Post by Solar Solstice on Nov 20, 2013 20:41:48 GMT -5
OOC Date: September 1, 2013
Characters: Mimic, Nightshade, Firefly, Economist Brony, Derpy, Marble Memory
Setting: Night Court provides new introductions and new revelations
Sunset is upon Canterlot, casting bright gold light in through the windows and setting the throne room alight with colors. In preparation for the usually nightly court, the guards are in the process of changing and the halls are a bustle with ponies going out for the day and others coming in. It's rush hour in the castle. Mimic is just leaving the records room, a particularly thick assortment of scrolls stuffed into her saddlebags with a book floating in front of her that apparently didn't fit.
<OOC> Nightshade can be anywhere she needs to be
<OOC> Firefly says, "Anywhere there is a shadow?"
<OOC> You say, "...Yes"
<OOC> Firefly grins. "This explains the art deco and obects de art all over the palace. Always shadows that way."
<OOC> You say, "That was a felicitous coincidence, actually, but it serves my purposes."
<OOC> Firefly giggles.
"Some professional development research, I grant?" says a voice that materializes right beside Mimic. Nightshade has appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, and presently walks casually alongside the Palace's latest employee, regarding the crystal unicorn with subtle interest. "Understandable, given the nature of the task, but all things will come in time."
Firefly is walking up the hallway from the other direction, taking a few things to be filed with the Artifact Department. Night Court is after dark, and the sun was still up, even if barely. So far it was looking to be another lovely night.
Mimic blinks as she squints past the veritable fan of musty old scrolls and towards the other, albeit it darker, unicorn. If she's taken aback by Nightshade's sudden appearance she doesn't show it. "Oh, hello Nightshade and yes. Honestly, some of the older records are just a mess. Granted, a pony could spend her whole life trying to organize one shelf, but its a wonder anypony finds a thing. First thing I'm thinking of working on is getting a better input output system set up." She spies Firefly not too far down the hallway and is greeting her with a, "Good evening, Firefly! I was hoping to catch up with you. I just wanted to thank you for the recommendation. Princess Celestia accepted me."
"I have already assigned some of my own subordinates to the matter, but the going is slow. Your assistance is greatly appreciated." As they encounter Firefly, Nightshade gives a respectful bow of head. "Lady Firefly, good evening," she greets.
Firefly slows and stops, giving a noid to Nightshade, then Mimic, in respective order. "Overseer, and..." then blinks, looking to Mimic. "That si good news, and you are quite welcome, but I must ask for thee officaol title? I am afraid I have not seen the paperwork myself to know it correctly." smiling.
<OOC> Firefly says, "Nod.
"
"Ah!" Mimic remarks aside to Nightshade. "Well, that's why I'm here, to help how I can." She adds with a nod of her head before she gives her throat a soft clear. "I'm afraid I'm not entirely clear on it myself." She remarks to Firefly. "I'm under the employ of the Economist. He's been rather occupied, we haven't had a chance to fully sit down and talk details yet. Soon, though."
<OOC> You say, "Firefly those isolated gerunds are rather intriguing."
"I am certain that, in the meantime, we can begin discussing coordinating on...common projects." Nightshade peers at Mimic's books again, wondering in particular what the giant book she has to levitate is.
<OOC> Firefly grins.
Firefly is not much on dusty books...unless they were about strategic flight and combat, so she is sitting, thinking. What WAS...of course. A nod is given to Mimic. "Then you shall have one. Royal Clerk, until a more official one is forthcoming." She catches Nightshade's gaze at the musty tome. "Anything of interest?"
"Works for me." Mimic remarks to Firefly with a chuckle. "Good enough as any. Better than Dust Blower or Scroll Stacker." The red magic holding up the tome gives it a bob. "Eh, I think its old records of citizenship, but it's so horribly faded it's barely legible. So, it's coming home with me for some homework, see if I can't pull the information out of it and scribe a new copy."
"A daunting project, I am sure," says Nightshade, "but given your skill-set not so much. I am certain that you will have it done in due time. In fact, I have an interest in this matter, so I do look forward to it." She looks up and ahead towards the throne room. "Ah...Night Court is beginning, is it not?"
Firefly smiles to Mimic and perks her ears. "Family history..more like something the Overseer would like..." grinning a little. "Or Twilight." She looks to NIghtshade and nods. "That is correct, but there is some time before the changing of the Court."
"It's probably not worth much more than nostalgia but there might be something useful here or there." Mimic remarks as she glances to the faded, tattered book. "Who knows. There might be a few surprises in here. I guess I'll know once I pull the words free of time. If I find anything important, you can be sure I'll make sure it's known."
<OOC> EconomistBrony dives in through the window.
<OOC> EconomistBrony dusts himself off. The door was squeaky. This was less intrusive. Slightl.
<OOC> Nightshade shows a sign that says '8'
<OOC> Firefly KNEW we should have waited to brick thos in.
<OOC> EconomistBrony broke down the bricks. That's why it was so noisy.
<OOC> Firefly says, "Ah."
"Some memories tell difficult truths," Nightshade says mysteriously, before picking up her tone once more. "Now, I do believe the throne room awaits us."
<OOC> EconomistBrony polishes his monocle. It got a little foggy.
<OOC> Mimic says, "Heya Econ"
<OOC> Firefly picks up a pink brick that matches her colors. "Alas poor Floyd, I knew him well." setting it down. "Now he's just another brick in the wall."
<OOC> EconomistBrony says, "Actually, he -was- a brick in the wall. Now he's a brick on the floor."
<OOC> Firefly laughs. True that.
<OOC> EconomistBrony says, "But Luna -could- go put him on the dark side of the moon."
