Equestrias Fall Frolic Festival and Dance [Fair Grounds - Open]

[ShadowWalking18]

It was that time of the year once more, with the passing of Summer and the beginning of Fall. All across Equestria, towns and villages had prepared a variety of celebratory fairs and festivals. This fair is just but one of them, but it is known to be one of the best. All around are stands offering food, drinks, games and toys, and a number of rides. Pumpkin carvings and even a hay ride and corn maze. Oh and even more and more food stands.

 

All around ponies and foals walk about, talking and laughing. It was certainly a big crowd, where anypony could run into anypony.

 

 

 

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

 

Through the fair went a pair of griffons. One was an adult griffonness in her prime, and an elegant beauty of griffon kind. Sleek white feathers, with only the barest brown rings mixed in at her wings. Her sleek white tiger half swayed, her tail flicking, all in the workings of catching a stallions eyes and leaving them with open mouths. The griffonness wore a long white dress that fit to ever feature of her form and she had a wide hat to keep her shaded from the fall sun.

 

The griffonness looked slightly to her left, catching a stallion watching her and gave a wink before stopping and looking back to a giant stuffed bear behind her, and the griffon carrying it.

 

The griffon carrying the bear was...small. Very small. Smaller then what would be normal. He barely came up to a pony's chest. The griffon grunted as he tried to walk on his hind legs and hang onto the stuffed animal.

 

"Oh Razor do keep up. It can't be that hard." Anastasia said.

 

Razor growled, "I don't see why I have to carry this stupid thing. You won it."

 

Anastasia smirked, "Well Razor, a gentleman always carries a lady's things."

 

Razor growled at her, but kept carrying it, though he did look for a trash can or something to stuff the oversized thing into.

[Zeig]

 

Haunted and ghost-infested valleys were…not in his day-to-day routine. In fact, he highly doubted that haunted and ghost-invested valleys were in anypony's day-to-day routine.

…Except, perhaps, for the ponies that lived in said haunted and ghost-infested valley.

But for all the rumors and hearsay and fervid whispers of ponies claiming they saw this-n-that, Hollow Shades wasn't all that it was cracked up to be, allowing Inkbrand to admire the festive setting as he jauntily strolled through the fair grounds, tail swinging idly from side to side. Oh sure, maybe at night and with no festive lights sporting the area, the valley was probably a lot spookier and more difficult to traverse through. But surrounded by sights and sounds and smells that all indicated a high-time of food and fun, well.

Inkbrand was having a difficult time picturing anything other than gorging on roasted pumpkin while being lazily carted around on a hay ride.

And he was also pretty sure that he wasn't the only pony in the vicinity to be thinking of it. And he hadn't even needed to force her, this time.

To say Inkbrand was surprised when he had bumped - literally - into Flora Bloom on the outskirts of Hollow Shades would be an understatement, especially considering that this area was not one he frequented. In fact, he'd been in Canterlot on business, of all things, and had simply caught wind of the festival being held here. Compared to traipsing around the royally stuck-up city of the royal Princesses, sauntering through a fairground had seemed a much better alternative to waiting out his time, and had prompted the trip down into the valley.

The green mare being here had just been somewhat of a bonus.

"How 'bout it Flo?" Inkbrand not-questioned as he absently worked his way through the fairgrounds, less set on a destination and more on the lookout for something intriguing to do. "Hay ride? Maze? I bet we could grab a pumpkin pie and climb up a mountain if you're really feeling up to it," the tattoo-clad stallion teased slyly, remembering how reluctantly the green Earth Pony had initially followed his near-possessed attempts to eat an apple pie off the top of a ridge in Appleloosa. At least this time she wasn't being forced along.

He'd see how long that lasted.
 

 

 

 

[PyroBlaze]

Flora... wasn't really sure what to make of this situation... She had been hesitant to go to this fair at all, but she had come to the area anyways on business, so she decided to go to the fair. She hadn't really planned to stay long either, though now that she had somepony she knew with her, she was more likely to stick around for as long as he did.

 

Inkbrand was a very interesting friend, but not a bad one. She did enjoy his company, most of the time, and being with him was preferable to being alone at this fair. She didn't much care for crowds, especially when they were just a bunch of strangers.

 

The green mare looked over at her gray friend as he spoke up, asking what she wanted to do. She gave a small giggle at the mention of climbing a mountain with a pie, memories of when the two of them did that in Appleoosa surfacing. That had been a fun time, all in all.

 

"No... I think we could avoid a repeat performance." She said, smiling faintly at him. "A hay ride sounds like a good time, but I am up to do either."

[Ciraxis]

"It's been a while." said the unicorn as he walked past the sign that informed him that he entered the Hollow Shades.

'Quattro', or rather Swift Squall was in the alley few time before today. As such nobelpony knew very well that the place was haunted. It didn't bothered him much however. Swift learned long ago to accept the 'paranormal' as just another part of the world he learned in. Shades weren't the only place that was could be described as 'spooky' in the end, right? But never before he was here when place was so...festive.

"Already the time to reap the fruits of one's labor" stallion thought as he passed next to carved up pumpkins. It seems that Shades was much more lively then usual. The ponies from surrounding region arrived to present efforts of the harvest and celebrate end of the season.

 

"I wonder if she is here at the time as well? Probably not. Most likely she's chasing some material for a new book or something." Swift's thoughts turned towards a certain writer who happened to call the Shades home.

"And besides, could I trust her, with asking about 'that' while I am 'Quattro'?" he wondered.

"Heh..." stallion scoffed "No reason to think about it now. Sorrow looks back, Worry looks around, and  Faith looks up." he quoted to himself a phase he heard long ago across the sea's.

"But speaking about faith for tomorrow, where is she?" noblepony looked around, looking for his sweetheart.

He and Fire were to meet and spent some time together again but the crimson pegasus was nowhere to be seen!

"Still...it's nice to be waited for then waiting myself, for once." he realized, feeling the warm feeling inside his chest.

 

As he walked through the fair grounds, 'Quattro' spotted first the very small griffon, and later the grey stallion that he himself happened to run into at World's Fair.

"Isn't that...Moto's acquaintances?" he wondered aloud.

