers, leaves, petals and all sort of stuff related to plants. Yet he mostly had flowers. Edible ones and others more rare and unique, which would be kept to decorate or to be offered to somepony else. Not many knew him very well. He was mostly simply there, doing his things, smiling and looking well. Ponies coming to buy from him would buy and that would be it. This pony didn't go too far into conversations when it came to business. He liked to help others, but kept things simple. At least the villagers knew his name. Astera. When walking around the town, he was often seen with a small breezie, one of those fairy looking pony creatures. They were very rare since breezies couldn't really manage to live well in this vast world, but this one managed to do so and was happy with it. She'd often hang onto the pony's mane to avoid being blown away from a strong gust of wind that could come unexpectedly. Their day didn't get to be much different from the others. The pegasus had opened his store and a few ponies came to make deals with him on certain flowers. When no customers were there, he would work on creating different types of bouquets for different occasions, should it be a happy wedding... or even sorrowful funerals. When not making any bouquets, he would take care of watering the plants and managing them in general. Once everything was done... he would wait. And he would simply enjoy the moments of peace and quiet. Else he took those times off to go somewhere else in the village when he needed something. Eventually night would come and at a certain time ponies would stop from coming to his store. It was very rare, but sometimes he could even serve customers in the evening. Yet that night nothing special happened. Astera had light a few candles inside his house when the sun was no more. A faint light could be seen from his windows and that was it. Later on it was time for them to go to sleep and rest for the new day. Blowing the candles out, he would do so. It's only hours later that he would be awoken, though... His breezie companion was awake and gently poking him to wake up. Opening his eyes slowly he'd look at her who would then be pointing outside the window. She never talked. Astera would look outside and see the light of the moon shining on the ground and even through his window. At that memories would come back to him and he would fully awaken as he remembered something. Out of bed, he didn't take the time to attach his long mane like he usually does and went outside with his companion. He wasn't afraid to go out at night even though it was advised to stay inside... There was something he wanted to see. It took some time, but he would reach his destination. A spot away from most houses was lit by the moon. Looking at this spot he would pull off a smile and giggle some at the sight he had. His moon flowers had bloomed! It was the first time he was trying these... after he had heard about flowers that could bloom at night, he just had to get his hooves on their seeds to do it for himself. These flowers were shaped like stars when closed and once the light of the moon reached them they opened. They would close at daylight, but would reopen the next night. Now he had to see them flouright live. At least he was happy of this result. ( www.smashinglists.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Moon-Flower-Blooms.jpg icons-ak.wunderground.com/data/wximagenew/r/richteas/23.jpg ) He was ready to go back now. Right as he was about to do so, though, he would hear something rather unusual at night time. He stopped there and listened to... a bird? It was faint, yet the sound of this chirping didn't sound like a night bird at all. Was it just not sleeping yet or was morning coming faster than he thought? Yet by listening some more this bird was becoming more of a musician now. It started to sound more like a song than an animal. Astera wasn't so sure if he should go explore or not... if it wasn't an animal, then it had to be a pony from the town at least. Was there really somepony else awake other than him? If so... then he guessed he would just leave them be. He saw no reason to disturb and ask what was happening. The night guards would probably take care of that anyway. Still... he'd stand where he was anyway and kept looking at the moon flowers just some more, see where this whistleling would go... He had to admit... it sounded pretty good too.
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Heroes
May 2, 2014 20:10:19 GMT -5
Post by Admin on May 2, 2014 20:10:19 GMT -5
Azmodeus never truly wasn't the working type. Either having to think too hard or too much manual labor, none of these two ever resonated well with him. He was the lazy kind, obviously. He didn't like to work. Some did, be he didn't. And he was courageous and intelligent enough to make good use of it, surprisingly enough. That's how he found out about this job. Those boring, stale jobs no one ever wanted. Who's special talent could this possibly be anyway? Nopony's. Most would see it as dreadful and boring; he saw it as a simple way to make a living while doing what most seemed not to like; nothing. Or almost anyway.
His nights consisted of four patrols of half an hour each... and lighting the lamps when everypony else went to bed at ten with the curfew as well as extinguishing them at five before they woke up. He was about five hours each night of doing whatever he wished for otherwise. And being paid for it.
But that was the thing. He was used to this routine. Nopony ever broke the laws or even dared to break the curfew; it has been literally years since he had seen anypony else in this village walk around. So it came as no surprise that when he saw that pegasus that his heart would almost skip a beat.