Firefly turns around and hands the artifact to a Guard. "deliver to Keeper of Artifacts, and give the paper with it to Princess Celestia." nodding as he scuttles off. "Yes, the throne room." turning to walk with the pair.
Mimic furrows her brows ever so slightly as a sigh escapes her, "...I would write a few books this size about my understanding of those words, Nightshade." She moves to walk along with the two other mares, the giant old book floating in red magic alongside her with her bags stuffed with scrolls. "So, how busy is the night court usually, Firefly? I've never got a chance to witness it. Or.. the day court, really, until I got here."
"Oh yes," Nightshade tells Mimic, her voice low and wispy. "I know." She perists in silence, then, for the next few moments, letting Firefly say her piece.
Firefly says "Truth...is truth." then looks down at Mimic as they walk. "Night Court? It is mind numbingly quiet for the most part. Aside of the guard few locals every come to the Courts at night. They would rather see Celestia during Day Court, but I do get to met some interesting ponyfolk from time to time."
<OOC> EconomistBrony says, "Mind if I join in?"
<OOC> Firefly says, "After you clean up that mess Mister."
<OOC> EconomistBrony sweeps it up.
<OOC> Firefly says, "Well, OK then."
<OOC> Mimic says, "Heh, come on in."
<OOC> EconomistBrony dumps the wheelbarrow into Firefly's quarters.
<OOC> Firefly watches it all fall from the sky.
<OOC> EconomistBrony watches it crush Marble. Oops.
<OOC> Firefly :loves happy endings.
<OOC> EconomistBrony checks a box for 'incoming worker's comp claim'.
<OOC> Firefly says, "He hasn't paid his ID&D fees."
<OOC> Zircon is only interested in things falling and crushing Mimic.
"Oh no doubt." Mimic murmurs to Firefly. "It's so odd to me, still, the duality with two Princesses. Not that I have a lot to compare it to. A shame, though, it seems so... one sided. I'm sure both are equally capable in their own ways. Perhaps I'll have the pleasure to meet the Princess Luna someday."
<OOC> Mimic says, "Oh shush you."
EconomistBrony is somewhere in the background, having just exited his palace office mere moments ago in order to... he stops mid-step and stares up at the ceiling. Why did he come out again? Is it night? DAY? He looks over to a window and squints his eyes. How long has he been working today? Did it rain? What day is it? WHEN DID HE EA-, oh, right, he's going to go get some food. He resumes walking and comes across the little tour. He waves a hoof politely to the trio. "Greetings!" He then turns and is about to wonder off before pausing again and turning towards Mimic. Crystal. Horn. "!" You can practically hear the exclamation point. (Solid Snakeconomist) "You must be Mimic!" He pivots and makes his way towards the trio.
"There are those who wish to redress this problem," Nightshade comments. "Some groups have methods that are more...acceptable than others. The problem, as you can probably tell, is that most ponies are asleep at night." She turns her head to gaze at the Economist. "Ah, there you are. Firefly, perhaps the Economist can clarify your inquiry?"
Firefly laughs at the seemingly confused counter of coins, waving a wing back. "Greetings, Economist. Is the ceiling in a proper state? I could not help notice thee staring at it rather intently." then sweeps an ear at Nightshade's comment. "Oh! Of course, thank you for reminding me." turning to face EB. "What is Mimic's official title?"
Mimic blinks as she hears her nam and turns to regard the stallion. Her eyes brighten with interest and she dips her head in confirmation. "I am." Firefly though is busy asking her question and she adds on with a quiet chuckle. "Well, there is that. We have a fair bit to talk about, I suppose. Er.. Boss?"
EconomistBrony ponders Firefly's question for a moment. He taps his chin a few times as he continues in deep thought. "The corners could use a dusting and the peak of the vault could use a new coat of paint. But otherwise, it appears to be in a most proper state for the moment." His stomach growls. Grrrrrrr. Oooh, he needs food. He's about to turn away before remembering there was a second, much easier question. "Royal Recordkeeper and Assistant Assistant to the Royal Accountant. In time, she will be promoted to associate assistant and full assistant is she proves capable." He turns and smiles to Mimic, extending a hoof. "A pleasure to have you with us, Mimic. And please, just call me EB. Everypony else does. I think it all began with Luna..." the economist begins to launch into a mini-lecture about the origin of his rather unusual name.
"Ah, yes, this again," says Nightshade, standing aside/beside herself as EB begins the overly familiar (to her) story. "I still don't know why you don't just used your real name."
Firefly walks over to a silver covered tray beside the throne room door. She removes the lid, revealing a huge pile of fancy pastries and the like, then gets a big juicy jelly filled one, walks back over and with one wing pushes it into the rambling ponys mouth. >splurth< lifting her othe wingtip to her lips. "Shhhh....eat. Thy rambling is causing my synapses to misfire." then nods to the tray and the throne room. "Come, eat with us."
Mimic raises up her hoof to press-and-shake against the stallion's offered hoof. "A pleasure to be here. I'm here at your beck and call, for anything that's needed. Even if it's keeping track of your dry cleaning, though I promise I can keep up with a lot more than that." She says with a chuckle, though he's already going off and Firefly is trying to shush him. "Food sounds wonderful. Come on, I'd like to learn more about what I'll be helping with and I think both Nightshade and Firefly were too."
"... and then she said, 'Oatmeal, are -YOU cra-'" the economist looks startled for a moment at Nightshade's comment. "... I've never found it particularly wise to correct a Princes Besides, better than 'GENERIC PONY CLERIC NUMBER X' like she does the oth-*MFFFF," the economist is suddenly silenced with deadly jelly-filled goodness. He chews quickly then gulps it down. He hovers over a glass of milk. Chug chug chug. Sets it on Nightshade's head. She's a table, right? He looks after Firefly and steps in line. "Yes, food sounds delightful. Is it... breakfast time?" he asks, completely oblivious to the time of day.
