Re: A new arrival {open}

by Paradox Sat Jan 18, 2014 1:14 pm

This took even longer to decide. Even if the price was now somewhat lower, it was still expensive. Thinking about it a bit more also made him decide that it probably wasn't a risk, making that hardly an useful part of the deal. After all, it was rather old and had been out in bright light for longer periods of time. But, it was also a mystery that had fascinated him for years. Yet the idea that perhaps he would find an answer was still attractive. In the end, he knew he had to make a decision, and knew that this was likely the best deal he would possibly be able to get. Closing his eyes and inclining his head slightly as if in defeat, he held Starbreaker out again. "Fine."

by **Syron** Wed Jan 29, 2014 3:33 pm

"No need for that, Lance. You have a trip to the central cave planned", Silvern answered in a neutral tone to her assistant. For one, they had a pony who needed a tour, but she didn't intend to leave her shop now during business hours. And secondly, the information about Polar Chrome had to get to the right ponies. The unknown unicorn might not be a terribly great risk, but Lance ability to go to the surface without trouble might still be compromised. Since he was the one doing most of the supply runs for the shop, Silvern had no intention to let it come that far, But for now, the main subject was Quantum Flash and his artifact.

Silvern smiled happily at Flash's agreement, and of course noticed him holding out the stone... but once again faked she didn't and held out a hoof to receive the artifact. "I should be done with my work in two days, but you can try earlier if you're feeling lucky."

by Lance Thu Jan 30, 2014 3:59 pm

Scint was glad the transaction went so well and quickly, but something Silvern said had just caught his attention. "trip to the central cave? got an errand for me, then?"

by Paradox Sat Feb 01, 2014 12:48 am

Quantum handed over the artifact. It was a little odd not to have it around any more after having carried it for years, like there was something literally missing about him, or some pressure had lifted. He was, however, not quite done. "That's fine. There is still just one thing though. I seem to recall you knowing... certain actions I took that you had no business knowing. I also remember that Scintillance mentioned that you had some ability to determine facial expressions. You act blind. I want to know just how much of an act it really is."

by **Syron** Sat Feb 01, 2014 1:08 pm

"You've brought him here, you'll give him a tour and make sure he has lodging", Silvern explained to Lance.

Silvern arched an eyerow in surprise at being called out. For a moment she frowned, but quickly her expression softened. "Seems I slipped up", she said, and let out a small chuckle. "My blindness is much of an act as it is real. My eyes are pretty much useless, but I have a useful alternative. You can safely asume that magic is involved, but I don't put up this act for no reason, and I'd rather not elaborate too much on the topic right now. But while we're already revealing secrets, I think I'll continue with that." She put up a smirk before she continued. "I'm interested in those enchanted lenses you're carrying with you. Made them yourself?"

by Lance Sat Feb 01, 2014 4:19 pm

Scint had nothing more to say than a solemn "Oh." Of course, watching after and giving tours to Quantum was his plan after all, but he simply assumed Silvern was going to at least have him stick around to help out with the store, especially after coming late like he did. Definitely didn't expect her to give him the day off like this for Quantum's sake. Every once in a while, Silvern sure seems to have her surprises.

by Paradox Mon Feb 03, 2014 2:14 pm

Quantum tenses slightly at the mention of the Magi's Lens. He relaxed an instant later. Silvern's magical detection of things was rather powerful it seemed but he supposed not too much of a surprise now. He activated the lenses so they floated out into a formation between them and rotated in midair in a glittering display. "Yes, I did enchant them myself. Made them little by little over time as some idea or need arose. They can be rearranged into whatever I need." The lenses, prompted by a small surge of magic and will, shifted into an array that would function like a microscope.

by **Syron** Mon Feb 03, 2014 3:51 pm

Silvern concentrated while Flash played around with the lenses, and then a bit longer. While she couldn't accurately tell just how exactly the light going through the array was refracted, or what kind of image would come out of it, the spellwork was a different matter. She quickly noticed constant adjustments going on, slight variations in the distances between the lenses that happened with too much control to be unintended. After some observation, Sil made out a corellation to movement. Or more precisely: Distance to the object the array was pointed at. She couldn't quite say she could measure distances accurately either, but she did know how telescopes and microscopes worked, in theory at least, and focus adjustments made sense.