His whistling would suddenly stop as he'd halt himself right there, his collar jingling as he did. He didn't seem to have made eye contact with him yet, apparently too busy looking at all these flowers. He'd normally find them pretty were he not so busy trying to figure out what to do. Never before anypony had broken the curfew... at least, none that he was aware of. He'd find himself just staring at that light lavender-colored pony, unsure of what to do or what to say; he knew the procedures, but obviously wasn't used putting them into motion.
He'd take his right hoof and pull back some of his long mane behind his neck as his golden eyes would glare at him. He'd clear his throat softly as he'd spoke. His voice soft, gentle. Albeit, with obvious traces of uncertainty in it.
-I... um... I don't think you should be up. Everyone's sleeping...
His heart would be racing. Almost as if he forgot how to speak with others decently altogether.
-You should... get back to bed. You do have a bed... right?
What a dumb question this was. He had to make up for this... somehow. He'd bite his inferior lips as he'd look away, ears flopping backward. His voice becoming barely audible.
-Um... the flowers. They're nice.
Now that he'd look at them, he'd realize what kind of flowers those were. He was used seeing them, being the only few flowers that bloomed at night.
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Jolleh
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Heroes
May 4, 2014 18:17:38 GMT -5
Post by Jolleh on May 4, 2014 18:17:38 GMT -5
Astera looked at the flowers without really knowing what to do now. He thought about going back, wanting to leave the whistling be. It wasn't of his business anyway. Taking the decision to leave, the pegasus would notice he had been spotted as the whistling suddenly stopped and he heard the jingle of a bell. His head would look toward the other pony who laid his eyes on him. Both him and his breezie friend didn't know how to react instantly... The flowerist standing next to the moonflowers had turned completely toward the night guard, without saying a word to him. He just... stared. Inside he was worried something would happen to him, he didn't feel like having to deal with any of this... Sure he was aware he wouldn't be punished for something like that, but he didn't like being seen breaking the rules.
Yet as he heard the voice of the night guard he expected him to... have more authority in it. The guard had stated a fact that everyone was asleep, so Astera should be as well. Yet for now no matter what he was told, he would just listen and look. At his second phrase, the light colored pegasus was a bit confused by the question, but also found this to be funny. If he had a bed? Well yeah he did! He couldn't help but to smile a little at this. At that he noticed how this guard was different from the others and that he had nothing to worry about. He could be at ease now with nothing to worry about. When the night guard spoke of the flowers, probably just to catch up with what he said last, Astera would look at them again.
Astera : Aren't they? I discovered those recently.
He'd simply say before giving a look back at the guard.
Astera : I thought about trying to grow some. They're moonflowers! They're called like that because they bloom in the light of the moon. Simple, isn't it?
He'd explain. Yet that was it... there would be a silence next, the pegasus didn't really know what to add to all of this. He'd clear his throat.
Astera : I uh... I thought about growing some so I could sell them in my shop...
He'd say before rubbing his foreleg on the other... he was just finding excuses at this point. Valid ones! But still just excuses for why he was up at this time of night when everypony else was sleeping and dreaming.
Astera : So to do that I had to see what they looked like, how to take care of them and... stuff like that. But with that, even those of the night could... well... have flowers to look at even in the night. I thought it could be fair for everyone that way... right?
He'd get to explain.
Astera : I think I should go back to sleep now...
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Heroes
May 4, 2014 19:30:53 GMT -5
Post by Admin on May 4, 2014 19:30:53 GMT -5
The pony would listen to him... really, under normal circumstances, any guards would've just ignored him at this point and simply force him back to his home. But in the end, he was the one to decide whether or not he'd be escorting him back to his domicile. But as the pegasus would carry on with his explanations, the more Azmo's resolution began to fade, now genuinely thinking he had a good excuse to be up at this hour of the night. He did like flowers, after all, especially those that bloomed at night. Their colors were less flashy and they were more discrete.
When the pegasus told him he'd be going back home his ears would perk back up as he'd then look at him.
-I... often pass in front of your shop at night. I like the flowers you have... they're pretty. There's lots of colors in there... and it smells good...
He'd say, now rubbing his right hoof in the dirt, unsure of what else to say... and honestly, he didn't even had the slightest idea as to why he was even insisting on talking to this individual. But yet, there he was, defying all odds. He'd look right and left, struggling to find something else to say until an idea struck him.