Nightshade is unmoved by her demotion to inanimate furniture, maintaining her sedentary stoicism. Moments later, the glass (which has remained perfectly perched on her head) vanishes in a puff of shadow. "I'm afraid you're a bit late for breakfast," she tells EB, "or lunch, for that matter. Now, then..." She magicks a pastry from the tray to her mouth, nibbling. Ah, yes, jam.
Firefly says "Dinner, but LUna insists on having a full padtry and desert tray ready for me each and every night, with milk and tea at the ready. The sun is setting Accountant, and Luna will soon be raising the moon and placing the stars, stirring dreams of the locals and such. That is why I am here, at the Palace. It will be nice to have guests for a change."
Red magic engulfs one of the pastries that loosely resembles a croissant with lemon curd and icing. Mimic chews on it as she glances between the other ponies in her company. "Well, I planned on staying up late tonight to work on this book. I suppose I could always stick around, keep everyone company."
((Mimic's player had to leave here))
"So afternoon tea?" the economist guesses again. "Dinner? Late dinner? Dessert? Midnight snack?" the minister of finance keeps going. Clearly, his education is not in timekeeping. Although he's an excellent percussionist. *Woodblock* "Ohhh. Dinner. Then yes, let us eat dinner. It would be a pleasure to dine with you all. There is an excellent smaller dining room that should be empty tonight that has an excellent view of the sunset and night sky. Shall we go there? I could have the staff send up a light thirteen course meal."
"That would be a prudent choice," Nightshade states, feeling her own stomach grumble. "Shall we?" She follows along the others to a professional soiree.
Firefly pauses and looks to EB. "That is a most wonderful idea. I shall notify the Guard to escort anyone coming to court to us directly."
EconomistBrony nods and gestures to the guard. "Excellent thinking. Mmmm, perhaps I shall have the tomato bisque tonight for the thick soup course..."
Nightshade scribbles down many notes for her research
Firefly heads on along with them, since she had no idea where the bistro deck actually was. "And the stars are my favorite thing to just gaze upon for hours."
EconomistBrony meanders back from the dining hall, presuming that Nightshade is still following close behind/next to him. Or whatever she does. He's not really sure... SO he launches into a mini-lecture about the findings of his most recent paper.
Derpy walks in with her mailcap's brim peeking from out of one of her panniers. She politely sits down on one of the tiny stools and as she listens to EconomistBrony's lecture, her eyes duly begin to revolve.
EconomistBrony walks over to a nearby chalkboard (where did it come from??? ... probably a guard wheeled it in at EB's request) and proceeds to work through several of the equations. "And as you can see, relaxing assumption 2a allows us to gain a more intriguing insight into how the cross-good elasticity changes, and even provides us with a strong theoretical prediction. However, it still stands in stark contrast to the empirical findings..." he looks around, seeing to have lost Nightshade for the moment. He shrugs as he has at least -one- pony in the audience and continues.
Derpy raises her leg.
Nightshade happens to be following right behind. "So, tell me again how sheep's bladders can be used to prevent earthquakes," she queries, as Derpy steps into view. "Ah, Ms. Doo, some late-night mail for the Palace?"
Then another pony in the audience clears his throat. "What about a strict application of assumption 2a and a complete reversal of assumption 3 with... oh... maybe sample of unpredictable availability?"
Derpy nods knowingly as if that's what she was about to ask. She turns to Nightshade. "Oh hello! Yes, has been mails. But all sent and wrap-ped. Now is free time!"
EconomistBrony glances over towards Nightshade. "That? Oh, that was an entirely separate piece that was written by my department of agrilogical dynamics... really, it was quite fascinating, but I'm not sure their results are entirely generalizable..." the economist continues before pointing to the pony in the audience who cleared his throat and chortling gently. "Great minds think alike! I tried that, but the solution was intractable. Still, good suggestion," he comments before pointing to Derpy. "Yes, Miss Doo?"
Nightshade nods, recalling that Derpy has a connection to the Night Court through her daughter. "Right, of course," she states tersely. "And...what do you do on your free time, exactly?"
The gentlecolt relaxes. Darn, the ex-Chancellor had been hoping to catch the economist in a trick question. Too bad.
Derpy moves her head around in a circle, perhaps to catch up with her eyes, which are now stable again. "Many doors open," she says. "In free time?" She semi-recites cheerfully. "Like to bake... go fly... go pond... go visit... and scrapping book!" She grins and nods. "How about you?" Then she realizes that the lecturer is waiting for her to finish her conversation and answer. She turns back to him with the utmost seriousness. "Am sorry. Repeat question?"
EconomistBrony continues lecturing for a while before turning back towards Derpy with a blacnk stare. "You raised your hoof. Do you have a question?" he asks curiously.
Nightshade noddles again, supposing that Derpy's hobbies are quite appropriate for somepony of her disposition. "Ah, a wandering spirit. I know the type." She peers at her when she raises her hoof. What knid of question could she have?
Derpy is caught off guard and thinks for a while, like a ragamuffin pondering how to utilize the genie they've just discovered in their old oil lamp. "Yes. What is most efficacitous way to obtain loves?" she asks the economist.
"Well, in my experience, the best way to find love is to already have a sweetheart who likes you." Marble says, finally stopping all his lurking. "My wife and I knew each other since high school."
EconomistBrony considers for a long moment. "It has been said that one best finds love when they are not looking. Therefore I imagine the most efficient way to find love is to not look for it at all."
Derpy hears both Marble and EB's answers and shakes her head to dislodge whatever malformed notions they installed there. She sits back with an unsettled look. "Thank you," she says. She turns back to Nightshade. "What are your free times?" she asks amiably.
