[MLP:FIM] The Clock and the Mirror (IC)

"Interesting... The changes are certainly useful however. But I wonder... Given the nature of my element, I should probably be able to get more information, so maybe if I focus more deeply..." I think, before I focus more on Apple Fritter, trying to learn more about her.

I frown at the argument, before my expression becomes impassive. " While I have no issues work, this is a unfortunate set of circumstances. Least it is resolved in the next few minutes, I will need to speak up." I think. "Though, I must say, she is surprisingly greedy fora pony. It is probably linked to her self-esteem problem."

"Worse, chances are high she recognized the Elements. And given that she is obviously related to Applejack... We will not be able to stay in the town long."

I wait for a moment, before sighing, stepping forward slightly to get attention. "Miss Apple fritter, While your offer is kind, and I would gladly accept, I, personally, cannot accept at this time." I hold up one hand explaining myself. "You terms are fair, even generous, and you have been kind. However lest your brothers should agree, I may not set a fingers weight upon the carriage, as that would be placing additional burden upon them without their consent. Please, forgive me if my words cause any insult, as such is certainly not my intent, Miss Apple fritter" I finish, my tone the whole time honest and polite.

Alex frowned as he thought about Apple Fritter's offer. While he was as tired as everyone else, Appleloosa was hopefully far away enough that he could rest before having to unload heavy crates or whatever was back there, and besides, if they didn't go, they'd probably die out here.

"Well, we really don't have any other choice, but I'm in."

Alex blinked in confusion as 'Four' decided to decline Apple Fritter's offer. "Who the hell talks like that..." he muttered before speaking up. "So, what, you're just going to stay out here in the desert and slowly die of starvation/dehydration?"

"If such is required, though I would of course wish to avoid such a matter. Death would be most annoying." I reply calmly. "While Miss Apple Fritter's offer is kind, I cannot in good conscience place greater burden on her brothers, unless they themselves agree to that which she has proposed."

You gain no additional insight into the Mare. You may get some more in time, either by gaining more strength in your abilities or by simply getting to know her more.

Apple Fritter's face lit up at those who accepted.
"Well then, hop on! I'll make sure you have good beds and some warm food by the end of it." She said, making a broad sweep to the top of the carriage behind her.
From the way the doors where subtly bulging out, this thing was neither designed for the amount of produce stuffed inside it or capable of taking any more passengers in inside. There are a few broad steps leading up to the top that would seem to approximate to a ladder, if you lacked hands. The carriage's top easily had enough space to seat you all in between the clearly marked 'Apple Acres' crates and barrels.

The mare then began to frown at Four's rejection, from the way her mood soured you would have thought you had just sworn at her. Her mouth was about to open, apparently launch into a counter argument before she was surprisingly cut off by the two brothers clearing their throats loudly. The brothers make a click of their tongues at the suggestion that there was a load they couldn't pull.
"She's a slave driver."
"The unloading isn't that strenuous, we'll be helping."
"You'll have an hours break before we get into town."
"But if you think you canne' work, then don't."
"Just don't expect employment either."
"We're not as cold-hearted as to leave you."
"And you lot aren't as heavy as we are tough."
"Get on, we'll at least get you into town."

Apple Fritter ran a hoof through her hair, a disquieted look on her face before deciding to shrug nonchalantly. She looked down at Four, a little less heatedly then before.
"Well, you commin' or what? Time is money and all that."

Hrm. Annoying.

"To clarify, I have no issues with working. Fair is fair. I was simply not comfortable adding to the weight you must pull, without your agreement." I state, nodding in respect before climbing up the carriage, offering a hand up to the others. "All three of you have my thanks, for what it is worth."

(Really, I feel like they misunderstood me there. I stated I had no issue with working. I just was not willing to get on the carriage unless the brothers gave their permission as well as Apple Fritter.)

I just rolled my eyes at Mandy's words and over politeness in this situation, not deigning to comment on it.

The offer was more than enough to get me happy again and going up the ladder despite my balance problems and uneasiness at going up where I could fall more than a foot or two. Still eventually I managed to get on, sitting right next to a crate, pushed up against it to give the others space and room.