-I grow some flowers too in my backyard... I have a... um... garden, mainly to grow spices and herbs... but there's some flowers there too...
He'd look at him, barely managing to crack a smirk on the corner of his mouth.
-I... don't think you ever heard of those... I bred them myself. I bred many things myself... it's an earth pony thing... I guess.
He'd clear his throat as he'd try to mask some his nervosity. With obviously very little success.
-If you want you can follow me... I live further down south, at the old clock tower...
Pretty much everypony knew about this clock tower; back several hundred years when the Hollow Shades was established, this was supposed to be the center of the village... but some changes in plans were made, preferring to be even closer to the river, they left the clock tower behind before they even had the chance to build anything around it. All that remained now were mossy foundations of houses that never were completely built with a fully functional clock tower right in the middle of it all, sill intact, but literally covered with climbing vines. The bells, however, had been removed and moved over at the main, newer clock tower.
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Jolleh
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Heroes
May 5, 2014 12:44:12 GMT -5
Post by Jolleh on May 5, 2014 12:44:12 GMT -5
Astera didn't want to cause anymore trouble to the guard... he would head home then, but before he could, this one talked to him and surprised him even. He didn't know that this guard was looking inside of his shop at night... well because he was sleeping when the earth pony was doing his tours. Yet Astera took the compliment and decided that he would stay a little more. He and his breezie companion remained silent and listened some more. The flowerist's eyes would widen some as the guard in front of him spoke of a garden of his own. Right away it had taken Astera's interest. Yet... although he wanted to see it... he probably couldn't tonight, or... Could he?
Not expecting it, he was then offered to follow the earth pony so he could see that garden of his. Astera could see that the guard was nervous for some reason. Why would he be so, though? Anyway, just because of that he felt that he could trust him. So... this was just an opportunity to see something. He was curious enough to see the garden itself as well as those special plantations.
This would make the flowerist giggle a little as he heard that ''it's an earth pony thing'' thing. It was true, after all... not many pegasi were doing his job and even there he still had so much to explore in this domain. Seeing more from other ponies could only be interesting.
Astera : Why not?
Yet right away he wondered if it was really all right with the night guard. After all he wasn't supposed to be up at this time of night. That's when he became a little concerned with this all.
Astera : Um... but I should still be in my bed, right now... Is this really okay?
He couldn't help but to ask. As for that old clock tower, this wasn't something that would bother him, really. He had heard some stories about it before, but never really got to believe in them. Besides if this earth pony was the one living in it, then surely it was not a dangerous or scary place. Well that was at least what Astera was telling himself just by looking at him. He never got to visit it, though. Probably just because he'd rather do so while accompanied by someone, as if even if he was certain that those stories were fake... somehow there was still a chance they could be real. Being with someone he'd feel much more secured.
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Heroes
May 5, 2014 21:52:16 GMT -5
Post by Admin on May 5, 2014 21:52:16 GMT -5
Azmodeus never really understood where all those creepy stories about the clock tower and its surroundings ever came from. Some seemed to have very creative minds. This was a thing with ponies, something he had realized a long time ago. From all the creatures he was given to see and interact with, they were the most easily frightened when it came to unknowns as well as things they simply weren't use to in general. A little nothing could easily be turned into a riot. Or almost, anyway. He had heard tales about a Zebra who managed to turn a whole town desert with nothing but her sole presence. Ponyville, was it? He couldn't remember exactly. The earth pony would blink several times as he'd think of a way to reassure him. Basically for him not to worry about the curfew. Being a night guard did come with certain advantages, after all. -Don't worry... I um... could say that I'm escorting you. That would be if... a guard from Canterlot would come suddenly... out of nowhere. Which didn't happened to me since... um, well... ever. And he had been guard here for well over five years, so it just showed how much they had pretty much forgotten about him. Either that or they just didn't care. As long as peace wasn't disturbed in any ways in Hollow Shades, they probably thought he was doing a fine job. -Here... it's this way. Follow me. Then he'd turn around as he'd start trotting down the small cobblestone path, waiting for him to follow before he'd quicken the pace, his bell jingling slightly at each step he took. --------- The trip wouldn't take more than fifteen minutes or so, his clocktower not