Nightshade remains utterly silent before this question, and not merely because it was Derpy who asked it. She lets EB and Marble have their say, leaving herself out of it. Nightshade peers at Derpy. "Ah, Miss Doo, I do enjoy doing my research projects, whether the literary or practical kind. Occasionally, I have been known to play the violin." Fine, proper ecursions for ponies like herself, those are.
EconomistBrony resumes lecturing.
Derpy listens to the lecture with one swiveled ear. But she's turned back to face Nightshade. "What are research?" she asks.
"I have a question, sir..." Marble finally says again. "What is your research methodology? Is it something that could make collecting accurate data difficult?"
Some spark of fascination gleams in Nightshade's eyes for an instant. "My specialty is magical studies, in particular the art of Shadows...the Shadows of Time. You see, when light shines upon something it leaves behind an imprint, a memory, and so through this every shadow becomes a vehicle for remembrance, or what ancient scholars refer to as /anamnesis/."
EconomistBrony turns back towards Marble. "Research methodology? Well... you'd have to come to my seminar at the university to hear that. It would be far too much to explain right now, I'm afraid."
Derpy closes one eye. Then she opens it and closes the other. "Anamamensis?" repeats Derpy. "Is light remember? But why listen to light?"
"I look forward to it, sir." Marble says, looking at te others listening to the lecture.
"Why listen to impulse? Why listen to discourse? Why listen to love?" Nightshade replies, every new phrase hitting hard. "Shadows have their own ways of speaking that others may not necessarily understand."
EconomistBrony nods to Marble gravely before resuming his mini-lecture. Well, now it's a full lecture.
Derpy is rocked back by the force of Nightshade's message and charisma, and by her punchy delivery. She eventually falls off her stool, her tail splaying. "Oof! But shadow is so quiet! And only what already know." She rubs her face.
EconomistBrony disappears with a mild flash of light.
Nightshade raises her eyebrow, surprised by the strange depth Derpy seems to possess. Perhaps this is why Luna favoured her so. "Shadows speak, if you dare to listen to their voice, but it requires a special kind of skill."
Derpy looks carefully at the mysterious Overseer, something like a shadow herself. "My daughter? ~Hates~ shadows." She shakes her head, closing her eyes. "Hates."
"Really?" says Nightshade, recalling a certain incident in a cafe. "That is unfortunate. There is much she can learn from them, her especially. I feel that she has...attunement, if you understand the word."
Derpy nods. "Is like music without note," she says. "But Dinky!? Attune ~shadow?!~" Derpy swishes her tail into a high curve in which it freezes. Apparently this is hard for her to believe.
[Dice] Derpy rolls 2d6:
[Dice] 6 5 = 11
<OOC> Derpy says, "Helloo!"
<OOC> Nightshade
"That is...a very interesting description," says Nightshade, who firmly decides, from there on in, to make Derpy one of her observational subjects. "Is...something wrong?" she continues, seeing Derpy in some knid of distress.
Derpy nods gravely. "Dinky shadow power? But hates shadows!" She flicks her tail against her cutie mark, an array of bubbles, which one might say are shadows of a sort in themselves. "If hate power, then hate Dinky!!" This line of thought does indeed have her distressed.
"That would explain some things, yes," says Nightshade, who is already scribbling several things on her magicked notepad. "Perhaps Dinky does not really /fear/ so much as does not want to /admit/ something, have you ever thought of that?"
Derpy shakes her head ten times, eyes shut.
Nightshade sighs; she should have expected that, really. "Very well, then. I suppose I may have to address the matter to her myself." She scribbles several more lines in her notepad before all the stationary, pen and all, vanishes into shadow. "She does visit the Palace often enough, after all."
Derpy opens her eyes in time to see the paper and pen vanish. She sniffs the general area on Nightshade where it might have vanished. "What not admit?" she asks the Overseer.
"The shadows speak of secrets that she may afraid to know," is all that Nightshade states. "Now, Ms. Doo, do you have any more questions?"
Derpy nods her head seven times. "Will not ask," she pronounces, her voice delicate.
Nightshade blinks. "Is there a meaning to the number of times you nod your head?"
<OOC> You say, "((What I love about Nightshade is that she's smart enough for her to be kinda meta X3))"
<OOC> Derpy likes that!
Derpy opens her eyes, revealing that one is rotating counterclockwise at a rate of 14rpm and the other is rising and falling with slight oscillations. This continues for fifteen seconds, at which point Derpy says: "The more nod, the more true!" She frowns a little. "The more shake, the more not true," she confides.
Once more, the notepad is out and scribbling more such facts. "What about your eyes spinning?" Nightshade queries.
In answer, Derpy spreads her wings and hovers, probably distracting the lecture attendees. She beats with increased focus and vigor, rotating her body rollwise, until she's upside-down and then right-side-up again, all the while facing Nightshade. Then she lands with a tiny clip on the floor. Her eyes were rolling in the opposite direction from the rest of her body all the while.
Nightshade blinks, stares, and then scribbles even more notations. By now she's filled a large section of pages just on Derpy. "I see, I see," she states, marvelling inwardly at the advancements to pony research. "Well, then, should you visit the Palace again, do feel free to call upon me for a talk. I will let the servants know." Indeed, if anything, Derpy may hold the secret to many mysterious subjects without even knowing it.
Derpy flashes a pearly grin for a fraction of a second. She bows deeply to Nightshade. "If Dinky visit? Please confide. ~Neeeds~ friends." She raises her head most, but not all the way, and turns to leave the lecture room.
"Oh, I'll be a good friend, Ms. Doo," Nightshade says, her eyes gleaming with mystery. She turns about, taking the long way back to her quarters, pondering. So many questions have been aroused tonight, and yet some answers, too, which may open new opportunities, new stories. Nightshade always did love a good story.
