[Canterlot] Rain Splash Alley Pub [PM for invite]

[Thrylos]

Sighing, Hops got to his hooves, and as soon as that happened Dusk Sky was sending him around, trying to join conversations. Though he grumbled a bit, he was a bit happier. Dusk Sky soon got to Strife and the others, and sat Hops down with them.

[Karnaloth]

( sorry for the delay, forgot I was up O,o)

Strife observed the discussion for a while, until she had a question directed at her Hope ya don't mind me sittin' here, I'm just kinda interested in hearin' more about the Royal Guard, even if it's not the same one my grandpappy was in."

Strife replied with a warm smile ''ofcourse not, names Strife by the way'' she paused ''ask away, I'll try too answer as best I can, its good you do not immediatly shun Luna for her previous status, she's changed.''

she then noticed Hops being pushed toward them ''why hello there Hops, decided too socialise or was it decided for you?'' she gave Hops a sleek grin and winked at Dusk Sky.

[RarityDash]

Dagger listened, half amused as the guardsmare offered to take questions. Her earlier comments had suggested she didn't know much about the overall structure of the guard or its place in the greater REA. Dagger was pretty sure he knew more about the Royal Guard than the guardsmare herself, even if he wasn't a member. Between his familial connections and the simple fact that knowing things was his job, perhaps that was natural. Still, he was curious to see where this conversation went.

He didn't really say anything this time, he just kept one ear on the conversation and one on the smooth skillful music of the talented unicorn playing the contrebasse nearby.

[deleteaccountpls]

Muffin Top nodded to Strife, "Why no problem at all, m'am, everypony makes mistakes at sometime or another. Never a good thing to stay mad at folks for what they done, 'specially if they're real sorry fer it." the stallion said in a sincere tone. "So about the Royal Guard..." he continued, his mind quickly changing gears. "I was just wonderin' how ya go about joining the the Royal Guard. There a lot to it? Are they real picky about who they pick?" Muffin asked, his ears intently listening to whatever answers the mare gave him.

[sevofthesands]

Windy Daze listened intently to the conversation interested at where it might lead that is until the other airship captain an obvious friend of the bartenders pushed the the nervous looking bartender into the conversation deciding to spare the stallion of dealing with not only with talking to everypony else but also dealing with the drunken airship captain. in other words Windy decided to get Dusk Sky's attention

"Hello Miss Dusk Sky was it? i had picked up that you were an airship captain. I is it alright to ask what type of ship do you fly?".Windy asked the mare politly

[Snowshoe]

Done his second song, Timbre Swing literally rode his contrebasse back toward the case. With his left rear hoof on the hoofstand, he kicked off the ground with his rear right hoof, keeping perfect balance as the instrument rolled deftly across the floor toward the case. He hopped off and tipped the fedora off the top, letting it land on on his head. He secured the instrument in its case, then trotted over to the bar and grinned. "A Black Stalliongrad, s'il vous plait." he asked the bartender with a grin, before turning to look at the conversation going on. It seemed to be about the Royal Guard, centred around Strife. He'd sit and listen in for a bit before going back to play some more.

[black Stalliongrad = Black Russian, if you know a little about drinks ^^]

[Thrylos]

Hops was thankful when Timbre Swing asked for a drink, and escaped the group, getting a drink and swinging it over to Timbre. "There ya' go!" Hops said merrily. "Nothing better after a good song."

Dusk was surprised at the question, and didn't see Hops running behind the counter. "Well, I guess there are indicators for it, that I'm an airship captain." The old mare chuckled. "Just your normal cloud flyer. Small, old beauty, sturdy as steel. Thin, night sky blue fabric, with iron edging and the works, with a nice wooden cabin."

[Karnaloth]

Strife smiled at Muffin Top ''too be honest, I dont know much about that, I joined the Royal guard of princess celestia first, I had made quite a reputation as a shield for hire, and thus the ponies knew I had it in me I guess... I wouldn't really know if its hard, but its surely not as easy as joining the regular guard since they protect normal ponies and alike and we the princess'' she sighed she didn't like sounding braggy and certainly didn't like selling ''I dont know's'' .

''I can't guarentee I'm being correct, I'm not all that smart'' she shy'd away a bit in her armour, unusual behaviour, but she couldn't help but feel bad for not being able too give this pony 100% accurate answers, but it was better then lying.