[tacobob]

 

 

Fire Walker always wanted to visit Hollow Shades, and while it was not that far from her former home city of Canterlot, it wasn't so much the distance, it was getting there that was the problem. Unlike many of the cities and villages in Equestria, there were no railroads that lead to the old village, just mostly old stone and dirt roads. Thankfully she was able to hop a carriage from Canterlot to Hollow Shades.

 

The red mare spent the entire trip hoofing through guidebook she picked up at Lore Weaver's shop. It was probably the best time go visit the town since it was getting closer to 'Nightmare Night' and she had read that many of the town's citizens would set up an 'Fall Frolic Festival' during this time of the year. Interesting food, drinks, games and other activities. She was also there to spend some quality time with her friend Razor, and whatever her special somebody, Swift Squall was currently calling himself this week. Emerald Flash? Bold BigFlank? Flint IronStag? Slate SlabRock? Lolly Hoot Holler? Yum-Yum Sinclair Snowballeater? Whatever he was pretending to be, she would know it was him.

 

The trip itself was uneventful, and her fellow passengers mostly kept to themselves until the wagon stopped, and a filly bounced up from her seat with a triumphant "We're here!"

 

The mare followed the others out of the large carriage and watched as her bag was unceremoniously onto a cart with the other passenger's bags. These all would be sent to the hotel she and Swift had booked. Considering the pamphlet referred to their hotel as an 'historical rustic glimpse in Equestria's past'. This meant it was an roach pit with no working fans or AC. She could only dread to think what the bathrooms would be like. If there was any.

 

She slowly trotted past the "HOLLOW SHADES" sign and spotted more than a few familiar ponies. There was that oddball of a stallion, Inkbrand who was chatting with an green mare she had not seen before. Past a few other ponies, stood her friend Razor, and an pretty Gryphoness the mare had sworn she had seen before...Was it a funeral? Wedding? She would have to ask, but before she could make her way over to the pair, her beloved in disguise could be seen from where she stood. And since she did not want to blow his cover, the R.E.A officer casucally made her way to the noble-pony and whispered, "So what do I get to call you this time?"

 

Oh please be Yum-Yum Sinclair Snowballeater!

[moonshineTheleocat]

Java trotted beside his older sister, a rather massive and powerfully built mare, his mind wondering. Well less wondering… and more ramming it’s self into a brick wall repeated as something seemed to be bothering him. It wasn’t that he had left the oven on at home. Or, that he forgot to feed Sine –his beloved cat- before he left. It was something different. Something very different. Something… mysterious.

His gaze slowly shifted back to his sister, Star Crusader. Mystery solved. The massive mare was easily more stoic than a brick. Had to look down on some caribou. Was stronger than his friend, Dunder. And had wings that brutalized the air when she flies. She was born a warrior! And yet… here she was… dressed in silks. A dress!

A dress! A gown! Entirely of silk, and with colors resembling a near night time sky. There was a sash that wrapped around her barrel, acting as a belt with a bit of flare. And a webbed shawl that wrapped around her neck and shoulders. The cuffs around her fore legs flared open a bit at the end, but were tight on her upper legs.

Somehow… the dress maker turned his beloved warrior of a sister… into… well… it’d less scary and probably alluring mare. Key word on less scary… her expression was still hard and sharp like a knife’s edge.

 

“Uh… sis…” The stallion began. Finally speaking for the first time since he saw her in that very dress.

 

The mare quietly turned her head down to her little brother, a brow raised. The hard expression was merely a window to the stallion. After growing up with her, he eventually was able to read exactly what her current emotions were. And right now… it was humor.

Before Java could say any more, the mare shook her head lightly and let her gaze return to their path. “I guess I can still surprise you, Voronoi.”

Java flushed, and looked away. “When you think you know your own sister… she pulls a fast one and throws all assumptions down the gutter.”

“Assumptions that I am like mother? Run a pike through the poor pony whom dares to tell her to wear a dress?” She hummed softly. A ghost of a smile appearing on her lips. “Last I checked, I am my own entity.”

The stallion studied her once more, this time falling silent. He eyed the dress... then quickly flicked his eyes up to her muzzle. No make up. Huh...

[ShadowWalking18]

Anastasia continued to leisurely walk through the fair, her eyes darting like a predator seeking prey. Which she was...in a way. She had so far found a few good samples, but nothing that she felt was overly qualified for her. She was afraid this day would be a rather fruitless hunt, when she saw him.

 

Or them.

 

Anastasia had to stop suddenly, bumping forward slightly when Razor bumped into her, but she ignored him as she directly eyed her targets.

 

"Hey Ana, what gives?" Razor said, agitated by the sudden stop. Anastasia grabbed him by the beak, shutting his trap.

 

"Shush. I am....examining."

 

One was a ravish, rogue looking hunk of a stallion. His coat covered in a number of tattoos that gave him an air of intrigue. She wondered what they meant, if they meant anything at all. Anastasia rather liked the rogue types.

 

She hummed, rubbing her beak in thought noting the mare talking to him. She wondered if she was going to be competition.

 

The second was a unicorn stallion, and one who walked with a certain degree of confidence in his step. Anastasia liked confident males, that meant they had a spine. But she growled agitated slightly seeing a red coated Pegasus mare get near the stallion.

 

And then there was the third. A delicious looking stallion, with such a messy mane of hair. A bit lanky, though. Still, certainly a prime catch. Though he seemed to be with another mare as well. The mare herself looked rather dashing, certainly pretty and that dress was gorgeous.

 

"Hmmm, three to choose, but where to start?" She pondered, finally letting Razor's beak go.

 

"Gah, Ana, what was that for?" Razor asked.

 

Anastasia leveled him with a  look, and then pointed to the groups.

 

"Come cousin. Let us mingle for a time. Oh and do get rid of that. Its unseemly for a griffon of your caliber to be seen with that." She said as she grabbed the large stuffed bear and threw it into the air, causing it to fall on some pony.

 

Razor blinked, and looked where she was pointing.

 

He noticed a few ponies he knew, such as Inkbrand and Java. He waved to each of them, before noticing someone he hadn't seen in a long time.

 

"Oh, hey Firewalker." He called, waving.

 

"You know her?" Anastasia said, shocked.

 

Razor nodded, "Yeah. I met her during a Kraken attack. She's got a spunky little sister who might be as fast as me one day."

 

Anastasia blinked, but then smiled.

 

"Excellent. Let us go see them." Anastasia said, grabbing Razor by the talon and yanking him off his feet and hauling him over to FireWalker.

