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THE S&H INN - COMMONS - MORNING
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Chance sits at a table in the corner of the common room, a few pages strewn across the surface. He looks between them carefully, comparing and cross-referencing.
Jay Trots up to Chance, lazily, rubbing her eyes and yawning "Hello Chance. By any chance have you seen a young Pegasus attempting suicide? She was here the other day. I'm just wondering if she finally picked a ledge too high."
Chance looks up at Jay, revealing the dark circles under his eyes. "Ah! Good morning, Jay. How are... I'm sorry, a pegasus attempting suicide? Is everything all right?"
Jay "Well, she was trying to learn how to fly, but it's basically the same. She said she was a human, and you guys arrived, what, a few days ago? You try learning to fly in that time-span." Jay sits down "Have you been up all night?"
Chance: A human? Angel, then... I haven't heard any commotion, but I'd best make sure she's all right. And yes, I have been.
Jay: "Oh? What are you doing?" Jay takes a closer look at the pile of papers "Studying for something maybe?"
Chance blinks and hastily begins collecting the scattered pages into a more organized stack. "Nothing, really. Just a few notes and ideas, things that might help us figure out everything. Nothing that's fleshed out and ready to be shared with everypony, of course, just a way of collecting my thoughts, you know."
Jay nods "Alright, I can see how that'd help. But I'm betting some regular sleep would help as well, when did you last... You know, do that?" Jay nudges Chance "I could carry groceries under your eyes."
Chance: It's only been one night, thank you very much! And perhaps a few that have been somewhat lighter than might be ideal.
Jay raises an eyebrow "You sure do want to get out of here? I don't blame you, I'm a fan of bacon as much as anyone, but it's not worth over working yourself for. Why not... See the sighs? Treat it as a holiday."
Chance: But it's not, don't you see? This isn't a holiday, it's a magical disaster with potentially apocalyptic consequences on both of our worlds. There's no telling what's happening, or why, or what will happen if it's not stopped!
Jay "I doubt some dimensional tourists would cause such a thing, have you seen any horsemen around?- Er, aside from the pink squishy ones. There's no telling what's happening, as you said, so, it might just be nothing? Maybe we were subject to a small but very precise worm hole? What ever it is, I'm not mortally wounded, or going mad, and if I am mad, It's a pretty nice place to go mad in. So, don't push yourself too hard."
Chance takes a deep breath. "You're right. I can't afford to let myself get burned out."
Jay pats Chance on the back "Now, for some entertainment. I wonder what else there is to see, I've already seen the theater..."
Chance: That is an excellent question, and certainly one that bears investigation.
Jay "Maybe we should just pick a street and start walking? Not much crime here I'm told, so as long as we know our way back it should be fine!"
Chance: Well, I have acquainted myself with the area sufficiently that I am reasonably confident I can find my way back here...
Jay smiles, and gets up "Right, shall we explore then?"
Chance looks at his pile of notes. "I..." He sighs and begins gathering them up. "Very well. Just let me put these away."
Jay "Ok, I'll just, er... Well, I'll just wait here until you're done. I don't need to put on any cloths or some such thing, quite convenient"
Chance nods, picking up the pile and disappearing up the stairs. A minute later, he trots back down. "All right. I suppose we can go, then."
Jay opens the door for Chance "Lead the way, oh shiny pink one" She chuckles
Chance frowns briefly at Jay before walking past her, muttering "...not pink..."
Jay Looks up and down the street "Right, witch way? Where have you been before?"
Chance: Well, any direction should be fine, as long as we don't go too far.
Jay starts to walk down the street, smiling "Right. Shout if you see anything interesting. You think there's street performers here?"
Chance: Oh, of course. All sorts of them.
Jay "Oh! You think we could find one? I don't have any bits, but it would be good to see how they do it. My hooves aren't really the...Best for slight of hand.' "
Chance: I'm sure we can find one if we keep our eyes open. They can't be too rare.
Jay Hrms "I will." she looks around that the buildings "I wonder what culture created such a place, it's so similar to our world but... I don't think they had a world war one, or such things."
Chance: A world war? No, I don't think so. It's certainly another mystery. I'll have to look into that. Very peculiar.