I braced myself against whatever I could to prevent movement, closed my eyes, placing my head against the crate and zoned everything out as I rested. It was a method I had perfected on bus rides to school since I was young, something I had hoped to never have to do again, but it would have to be done as I rested for the trip.

I idly thought we'd all have to talk when we got some privacy again and idle time, speak about things and what we'd do now. I had also noticed the conspicuous lack of jewelery around Mandy's neck, I'd have to ask him what was up with that. Not right now though, not while the ponies were with us.

"Thank you kindly then" I grin and step up into the wagon. "I'll be sure to do my own fair share of the work, I used to do this kind of thing all the time at home, so it's no real trouble, and I appreciate your efforts willing to take the extra load" I add that last remark to the two pulling the wagon.

So, this was good! Friendly folks, a fair trade of service for service, at the least, we were dealing with a setting that wasn't secretly a dystopia, and they're actually willing to hire out unexpected help. Bonus!

So... Mandy... He seemed to recognize the name, extremely cultured, paranoid well beyond all sense of reason, and Incredibly intelligent...

Mandalayan then? It fits... And I knew Of another fellow going by Talos on Spacebattles...

So, did I just get ROB-bed? I thought that kind of thing only happened in stories! Though it does explain what I'm doing in a cartoon universe.

Huh, I hope there's some time dilation going on back home, a lot of people are going to get Really worried if I vanish off the face of the earth. Still, no sense in being impolite or violent to good folk. It wasn't my way anyways--so here's hoping it'd be possible to actually make some lives a bit better, instead of getting dragged into oversized explosions and megaviolence.

That kind of thing would be Bad.

"Thank you kindly. All of you."

Apple Fritter's grin returned almost as quickly as it had vanished. Once everyone is aboard she picks up the reins in the crook of her hooves, twisted once on both forelegs to wrap it around. With a quick up-down motion she let out a whipping crack.
Redstreak and Styre weren't offended by this, infact they expected it like it was the shot of a starting pistol. The red brothers reared up on their hind legs, letting out a loud whinny before pulling the carriage into surprisingly quick if unsteady acceleration.

For a moment, you grip whatever is close by as the carriage began to creak and twist. A few of you find purchase in the tied down crates beside you, for the others your hands grip the underside of the seats. After a few wild seconds you find that the twisting doesn't increase but in fact settles down, not unlike being in a speed boat.
In the distance you see Applelosa come steadily closer. Perhaps it wouldn't be that long until you get there after all.

Apple Fritter untwists the reins, deposing the leather strap onto a holding nob. She turned back at Colin, gesturing him over to sit beside her at the front.
"Colin, park it here. I want to hear about your experience with baking." She called out over the clatter of horse hooves. From the look on her face it seemed like she wouldn't take 'no' for an answer.

"Well" I said, tilting my head as I get comfortable when gestured to come up. "I Wouldn't really call myself a professional at it, but back home I tended to be the responsible one for young ones, what, with my parents being awfully busy during the day, and my older brother being busy with his own affairs. We happened to have a huge pile of cookbooks back home in a cupboard though, and I wound up getting plenty of practice. A few I can remember offhand for bread, are a nice, vaguely sweet loaf that goes well with all kinds of toppings, and it's pretty easy to work with. I've also got practice with getting a solid apple-crumble together if you've got some brown sugar and a few other ingredients. And we've got the cinnamon buns too that I've made my own little spin on that have been decently popular in the past."

I settle back in the particular spot. "Beyond that, I'm good at following a recipe, and improvising if we don't have the right stuff around. I can also make some decent drinks if you've got orange juice and a couple other bits lying around. I'm told it's a bit over-sweet the way I make it, but it's pretty popular with the kids. I'd have to see what's available before I could get some options out though."

I make sure the others are secure before I settle down against one of the crates. Closing my eyes, I meditate for the short time I have, so that I can get the most out of this rest.

OOC: Pardon me for the rather directed last response, fighting off food poisoning. Hopefully this one will make up for it.
Oh, and Manda? The reason why the misunderstanding happened was because you where being far too formal with quite informal folk. Had you been speaking to Rarity or Blueblood it would have been a far more favourable outcome.
Either way, enjoy!