too far from where they had been standing moments ago. Already it could be seen in the distance, standing straight on top of a small hill, covered with vines from top to bottom. Only the clock had been kept exposed. Around it were few abandoned ruins of old houses, foundations mostly. They'd go around that and head directly to his habitation. The backyard was protected by tall and thick cedar bushes, kept perfectly square. The gate was made out of thick oak wood with black iron hinges. He'd grab the handle with his hoof and push away at the door, letting them inside. The yard itself was illuminated with several oil lamps hanging here and there. There was a fountain right in the middle of the place, magically operated. Around it was a pond... with few fishes swimming in there. There was a small casebo with a table in the middle of it, a shack with all of his gardening equipment in another corner of the yard as well as a small charcoal grill not too far from there. There was also cats. Many, many of them. On the benches, around the fountain, on the sides of the clocktower's windows, in the casebo... At least 15 of them, easy... either just laying there sleeping or glaring curiously at the newcomer. On one side there was his garden... getting closer from it now, Astera would get to see what was growing there... such as ginger, garlic, hot peppers, onions as well as various spices such as parsley, origan, romano... as well as many other unidentified herbs. -My flowers are right there... He'd say, getting around a wooden fence, showing large plantations of his prized possession. Roses. Silver ones. A color which took him some serious time to achieve. The flowers were big, plump and fresh looking. They smelled of... some sort of sweet mix between chocolate and pepper. They were slightly reflective as well... and by the look of it, bloomed mostly at night.(( fc02.deviantart.net/fs20/i/2007/293/3/c/Gray_Roses_by_encoherence.jpg )) -It took me some time... but I managed to get them as I wanted. But there's still some work to do... He'd say, his hoof reaching for the torny yet, strangely enough, somewhat fuzzy branches. -There's still thorns... I'm trying to make them fuzzy and soft instead... He'd say, looking at Astera, smirking slightly. -I like soft things...
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Jolleh
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Heroes
May 9, 2014 16:59:18 GMT -5
Post by Jolleh on May 9, 2014 16:59:18 GMT -5
Surely this was the first time that Astera had met a guard this friendly. Most guards he was seeing, even though he never really interacted with them, looked too serious and too much focused on their business. But here the flowerist was rejoiced when he was allowed to visit a place at night! He had quickly looked over at Flower Dust, the little breezie who seemed to be pleased as well with the idea of visiting somepony else's garden. After all they were partners and worked together in the shop. Besides if it wasn't for her, Astera might have forgotten about the moonflowers he so wanted to see bloom for the first time at night.
And once told to follow the night guard, though he was quiet, his smile showed some of his enthusiasm and so he joined with the earth pony who would be their guide. Close behind, the pegasus happily was on his way and the jinglings of the bell... were adding some more to the ambiance.
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On the distance he could see the clocktower as they were getting closer to it. Before, he had rather close enough to the tower, but not enough to really have a good look at it... his curiosity was strong, but he prefered not to meddle with it in time. Now was his chance to actually discover what it really looked like.
First things first! Even though they were not stopping to look at everything around like in a museum, Astera still managed to get a good look of what things looked like around the place. The appearance of the clocktower from close was old looking, obviously, but the vines covering the building added their fine touch of nature to it. The look at the backyard as well as the gate gave more of a look which could be found in stories or fairy tales. The flowerist surely didn't hate this place so far. His smile was saying this much. And so they'd go inside.
A place lit with oil lanterns and a fountain pouring its water in the middle of the place, right next to a pond inhabited by a few fishes... Not only was Astera amazed, but he was also just a bit jealous on the inside! This was all so beautiful to his eyes, he loved how decorated the place was that it made him giggle a little.
A bit too focused on the decorating, he hadn't noticed the cats yet, but it wouldn't take long. Just as he was viewing the scenery, his eyes would eventually meet with one cat there.
Astera : You have a cat?
He'd ask just like that, but his answer would differ from what he thought. From the corner of his eyes he could see something else... Another cat... and another one... and more and more. Given that Flower Dust was a small creature, she decided to quickly go and hide herself into the pegasus' mane without making a sound, afraid that the felines would take notice of her and... well come after her. Astera didn't try to interrupt, he understood her and knew just to be careful, but they were cats. He liked cats.