Jay "Have you been to the library yet? I wonder how they managed to invent the printing press... Maybe a horse split ink on their hoof and got an idea." She shrugs "Lots of history here, if we do get back, or find out a way to transport between worlds... You think it would be a good idea to tell people about it? If we could make a portal between our worlds, should we risk such an un-marked world being corrupted?"
Chance: I'm not sure. There's too much we don't know about what happened. Would it be possible? Even if it is, would it be safe? Those are more important than whether it would be good.
Jay "There's got to be others... Maybe some horses got transported to our world, as replacements." She shudders "I can't imagine what they would be going through. New York is not a very safe place."
Chance shudders. "I hope not. But..."
Jay looks around again "Where do you recon we are?"
Chance looks around. "Not too far away. Just a few blocks that way, and down the street."
Jay "See anything interesting? There has to be something...Maybe an art gallery?"
Chance looks around, his eyes focusing on a sparkle ahead. "Aha! It may not be your sleight of hand, but I think we may be in luck. That looks like a magic show up ahead!"
Jay eyes light up "Really? Quickly! Let's go!" She starts galloping off towards the show, tripping up and stumbling in her hurry
Chance starts and gallops after Jay toward the unicorn performer putting on a show of basic tricks along the street.
Jay slows down at the edge of the crowd, and turns back to Chance "What is he doing? Any idea? Do they have card tricks in this world?"
Chance: It looks like mostly basic illusion magic, maybe a bit of teleportation.
Jay tilts her head "Illusion? Teleportation? They can do that here?!"
Chance: Some unicorns can, anyway. Performers like this need quite a bit of talent with magic to pull off this sort of show.
Jay "Wow! You... You don't think I could ever do anything like that? Do you?"
Chance: Not with magic. Only unicorns get that particular brand of talents. I have, however, seen earth ponies do some remarkable things.
Jay sounds a little disappointed "Oh? Any examples you would tell me?"
Chance: Well, I did see a show like this put on by an earth pony. Not quite so flashy, but all the more impressive for the lack of magic. Unless there was a unicorn backstage...
Jay: You did? When was that? Maybe I could chase them up... I need some way to get income after all, I don't want to be leeching off the inn for too long eh?
Chance: Well, it would have been just a day or two ago, just in passing, of course, I didn't really stop to watch for long, not really even sure what part of town I was in now. Wherever it was, I'm sure they've since moved on. Where there's one, I'm sure there are others, though.
Jay nods "Alright. I'll have to look out for them. Have some fun while you're working our way out of here. I would help but... Well, interdenominational sciences are not my forte."
Chance: They aren't mine either, really, but I have to do something. I've been in all the right places, met all the right ponies... if not me, then who?
Jay nods "You've done a good job, so far at least. The... The thing last night, that was quite confusing however. But as you said, it could unlock some new knowledge!"
Chance sighs. "I only hope it's enough." He looks back up at the performer, at least briefly losing his worries in the spectacle.
Jay looks back to the performer, then claps and cheers a little too loudly at a trick "WhaHoo!" Then, she shrinks back as the gaze of the audience 'shh's' her "Sorry, I just get a bit...Excited." She lets out a nervous chuckle
Chance chuckles at Jay, shaking his head in amusement.
Jay watches the show until it's done, after a few minutes the crowd disperses, and the unicorn starts to pack up. She smiles "That was fun!"
Chance nods. "It certainly was." Pulling out a few bits from his meager supply, he puts them in the performer's hat.
Narrator: As the pair turns away, the performer calls out to them. "Thank you very much for your contribution... and for your enthusiasm. It means a lot having somepony get that excited."
Jay smiles, a bit of color in her cheeks. She turns to Chance, giggling whimsically "C'mon Pinky, let's get home!" She starts to prance away, quite upbeat.
Chance grits his teeth. "I'm not-" He sighs heavily, then trots back to the inn after Jay.
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MANEHATTAN RANDOM CAFETERIA - MID-MORNING
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Carolina is walking between tables, serving a cafe here, a muffin there and in general just trying to not spill or drop things as she works her first day on a new job.
Zephyr Gust steps into the cafe, a thick flight scarf wrapped around her face and neck. She raises her goggles and shivers, rustling her wings as she tries to warm up. She takes a seat at the counter and stares longingly at the pot of percolating coffee just a little ways out of reach.