Characters: Mimic, Nightshade, Firefly, Economist Brony, Derpy, Marble Memory
Setting: Night Court provides new introductions and new revelations
Sunset is upon Canterlot, casting bright gold light in through the windows and setting the throne room alight with colors. In preparation for the usually nightly court, the guards are in the process of changing and the halls are a bustle with ponies going out for the day and others coming in. It's rush hour in the castle. Mimic is just leaving the records room, a particularly thick assortment of scrolls stuffed into her saddlebags with a book floating in front of her that apparently didn't fit.
<OOC> Nightshade can be anywhere she needs to be
<OOC> Firefly says, "Anywhere there is a shadow?"
<OOC> You say, "...Yes"
<OOC> Firefly grins. "This explains the art deco and obects de art all over the palace. Always shadows that way."
<OOC> You say, "That was a felicitous coincidence, actually, but it serves my purposes."
<OOC> Firefly giggles.
"Some professional development research, I grant?" says a voice that materializes right beside Mimic. Nightshade has appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, and presently walks casually alongside the Palace's latest employee, regarding the crystal unicorn with subtle interest. "Understandable, given the nature of the task, but all things will come in time."
Firefly is walking up the hallway from the other direction, taking a few things to be filed with the Artifact Department. Night Court is after dark, and the sun was still up, even if barely. So far it was looking to be another lovely night.
Mimic blinks as she squints past the veritable fan of musty old scrolls and towards the other, albeit it darker, unicorn. If she's taken aback by Nightshade's sudden appearance she doesn't show it. "Oh, hello Nightshade and yes. Honestly, some of the older records are just a mess. Granted, a pony could spend her whole life trying to organize one shelf, but its a wonder anypony finds a thing. First thing I'm thinking of working on is getting a better input output system set up." She spies Firefly not too far down the hallway and is greeting her with a, "Good evening, Firefly! I was hoping to catch up with you. I just wanted to thank you for the recommendation. Princess Celestia accepted me."
"I have already assigned some of my own subordinates to the matter, but the going is slow. Your assistance is greatly appreciated." As they encounter Firefly, Nightshade gives a respectful bow of head. "Lady Firefly, good evening," she greets.
Firefly slows and stops, giving a noid to Nightshade, then Mimic, in respective order. "Overseer, and..." then blinks, looking to Mimic. "That si good news, and you are quite welcome, but I must ask for thee officaol title? I am afraid I have not seen the paperwork myself to know it correctly." smiling.
<OOC> Firefly says, "Nod.
""Ah!" Mimic remarks aside to Nightshade. "Well, that's why I'm here, to help how I can." She adds with a nod of her head before she gives her throat a soft clear. "I'm afraid I'm not entirely clear on it myself." She remarks to Firefly. "I'm under the employ of the Economist. He's been rather occupied, we haven't had a chance to fully sit down and talk details yet. Soon, though."
<OOC> You say, "Firefly those isolated gerunds are rather intriguing."
"I am certain that, in the meantime, we can begin discussing coordinating on...common projects." Nightshade peers at Mimic's books again, wondering in particular what the giant book she has to levitate is.
<OOC> Firefly grins.
Firefly is not much on dusty books...unless they were about strategic flight and combat, so she is sitting, thinking. What WAS...of course. A nod is given to Mimic. "Then you shall have one. Royal Clerk, until a more official one is forthcoming." She catches Nightshade's gaze at the musty tome. "Anything of interest?"
"Works for me." Mimic remarks to Firefly with a chuckle. "Good enough as any. Better than Dust Blower or Scroll Stacker." The red magic holding up the tome gives it a bob. "Eh, I think its old records of citizenship, but it's so horribly faded it's barely legible. So, it's coming home with me for some homework, see if I can't pull the information out of it and scribe a new copy."
"A daunting project, I am sure," says Nightshade, "but given your skill-set not so much. I am certain that you will have it done in due time. In fact, I have an interest in this matter, so I do look forward to it." She looks up and ahead towards the throne room. "Ah...Night Court is beginning, is it not?"
Firefly smiles to Mimic and perks her ears. "Family history..more like something the Overseer would like..." grinning a little. "Or Twilight." She looks to NIghtshade and nods. "That is correct, but there is some time before the changing of the Court."
"It's probably not worth much more than nostalgia but there might be something useful here or there." Mimic remarks as she glances to the faded, tattered book. "Who knows. There might be a few surprises in here. I guess I'll know once I pull the words free of time. If I find anything important, you can be sure I'll make sure it's known."
<OOC> EconomistBrony dives in through the window.
<OOC> EconomistBrony dusts himself off. The door was squeaky. This was less intrusive. Slightl.
<OOC> Nightshade shows a sign that says '8'
<OOC> Firefly KNEW we should have waited to brick thos in.
<OOC> EconomistBrony broke down the bricks. That's why it was so noisy.
<OOC> Firefly says, "Ah.
""Some memories tell difficult truths," Nightshade says mysteriously, before picking up her tone once more. "Now, I do believe the throne room awaits us."
<OOC> EconomistBrony polishes his monocle. It got a little foggy.
<OOC> Mimic says, "Heya Econ
"<OOC> Firefly picks up a pink brick that matches her colors. "Alas poor Floyd, I knew him well." setting it down. "Now he's just another brick in the wall."
<OOC> EconomistBrony says, "Actually, he -was- a brick in the wall. Now he's a brick on the floor."
<OOC> Firefly laughs. True that.
<OOC> EconomistBrony says, "But Luna -could- go put him on the dark side of the moon."
Firefly turns around and hands the artifact to a Guard. "deliver to Keeper of Artifacts, and give the paper with it to Princess Celestia." nodding as he scuttles off. "Yes, the throne room." turning to walk with the pair.