[RarityDash]

Dagger nodded slightly at Strife's story. So she had started as a freelance bodyguard and had then had been incorporated into the guard and then ultimately transferred to the Lunar Guard? Interesting, but no wonder she didn't know much of the regular protocol.

"That is indeed a bit of an atypical path to a spot on the guard," Dagger spoke in a low voice. "Usually you enroll in a military academy, same as you would for any other REA organization. They train you hard and if you make it through and complete all the training, you can get a spot on the force. They'll assign you to wherever they think you'd fit best, but you're allowed to give some input if you really want on the guard. If you make it on the guard, you'll start at the bottom with the worst possible guard posts and you kind of have to work your way up to the ones where you actually see the princess."

"I wouldn't call them too picky though. If my sister is any indicator, they'll take anypony who meets the basic requirements," Dagger said, smirking.

[deleteaccountpls]

"Well schucks, you seem like a pretty smart mare to me." Muffin said, in a comforting tone before his attention turned to Dagger. The grey stallion seemed to be giving him a somewhat more thorough answer than what Strife had, and Muffin paid just as much attention to his answer as he did hers. "Oh, you got a sister in the Royal Guard?" Muffin asked. "Well I'm guessin' ya must be awfully proud her, huh? he said, giving the stallion a cheerful smile.

"Oh hey, I still haven't gotten a drink yet!" the earth pony said, looking back over towards the bartender. "What's good here? Only drink I ever had was my ma's home brew, real strong stuff!" Muffin said, chuckling slightly at the memory. "Would either of you folks recommend anything?" he asked, looking to Strife and Dagger.

[sevofthesands]

Windy Daze listened to the mare description of her ship he knew of the model a widely available ship that was popular for its universal uses as a ship from trading to fishing to pleasure cruises it was a balanced ship if he remembered correctly.

"that is a nice ship you have very good model to have." Windy said then suddenly brightened with realization "but i would be rude if i did not tell you about my craft as well, its just a standard sky skimmer Hot air balloon the balloon being made of purple fabric and the basket is a made of yew wood very light and sleek, its not as popular as airships due to its reliance on wind currents but thats where my talent comes into play." he then looked away for a moment embarrassed that he sounded like he was bragging "but you don't want to hear about me."

[Snowshoe]

Timbre Swing tipped back his drink, taking a long sip of it and enjoying the mix of flavours before turning to look at the others around him. He grinned, listening to the talk about the royal guards. So being a royal guard wasn't that difficult, hmm? Seemed like a fun job, but he liked what he was doing. He wouldn't change it for the world. Then, she was corrected by the older stallion, sitting nearby to the rest of the group. "I would not, uh, totally be convinced zat taking zee...lesser guard posts would be zat bad." he commented. "After all, I would consider it an 'uge honneur to even 'ave zee Gold." he explained. You had to take pride in your job no matter where on the ladder you were.

He tilted his fedora back and grinned at Muffin Top. "I would recommend zis, zee Black Stalliongrad. It has strange taste, but is good." he said with a chuckle. "But zere is lots of choice. What does your maman make for 'ome brew?" he asked.

[Thrylos]

Dusk set a hoof on the table and raised an eyebrow. "No, no. Theres bragging rights, kid, when you do jobs like mine." Plus, the mare was intrigued.

(o.o ONE LINER! AAAAAAHHHH!!!!!)

[Karnaloth]

Strife smiled at Muffin's compliment ''thanks, but I'm more known for my protectiveness and brute force'' she kept her tone low, hoping not to sound braggy she then pointed a hoof at her drink ''you should try hops just giving you something randomly, I think that would suit your needs'' she gave Muffin a wink and continued ''but its sort of true, joining the guard isn't hard, going up the chain is though, I do have come to the point where I guard the interesting stuff, but I have yet to see the princess, I have guarded the palace itself at night before, its basically my main job at the moment, but I sign myself up for regular guard duty as well, I enjoy my job so I try to be useful as much as I can''

"I would not, uh, totally be convinced zat taking zee...lesser guard posts would be zat bad." he commented. "After all, I would consider it an 'uge honneur to even 'ave zee Gold."

Strife nodded heavily at Timbre Swings comment ''true words'' she then took a sip from her drink.

[RarityDash]

Dagger gave a short laugh at the earth pony stallion's comments.