While the precision was already impressive, the enchantments of the individual lenses still topped it off a little. Silvern had seen light filter before, and also had used such spells herself, but nothing of this complexity. It was easy to just block out too bright light to avoid being blinded, but this enchantment she concentrated on was very selective. Sil couldn't tell just what it filtered out (flare and reflections were mostly unknown to her), but the rules for doing so were complex. And most importantly: The spell was beautiful! Well, maybe not beautiful enough to make it to the top of her list of favorite spellworks, but a honorable mention should do. It was definitely done with skill.

"That's good work. I take it your special talent relates to light?" she finally asked. "Overall that's a subject I'm not all that well versed in, for obvious reasons, but I certainly do recognize solid spellwork when I see it. Should I come across some light related problem, mind if I contact you?"

by Lance Thu Feb 06, 2014 11:49 am

Scint was slightly mad at himself for forgetting so soon, Quantum mentioned this just a bit earlier. he piped in, "Something to do with glass-working, right?"

by Paradox Fri Feb 07, 2014 1:53 am

Quantum glanced over at Scintillace. "Yep. That's right. My talent is with working with light especially in the context of lenses and optics. That would also include mirrors and even some amount of light scattering off of regular objects. It might not be like Scintillance's constructs, but it's useful. I certainly wouldn't mind lending you a hoof if you need it. I also wouldn't mind a chance to learn more about the enchantments you are so proficient in."

The lenses, called by a slight magical pulse, floated back to him and were placed carefully back into their softly padded carrying case. To anyone watching on an arcane level, they would appear to rapidly lose energy and dim when Quantum's gentle magical influence was removed. It of course did not fade entirely, but it was clear a lot of its energy was derived from the user.

by **Syron** Sun Feb 09, 2014 1:20 pm

"I'm sure we'll be able to arrange something then", Silvern replied happily. A new toy and possibly a business contact, quite a good start of the day. "But for now, I only have one question left to ask before I let the two of you go to find you a playe to stay. Now that you're here in Manehatten and learned of this underground city, what are you planning to do?"

by Lance Tue Feb 11, 2014 6:18 pm

Scint piped up again, "well I wanted to show him the undermarket as an explanation to the giant hole near the over-ground hideout I wanted to show him. But now that he's forced to stay down here for a while... I'd say best show him around, it would help to know how to not get lost down here." Scint's eyes narrowed, however, thinking Silver might have been hinting at the rebellion. He asked "Unless you're wondering to see if he'd... 'join?' feels a bit early to ask anything like that..."

by Paradox Thu Feb 13, 2014 4:57 pm

Quantum stayed momentarily quiet. Scintillance's track record so far would put it such that it would be interesting to see the results of this particular slip. In any case, he had not exactly been planning for this to happen, and so he really didn't have a plan besides to see what would happen anyway. That, and to figure out a place to stay; hopefully those two would be coincident as Scintillance had claimed.

by **Syron** Fri Feb 21, 2014 10:14 am

Silvern tried to keep herself from grinding her teeth when she realized Lance's slip-up. After her little outbreak right in front of a possible customer a little earlier she didn't want to add another one, but she was visibly fuming. She turned to her assistant, and answered with a forced calmness. "First, that question was directed at Flash, not you. Second, no. We don't know him, and that needs to change before we introduce him to anything beyond the obvious. Third, for the same reason..." Her voice turned sharper, with barely held back anger. "Watch what you're saying for Celestia's sake! Our little organization might be openly represented in the Undercity, but that doesn't mean you should point it out right away that there's something going on."

This certainly wouldn't be the last time she would have to tell him something like that, she realized. Not a good thing for a high positioned member of the rebellion. Lance might not be in a command position, but as direct assistant to Silvern he would know a lot of secrets that most rebels had no clue about. On the other hoof, his magical talent was a rarity she didn't intend to throw away. His success so far was remarkable, and he had enough power to make almost every other unicorn jealous. Too bad his light constructs ate it away it so quickly.

Either way, for now she had no idea what to do with him if he didn't learn to keep secrets to himself, and focused on the current problem. "You can show him the public headquarters", she said. "If you don't find something better, at least there's a bed for the night and some food. While you're there, send a runner to the captain with a report about your antics today. He might want to keep an eye on Polar Chrome."