[Zeig]

 

 

She hadn't expressively forbade it, so that was pretty much the same as getting permission, right?

Right.

"Mountain climbing it is!" Inkbrand declared loudly, startling a few passerby's as he stomped one hoof into the ground. "All we need is a pumpkin pie and we're good to go! Start scouting out a good cliffside for us, eh Flo?" Despite his teasing, the grey stallion had every intention of remaining at sea level - or, whatever elevation this town was at - for the duration of his stay here. Crawling all over mountains was fun and all, but a good 'ol fashioned walk around the fair grounds was just as good.

And that had nothing to do with the steep cliffs and jagged mountainsides that weren't anything like the relatively smooth and flat plateaus of the Appleloosan deserts, no sir.

"Eh. A pumpkin carving actually sounds kinda cool right about now," Inkbrand admitted after a moment, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as they continued to stroll about the grounds. "Me and my friends, we used to always try to outdo each other on Nightmare Night, make the scariest carving," the grey stallion reminisced, the memory of chasing a screeching Bright Light with an army of spooky pumpkins summoning a grin to his face. Buck, how long had it been since he'd actually carved a pumpkin?

…Oh, right. Last Nightmare Night, when he'd chased a screeching Sketch Book around with a jaggedly carved lantern.

…Huh. How did Flora Bloom feel about glowing green pumpkin lanterns?

Before that thought could take any further root in his head however, a flailing limb a ways away caught Inkbrand's attention, causing his head to swivel upwards like a dog on the scent. Said flailing limb soon identified itself as belonging to Razor, only barely recognizable underneath a comically oversized stuffed bear that had presumably been won in a festival game. His wayward friend was standing beside another Griffon, one so blindingly white that it was almost difficult to look directly at her.

Both seemed to be moving into the distance, but Inkbrand didn't let that stop him as he gave a quick toss of his head in the direction of the Griffon pair with murmured "Hey, c'mon," for Flora Bloom, before he started leading to two of them over.

"I'd like to say this is a step up for you," Inkbrand drawled leisurely as he came upon the two, easily matching their stride as they moved towards whatever their destination was, "but I don't know if 'Slave to Yet Another Griffon' is really a step up…or a step anywhere, even." The words slipped casually from his mouth as Inkbrand turned his gaze onto the white Griffoness, lips automatically turning upwards into a leer. From what he could tell, the female Griffon was nearly pure white, but the pure white of her dress made it difficult to be certain.

Not to mention hiding her flanks. A crying shame against Equestria, that was.

Razor was certainly put out too, but Inkbrand had a sneaking suspicion that it was for entirely different reasons than his own. Probably ruled out marefriend - no way a stallion would act that disgruntled over being a new mare friend's portable purse. The scowl spoke of familiarity, teasing. Relation? Or just a friend?

Whatever the pair was, the sight of Razor's small body pretty much overcome by the giant teddy was worth any festival attraction, and Inkbrand couldn't help the sly tilt of his mouth as he cocked his head slightly. "Name's Inkbrand, and this is Flora Bloom," Inkbrand introduced to the unknown white Griffoness, with a jab of his head towards the green Earth Pony at his side. He didn't think he shared a friend in common between Flo and Razor, but in a town like Ponyville - a place pretty much everypony he knew seemed to frequent - it was a little difficult for ponies not to know each other.
 

 

 

 

 

[PyroBlaze]

Flora blinked a little at Inkbrand's response, tilting her head slightly. He wanted to go up another mountainside? She really didn't want to, she would rather stay with the nature around them. Then again, it would get them away from the crowds, which was something she wouldn't mind at all.

 

It took her a bit, but she did figure out he was joking, which drew a good-natured sigh from her as she shook her head slightly. She caught the tail end of what he had said next, something about Nightmare Night. Either he was looking forward to the holiday, or he wanted to carve a pumpkin. Perhaps both. It was probably the second thing though, given he had said something about carvings too.

 

Once again, she had been too lost in thought to notice Inkbrand speaking, though thankfully he hadn't said much. She followed after him silently, tilting her head slightly at the two griffons they seemed to be approaching. It seemed Inkbrand knew the male, at least...

 

"Oh! U-umm... Hi..." She said, a bit shy with the two unknown griffons there. "N-nice to m-meet you two..."

[Ciraxis]

Squall wasn't forced to wait long. Almost as soon as he noticed the pair of griffons and Inkbrand, his beloved Fire decided to pop up!

"Seems like her arriving before me was a bad assumption." noblepony observed. In the end however he was glad to just spent some time with his special somepony.

"The same as the last time. Don't change what's already working...and honesty, it's the one that allowed me to make some good." he said aloud. For the strangers, that would sound very vague, but Fire knowing full story understood what he meant.

"You look nice today. Is that new earrings? Also you written that you never been to Shades before correct?" said the 'Quattro' while pulling out his own...well..shades, and slipping them on his muzzle.

"I first came here at the beginning of my mercenary career,I was chasing a bounty, an infamous robber who decided to flee here." Squall begun to share another of his myriad past adventures.

"Confronted him right there, just before dusk." swordpony pointed towards a point between the two stands offering the snacks.

"Despite all that Honor Guard training I was still green, and allowed him to flee. A mistake for my part. He escaped towards the forest surrounding the village" Swift paused for a moment before picking up.

"Robber returned few hours later. He actually begged me to lock him up, whatever would it be, just as far away from Hollow as possible. I don't know what that guy saw there, as he refused to speak about it, but it had to be terrifying. After all his mane turned gray because of it." he finished.

"So yes, Shades is very spooky most of the time. Locals however don't seem to complain about it at all however. Whatever force hangs out here it seems to only target those with bad intentions. If you behave it leaves you alone."

 

Swift paused to catch his breath. Before he could say anything else, he felt a familiar shiver upon his spine. Somepony was watching him.....and yet there wasn't anything in the air that could be identified as malice.

"Who is..." he started as he turned around, only to see that griffons that he noticed earlier were approaching. Trailing behind them was Inkbrand accompanied by mare he didn't recognize.

"...and there goes 'being left alone' part." Squall snarked in his head. There was something familiar in the small griffon however. What was his name.

"Isn't that....Razor?" 'Quattro' asked Fire. That also reminded him that he didn't shaved for a couple of days. Swift hoped that Moto didn't minded the stubble.