Carolina walks up to Zephyr's table, starting: "Welcome to the Random Cafe! What can I geth-h... to." She swallows and blushes: "Zeph? You? Um?"
Zephyr Gust starts speaking without looking up. "Yeah, just black coffee, and maybe a--" She blinks and looks up. "Oh, hey Caro. Landed a job finally?"
Carolina blushes more and grins sheepishly: "It seems I did."
Zephyr Gust smiles. "Sure... so a nice big black coffee, and maybe one of those cheese danishes there." She relaxes a little, the edge of the chill seeping out of her bones at the very least. "So how are you liking it here? Everything all right? I haven't seen you guys around the hotel much..."
Carolina notes the order a bit clumsily with her hooves, then nods: "It... it is working out. As much as it... can, given the circumstances, I guess."
Zephyr Gust smiles to Caro and stands. "I'm gonna go wash my hooves while you get that... be right right."
Carolina nods and walks to get Zee's coffee and danish.
Zephyr Gust makes her way to an empty booth in the corner when she comes out of the restroom, letting out a soft whistle to catch Caro's attention.
Carolina perks up and walks over with the treats after looking around for a bit: "Oh. There you are."
Zephyr Gust settles into the booth and flashes a slightly awkward grin at Carolina. "You got some time to chat? I'd love to catch up a bit."
Carolina looks around, then nods: "Yeah, it is not... super-busy, guess I can chat for a bit."
Zephyr Gust slides around the table, then takes a big swig of her coffee, letting the hot drink warm her insides. "So tell me what's new..."
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THE S&H INN - COMMONS - EARLY AFTERNOON
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Pastel Life walks in slowly, pushing the front door open with one hoof while watching backwards at a prestigious pile of packages draped upon her back. She backs in slowly, making sure the door closes, and smiles brightly as she lowers herself down, sliding off the various bags and boxes onto the floor of the inn near the counter.
Walnut walks up to Pastel. "Do you need any help with those bags?"
Pastel Life sighs from the effort, but smiles warmly as she turns her head, "Oh, Walnut! Yes, please be a dear and help me carry this behind the counter, will you?"
Walnut nods, and then crouches down to gather up several of the bags, carrying them over to the counter.
Pastel Life grabs the remainder, moving the around into a nice orderly pile as she begins to sort though their contents. Sketchbooks, pencils, easels, paints, and other art supplies. "Thank you Walnut, you're a sweetheart." She begins to hum a little uncharacteristically as she works.
Walnut glances over the supplies curiously. "So you're an artist, huh?"
Pastel Life nods, "I used to be. I used to draw a lot. Then I... fell out of the habit." She grins at Walnut, "Felt like a good time to pick it back up. It is my special talent, after all."
Walnut ahhs, and nods, though not quite understanding. "Special talent, hm? I'm still not entirely sure I understand what's going on with that."
Pastel Life nods, beginning to set up a wooden easel behind the counter, "Well, it’s something most ponies earn when they're young. A certain special something that makes you unique. Something you’re good at, or maybe that brings you some kind of special joy."
Walnut: Huh. Kind of a purpose in life sort of thing, I guess?
Pastel Life nods, "Quite like that yes. Not everypony follows it, but it affects us all in some way. And it feels very good to be true to it again..." she stops to look back at Walnut, "Don't you humans have something similar? You're young, but most of the others have their marks already."
Walnut stops to think a moment, then shakes his head. "Nothing so obvious as a picture on our butt. I know folks who say they found their "calling" or meaning in life, but I never found anything like that in my life. Still young though, right?"
Pastel Life giggles a bit, "That you are. I remember when I got my mark. I found some paints and just fell in love. I was a right mess in the end, covered in so many colors. But I had my masterpiece. My brother helped wash me off, and he found it first. My cutie mark, covered in paint."
Walnut: I always figured I'd just find something that clicked eventually.
Pastel Life: And I'm sure you will! Everypony does in time. As odd as that may sound to you, I suppose. It's so hard to even think of you all as what you may have been.
Walnut chuckles a little. "I'm starting to get used to this pony thing, I think. It's weird, but you all seem like nice folks."
Pastel Life smiles wide, "I think we all try. Although, you don't seem any different from us really. Had I never known, had Histon not..." she shakes her head with a laugh, "All I mean is you all seem like fine folks as well."
