Kiernan
Member
Tua Culpa, Culpa Mea
Posts: 384
|
Post by Kiernan on Nov 8, 2012 0:36:18 GMT -5
Akaitora turned to look at the other stallion. "I told you, I'd be rid of you if I wanted to," He explained not understanding that it was sarcasm. "As for how much you will eat, my typical diet is made mostly of Piquant COB, Kit-P Bread, and assorted greens, arranged into the form of a sandwich, or bread bowl soup." With a sharp, sinister glint in his eye, he added, "I hope that's alright with you..."
He walked the final hundred yards or so, and dropped behind a hill. With a look to all sides to ascertain that they were alone, he set his horn aglow, revealing a small portal, which he promptly stepped through. "Welcome to my temporary hovel," he said with a smile. "Please take a seat while I ready our meal..." he gestured to a small cushion in front of a table as he stepped into the kitchen.
|
|
luemas
Member
SHE BLINDED ME WITH SCIENCE!
Posts: 88
|
Post by luemas on Nov 8, 2012 18:12:58 GMT -5
"It sounds great to me!" Replied Geoff cheerfully, not noticing the darker undertones. Geoff entered the "hovel" as Akaitora mentioned it. He was quite surprised and did not consider it a hovel by any means. Geoff hadn't been raised poor, but he certainly respected what he had had. It wasn't luxurious, but it had all the necessities and was very prim and proper.
"Why, it's a very quaint abode" he said as he sat on the cushion.
|
|
Kiernan
Member
Tua Culpa, Culpa Mea
Posts: 384
|
Post by Kiernan on Nov 9, 2012 2:05:53 GMT -5
Quaint, eh? thought Akaitora as he packed the COB into a simple soaker patty. I suppose I am a bit old-fashioned... He cut a few slices from a batard of Kit-P, and a few slices of tomato and apple for moisture.
I suppose there's nothing wrong with it... he thought as he assembled the sandwiches , making sure the lettuce and spinach kept the bread from becoming soggy, despite the fact that the emulsified spread was already doing that, and doing much better. It was solely precautionary.
Though I really think I shouldn't put too much thought into it. He cut the sandwiches in half, wondering what his guest might think of bread that was red orange. As he set them out onto the table he was wondering how his guest handled very spicy food. And as he pulled another cushion over for himself, he was wondering if the apple slice was really necessary. After one bite, he knew that it was.
"So," he said, as soon as his mouth was empty, "I realize that we have yet to be properly introduced. You may refer to me as Akaitora, or Sir. I leave that up to you."
|
|
luemas
Member
SHE BLINDED ME WITH SCIENCE!
Posts: 88
|
Post by luemas on Nov 10, 2012 18:26:52 GMT -5
"Ah! Well a pleasure to meet you Akaitora. You can call me Geoff. Or Prof I suppose." He said lightheartedly with a chuckle.
"Now what do we have here, seems brightly colored enough, and certainly smells good too." Geoff took a tentative bite, and coughed a little. "That explains why it's reddish." He muttered. "But I do say it's quite delicious. You needn't have been so humble about your cooking skills. Where'd a pony like you learn to cook like this, or get an "abode" like this?" Geoffrey asked.
|
|
Kiernan
Member
Tua Culpa, Culpa Mea
Posts: 384
|
Post by Kiernan on Nov 10, 2012 21:38:56 GMT -5
Akaitora's eyes wandered around the room. The stonework for the walls was rather nice, as ore veins cut right through it, leaving a plethora of colors in their wake. The small gems in the ceiling glowed the steel-blue color of his aura, providing light whenever someone was nearby. To save energy, he had set them to alternate, creating a beautiful twinkling sensation. It was interesting , he thought, that gemstones could hold spells, despite the fact that they couldn't cast them, being inanimate objects. He counted himself lucky that there was no bronze nearby, save for the refined pieces on his back and around his legs.
He then looked not at the room, but the contents. Of course, there were several stacks of books littering the floor, the table, and the shelves (many of which he had written himself). Nigh on any subject he thought was necessary could be researched here, albeit briefly. Even more quickly if he used his chronological perception dampening spell. Other things littering the floor were boxes of broken machinery, scrap metal, and cables. In the corner sat a large, locked chest, with two compartments. The top held Topaz, one of the fastest conductors for holding enchantments, Diamond, the strongest and longest burning, and Amethysts, which were a great middle ground between the two. The second compartment held a vast amount of money, though only a tiny fraction of what he used to have. Alas, charity needed it more than he, so he kept only a small amount, though what he kept was more than sufficient.
His mind wandered back to the room just beyond his kitchen, his third and smallest subterranean garden. Only three trees, one apple, one pear, and one cherry. Three small fields, separated by stone walkways grew his grains and vegetables. And of course, since the entire place was underground, all of the water came from underground, as well.
"It's a long story," sighed Akaitora. "A very long story, and I tend to ramble."
|
|
luemas
Member
SHE BLINDED ME WITH SCIENCE!
Posts: 88
|
Post by luemas on Nov 11, 2012 15:34:29 GMT -5
Geoff nodded sympathetically. "Long story or not though, it's not like we've got anything to do. And nothing helps the food digest quite like an after dinner story aye"
|
|
Kiernan
Member
Tua Culpa, Culpa Mea
Posts: 384
|
Post by Kiernan on Nov 11, 2012 20:19:09 GMT -5
Akaitora grinned. That's exactly what I wanted to hear, he thought.