[tacobob]

 

As she got a good look at her beloved stallion's current costume the red mare tried to remember what name went with this current getup, another figure appeared in the corner of her eye. It was her fellow officer and occasional adventuring companion Star Crusader! The mares had a good deal in common. Both were in the R.E.A. Both came from old and respectable families. Both had names suitable for an early mane-metal-band. Both were occasionally called for bodyguard duty, and both were physically fit, but still looked really good in a dress. Actually, she really did like her dress. Fire Walker silently wondered who designed the dress the impressive Pegasus pony had on. Mareavani? Gusset Gander? Haberdasher? She had heard Lady Rarity had opened up a second shop in Canterlot. Maybe it was from there? Standing near her was some sort of scruffy stallion. Was he some sort of hobo or tramp? Maybe he was an local? While she wanted to canter over and exchange a few words with the mare, she needed to settle a few things with Swift, and they would always have time later.

 

"That is Lady Star Crusader.", the officer whispered to the stallion, "We worked together rather recently. Will have to tell you all about our little mission together later on.", she wanted to give the noble pony a proper greeting, but they had to continue to play his little game. For the rest of the world, Sir Swift Squall was dead. He was now....Squattro? Battrock? Quattro? Oh right, Quattro! Her -friend-. Hopefully nopony would look to far into this little ruse, considering she only paid for one room at the hotel, with one bed.

 

"Erm? The dress? Actually, what I'm wearing is different than one yo....", catching her mistake early, the mare added, "You saw me in before. This is an Chanille. It's similar, but it's better suited for this weather, and it's got a hoodie.", she pulled up the hood for a moment before she pushed back. "And yes, this is the first time I've been to Hollow Shades. Always wanted to visit after reading Trenderhoof's article about the sleepy little town a few years ago. Heard all about the food and interesting sites." Fire Walker smiled as the stallion told a story and added, "Well, I'm pretty sure you know that criminals are a cowardly and superstitious lot. He probably realized that there was a good chance that he would have gotten himself lost and possibly eaten by a Grue. He knew the safest and best place to be was with you.", she winked at the designed stallion.

 

"And yes, that's Razor.", she eyeballed the 'fun-sized' griffon and his companion. "And that's...er.." Oh how she was bad at other people's names. And unlike ponies, you couldn't get a good guess by looking at their flanks. "Lady Anastasia.", she spoke up as the pair was now just a few canters away. She gave off a polite nod as their paid of birds were now at their side. "Razor.", she was never sure what to do with the griffon. Hoof-Bump? A hug? Kiss on the cheek? Considering how terrified he was of contact with females, she simply waved at her friend, "Not sure you've met my friend, this is Quattro...", she was not going to even try to figure out 'Quattro' back-story. She returned her attention back to the pretty female griffon,"And it's very nice to meet you...I believe we have run into each other before..Briefly.." As much as she wanted to, Fire Walker decided she would not even ask about Razor's girlfriend. Her little sister Wind had mentioned that she had overheard an conversation back at Ponyville, and said he had hooked up with an fellow R.E.A. officer.

 

* OOC: Once that RP is finished..

[moonshineTheleocat]

Java’s eyes slowly wondered to the crowd, along with his hooves drawing himself to a stop. His sister stopped as well, giving him a brief glance before turning her head into the direction he was facing. His wondering mind began to draw to a focus to a number of familiar faces in the gathering.

 

The first and most quickly recognized was the griffon that just stood out in the group of ponies. What was his name again? Oh right, Razor! Funny, the stallion hardly remember having a conversation with him that lasted longer than a few utteranes… and him running off at the sight of a mare. Usually… the stallion would laugh at such things… but gynophobia was a very real and serious thing. Poor guy.

 

The second was the red mare. Once again, attention drawn by sheer contrast. But… the stallion wasn’t sure if he could recall her name. What was it again? Oh how his memory was just awful sometimes. When your brain woks like a hash map, things just get thrown about in a heap. Forever lost till someone utters a name.

 

Lets see… was it Pen Pal? No no, that wasn’t it. Marmalade? No. Paper Cut? Mmph, this red mare does look like an REA member… Java specifically remembered Papercut being gray and black. But… that does narrow things down. Maybe… No wait yes! Fire Walker! Oh… but perhaps the two times they met would not be worth much? The first time was waken up from a night at the pub with his good friend Dunder. And the second being some sort of strange magic turning ponies into foals.

 

And then the last? Ink- perhaps not worth bothering with the memory. Java specifically remembered boarding that one up.

 

The others… The stallion did not quite know.

 

 

Star Crusader’s had spent some time scanning over the group, and taking in every details. Her analysis of everything did not lead to anything spectacular. For the most part, just about every pony looked like law abiding citizens. Except for the carnie twisting his mustache at the stand behind them.

 

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously, she would have to keep extra careful watch over that particular individual. Intuition is just making her mane itch. Yes… an individual who was bubbling with the broth of an evil batch. But… she wasn’t here to work. No… she was on her break. And she needed to act like it.

 

Her eyes returned to the group, easily spotting out the only two faces she recognized. The Griffon whom she saw at the party back in whitescar. And of course, her colleague  Fire Walker. Perhaps now would be a good time to socialize?

The mare gently placed a heavy hoof on her brother, and practically drug him along as she approached the mare along with her friend.

“Good evening, Fire Walker,” The mare spoke in as gentle of a tone as she could manage. She held a sincere, but thin smile that barely cracked dawn on her usually stoic expression. She easily pulled the stallion in front of herself. Even with his hooves pushing up dirt in a poor attempt to stop himself from being manhandled.

 

“This is my brother. Voronoi Fractal. Or… Java as he prefers it.” The mare hummed, then glanced down to the stallion. Her smile stretching just a little further as she prepared a small jab. “He does not sleep well.”

 

Java… being on the receiving end, easily caught the insult. He released an annoyed  groan, then lifted a hoof to cover his face.

[Lux]

 

If there was one season that she had to choose as her favorite, fall would be Zecora's. She never had much of an experience as a filly living in Unyasi with its warm climate, so living near Ponyville was a feast for all senses. The colors and smells of leaves, the sounds of geese flying south for warmer places, the fields in full harvest. Yes it was a magical time, and when the zebra heard of a fall event planned in nearby Hollow Shades, she couldn't refuse. But there was another reason, the tales that Hollow Shades was a haunted place. This was something that she wanted to see for herself to tell if the legends were true. 