And then and finally, the garden. He could see the different plants growing there. Spices, vegetables... different herbs to see and smell as well as to taste. Looking at the garden there, he would then be called to see the flowers that the night guard wanted to show him. Right away the flowerist joined with him and could finally assist to something special. As he laid his eyes on them, the roses of a silver color, he looked in admiration and went closer as well. At that even the breezie popped her head out to have a look as well. She too really liked their look and smiled.
Astera : Those are... just so pretty!
He'd remove his head from there and look at Azmodeus, smiling. The earth pony came to talk about how he wanted them to be softer. Roses had thorns naturally. He guessed it wouldn't be so easy to remove them and make them all fuzzy instead.
Astera : How did you manage to do this? It's... impressive!
He'd ask rather calm despite his excitement.
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Heroes
May 12, 2014 21:36:37 GMT -5
Post by Admin on May 12, 2014 21:36:37 GMT -5
Earth ponies hay their ways with plants. And growing stuff in general... it was like some sort of fifth sense to them, something that gave them a feel of the thing before they'd take action... it was hard to explain, really. And over that, they simply seemed to have better odds at succeeding at whatever they attempted in the gardening category. Plants grew faster when around them, were more resilient, grew bigger than average as well. Sure, other ponies could grow things too, but not with such ease as Earth Ponies. They were simply gifted with that inner talent.
Though, in order to achieve this result, Azodeus had to resolve himself into using outside agents. The dark pony would get his nose closer to one of those roses, sniffing at it several times before backing away.
Azmodeus: It... um... took some time... and many attempts. For the smell, I used pepper and cacao extracts. For the color... I used some of the Crystal Empire's Silver Pines needles... basically just grounded it to dust and... put it in the soil. For the fuzzyness I just... mixed some other plants into it that were soft to the touch...
He'd then look at the pegasus for a brief moment before turning back to his flowers, mane hiding part of his face.
Azmodeus: I... I-it wasn't easy... sometimes the flowers would change in ways I didn't want them to... or just simply die off. I had to... um... use special herbs and add them to the mix so it would bond easier... and stuff. It took me years.
He'd also look around at all the cats. That pegasus also mentioned them... perhaps he could explain as to why there was so many to begin with.
Azmodeus: And um... the cats. They're all stray or abandoned... I never went out there to pick them up. They follow me here... I don't know why. They seem to like me... or the place... or... something.
Then there would be a long, awkward silence... again. It's only now he'd take notice of the breezie that was hanging onto him. He had seen them... but only once. To see this one hanging there at this time of the year was quite unique and unusual for certain. Was she lost, or had she chosen to stay there with him? If so, then why? The pony world was a very dangerous place for such fragile creatures. Perhaps he'd tell the whole tale eventually...
Azmodeus: Y-you... um... still haven't told me your name... I'm Azmodeus...
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Jolleh
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Heroes
May 14, 2014 15:51:33 GMT -5
Post by Jolleh on May 14, 2014 15:51:33 GMT -5
Not only did this pony be very good with plants, but he also had a lot of determination. When he told him that it took years to achieve such a result, Astera was impressed. He could picture everything that Azmodeus did to get to these flowers... the pepper and cocoa weren't the hardest to get, but to go to the Crystal Empire to get the silve pines was something else. And despite the fact that some of the attemps failed, he didn't give up. Well in the end the whole thing would be rewarding, that's for sure.
As he came to explain about the cats, Astera let out a short giggle thinking that the small story was simply cute to hear. It was like free company for the night guard. Fuzzy one, even! Now the flowerist was actually curious to get a smell of the flowers. Stretching himself to reach them, he'd be interrupted before and would stop in his movements before coming back to Azmodeus.
Astera: Oh... that's right.
He'd begin with, feeling a bit bad for not even telling who he was at first.
Astera: My name is Astera. The word itself speaks of flowers... and well... I love flowers. I mean... I run a store of them, after all.
He'd say and would clear his throat. Sometimes while talking and explaining it happened for him to just say things for nothing. He was only asked his name... not what it meant. Then it was the breezie's turn to show herself a little bit more, being easier to notice now. She had her little eyes on the night guard and just the movements of her in his mane pretty much made him remind her she was there.
Astera: Oh and she's Flower Dust, a breezie as you can see! She doesn't talk, though... she's mute. I found her when I once went to see the breezies and she decided to stay with me. She helps around with the shop! She's really nice!
And that would be it for the introductions. Another moment of silence would install itself... Astera was trying to find something to say, but really that's all he had to say about his name so... He felt kind of awkward.