Mimic furrows her brows ever so slightly as a sigh escapes her, "...I would write a few books this size about my understanding of those words, Nightshade." She moves to walk along with the two other mares, the giant old book floating in red magic alongside her with her bags stuffed with scrolls. "So, how busy is the night court usually, Firefly? I've never got a chance to witness it. Or.. the day court, really, until I got here."
"Oh yes," Nightshade tells Mimic, her voice low and wispy. "I know." She perists in silence, then, for the next few moments, letting Firefly say her piece.
Firefly says "Truth...is truth." then looks down at Mimic as they walk. "Night Court? It is mind numbingly quiet for the most part. Aside of the guard few locals every come to the Courts at night. They would rather see Celestia during Day Court, but I do get to met some interesting ponyfolk from time to time."
<OOC> EconomistBrony says, "Mind if I join in?
"<OOC> Firefly says, "After you clean up that mess Mister."
<OOC> EconomistBrony sweeps it up.
<OOC> Firefly says, "Well, OK then."
<OOC> Mimic says, "Heh, come on in."
<OOC> EconomistBrony dumps the wheelbarrow into Firefly's quarters.
<OOC> Firefly watches it all fall from the sky.
<OOC> EconomistBrony watches it crush Marble. Oops.
<OOC> Firefly :loves happy endings.
<OOC> EconomistBrony checks a box for 'incoming worker's comp claim'.
<OOC> Firefly says, "He hasn't paid his ID&D fees."
<OOC> Zircon is only interested in things falling and crushing Mimic.
"Oh no doubt." Mimic murmurs to Firefly. "It's so odd to me, still, the duality with two Princesses. Not that I have a lot to compare it to. A shame, though, it seems so... one sided. I'm sure both are equally capable in their own ways. Perhaps I'll have the pleasure to meet the Princess Luna someday."
<OOC> Mimic says, "Oh shush you."
EconomistBrony is somewhere in the background, having just exited his palace office mere moments ago in order to... he stops mid-step and stares up at the ceiling. Why did he come out again? Is it night? DAY? He looks over to a window and squints his eyes. How long has he been working today? Did it rain? What day is it? WHEN DID HE EA-, oh, right, he's going to go get some food. He resumes walking and comes across the little tour. He waves a hoof politely to the trio. "Greetings!" He then turns and is about to wonder off before pausing again and turning towards Mimic. Crystal. Horn. "!" You can practically hear the exclamation point. (Solid Snakeconomist) "You must be Mimic!" He pivots and makes his way towards the trio.
"There are those who wish to redress this problem," Nightshade comments. "Some groups have methods that are more...acceptable than others. The problem, as you can probably tell, is that most ponies are asleep at night." She turns her head to gaze at the Economist. "Ah, there you are. Firefly, perhaps the Economist can clarify your inquiry?"
Firefly laughs at the seemingly confused counter of coins, waving a wing back. "Greetings, Economist. Is the ceiling in a proper state? I could not help notice thee staring at it rather intently." then sweeps an ear at Nightshade's comment. "Oh! Of course, thank you for reminding me." turning to face EB. "What is Mimic's official title?"
Mimic blinks as she hears her nam and turns to regard the stallion. Her eyes brighten with interest and she dips her head in confirmation. "I am." Firefly though is busy asking her question and she adds on with a quiet chuckle. "Well, there is that. We have a fair bit to talk about, I suppose. Er.. Boss?"
EconomistBrony ponders Firefly's question for a moment. He taps his chin a few times as he continues in deep thought. "The corners could use a dusting and the peak of the vault could use a new coat of paint. But otherwise, it appears to be in a most proper state for the moment." His stomach growls. Grrrrrrr. Oooh, he needs food. He's about to turn away before remembering there was a second, much easier question. "Royal Recordkeeper and Assistant Assistant to the Royal Accountant. In time, she will be promoted to associate assistant and full assistant is she proves capable." He turns and smiles to Mimic, extending a hoof. "A pleasure to have you with us, Mimic. And please, just call me EB. Everypony else does. I think it all began with Luna..." the economist begins to launch into a mini-lecture about the origin of his rather unusual name.
"Ah, yes, this again," says Nightshade, standing aside/beside herself as EB begins the overly familiar (to her) story. "I still don't know why you don't just used your real name."
Firefly walks over to a silver covered tray beside the throne room door. She removes the lid, revealing a huge pile of fancy pastries and the like, then gets a big juicy jelly filled one, walks back over and with one wing pushes it into the rambling ponys mouth. >splurth< lifting her othe wingtip to her lips. "Shhhh....eat. Thy rambling is causing my synapses to misfire." then nods to the tray and the throne room. "Come, eat with us."
Mimic raises up her hoof to press-and-shake against the stallion's offered hoof. "A pleasure to be here. I'm here at your beck and call, for anything that's needed. Even if it's keeping track of your dry cleaning, though I promise I can keep up with a lot more than that." She says with a chuckle, though he's already going off and Firefly is trying to shush him. "Food sounds wonderful. Come on, I'd like to learn more about what I'll be helping with and I think both Nightshade and Firefly were too."
"... and then she said, 'Oatmeal, are -YOU cra-'" the economist looks startled for a moment at Nightshade's comment. "... I've never found it particularly wise to correct a Princes Besides, better than 'GENERIC PONY CLERIC NUMBER X' like she does the oth-*MFFFF," the economist is suddenly silenced with deadly jelly-filled goodness. He chews quickly then gulps it down. He hovers over a glass of milk. Chug chug chug. Sets it on Nightshade's head. She's a table, right? He looks after Firefly and steps in line. "Yes, food sounds delightful. Is it... breakfast time?" he asks, completely oblivious to the time of day.