 

As she broke through the clearing, Zecora saw a number of activities available from simple carnival games to a maze. Well she was not going to squander her day, but first she wanted to introduce herself. 

 

"Good afternoon everypony and griffon here! I hope your individual journeys were without problems or fears." 

[ShadowWalking18]

 

Not to mention hiding her flanks. A crying shame against Equestria, that was.

Razor was certainly put out too, but Inkbrand had a sneaking suspicion that it was for entirely different reasons than his own. Probably ruled out marefriend - no way a stallion would act that disgruntled over being a new mare friend's portable purse. The scowl spoke of familiarity, teasing. Relation? Or just a friend?

Whatever the pair was, the sight of Razor's small body pretty much overcome by the giant teddy was worth any festival attraction, and Inkbrand couldn't help the sly tilt of his mouth as he cocked his head slightly. "Name's Inkbrand, and this is Flora Bloom," Inkbrand introduced to the unknown white Griffoness, with a jab of his head towards the green Earth Pony at his side. He didn't think he shared a friend in common between Flo and Razor, but in a town like Ponyville - a place pretty much everypony he knew seemed to frequent - it was a little difficult for ponies not to know each other.

 

 

Anastasia smiled as the stallion approached her and her cousin. She couldn't help but groom back her feathers a bit to make sure she looked her best, and adjusted the slit of her dress skirt to better slide across and reveal a bit of her back legs.

 

"Hmm, A pleasure Sir Inkbrand, I am Lady Anastasia Ironclaw, and owner of Anastasia Ironworks of Aquilla." Anastasia said, offering her talon to Inkbrand to kiss. See if he was a gentlecolt or perhaps the more forward type. Judging by his appearance he was something of a rogue.

 

I must say, the name is rather interesting Inkbrand. And by your......" Anastasia looked Inkbrand over, circling around him a bit, taking in every part of him. She shivered a bit and finished, "your physique....you must have an interesting occupation."

 

-----

 

Razor looked at his cousin, and could already see her going to work. She never did hesitate. He then turned to Inkbrand and grunted a bit irritated.

 

"I don't make it a habit, but the females in my family are all rather...assertive." Razor said, "Other then that, how are you doing Brand?"

 

 

"Oh! U-umm... Hi..." She said, a bit shy with the two unknown griffons there. "N-nice to m-meet you two..."

As Anastasia observed Inkbrand, ideally licking her beak so often, she looked once at Flora and gave the mare a slight nod and a flirty smirk, "Hello darling."

 

She moved and gave Flora a slight nuzzle at her shoulder, while strategically positioning herself between Inkbrand and Flora so that Inkbrand would have most of his eyes on her if he did look at her....competition. But judging by her rather shy manner, Anastasia didn't feel threatened.

 

-

 

Razor nodded once to Flora, and took a big step back, "Uh...hi."

 

 

 

 

"And yes, that's Razor.", she eyeballed the 'fun-sized' griffon and his companion. "And that's...er.." Oh how she was bad at other people's names. And unlike ponies, you couldn't get a good guess by looking at their flanks. "Lady Anastasia.", she spoke up as the pair was now just a few canters away. She gave off a polite nod as their paid of birds were now at their side. "Razor.", she was never sure what to do with the griffon. Hoof-Bump? A hug? Kiss on the cheek? Considering how terrified he was of contact with females, she simply waved at her friend, "Not sure you've met my friend, this is Quattro...", she was not going to even try to figure out 'Quattro' back-story. She returned her attention back to the pretty female griffon,"And it's very nice to meet you...I believe we have run into each other before..Briefly.." As much as she wanted to, Fire Walker decided she would not even ask about Razor's girlfriend. Her little sister Wind had mentioned that she had overheard an conversation back at Ponyville, and said he had hooked up with an fellow R.E.A. officer.

 

Razor turned when Fire Walker greeted him, "Hey there Fire. I haven't seen you since our little uh....second childhood adventure."

 

Razor looked at Quattro, and tilted his head confused, "No can't say I have met him. And I thought you had a different coltfriend? Or was Glimmer just making wild assumptions like she always does?"

 

"You already know my cousin. Anastasia." He said, pointing to his cousin.

 

-----

 

Anastasia bowed her head to Fire Walker and her companion, "A pleasure Lady Fire Walker. My cousin has told me a bit about you, and his siter of your sister. I must say I almost thought he had crush on you. I can see why he might." She said, giving a flirty wink and eye lash flutter to Fire Walker.

 

"Hey! Why does everyone assume when I give compliments to a female I'm suddenly smitten?" Razor asked, irritated.

 

Anastasia giggled and pinched Razor's cheek, shaking him a bit, "Oh dear Razor, you know we only kid. But you do have a big responsibility to our family and you are not getting any younger."

 

Razor blushed and slapped Anastasia's claw away.

 

Anastasia held her slapped claw, and frowned before laughing and looking to Quattro.

 

"And hello to you Sir Quattro. I am Lady Anastasia Ironclaw...as my cousin so said." She said, and fluttered her eye lashes at him momentarily.

 

 

“Good evening, Fire Walker,” The mare spoke in as gentle of a tone as she could manage. She held a sincere, but thin smile that barely cracked dawn on her usually stoic expression. She easily pulled the stallion in front of herself. Even with his hooves pushing up dirt in a poor attempt to stop himself from being manhandled.

 

“This is my brother. Voronoi Fractal. Or… Java as he prefers it.” The mare hummed, then glanced down to the stallion. Her smile stretching just a little further as she prepared a small jab. “He does not sleep well.”

 

Java… being on the receiving end, easily caught the insult. He released an annoyed  groan, then lifted a hoof to cover his face.

 

Razor then spotted another mare, and he moved a bit to get some distance from her. He was starting to feel a bit surrounded and he took slow deep breaths to calm himself down.

 

"Oh, Hi Java...and uh...Java's sister." He said, not sure how to talk with Java. He didn't know him well, but he seemed like a good guy.....he was pretty sure he remembered their....second childhood adventure.

 

----

 

Anastasia then looked to Java, and fund that all her possible targets were now within her grasp. Surely she would find Mr. Right here. It was destiny to have three attractive...hunky....delicious looking stallions near her.