Astera: Um... Well it's nice to meet you, Azmodeus! It's a nice sounding name you have.
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Heroes
May 16, 2014 8:27:15 GMT -5
Post by Admin on May 16, 2014 8:27:15 GMT -5
If anything Azmodeus wasn't used to receive... were compliments. When was the last time anyone complimented him? He remembered times when he was very young, maybe, small words of encouragements for getting his homework and cleaning done... today? A letter from Canterlot congratulating him for his 5th year in service. The thing wasn't even hand-written or signed by anyone either. Showed how much they cared, really... not that HE cared anyway, honestly. But here? it was a compliment. About him. And for some odd reasons that made him feel... awkward. But in a good way, at least. To this he'd be petting his own mane as he'd be looking down. Azmodeus: I... um... o-oh... okay. Well, thank you. Here I... my name is based on one of the devils from tartarus... in myths and legends. It's not as pretty as you... I mean... um. Flowers are nicer, they don't hurt and they smell good... not that I smell bad and that I hurt people... t-that's not what I mean. Um... uhh... There he had done goofed up again, looking like a moron incapable of speech. He'd find himself biting his inferior lip nervously once more, his gaze fleeing left and right, trying to find a way, once more, to fix this mess he had just gotten himself into. That's when the idea struck him, a tiny gasp of realization as his head shot up, his bell jingling softly. Azmodeus: Would you... um, like to go inside? Maybe... um, get some tea? With a small something to eat? Looking at him now, as well as the breezie, he'd carry on. Azmodeus: I have many things we can eat... to many for one pony alone... I... oh! He'd be interrupted as what seemed to be a giant, one feet and a half long moth coming out of nowhere, his flutter of wings being very audible as it worked it's way up to the black pony. He'd land on top of his head as it would begin to squeak, wings still fluttering before he'd eventually set and still himself. His body was all white and very fuzzy and had green wings. (( cdn3.fast-serve.net/cdn/themothman/American-Moon-Silkmoth-A-luna_700_600_UNH6.jpg )) Azmodeus: A-and, um, here's Mr. Fuzzbum. Hearing it's name, it would squeak again, front legs flailing about randomly.
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Jolleh
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Heroes
May 16, 2014 15:46:42 GMT -5
Post by Jolleh on May 16, 2014 15:46:42 GMT -5
Ah... well the explanation of the name was a surprise. Astera liked the sound of it, but that it was based on a demon? Ah well, honestly Astera didn't care if its origin sounded bad or not... all in all he liked the sound of it. After he had complimented him he looked and waited for a reply from him since he didn't really know where to go from there... And apparently he had made the night guard react some, although he didn't expect this kind of reaction.
He had to say, the way he explained his name and how he compared it to his made him laugh a little, but not laughing at him. Simply at the situation, thinking it was rather funny, yet enjoyable and even he could say... adorable too, in a way. This made him smile and kind of removed his own awkwardness. Yet after that he could read how uncomfortable Azmodeus was just by seeing him bite his inferior lip and looking a little everywhere in search for something to say. The flowerist felt a little bad for this. He stopped his giggling and looked away, clearing his throat as if nothing had happened.
When proposed to go inside, though, his sight would go back to Azmodeus... besides he talked about tea as well. Astera did enjoyed having a hot cup of tea from time to time, especially in the evening or even late at night like this when he was staying up in his house sometimes. He'd glance up quickly to look at Flower Dust who seemed to be enjoying the idea as well since he could see her smile at the suggestion. He'd come back to Azmodeus, wantind to give him his answer, but they would all be interrupted by a newcomer. The fluttering of wings had caught both Astera and his breezie companion's attention and they looked while a moth was coming toward Azmodeus. They watched it land on his head and... wow. If anything, this was the first time Astera was seeing a moth this big and with this color as well.
Astera: Mr. Fuzzbum?
He repeated and laughed a little.
Astera: He's so fuzzy!
He then exclaimed. Heck, he would pet it if he was allowed to. Besides the little squeaks it was making just made it all the more friendly looking. For a moth, this one was just like a pet. Astera seemed focused on Mr. Fuzzbum for a while, but then quickly remembered he was offered something.
Astera: Oh! Oh... About what you offered just now... Um... I'd like to get some tea. I mean... You're offering it, so I guess that it's okay with you if we stay a little longer.