"Proud? Heh. I wonder if that's the right word," he said with a sigh. "My sister, she's a kind of silly pony. I'd say her position on the guard suits her well enough, and I guess there's some element of pride in her that she made it as far as she did. Though speaking as a pony who's already made a higher rank in an organization far more discerning and difficult to advance in, her success does seem maybe a touch small in comparison to my own."

Dagger's ears perked at what Strife was saying. He gave another laugh. "Though if what this guardsmare says is true, it's very likely she's at least acquainted with my sister Radiant as well. She's regular guard, not Lunar, but night shifts at the palace are where she usually gets placed," he said, shaking his head.

Finally he glanced toward the Fancy musician. "I guess you do gotta start somewhere. And you're right, even at the bottom of the ladder, you're paid. But it's not like rank and pay are independent of each other. I'll guarantee you my Honor Guard officer's salary is considerably larger than that of a recently enlisted private like my sister."

[deleteaccountpls]

"Huh, well guess it won't hurt to give it a try!" Muffin said, taking Strife's advice as he turned to the older pegasus pony behind the counter, "'Scuse me, Mr. Hops. Think I could get a drink, if ya aren't too busy? Nuthin' too expensive though, travel funds are runnin' low." he asked in a polite tone before turning his attention back to Dagger. He wasn't quite able to follow everything the unicorn was saying, but he could tell that he did seem to care for his sister, even though he may not have been completely impressed with her. "Well I'm bettin' that havin' a sister must be nice. Was an only child myself, never knew my father and my ma never really had any stallions in her life. Would've liked to have a lil' brother or sister though, got real lonely on the rock farm with just me and my ma…" Muffin said, with a hint of sadness in his voice, seeming refer to something other than his regret at not having any siblings.

[sevofthesands]

Windy Daze was surprised most were not interested in him

"Ok if you really want to know" he cleared his throat and started his story "well when i was a colt i always had a connection to winds i could sense when the wind currents change or i could pick up sounds or smells carried from the winds stuff like that. well after i was old enough i started traveling until i found myself in a small town where an elderly Stallion was selling his Hot air balloon and for some reason i just had to have it after working for a time i managed to buy it, and on my first ever ride it felt right, then unbeknownst to me a storm had sneaked up on me well with hard work and my knowledge of winds and weather i rode out the storm and somehow earned my cutie mark in the process." then the teal pegasus rubbed the back of his neck a nervous smile on his face "this is where my story gets where ponys tend to see as bragging. a time after i had done some traveling all over Equestria and parts of Aquellea and i had stopped in Canterlot a day much like today. i met a buissnesspony who wanted to buy this map i had made of Wind Currents around Equestria and my journal of Dates that also noted changes in weather." Windy pulled out a well worn map with seemingly random markings on it and a musty notebook. "if i learned anything from traveling its don't always trust a nice smile and promise of money. i went to a place and applied for a patent or copyright or whatever then i sold it to him. well a year passed and i was again back in Canterlot and what do i find the same Stallion selling my map and a calender of weather changes. well i told him what i wanted just al little recognition and at first he laughed in my face then i showed him my documentation and he not only gave me credit he gave me a share of his profits eager not to get into a lawsuit. as a show of good faith he gave me those back and now here i am." then he looked down at the ground and pulled out some bits. "now i'm sorry if i gave you to much info so here let me pay for your drink and i will leave you alone."

(now that was long and tiresome)

[Snowshoe]

"That is true." Timbre Swing admitted. Still, no matter what, being a guard or in the military was an honourable job. Something he would have tried out for, if he wasn't so skilled at being a musician, something he absolutely loved to do.

He downed the rest of his drink, enjoying the mix of flavours. It was his favourite drink, just because of how it tasted. Sighing happily he looked over at the people sitting around nearby, listening a little to the stallion talking about how he got into his airship driving business, and Dagger talking about his sister. He didn't have a whole lot to say, at the moment. A lot of these topics were far over his head. He knew nothing about airship flying, or guarding.

" 'onour guard? Sounds very...bon, common dit-on..." he tapped his hoof against the bar for a moment. "Prez...pres...presdigous?" he ventured, butchering the pronunciation of "prestigious" highly.