 

"A pleasure to you both." She said, and looked java over. She gently brushed him with her wing tips secretly to send a shiver down his spine. She knew enough of pony anatomy to know where to touch to send a shiver.

 

 

"Good afternoon everypony and griffon here! I hope your individual journeys were without problems or fears." 

 

Anastasia and Razor both looked to the zebra. Anastasia found it both fascinating, and annoying. More competition, and an exotic one! Far more exotic then her!

 

Razor just nodded, and decided that he was best staying up in the air a bit and he flapped his wings to get him airborne a bit so that he hovered above everyone. He felt a bit more calm, and it visibly showed, now that he had open air around him.

 

"Hi, nice to meet you." Razor said, still feeling a bit a bit edgy with all these females around.

 

"Oh don't mind him. He only ever gets nervous when he sees a pretty mare." Anastasia said as she gave Zecora a smile and nod.

[Zeig]

 

Assertive his flank. If Razor's life was anything to go by, then dominating as all Taurtarus was a much more appropriate description of the females in the Griffon's life.

As it was, Inkbrand himself didn't have to deal with any overbearing females in his immediate vicinity, and as such had no problem shooting a toothy smile towards the white Griffon as she introduced herself - though, the claw she held outwards, palm pointing down, threw him off for a brief moment before he held it in one hoof. Was she one of those, high society dames that demurred and twinkled and was used to having a guy kiss her claw as introduction? Buck that, this wasn't some low budget romance film!

Though, the last time he had passed up a female willing to touch him was never, and Inkbrand allowed the grin on his face to stretch into a sly smile as he settled on holding the Griffon's claw up for a moment longer, head tilting in a slight nod before he - slowly - released his grip on Anastasia.

...Huh. Ironworks, eh? As in, blacksmithing? That would make Anastasia the second Griffon he knew who worked in that field...and considering he only really knew about three Griffons total, that was kind of telling. Was blacksmithing a sought after trade for Griffons?

In any case, Anastasia was certainly showing interest in his profession, and Inkbrand felt his chest puff out a bit as she began totally checking him out, not even attempting to hide her blatant intrigue. "Got it 'n one, sweetheart. Hay, I bet I'll be the most interesting pony you meet at this shindig." The words were so casually spoken that it was a toss-up whether Inkbrand was being truly serious or not, and he didn't bother explaining as he gestured towards his left hind leg, sporting the most prominent of his hoofwork. "I'm a tattoo artist see? Best bucking one in Equestria, for sure." Inkbrand dragged his golden eyes back up to Anastasia, cursory grin just verging onto sly. "Got a parlor set-up in Manehatten. Stop on by if you're ever in the market for a bit of, ink on yourself."

Never mind that her brother - cousin? Second nephew twice removed? - had done the exact same thing, and had ended up leaving thanks to a complete lack of awareness about what he wanted. Inkbrand supposed he could warn Anastasia to come prepared with at least some idea of what tattoo she wanted, but...meh.

His mental lamentations of wish-washy clients was, however, momentarily put on the back-burner by the appearance of two ponies - one familiar, one vaguely so - who seemed to have been the target of Razor and Anastasia's walk. Inkbrand didn't even mind all that much when the red Pegasus, who's name was Fire Walker if he recalled correctly, completely ignored himself and Flora Bloom standing right next to the Griffon pair, instead choosing to focus solely on Razor. Again with that Ponyville store-brand niceness. The tattoo-clad stallion briefly rolled his eyes skyward, but was too relaxed to do much more than send a sardonic wave towards the pair of ponies, with a jab of his head and an unspoken 'Can you believe this girl?' for Flora's benefit.

Unfortunately, doing so meant turning his head to face the recent batch of newcomers - which, in turn, meant seeing him.

Again.

Waltzing up to the group to completely ruin his day, as was his M.O.

"Gotta be kidding me," Inkbrand sneered under his breath, restrained to only a heavy sigh and an annoyed groan. Bucking of course That SODD was here, why the buck wouldn't he be - and bucking of course he felt like making niceties with the group of ponies he, Inkbrand, was conversing with. Not only that, but the burly Pegasus who declared herself as his sister - a blood relation, fabulous - proceeded to shoulder into the conversation to speak solely to the red Pegasus, like she wasn't interrupting others.

Buck, what was with these ponies anyways? If Inkbrand didn't know any better, he'd suspect them all of wanting to place themselves into a conversation without having to use bucking common sense to introduce themselves to the group at large. Like they were seeking attention without wanting to appear to seek attention.

Luckily, a new voice spared him the agony of listening to hypocritical speeches on society and socially acceptable behaviors - even though said voice threw him completely out of loop. But no, that deep and rich accent was unmistakable, and the grey stallion had no qualms turning his away from annoying faces to take in a familiar looking Zebra, one who looked almost out of place without the creepy masks and swampy mists surrounding her.

"Zecora?" Inkbrand said incredulously, idly making note of Razor lifting off the ground in order to remove himself from the surrounding females as he trot closer to the Zebra. "What the buck are 'ya doing here? Not that I mind," he added hastily, just in case Zecora got the wrong idea from his statement, "it's just...well. Color me surprised, I haven't seen you since that...'ya know. Thing." Not that he cared if anypony heard he'd been subjected to some Poison Joke that he'd literally begged Zecora to cure, but Inkbrand had yet to pay back Wicked Rhythm for the insult.

No reason to tip her off before he had that chance. He wouldn't put it past her to be hiding in some nearby bushes, the crazy nag.
 

 

 

 

[PyroBlaze]

Flora was instantly ignored, essentially. Aside from a brief greeting from both griffons, and an uncomfortable nuzzling from the female, she seemed to be left on the sidelines. Oh well, it was better than being the center of attention. She had to wonder about the male's... Razor's reaction to the mares that continued to show up around them. Did he not like to be around girls? But if that was the case, wouldn't he be uncomfortable around Anastasia as well?

 

The green earth pony had kinda tuned out the conversations around her as she watched Razor quizzically. He took to the air eventually, and seemed to relax. Perhaps he simply did not like crowds, which was something that she could relate to.

 

Before her contemplation could go any further, Inkbrand began moving away, bringing her attention back to her companion for the day. She blinked a little before noticing where he was going and following after him. A zebra! That was certainly interesting!