Apple Fritter pays rapt attention to pretty much everything you say, never once interrupting as you talk. Although you have her undecided attention, it seems split between looking at for face and looking at your hands. Every motion, every twitch they make seems to catch her attention almost immediately. A strange smirk begins to grow on her face, you can almost see the gears in her head grinding together. The second you mention the orange drinks, she starts a moment as pulled out of her ravine.

“Oranges? Nah lad, this is Apples country. My brothers are good enough at making Cider, most of the equipment is down below. What they AREN'T good at is baking. I need every hoof and... hand...-” Her head dipped down to said appendages for a moment, before snapping back. “-To help us out. We have plenty of product down below but I thought that I was going to have to make it all alone! Tell you what though, if you can show me how good a baker yeh are then I'll double your pay. Might even have a place for your full-time... but I'm getting a bit ahead of myself.”

She takes a look over towards Appaloosa and your eyes follow. You both twitch in surprise as you realize that you can already make out the multitude of pony occupants already milling about in the twilight sun.
“Either my brothers are getting faster, or we where talking longer than I thought.” Apple Fritter admitted in a some-what sheepish tone. She turned back to the others and cleared her throat.

The second you find a comfortable spot and rest yourself, you feel your awareness of the world slip away into darkness almost immediately. Even though it is a dream you immediately notice that you are lucid.

For a moment you look around in the featureless black void, then you hear your voice speak into the echoing darkness.
In a world of pure harmony, there can be no life

A sudden rush of noise and features wrap around you on all sides. Buildings rapidly pulling themselves together, forming advanced medieval battlements and houses. Humans wearing spectacular dress, resembling late renascence-era clothing move through a market place. The murmuring and shouting quickly turns into a chaotic background din.
An angry shout draws your attention to two well dressed men, evidently merchants or dignitaries judging by their clothing. With one dress mostly in white and the other dressed in black, both of them where yelling furiously at each other. Their angry red faces where scant inches away from each other.
With too much honesty we expose ourselves to those who would harm us.

Off to the side there stood a man in a leather grey robe, a hood obscuring his face. He pulled out a scroll, one fetched from the deepest part of his sanctum. On the unfurled scroll there where the faces of the two men, their holdings, their authorities and, in once case, their crimes written below. Satisfied, he pushed off and walked to the middle of the two men, gently pushing them both aside.
So then I shall light a beacon of understanding

The robed man waited for the two men to explain their grievances with each other. Pausing and waiting for both to finish their argument before speaking himself.
And so I stand as a champion of diplomacy

The figure's eyes dipped down the Black Merchant's belt, his hand motioning for a belt-dagger.
And so I stand, a perceiver of the hearts of others

Before he could even reach the hilt, a gleaming silver blade erupted from underneath the grey robed man's wrist and held itself at the Merchant's neck.
And as with my trade, the blade's edge shall be my bulwark

The scene changed entirely to a majestic throne room. The grey man frog-marching the bound Black Merchant before a king and queen beside one another in two chairs of equal size and grandeur. The king dressed in black and the queen in white gently nodded to their agent's report of the criminal before them. The king reached out and motioned the figure forward.
For just as there can be no life without the inner-heart,