[Thrylos]

Dusk Sky looked at the pony sideways. In all her long years had she ever met such a queer pony. Right after telling so much, the pegasus wanted to silence himself. The earth pony mare made herself comfy and watched as Hops took the bits, nodding his thanks and putting them in a locked box behind the counter. "Ahh...easier for a pegasus to feel those winds. Myself? Always been a tomboy, living of in good ol' Appleoosa. But never was I an adventurer. It was when that ship came, a tourist ship if I remember, and it parked nearby. Many strange ponies came into town, and I went out. I got lost, but bumped into the captain on accident. He was a good man, and he gave me a small ride. It felt right, much like you felt I'm certain. I ran away with him...and only remembered my parents when I had some free time." The sunset yellow pony sniffed, and the wrinkles under her tired old eyes seemed more distinct then ever.

Hops turned to Muffin Top and nodded. "Right away!" Skip-hopping over with a glass, he filled it up and pushed it over to him. "Enjoy!"

[Karnaloth]

''yeah, I've worked with Radiant before, during one of my day shifts, I chose to work that day because normally I'd be asleep, but I was wide awake so no point in staying in bed, luckely the captain didn't mind and was able to get me something to do''

she giggled at Timbre Swing as he tried pro-nouncing prestigious giving him a re-assuring wink ''I love your accent, and your right, its pretty prestigious alright''

[RarityDash]

Dagger laughed and nodded at Strife's words. "Ah, so you are acquainted. That's great. Well, if you ever want to hear some horribly embarrassing stories or secrets of hers, perhaps to hold over her head, just say the word. I have a ton of them."

He nodded to the musician, glad for the chance to sing the praises of the Honor Guard "Prestigious is a good word for us. Her Majesty's Honor Guard employs only the most capable, talented and motivated of the REA. We are both the sharp and ready point to Celestia's spear, and her all seeing eyes, keeping an ever vigilant watch throughout Equestria."

"Of course, most of what I do within the Honor Guard is strictly classified," Dagger added with a smug laugh.

[deleteaccountpls]

"Thank ya, sir!" Muffin said, giving the older pony a grateful smile. He regarded the amber liquid in the glass before him with some curiosity, sniffing at it a bit as he did so. Eventually, Muffin pushed the glass towards him with his hoof, tipping it over into his mouth as he downed a bit of the liquor from the glass, his eyes widening at the taste. "Whew, that sure is a fancy tastin' drink!" he said, looking over to Strife then Dagger as if to see their reaction. "Ain't quite as strong my ma's brew, but it ain't half bad neither!"

Muffin downed the rest of the contents of the glass, then looked over back at Hops, "Hey Mr. Hops, whattya call this drink anyway? Oh, and do ya think I could get another?"

[OOC: Sorry for the wait on this post! I hadn't even noticed that it was my turn yet. Hope this doesn't kill the thread.]

[sevofthesands]

Windy Daze listened to her story and smiled

"i know the feeling ... its a Wonderful feeling." he then got a serious look. "But you should also not forget your parents and be glad you have them, i know i would.... closest thing i had to a parent was the nun that ran the orphanage i lived in. she was Ok but nothing is better than ponys that love ya."

[Snowshoe]

Timbre Swing chuckled at the pride in Radiant Steel's voice as he spoke of the Honour Guard. "I 'onestly can't imagine zee guard doing too much zeese days. But zen again, per'aps zat would be parceque you keep zee s'reats [Pronounce "threats" with an S instead of a TH] out of zee affaires publique, non?" he pointed out. The Honour Guard could be, every day, defending them from some of the deadliest threats to Equestria, and nopony would be the wiser.

He looked at Strife and grinned. "Merci. I sometimes 'ave problems with zee Equestrian language...is not zee language of my birth." he pointed out. He knew enough to maybe sing in it, and could obviously speak it if he needed, but it was still nothing compared to his ability in Fancy.

[Karnaloth]

( I guess I'll post)

Strife giggled at Daggers words ''now that's something useful, maybe I can get her to do my patrols'' Strife continued laughing before calming down ''no thanks, I dont think that would be very fair''

Strife then turned her attention to Muffin "Ain't quite as strong my ma's brew, but it ain't half bad neither!" she smiled warmly, thinking of her own mother ''ah yes, mothers do bring out the best dont they?'' Strife's answer seemed a bit distant as she put her hoof under her chin and started thinking back to her times with her parents, her crazy dad and then her silly mother. I should visit, I miss that bunch, I wonder how my sisters are doing.. she seemed to sadden for a moment, she kind of forgot how much she missed her family, and it reminded her of the painful moment when she left to chase her dream.