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Heroes
May 17, 2014 9:31:53 GMT -5
Post by Admin on May 17, 2014 9:31:53 GMT -5
It's only now, however, that Azmodeus would understand what had just happened. In his panic he had invited this pegasus and her friend... into his house. His. House. Nopony ever entered his house aside him! He wasn't used receiving guest either! The table wasn't set or anything... the place could also use a cleaning; he didn't dust the place often enough. And should he consider his own place as a mess in general? He never visited anyponyelse's house either, so how should he know? Oh what a cruel dilemma he had gotten himself into again. Hopefully things would go smoothly; the last thing he'd want would be for him to just... go away on a sour note, because of him.
He'd have to make this right. And if there's anything he had learned... from himself, was that he'd have to remain as natural as possible. He'd take a deep breath and try to remain focus on the task at hoof. To Astera's demand, he'd nod silently as he'd then turn around, leading the way to his clock tower. Eventually the both of them would be by the door. From there, Azmodeus would pull out a thick iron key from somewhere in his mane.
The door was entirely made out of black iron, many mechanisms, cogs and levers here and there on it as well as two large carvings of owls looking at each other. He'd insert the jeweled key in the lock and turn it clockwise... a clicking sound was heard as all the cogs would then start spinning, metallic sounds letting themselves heard as the door would come alive. The sapphire in the owl's eyes would lit up as the central cog would finally turn as well, unlocking and opening the heavy door.
Azmodeus: I... um... bought this. It's a door made for bank safes in Canterlot; there was an auction and nopony was interested in it... lucky for me. I um... don't... need such protection, but I do love owls...
He'd say as he'd step in. Once both ponies, moth, breezie and few cat followers inside, he'd close the door behind them as the locks and cogs spun back in place. The inside of the tower was rather peculiar; straight out of a medieval era. The room they were in was small... given the clock tower was high, yes, but also rather narrow. Mo more than the size of a living room. But to compensate, there was four stories.
The walls and ground were made out of cement and cobblestones but covered with some carpets here and there, the windows too small for anypony to fit through it with thick wooden frame and colored glass. On the walls were many picture frames and tapestries, most of them depicting beautiful landscapes. The furniture was made entirely out of wood, very old looking. There was a sofa with a small library, a fireplace, s small table, a shelve with many beverages in it as well, as well as a small working fishtank. Oil lamps were hanging here and there with no specific pattern from the ceiling as well as many candles and one grandfather clock.
The dark pony would make it's way to a ladder in the corner for there was no stairs in here.
Azmodeus: We... um... w-we can go up... the second floor is... um, my room, as well as the living room I guess... the kitchen is on the third floor... once we get there I'll go make the tea...
He'd pause for a second.
Azmodeus: I only have regular black tea... I-is that okay?
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Jolleh
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Heroes
May 20, 2014 23:18:54 GMT -5
Post by Jolleh on May 20, 2014 23:18:54 GMT -5
Awaiting for an answer, Astera looked at Azmodeus with nothing else to do. Upon keeping his look on him, he would eventually receive an answer. The night guard nodded at him in silence. The pegasus smiled at the positive answer he was given and right away they would head toward the doors.
To be honest, no matter how the inside was, Astera was just pleased with the idea of spending some time in here. It was new, something else to see and to discover! That tower had been there for such a long time and he hadn't visited it, nor did he knew somepony really lived there... For someone to make a habitation out of a tower clock like that, it was pretty clever and nice. Even if it was a mess, he could still see what it was like inside.
The door would open after its mechanism was done fulfilling its task of opening the door. The designs of the owls on it were rather beautiful to watch. And if Azmodeus liked owls... then so much for that. Just the way that Azmodeus had said how he loved owls made the pegasus next to him laugh a little, happy for the night guard.
Stepping inside, with some cats behind, Astera would take place and wait for his host to close and lock the door before they would go on. While waiting a little he'd have a quick peek at the inside. From the look of it, this place really could be arranged to be inhabited. There even was a fireplace and a fishtank in here. Decorations all around with the tapestries... the more the pegasus looked, the more he'd smile at it. His eyes and head would move from one part of the room to the other, thinking this place was pretty swell! Obviously Flower Dust took a look as well, but while looking around, her eyes would lay on one of the cats who followed inside... Watching carefully she'd go back to hide in Astera's mane again...