With a nod the Figure pulls back his hood, revealing your face underneath.
I AM SECRECY


~~~~~1~~~~~x~~~~~3~~~~~x~~~~~5~~~~~x~~~~~x~~~~~8~~~~~x~~~~~10~~~~~x~~~~~12


You awake with a start, sweat pouring down your face and your heart hammering in your chest. You know that it couldn't have been real but you can't shake the feeling that what you saw actually happened. For a moment it was so real that you felt the blade's hoster on your wrist, scrambling to pull back your sleeve you see nothing. Just a brief phantom of a passing dream.

“Alrite, wake up everypony. We're here.” An all too cheerful high-pitched Irish voice pulled your attention away from echoes of sleep and to the town around you.

However, 'Town' was perhaps an unfair description. The place around you held little resemblance to what you remember from the town. At the very least, Appaloosa had grown nearly ten times it's original size. Massive amounts of construction where occurring at this every instant where in the distance. Although still a majority, Earth ponies where no longer exclusive with the likes of unicorns, pegasai, cows, donkeys, even a few bison and griffion where going about their business with a typical country pace.

The only real familiar sight was main street, although that had been recently rebuild into cobblestone base. The sheriff's office, the town hall and even the Salt-lick bar where largely untouched despite the rapid growth. Regardless, not even they where immune to progress as their once simple sign-age where now highlighted with pulsing neon lights.
With the massive growth and shining night-life, if anything, Appaloosa was rapidly starting to look like a pony version of Las Vegas.

The carriage pulled to a stop outside of a typical old-west styled office entitled “Applaloosa Apples”. In seeming defiance of the new concrete and girder buildings springing up over town, the office was a humble affair even if it was recently built. Unfortunately, the over-all effect was ruined by the gaudy neon face of a grinning Braeburn next to the sign made it stick out horridly. Snapping your attention away from the horrible smiling mug, the front door of the officer was slammed open, light flooding out onto the pourch.

In a rather striking impression of the sign, although likely unintentional, Braeburn stood in the door way ecstatically waving at you all.
“Oh, Cousins of mine, ain't you a sight for sore eyes; and you brought friends too! Hope y'all feel welcome to APPALOSA!!” He greeted which, in hindsight, fit Apple Fritter's impression a bit too well.

I opened my eyes, torn from the slightly uncomfortable rest that I had been undergoing, looking over to see if Appaloosa was like the show.

The sight was strange and weird. Either we were quite some time after the Appaloosa episode or the canon version was massive changed here. Possibly both of course.

I noticed the griffons most of all out of the species here and watched them to see if any seemed to recognize us, having the griffons that Vital Chord had been in contact with finding us first might not be a good thing.

The building we were going towards rapidly turned my attention away from the rest of the town and griffons towards it. I actually gaped at the neon Braeburn, it's tackiness was so.. tacky.

Still though I waved at the pony that waved at us. "Hi there, name's Asmodemus." I turned my attention towards Apple Fritter. "So, time to unload stuff then? Just say what you need done." I'd try my best to help, though I was a bit worried about measuring up to the standards they'd expect.

'You know, these people a bit accepting of alien beings they've probably never seen before...I'll have to mention this to the others later....' Alex thought to himself as they pulled into town.

When the carriage arrived at Appleloosa Apples, Alex chuckled at Braeburn doing his whole 'Appleloosa' bit, before hopping out of the wagon himself, slightly wincing as his rather raw feet hit the ground.

"Howdy." replied Alex. It felt appropriate.

Well, that's not how I imagined Appleloosa. And WTF? No one is staring at us or something... not liking this. Not at all.
"Well hello there." I say before jumping off the carriage... remembering in air that I don't have boots on myself, only socks. OSHITOSHITOSHIT!!!

Ahh. Sorry to hear that. I do hope you feel better soon.

Ah, right. I'm dealing with those of lesser culture. I will have to keep that in mind for future dialogue.

...This could prove to be difficult.

"Unusual. I am skilled at meditation, but that was too rapid, and the surroundings are not correct. Chances of outside influence are high. Possibly the Element of Honestly..."

I take several deep breaths, calming myself, and lowering my heartbeat. "Okay. I did not expect that. Was it a vision of the past, another life? Or a future vision?

...

No. It has to be a past life, given the details...But for me to bend knee, and serve anyone... I was certainly different, if that dream was true.

Secrecy... Yes, that fits. Secrecy indeed." I finish my thoughts as I hear Apple Fritter speak, smiling faintly.

I carefully swing down, offering a hand to the others still on the carriage, and Apple Fritter to be polite. My do wince slightly, as my feet hit the ground, before rapidly covering it with a warm smile, while I examine Braeburn. "My behavior did not garner the reaction expected last time. Perhaps I should try being more common this time..." I think before I reply. "Indeed. Your town is certainly impressive. And we are happy to be back in civilization."

"That should be more suitable. Let's see how he reacts."

If there is anyone in the crowd that recognize you, they certainly don't make it known. Griffion, pony and alike usually do a double take or raise a querying brow when they spot you but other quickly shrug and go about their business. Nobody seems that your appearance is enough to raise an alarm or call you out, live and let live seems to be the name of the game here.