 

"H-hello, m-miss... My n-name is Flora Bloom..." She greeted, stopping near Inkbrand and the zebra so they could talk. "D-do you already know Inkbrand? S-sorry if I interrupted anything..."

[Ciraxis]

Well it's started to get crowded here. Perhaps too crowded. When Squall choose Hollow Shades as their next time-sharing place for himself and Fire, he didn't expected to run into any associates of either of them. And yet noblepony (as always) was proven wrong. No use crying over spilled milk, they had to adapt.

 

"Star Crusader....she's a scion of Nova noble family isn't she?" he quickly recalled in answer to Fire own whisper. When it came to nobility Swift - being one himself - oriented rather well.

"Distinguished records of service across generations....not unlike some other family I know." he added giving his marefriend rather meaningful look.

 

At that moment however they were approached by both Crusader and Razor. Noblepony eyes, hidden behind sunglasses sent series of studious looks towards two pairs. There was...sense of similarity between each two. Quickly it turned out that he was correct, the pair of ponies turned out to be siblings, while Razor and his companion was introduced as his cousin. Swordpony however didn't expected Razor to be of Ironclaw family. Well, well some distinguished families and bloodlines gathered here today. Inducing his own, if only to his and Fire's knowledge.

"And greetings to you Miss Anastasia. Although I don't really deserve to be addressed 'Sir'" he returned female griffon greeting before pausing and addressing a group at large. "I must say. That's some....unusual choice of place for family bonding, Hollow Shades. Even through it's the fair time I wouldn't say it's on top of any...one's list." unicorn made a rather ratty observation. He hoped that it would make both of duo's back of a little, if only for a moment. The last thing they needed was being overwhelmed with troublesome questions....

 

And speak of the devil, Razor opened his beak only to deliver one. Nobelpony felt a sting in his heart, not for himself, but for Fire. She surely had to stand this question over, and over for the sake of Equestria security. Well for once he was in position of lifting burned of answering off her shoulders.

'Quattro' placed his hoof on Moto's back in comforting gesture and gave her a reassuring nod, before he proceeded to satisfy little griffon curiosity in her stead.

"I afraid that Sir Swift Squall....is no longer with us. He and Fire were in Crystal Empire when....recent incident happened. And although he successfully slain all enemies that confronted him, weapons of one of the attackers were poisoned. The Crystal Heart healed Count Squallcoast from imminent wounds and effects of toxin. It however still remained in his bloodstream, and after a few hours...." unicorn made a grimace that could be placed between painful and angry on appropriate scale.

 

"I found out about this when I was in Saddle Arabia, where I was spending last few years. And of course I hurried out back to Equestria to give my friend his last honors, even if I couldn't exactly make it to the ceremony." Swift explained. He practiced this explanation in his mind - and before the mirror - over and over, so the little lie would be as natural as possible. Of course that was not whole of the 'backstory' but Squall expected that it wouldn't be needed right now.

 

Squall ears flickered when he sensed something else in the air. Unicorn lived through so many attempts on his life that he could notice enemity almost right away. But this time it wasn't directed towards him...rather....

Swordpony turned his head toward the pair of Earth Ponies. The stallion - Inkbrand wasn't it? - was looking daggers towards the one introduced by Crusader as Java.  Swift was in enough gin mills to not know what kind of gaze was that. It was one that spoke about shared history, and one devoid of hugs at that. And while disguised stallion could floor him if it was necessary, it was much more preferable to diffuse the situation. He left the Ironclaws and Nova siblings to the Fire while himself focused on the other pair.

 

"So...Inkbrand isn't it? I believe we met before in at rather similar occasion in Manehattan. I apologize if I sounded rather...offish back then, but I had lot's on my mind. But I going ahead of myself. Quattro. Quattro Badge, a wandering swordstallion." Swift decided to surprise the lue maned stallion with sudden introduction before extending his hoof.

"And Miss...Flora Bloom correct? You have a rather distinctive Fillydelphian accent. Pardon my ignorance, but do you happen to be a florist?" another rapid string of observations and questions. Before shy mare could answer any of them, Squall once again shared his attention with Inkbrand. A quick glance through the sunglasses at his Cutie Mark and marked coat was enough to make a feasible guess.

"I can be quite certain that you Mister Inkbrand happen to be tattooist. I must say that I met quite few members of you profession in various lands." he said, and this statement for once was genuine truth. At the same moment however, rather suddenly a zebra appeared!

 

Squall recognized her right away. It was Zecora, a rather know denizen of Everfree Forest, and one of which in 'Unyasi' was described as 'knowing. Swift always had a healthy amount of respects for zebra witch doctors, potion makers and shamans. This respect only grew after successful defense of Ponyvill during memorable Nightmare Night, that he and Moto was too attending and Zecora played significant role in.

Inkbrand too appeared to know stripped mare. Perhaps distracting him from Java presence would be easier the 'Quattro' expected.

[tacobob]

 

Fire Walker continued to be impressed by the smart-dressed mare as she cantered over. Was it Prench Silk? Or maybe even Charmareuse? The R.E.A officer had learned a few things about clothing from her late Grandmother who designed and prepared some of the more remarkable uniforms and military dress for the Equestrian military. Whoever designed her clothing sure knew what he or she was doing. There was a smile on her face, but it was losing a battle against her more stoic nature. The red Pegasus pony normally would fall upon such a thing while on duty, but this was a thing of the past. It was Princess Luna herself that showed her that she did not need to be stone faced while working. Even the guard is permitted to smile.

 

"A pleasant evening to you and your companion, (Officer Rank) Star Crusader." The mare kept up a friendly, even measured smile. "Quattro and I have been marveling over the remarkable ensemble you have on.", she nodded at the stallion that stood by her side, "Before the night is through, I would be ever so grateful if you could give me the name of your Master Seamstress." The officer was not simply making polite conversation, as her compliments were all from the heart.

 

She nodded as the scruffy stallion was revealed to be...her brother? Holy smokes. Maybe he was adopted? "Oh yes, Java. I've heard that name before. One of my old friends has a brother who swore you two played a round of Ogres and Oubliettes with Princess Cadance and Captain Shining Armor! Normally I would have never believed in such nonsense, but the good Captain has always been a bit of a geek. I'm curious how he managed to get the Alicorn of Love to tag along.."