Nightshade is unmoved by her demotion to inanimate furniture, maintaining her sedentary stoicism. Moments later, the glass (which has remained perfectly perched on her head) vanishes in a puff of shadow. "I'm afraid you're a bit late for breakfast," she tells EB, "or lunch, for that matter. Now, then..." She magicks a pastry from the tray to her mouth, nibbling. Ah, yes, jam.
Firefly says "Dinner, but LUna insists on having a full padtry and desert tray ready for me each and every night, with milk and tea at the ready. The sun is setting Accountant, and Luna will soon be raising the moon and placing the stars, stirring dreams of the locals and such. That is why I am here, at the Palace. It will be nice to have guests for a change."
Red magic engulfs one of the pastries that loosely resembles a croissant with lemon curd and icing. Mimic chews on it as she glances between the other ponies in her company. "Well, I planned on staying up late tonight to work on this book. I suppose I could always stick around, keep everyone company."
((Mimic's player had to leave here))
"So afternoon tea?" the economist guesses again. "Dinner? Late dinner? Dessert? Midnight snack?" the minister of finance keeps going. Clearly, his education is not in timekeeping. Although he's an excellent percussionist. *Woodblock* "Ohhh. Dinner. Then yes, let us eat dinner. It would be a pleasure to dine with you all. There is an excellent smaller dining room that should be empty tonight that has an excellent view of the sunset and night sky. Shall we go there? I could have the staff send up a light thirteen course meal."
"That would be a prudent choice," Nightshade states, feeling her own stomach grumble. "Shall we?" She follows along the others to a professional soiree.
Firefly pauses and looks to EB. "That is a most wonderful idea. I shall notify the Guard to escort anyone coming to court to us directly."
EconomistBrony nods and gestures to the guard. "Excellent thinking. Mmmm, perhaps I shall have the tomato bisque tonight for the thick soup course..."
Nightshade scribbles down many notes for her research
Firefly heads on along with them, since she had no idea where the bistro deck actually was. "And the stars are my favorite thing to just gaze upon for hours."
EconomistBrony meanders back from the dining hall, presuming that Nightshade is still following close behind/next to him. Or whatever she does. He's not really sure... SO he launches into a mini-lecture about the findings of his most recent paper.
Derpy walks in with her mailcap's brim peeking from out of one of her panniers. She politely sits down on one of the tiny stools and as she listens to EconomistBrony's lecture, her eyes duly begin to revolve.
EconomistBrony walks over to a nearby chalkboard (where did it come from??? ... probably a guard wheeled it in at EB's request) and proceeds to work through several of the equations. "And as you can see, relaxing assumption 2a allows us to gain a more intriguing insight into how the cross-good elasticity changes, and even provides us with a strong theoretical prediction. However, it still stands in stark contrast to the empirical findings..." he looks around, seeing to have lost Nightshade for the moment. He shrugs as he has at least -one- pony in the audience and continues.
Derpy raises her leg.
Nightshade happens to be following right behind. "So, tell me again how sheep's bladders can be used to prevent earthquakes," she queries, as Derpy steps into view. "Ah, Ms. Doo, some late-night mail for the Palace?"
Then another pony in the audience clears his throat. "What about a strict application of assumption 2a and a complete reversal of assumption 3 with... oh... maybe sample of unpredictable availability?"
Derpy nods knowingly as if that's what she was about to ask. She turns to Nightshade. "Oh hello! Yes, has been mails. But all sent and wrap-ped. Now is free time!"
EconomistBrony glances over towards Nightshade. "That? Oh, that was an entirely separate piece that was written by my department of agrilogical dynamics... really, it was quite fascinating, but I'm not sure their results are entirely generalizable..." the economist continues before pointing to the pony in the audience who cleared his throat and chortling gently. "Great minds think alike! I tried that, but the solution was intractable. Still, good suggestion," he comments before pointing to Derpy. "Yes, Miss Doo?"
Nightshade nods, recalling that Derpy has a connection to the Night Court through her daughter. "Right, of course," she states tersely. "And...what do you do on your free time, exactly?"
The gentlecolt relaxes. Darn, the ex-Chancellor had been hoping to catch the economist in a trick question. Too bad.
Derpy moves her head around in a circle, perhaps to catch up with her eyes, which are now stable again. "Many doors open," she says. "In free time?" She semi-recites cheerfully. "Like to bake... go fly... go pond... go visit... and scrapping book!" She grins and nods. "How about you?" Then she realizes that the lecturer is waiting for her to finish her conversation and answer. She turns back to him with the utmost seriousness. "Am sorry. Repeat question?"
EconomistBrony continues lecturing for a while before turning back towards Derpy with a blacnk stare. "You raised your hoof. Do you have a question?" he asks curiously.
Nightshade noddles again, supposing that Derpy's hobbies are quite appropriate for somepony of her disposition. "Ah, a wandering spirit. I know the type." She peers at her when she raises her hoof. What knid of question could she have?
Derpy is caught off guard and thinks for a while, like a ragamuffin pondering how to utilize the genie they've just discovered in their old oil lamp. "Yes. What is most efficacitous way to obtain loves?" she asks the economist.
"Well, in my experience, the best way to find love is to already have a sweetheart who likes you." Marble says, finally stopping all his lurking. "My wife and I knew each other since high school."
EconomistBrony considers for a long moment. "It has been said that one best finds love when they are not looking. Therefore I imagine the most efficient way to find love is to not look for it at all."
Derpy hears both Marble and EB's answers and shakes her head to dislodge whatever malformed notions they installed there. She sits back with an unsettled look. "Thank you," she says. She turns back to Nightshade. "What are your free times?" she asks amiably.