You grit your teeth and brace yourself for the on-coming pain. Your feet clap onto the cobblestone below you find that... you're completely fine. For whatever reason it's just as painless as walking about in heavy leather boots with all the normal sensations of walking barefoot.

“A pleasure to meet y'all, were you in town for business or-.” Braeburn is cut off by Apple Fritter gratefully accepting Four's hand to the ground, hooves clopping. Meanwhile Redstreak and Strye went about removing themselves from their harnesses.
“No time for pleasantries everypony, just help us unload. We've had a long enough day.” The Mare stated rather bluntly, gesturing to the carriage behind her.

The apple farmer blinked for a moment, stunned, before he hurriedly rushed over. He looked up a Four with a grin on his face. “Glad you like it, we get plenty of new ponies every day and there’s always room for more. Pardon my rudeness but I ain't never seen your kind before, what where you called again?”

The green-haired mare walked over to the carriage, her head briefly ducked under the side of it and came back out with a gold key. She looked over to Colin and Asmo. “C'mon lads, give me a hoof with the door. We've locked it up but I just don't have the patience to fiddle with this key.” She mumbled out between the sides of the key.

I blink.
That's loyality? I don't get tired, got PERFECT sense of direction... I CAN BREATH ON THE F*CKING MOON! And now I don't feel even small pain... I don't know if I sould be happy or scared.
I shook my head.
"Just tell me what to do and it shall be done."

I carefully help Apple Fritter down, before I nod at her words. "Of course." I reply, before setting to work doing whatever work is needed.

I work at a steady pace, hard, but not killing myself, as I will be worthless if I overwork. But I make sure to do at least my share, more if I can.

I nod politely again. 'We are Homo Sapien Sapien, Sir." I reply, smiling faintly. "The others have named me Four. You are Braeburn, correct? A pleasure to meet you." I reply.

That was good at least, we didn't need to worry that much about talk of us spreading too quickly. So long as we didn't make too many waves.

I forced down my instinct to tell Braeburn we were human, might be best to keep our species a secret just for now. The griffons and ponies were probably on the lookout for our species and the word human would travel faster. At the same time I didn't expect a member of the Apple family to like secrecy. Still, better on his bad side than hunted down by that insane griffon again.

I offered a hand to her, fingers outstretched to catch the key. "Just give it over and I'll open it for you then." I say simply.

Kind of makes you wonder how that works I think to myself as Apple Fritter takes out the key. Probably isn't completely unrealistic to think that humans have been here in the past though, keys in particular don't strike me as something a pony would invent on their own--at least not in a shape we'd recognize anyway.

"Well, that should be in order then, you need me to help with the boxes then while you get set up inside?" I ask.

She edges the key out from her mouth as far as she can, you easily pull it out of the surprisingly sturdy grip. Despite the way it was being held, it's actually free of any kind of spittle. Deciding that it simply wasn't worth the trouble worrying about, you unlatch the lock on the portside before wandering around the starboard to unlock a similar door.

Redstreak and Styre walk up beside you, gently edging you back. They nod to each other for a moment before one gingerly opens the door while the other quickly presses up against the crates that poured out otherwise.
“Gotit?”
“Gotit.”
“Rite; Asmo, grab that top one. Talos, help us with the rest.” The brother on the door asks.

You walk forward and easily pull the top crate down. Roughly half a metre in length, embazed with the Apple Arces logo and made of some kind of light-coloured wood, the crate had a metal latch constructed into the topside. The logic strikes you a odd before you realize it's actually the best way a Pony could actually CARRY a crate, they just need to use their jaws.

You hear the brothers and Asmo struggle with the crates on the other-side. Talos rounds the corner with a rather pint-sized crate tucked under his armpit. Although the door was unlocked, it looked like no-one was starting until the brothers had opened the doors themselves.

“Like-wise, friend, like-wise. Since we opened the Zap-Stone mines up in the mountains, Appleloosa has had people from all over the world come to it. Begging your pardon, but you colts have a place to stay, right? I was expecting just three, not nine.” Braeburn seems happy to spend time talking about the town, although in a slightly more subdued fashion then before.

She thinks for a moment before nodding.
“If you don't mind it, yeah. Braeburn! Stop talking with your Colt-friend and take me to where you need these crates.” Apple Fritter yelled out to her cousin, who tilted his head at the taunt.

“Alrighty then, follow up, it's out back in the barn.” The beige pony stated, apparently unoffended, leading off to around the building. The green-maned mare flashed a grin at Colin before following after him.

In a minute's time, the red brothers open up the crates on your side and the unpacking begins in earnest.
After 15 minutes the carriage was completely emptied and the carriage itself was driven into a corral. The equipment, apples and luggage where all stored away safely in the barn, which was locked up by Braeburn in a somewhat arcane matter that including tapping on three unmarked areas. He brushed it off by saying it was 'magiced up'. He quickly and eagerly ushered you all inside for what would hopefully be dinner from the way the smell was in the air.