 

***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

The officer was pleasantly surprised to see a zebra in the mix of ponies, griffons and other races. She had traveled to the Unyasi region a few years ago and had met a fare share of the stripped equids. During her adventures, she picked up a few useful phrases, which she hoped to get right. "Habari ya jioni.", she returned the friendly greeting, hopefully correctly. It was supposed to mean 'Good Evening'. It took her a moment to recognize the zebra, as the famous Zecora! Apparently she had aided Princess Celestia's champions and Ponyville itself with her extensive knowledge of herbal remedies.  "Fire Walker.", she introduced herself, "Of the R.E.A. I've heard stories about your heroism, wit and skill.", she added.

 

***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

"Oh yeah.", the mare's red cheeks somehow managed to turn a darker shade following the griffon's comment. She was still not sure how she would explain this little adventure to her friends and family. Part of her wanted it all to be some sort of crazy dream. However, it was not. It really did happen. "This is a friend of mine.", Fire Walker had no desire to lie to her friend. Nor did she want to talk about the whole 'Swift Squall' is dead, but not really dead thing'.  Then it dawned upon her...Java...The brown stallion. He was also there in Ponyville during the whole kid-age-rerverse-mess.

 

Thankfully Anastasia quickly snapped her out of the funk her mind was swallowed up in.. "Oh really?", she chuckled and eyeballed the griffon as she flittered with her 'friend'. However, this did not annoy her, seeing that it was simply her personality. That strange stallion Inkbrand grew even nearer, however he was already busy with a few others, so hopefully they would keep him company for the moment. This would be fine, as the mare was not sure if she could handle his form of snark. Fire also noted an earth pony with a bit of a stutter who tried her best to join the conversation(s). The office gave this poor girl a polite smile as she passed by...

 

 

***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

"Erm.", the mare -knew- of Star Crusader, and even had their little mission together, but what did she know of her? "I think so. Our families are pretty similar, just without the whole noble blood bit." Thanks to years of training, Fire Walker managed to keep a straight face as the disguised noble-pony went on about the heroic passing of Swift Squall, and the equally heroic emergence of Quattro Badge. Ho-boy! Maybe he was part of Captain Shining Armor's original role-playing group? 

 

The act of glancing down at the ground with a frown did give the illusion of her being sad. But this was not the time for being sad! It was party time! She had heard they were making some Nightmare Night themed drinks at the tavern. Morgue-A-Ritas! Could she handle the dreaded Nightmare Moon(shine)? And there was also much smooching to be done with Swift. And since he was supposed to be 'dead', it would be sneaky smooching then. This would be a fun little min-vacation, just as long as nothing silly was to happen....

[Zeig]

 

Well this group was quickly turning into a clusterbuck.

Not that Inkbrand really minded at that exact moment, when he was comfortable ignoring the group of ponies who'd down the same to him and Flora in favor of chatting it up with his favorite zebra. Never mind that she was his only zebra, that didn't matter. The grey stallion still remember the quick and effective save she'd given him when he'd gone crashing through the Everfree for a bogus cure of Poison Joke, and by all accounts, that was enough to elevate the exotic pony into Princesshood in his mind.

"Sure does," Inkbrand ended up answering for Zecora himself, a wide grin stretched across his face as he nudged one elbow against Flora Bloom's side, "Zecora here saved my hide a while back, completely gratis too. Bucking sweet as." Yeah...yeah, that had been a bucking riot of a time, from charging into a spoil decorated hut in the middle of the Everfree, to taking a bath in the middle of said spookily decorated hut, and ending in some sweet Zebra action in the middle of the same spookily decorated hut.

Er...something like.

Inkbrand's rather fond memories of that time were put on the back burner, however, as the stallion next to Fire Walker - the one that was vaguely familiar - suddenly spoke up to him, as if he were only just now deigning to address himself and Flora.

Though that had really been Fire Walker ignoring them, but whatever. Technicalities.

Inkbrand was almost tempted to sneer at the other stallion - especially when he made that same stupid, Con, Con Mane introduction he'd made back during the World Fair Exposition - but the outstretched hoof surprised him into silence, a contemplative expression falling over his face as he shook it in return. The stallion was a lot politer than his...marefriend?...that was for bucking sure, and even if the other's manner of speech had Inkbrand wanting to roll his eyes hard enough to make them fall out of their sockets, he could at least appreciate the effort.

Especially when said effort revolved around both his green friend, and his absolute most favorite subject ever.

"What gave it away?" the tattoo-clad stallion said wryly, but pleasure coated his voice, the way it always did when his tats were noticed and commented on. No matter what some ponies thought, Inkbrand would rather be memorable and stand out in a crowd, even if he was remembered only for the markings on his body. "Can't say I'm surprised - there are a couple of us roaming around. None as good as me, though," he finished cockily, running a hoof through his mane.

Where he would normally invite the relatively unknown acquaintance to visit his parlor in Manehatten, though, Inkbrand said nothing, golden gaze resting critically on the other stallion for a small moment. He couldn't place his hoof on it, but there was just...something about the pony that rubbed him the wrong way - the same feeling that made him equate the maroon-colored stallion to That SODD, standing not a few meters away. For the life of him, Inkbrand couldn't point out what it was, but whatever it was, it was more than enough to forestall any comment about dropping by his parlor for an inking of his own.

Bucking last thing he needed was another all out brawl that ended with a night in a jail cell.

"Whelp, it's getting a bit crowded here," the grey Earth Pony drawled loudly, clearly addressing the griffons, Badge, and Zecora, and not even bothering to speak to the other gathering ponies who'd just as easily ignore him and Flora. "And we've still got plenty more Festival to see, eh 'Flo?" A quirked eyebrow for the maroon stallion, and more genuine grin for the griffon pair and Zebra, before Inkbrand turned back towards Flora Bloom with a wink, attempting to lead her away. "C'mon - let's go get some fried food then ride the Twister 'til we puke."

Even if Flora decided to stay and chat, that'd be bucking fine with him. He'd leave anyways, just to get away from the odor-filled brown stallion that was probably plotting on how best to ruin his day as he spoke. Fried foods and spinning rides sounded like a much better alternative than listening to elitist pieces of rot mouth off.

And besides. What was a day at the fair grounds without a splurge and subsequent regurgitation on fatty foods?
 

 

 

[[ Exit ]]