Turning back to Flash, she continued in a more friendly tone. "Now, I'm sure we've caused quite a few question right now, but be assured that they'll be answered in time. As I already said, I'd like to know a bit about you first, so same question as before. Apart from finding a place to stay, do you have any idea you want to do here? There must have been a reason to come to Manehatten after all."

by Lance Sat Feb 22, 2014 7:19 am

Scint cringed almost as if Silvern's sharp tone cut right through him. he hoped he managed to choose his words well enough not to hint too much, but it looks like he was wrong even then. all he could do now was sigh, and make a 'zip-lock' motion with his hoof over his mouth with an audible "zzzzwip" sound, and tried to sit quietly, allowing the other two to talk. He pondered how well the Captain would taketo hearing about his so called 'antics.'

by Paradox Sat Mar 08, 2014 12:07 pm

(Whew! Sorry for not posting here for a while)

One of the only signs that Quantum was trying not to laugh at Scintillance's antics again was a slight twitch in one eye. He replied to Silvern with a voice that only wavered slightly with suppressed laughter. "Well, things were getting not so pleasant or easy at home. Jobs were not doing quite so well and I figured even with the Griffons around that it would be easier to find work in Manehattan. I also felt like I needed to see what had happened with the city where I grew up."

by **Syron** Sat Mar 08, 2014 12:33 pm

((I'm not exactly in a position to complain.))

Silvern's expression suddenly grew melancholy, Flash had struck a chord. "I can hardly call this the city I grew up in", she answered sadly. "More like the place where it used to be."

She quickly caught herself and put on a smile again, though it seemed a little more forced now. "There's a lot of work needing to be done, and though many ponies don't have much to pay with, with useful talents you shouldn't have much trouble finding something", she said. "I'll leave you two to your tour then. Lance, while you're already in the HQ, tell Fierce that her order is ready and already collecting dust. She should be working at the reception counter today."

by Lance Sun Mar 09, 2014 10:12 am

Scint Saluted humorously and enthusiastically, exclaiming "Aye-aye..!" before taking a second look at Silvern and realizing her rather hard to forget disability. "...Aye-yai-yai-sorry..." Scint jotted down a note to Find Fierce and tell her about her order, mumbling aloud, "Tell Cap'n about stupid antics, tell Fierce about order, and avoid getting bucked into next week by Prism on the way out... anything else, Silve?"

by Paradox Tue Mar 11, 2014 5:17 pm

Quantum nodded slightly to himself at Silvern's comment on the city. Sounded... almost appropriate. He stood up and adjusted his cloak to sit more comfortably. He turns to Scintillance. "Ready when you are."

by Lance Sat Apr 19, 2014 9:23 am

Scint zipped around the room, gathering and taking care of the few things he needed before heading out; checking checklists on sticky notes, checking an undermarket map he drew and left in Silvern's store for no good reason, and considering putting a "kick me" sign on Silvern when she wasn't paying attention, but disregarded the notion.

Finally ready, Lance trotted past Quantum and calling behind him, "Okay, heading out now! 'later Silve!" Scint then more quietly told Quantum, "first things first; we're stopping by Pierce's spot. it's uncertain as to whether I'll survive an encounter with Prism or not, so we're heading there last.

by Paradox Sun Apr 20, 2014 10:14 pm

(man it's been ages. I hardly remember my motivations) Quantum has nothing to pick up or gather, so he merely waits by the door until Scintillance is done. He grins slightly behind Scint's back at the idea of this Prism but asked out loud "Who is this Pierce then? I obviously do not know anypony here."

by Lance Tue Jun 03, 2014 4:47 pm

Scint stepped up to the door, starting a light from his horn again, and exclaimed "Open Sesame!" once more, with a stealthy pulse of magic directed at his gate stone as the gate before him opened. He trotted right on through, expecting Quantum to follow. Piercing Thought. She's something of a genius, reading ponies like open books. she's got a talent for working out every posibility in anything, from what I understand. if I were to guess, she's just reading everypony's minds. consider wearing aluminium on your head when you meet her." Scint chuckled to his companion as if he hadn't said anything out of the ordinary at all.

by Sponsored content