Walnut: Well, I do what I have to in order to get by, but where I'm from that means.. sometimes not being so nice.
Pastel Life looks up from the brushes she's placing in order and frowns at Walnut, "You seem far too nice to be involved in anything like that."
Walnut shrugs a little. "It's just how things worked over there, at least for me. Maybe I just fell in with the wrong crowd though, I don't know."
Pastel Life: Well... colts will be colts I suppose. I hope you do your best to avoid that kind of crowd here. You're better than that.
Walnut nods. "This is the best opportunity I've had in quite some time, so I don't want to waste it."
Pastel Life watches Walnut a moment before smiling, "Good. I don't plan on letting you waste it either. Remember, if you need any help, you come to me. Or find Zephyr, or even Remedy. They're both good ponies. And the others too. Chance has a good head on him, I think. And I know Histon does."
Walnut grins a bit. "Hell, I'd been trying to get out of that gang anyway. They were starting to pull jobs I wasn't comfortable with, but... well, you don't really get to just walk away from dudes like that. But it's not like they'll ever find me here, right?"
Pastel Life nods, a little concern on her face, but she dismisses it with a small laugh, "No, I suppose not. I'm happy for you to get that chance, dear."
Walnut smiles back, more genuine than any he's done in quite some time. "Dunno if my Cutie Mark thing is in baggage handling, but this sure beats watching corners."
Pastel Life laughs, "And if nothing else, it's some bits in your pocket, right? How’s the job been treating you anyways? Any questions? Problems?"
Walnut shakes his head. "So far so good. Maybe I could use some tips on the whole.. I dunno, small talk thing? Customer service, I guess."
Pastel Life chuckles, "Well, not much to that, I'm sure I can give you a few pointers."
Walnut: Sounds good to me. And I'd love to see your artwork sometime, if you're in the mood to share.
Pastel Life actually manages to blush a bit, "We'll see. I hope its a whole new beginning, and I think, if I'm not too rusty, I'll be more than happy to share."
Walnut: Maybe it's a new beginning for all of us, then.
Pastel Life smiles, giving a nod, " I think it is. I think maybe it's the best possible thing that could have happened, and I only wish I knew who to thank."
Walnut hmms. "Thank.. Celestia, was it?"
Pastel Life chuckles, "Yes, yes it was. I suppose I can thank her for this."
Walnut: She really raises the sun every day? Now that's something I might never get used to.
Pastel Life nods, "She really does. Someday, maybe she'll attend the Summer Sun Celebration here in Manehattan, and you can see it yourself."
Walnut: That'll be a sight.
Pastel Life: Or maybe someday you'll be in Canterlot and see her do it yourself.
Walnut: Travel, huh? Sounds fun.
Pastel Life: Equestria is a big country. And even beyond that, its a big world.
Walnut: Lots to see and do, I bet. But isn't travel expensive?
Pastel Life nods, "It can be, I suppose. But you can stay in smaller towns, travel on he roads slow. It doesn't have to cost a lot. And really, anything can happen." Her voice contains a note of hope to it that's not been heard before.
Walnut: I'll worry about that when I've got a few more bits then, eh?
Pastel Life smiles, "Probably not a bad plan. As we've said, you're still young. "
Walnut: If I'm gonna live here though... would be nice to see more of the place.
Pastel Life smiles, "I'm sure you will." She finishes setting up her art supplies and looks in satisfaction. "The world is yours. This is just your first few steps Walnut."
Walnut: And I thank you for the opportunity. Or perhaps.. Celestia? Assuming she has something to do with us being here.
Pastel Life nod, "I don't think I could live with myself if I hadn't offered you the chance." She steps over to give Walnut a hug, "I just hope you can make the best of it."
Walnut leans in and gives a hug back, getting used to this quad stance for hugging.
Pastel Life: Whether for me, or for Celestia, or just for yourself.
Walnut nods. "You too. Nice lady like you deserves a chance too."
Pastel Life giggles a little, releasing the hug, "Thank you. I think, this time, I intend to grab it."
Walnut nods and salutes as he spies guests entering the hotel. "I should probably get back to work then."
Pastel Life looks to the incoming guests and smiles. "Yes I suppose me as well. And thank you for the help Walnut."