Nightshade remains utterly silent before this question, and not merely because it was Derpy who asked it. She lets EB and Marble have their say, leaving herself out of it. Nightshade peers at Derpy. "Ah, Miss Doo, I do enjoy doing my research projects, whether the literary or practical kind. Occasionally, I have been known to play the violin." Fine, proper ecursions for ponies like herself, those are.
EconomistBrony resumes lecturing.
Derpy listens to the lecture with one swiveled ear. But she's turned back to face Nightshade. "What are research?" she asks.
"I have a question, sir..." Marble finally says again. "What is your research methodology? Is it something that could make collecting accurate data difficult?"
Some spark of fascination gleams in Nightshade's eyes for an instant. "My specialty is magical studies, in particular the art of Shadows...the Shadows of Time. You see, when light shines upon something it leaves behind an imprint, a memory, and so through this every shadow becomes a vehicle for remembrance, or what ancient scholars refer to as /anamnesis/."
EconomistBrony turns back towards Marble. "Research methodology? Well... you'd have to come to my seminar at the university to hear that. It would be far too much to explain right now, I'm afraid."
Derpy closes one eye. Then she opens it and closes the other. "Anamamensis?" repeats Derpy. "Is light remember? But why listen to light?"
"I look forward to it, sir." Marble says, looking at te others listening to the lecture.
"Why listen to impulse? Why listen to discourse? Why listen to love?" Nightshade replies, every new phrase hitting hard. "Shadows have their own ways of speaking that others may not necessarily understand."
EconomistBrony nods to Marble gravely before resuming his mini-lecture. Well, now it's a full lecture.
Derpy is rocked back by the force of Nightshade's message and charisma, and by her punchy delivery. She eventually falls off her stool, her tail splaying. "Oof! But shadow is so quiet! And only what already know." She rubs her face.
EconomistBrony disappears with a mild flash of light.
Nightshade raises her eyebrow, surprised by the strange depth Derpy seems to possess. Perhaps this is why Luna favoured her so. "Shadows speak, if you dare to listen to their voice, but it requires a special kind of skill."
Derpy looks carefully at the mysterious Overseer, something like a shadow herself. "My daughter? ~Hates~ shadows." She shakes her head, closing her eyes. "Hates."
"Really?" says Nightshade, recalling a certain incident in a cafe. "That is unfortunate. There is much she can learn from them, her especially. I feel that she has...attunement, if you understand the word."
Derpy nods. "Is like music without note," she says. "But Dinky!? Attune ~shadow?!~" Derpy swishes her tail into a high curve in which it freezes. Apparently this is hard for her to believe.
[Dice] Derpy rolls 2d6:
[Dice] 6 5 = 11
<OOC> Derpy says, "Helloo!"
<OOC> Nightshade
"That is...a very interesting description," says Nightshade, who firmly decides, from there on in, to make Derpy one of her observational subjects. "Is...something wrong?" she continues, seeing Derpy in some knid of distress.
Derpy nods gravely. "Dinky shadow power? But hates shadows!" She flicks her tail against her cutie mark, an array of bubbles, which one might say are shadows of a sort in themselves. "If hate power, then hate Dinky!!" This line of thought does indeed have her distressed.
"That would explain some things, yes," says Nightshade, who is already scribbling several things on her magicked notepad. "Perhaps Dinky does not really /fear/ so much as does not want to /admit/ something, have you ever thought of that?"
Derpy shakes her head ten times, eyes shut.
Nightshade sighs; she should have expected that, really. "Very well, then. I suppose I may have to address the matter to her myself." She scribbles several more lines in her notepad before all the stationary, pen and all, vanishes into shadow. "She does visit the Palace often enough, after all."
Derpy opens her eyes in time to see the paper and pen vanish. She sniffs the general area on Nightshade where it might have vanished. "What not admit?" she asks the Overseer.
"The shadows speak of secrets that she may afraid to know," is all that Nightshade states. "Now, Ms. Doo, do you have any more questions?"
Derpy nods her head seven times. "Will not ask," she pronounces, her voice delicate.
Nightshade blinks. "Is there a meaning to the number of times you nod your head?"
<OOC> You say, "((What I love about Nightshade is that she's smart enough for her to be kinda meta X3))"
<OOC> Derpy likes that!
Derpy opens her eyes, revealing that one is rotating counterclockwise at a rate of 14rpm and the other is rising and falling with slight oscillations. This continues for fifteen seconds, at which point Derpy says: "The more nod, the more true!" She frowns a little. "The more shake, the more not true," she confides.
Once more, the notepad is out and scribbling more such facts. "What about your eyes spinning?" Nightshade queries.
In answer, Derpy spreads her wings and hovers, probably distracting the lecture attendees. She beats with increased focus and vigor, rotating her body rollwise, until she's upside-down and then right-side-up again, all the while facing Nightshade. Then she lands with a tiny clip on the floor. Her eyes were rolling in the opposite direction from the rest of her body all the while.
Nightshade blinks, stares, and then scribbles even more notations. By now she's filled a large section of pages just on Derpy. "I see, I see," she states, marvelling inwardly at the advancements to pony research. "Well, then, should you visit the Palace again, do feel free to call upon me for a talk. I will let the servants know." Indeed, if anything, Derpy may hold the secret to many mysterious subjects without even knowing it.
Derpy flashes a pearly grin for a fraction of a second. She bows deeply to Nightshade. "If Dinky visit? Please confide. ~Neeeds~ friends." She raises her head most, but not all the way, and turns to leave the lecture room.
"Oh, I'll be a good friend, Ms. Doo," Nightshade says, her eyes gleaming with mystery. She turns about, taking the long way back to her quarters, pondering. So many questions have been aroused tonight, and yet some answers, too, which may open new opportunities, new stories. Nightshade always did love a good story.