Eventually the dark earth pony went to a ladder. Astera looked at him going and followed behind, then stopped when he stopped. At his suggestion of going to the second floor, Astera smiled and nodded.
Astera: Sure!
And as he was about to step forward, lifting a hoof about to do so, he'd be interrupted for a question to which he could easily answer.
Astera: Uh... Yeah, I don't mind! I'm not very difficult on the tea, really... I like many flavors.
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Heroes
May 21, 2014 20:07:54 GMT -5
Post by Admin on May 21, 2014 20:07:54 GMT -5
The second floor was basically Azmo's room. On one side was what seemed to be an old television with a set of antennas on top with a loveseat not too far in front of it. There was also, once again, a small library... if anypony would care to take a look, most ponies would see a certain pattern in it; there was few books in there about meditative techniques with unknown writers... and many... many book on the science of cutie marks. Their meanings, their nature, how they come to be, when they come to be... as well as to why they even show up at all, few rare cases as well and many other things. There was a whole shelve dedicated to that subject.
Otherwise, there was also a clock hanging on the wall; a grandmother clock with a set of bell and a swinging pendulum. He had a closet, made entirely out of wood, several chests, a small desk with papers and pens; mostly for drawing. The floor was entirely covered with fuzzy, wooly carpets of many kinds with mismatching colors and patterns, relatively clean but thrown here and there without any care; basically just to hide the entire wooden floor. As for the walls... they were covered with tapestries, all of them. Once again, beautiful landscapes... but with much, much more details this time around. They showed villages near mountains, lakes and peaceful places in general.
In the middle was a small coffee table with all sorts of random stuff scattered over it with sitting cushions under it. The lights were magical this time around, however, hanging magical garlands of many colors to give the room a smooth yet positive atmosphere.
The masterpiece, however, would be a basket in one corner. A pony-sized one, however. In it was a collection of cushions of all shapes, sizes and colors... as well as a large number of blankets scattered everywhere around and in it... and, oddly enough, some yarn balls as well. There was also random pieces of fuzzy cloths, old, unwanted furs, fakes and real ones, he didn't care...
The small alarm clock nearby meant only one thing.
This was his bed.
And obviously, more cats. In all, he had about twenty cats in his house and vicinities. Ten of them usually remained inside... others, outside. One of them was lying right in the middle of the room. Very fat, very fuzzy, gray. Snoring.
Azmo would briefly look at Astera, feeling awkward about showing his room to somepony else than him...
-So... uhh... this is my room. It's... I like it when things are cozy... for some reasons... I... um..
He'd look down... not finding anything else to say...
-I'll go fetch some tea... and don't worry for Flowerdust, the cats are nice. I raised them myself.
He'd look at the fat, gray cat sleeping in the middle.
-A-and... um, that's mister Bigglesworth. He just turned twenty five years years old... born blind, a bit obese too... but I guess I do spoil him. Um... you can look around, make yourself at home, and stuff... I'll be right back.
His moth would follow as he'd arrive by the window... and start fluttering near a lamp. His usual spot. The night guard would then climb up the ladder once more and prepare whatever was needed.
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Moments later, he'd eventually come down from the kitchen, a plate in his teeth with a steaming teapot, two cups and some other things. The cups were mismatched, the teapot as well. The plate underneath it as well. Obviously he wasn't used having guests.
He'd deposit the whole on the coffee table in the middle as he'd pull out the two cushions... on the plate was also a small pot of milk, some sugar paper bags... and for eating some ginger cookies, four of them. As for Azmo, he had brought himself something else. A small can wrote "tuna" on it as well as some flavored rice biscuits...
The earth Pony would serve the cups as he'd pour both of them tea, starting with Astera. Once that done, he'd start to open the can by pulling on the pin. Immediately several cats would come near them... most of them around and over the earth pony.
-U-um... shoo.. We have a guest... shoo!
Surprisingly enough, they'd all listen as they'd move away, without fuss. Once that out of the way, he'd look down at his own cushion as he'd lift his right hoof... then put it down, his left hoof... putting it down too. He'd do that again... and again.
He was kneading his cushion.
Though, he didn't even seem to realize that. And over that... a rumbling could be heard. A very low one, however. A purring! But odly enough, it didn't come from any of the cats. The earth pony was the source of it. Once again, being oblivious to it, it would seem.
-I hope the tea is good...
He'd say, off handedly as he was busy making himself more comfortable.
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