~~~~~1~~~~~x~~~~~3~~~~~x~~~~~5~~~~~x~~~~~x~~~~~8~~~~~x~~~~~10~~~~~x~~~~~12

The very second you get a whiff of what's in the oven it's made painfully clear just how long ago you've eaten, which by now, was precisely 24 hours ago.

With the heavy scent of some kind of potato bake in the oven, the rather plain and humble kitchen was immediately ignored for whatever it may have lacked. Although Braeburn apparently lived alone, his square dining table was quite expansive, easily large enough to fit 12 ponies and with strangely humanoid chairs to match. Without ceremony or conversation, the Apple family members sat down near the head of the table- where it was closest to the oven. While they where seemingly tireless before, it was now becoming clear just how fatigued the two brothers where becoming, almost sagging in their chairs, even if they had a somewhat satisfied expression on their face.

Braeburn tucked into the oven, pulling out the bake between his hooves and depositing it on tabletop. He looked back at the six of you and pert his eyebrow.
“C'mon, y'all, take a seat. I didn't expect ya but I can sure as hay feed ya.”

It was interesting noting the lack of saliva, did the ponies have more control over it than humans or were they naturally drier in the mouth? Still I took the key easily and unlock the doors before being pushed back.

I mentally noted that it probably wasn't good for the contents those crates to fall out like that but that they probably had to pack it full. It was a good thing they did so we could ride topside really.

I reached up to grab the crate, hoping I wouldn't be too weak before finding it was rather easy actually.

I followed along, noting where we had to put the crates and put them down carefully before taking a trip back, getting as many as I could to avoid giving the mare a reason to be dissatisfied with our work.

I took note of the magic there, it was interesting and functional magic for the everyday. Very neat indeed.

I quickly sat down, looking ravenous, I had definitely been starving and now it was quite clear. I would eat my fill and try not to overdo it but it would be difficult.

Now if only we had shoes and a bed...

I wait patiently for the brothers to open the doors. "Zap-Stones? I admit, I do not know much about them." I pause and shake my head. "As for boarding... Well, circumstances conspired to place us in a awkward position. One of our primary goals at the moment is to earn our keep, so we can arrange boarding and such."

I glance over the town. "Still, this area seems busy..."

I quirk an eyebrow, amused.

"...Been awhile since I was reduced to manual labor like this, I must admit..." I muse silently to myself as we work. I watch Braeburn with a certain degree of interest, trying to see if I can see any signs of magic.

The very second you get a whiff of what's in the oven it's made painfully clear just how long ago you've eaten, which by now, was precisely 24 hours ago.

I pause for a moment before I need. "You have my thanks Braeburn, for what they are worth. Is there anything I can do to assist?" I state, burying my weariness, concealing the fact that I am tired, as best I am able.

'FOOOOD!!!' cried a voice in Alex's head. It was promptly beaten down and told to sit in the corner until it calmed the hell down.

"Thanks Braeburn, I don't think any of us have eaten for awhile." Alex said, before gleefully rubbing his hands together and digging in.