"I'll start with your first question, about my cooking skills. Most of my life, I've lived alone, miles away from anypony else. As a child, I would sneak onto this farm and steal apples from the trees to keep myself fed. Later on in my life, I returned the equivalent in fresh apples, and even going so far as to add a few saplings as interest. To one of the barrels I had used to return the apples, I tacked a letter, apologizing for my past actions. I haven't set hoof on that farm since, out of guilt, rather than fear of persecution for my actions.
"When the fighting started, I had already started growing my own food. I believe myself the first to delve into full-on subterranean horticulture. Or at least, I haven't found any books on the subject other than the few I wrote. They're over there," he indicated a small stack of stitch-bound manuscripts in the corner, "along with the unpublished notes that are still being studied by me.
"The cooking, like the horticulture, came to me partially out of necessity, partially out of books, and most prominently out of experimentation. I learned through trial and error what would and wouldn't work, though a few things I learned from books that, now, only one copy remains." Akaitora's smile faded. "When the world is stable, and I find the two others, we can rebuild, and that which was lost to us will once more be capable. But as things are now, it is all we can do to keep things stable. I hope we can rebuild..."
Akaitora's mind wandered back to his past, to that tragic day when his master's library was burned to the ground, through divine will. As he stepped back through the gates of the accursed, the screams echoed in his ears, as they did now in his memory. The black symbol, burned into the floor, and now in his eyes, was almost too much to bear, as he shut his eyes tightly and shivered. He was still for a few moments, as memories came flooding back to him, memories that he was glad only he and two others still shared, as all else who had survived that day could no longer remember any of it. He knew in his heart that it was for the best, as these thoughts could be harmful for the other three...
"I'm sorry," said Akaitora, opening his eyes once more, as a single tear ran down his cheek, only to be wiped away by his hoof. "I seem to have rambled a bit more than I had wanted to, and my mind was filling with images that are best kept locked away until further notice."
Akaitora reared his head back, taking a long swig of cider, until his flask was empty. He then brought in three more bottles, downing the first one, setting the second on the table in front of him, and offering the third to Geoff. "Any questions, before we continue?" asked Akaitora, hiding his level of intoxication as best he could.
|
|
luemas
Member
SHE BLINDED ME WITH SCIENCE!
Posts: 88
|
Post by luemas on Nov 13, 2012 22:55:42 GMT -5
Geoff sat somewhat stunned. "I'm... so sorry to hear that. It must've been so hard growing up on your own..." He trailed off, not sure what to say. He quickly drank the cider also. "You're quite good with apples. Any particular reason?" He stared into the empty flagon some, not used to the alcohol. "I'm sorry I'm so inquisitive, but it's in my nature to learn... Who were the other two that you mentioned?"
|
|
Kiernan
Member
Tua Culpa, Culpa Mea
Posts: 384
|
Post by Kiernan on Nov 14, 2012 0:34:17 GMT -5
"The other two?" asked Akaitora rhetorically, bringing his guest a second drink. "They worked with me at the library. We were in charge of keeping the balance of power... Well, balanced. By harnessing raw willpower, and turning it into a force for whichever side needed it more.
"The first one of us to arrive was Terra, a brown stallion who, despite being an earth pony, had an amazing grasp of magic theory. He was in charge when he was awake, especially since he had seniority over us. I had a lot of respect for him, and still would, if I knew where he was, supposing he's still alive.
"The other one, I wouldn't mind if she stayed in obscurity, except we need three with the sign to be capable of running the filter while Gim rebuilds around us. She was incredibly obnoxious, self-centred, and arrogant. Terra and I joked about Gim putting her there to test us.
"We lost her in Ponyville, she wanted to stay there to perform what she tried to pass off as 'magical feats beyond their wildest dreams.' It was naught but a few magic tricks, though. We lost Terra on the day the library burned down. I don't know where he was let out, but I know he made it out okay. He's too smart to have not escaped."
Akaitora closed his eyes for a few seconds, reopened them, took a swig of cider, smaller this time, and looked back at Geoff. "I realize that I didn't tell you her name, and I have my reasons for that. There are certain things I like to leave out of my life story, as you may come to realize. Mayhap one day I'll tell you, but not tonight.
"As for why I'm handy with Apples, that's what that farm I told you about grew. My second most abundant resource, I may as well know how to use it properly." Akaitora gave a weak smirk, his half-open eyes now fixated on the knotty centerpiece of his table. "Although, it wasn't really mine..."
|
|
luemas
Member
SHE BLINDED ME WITH SCIENCE!
Posts: 88
|
Post by luemas on Nov 14, 2012 19:03:37 GMT -5
Geoff nodded sympathetically. "I suppose it's only fair I tell you about myself in return, even though in comparison my life was not nearly as... fascinating as yours." "I was born to two Earth Ponies in Canterlot. Early on I demonstrated an affinity for science... and explosions. Eventually everything I treasured was stored in metal crates to prevent them from catching fire. Fortunately for my parents, the house never burned down. Yet there were more than a few close calls, and neighbors made claims, but I'd never intentionally burn down someone's house. Well... someone innocent." he laughed excessively, well intoxicated.
"I was quick to turn my destructive tendencies into my studies though, and I went to Canterlot University and was quick to finish. I soon began teaching there, and had the best demonstrations if I say so myself. Unfortunately, my demonstrations became too well known it seems."
He paused, suddenly somber. "A horrible explosion occurred, just over a month ago. Over 100 ponies died. The police were unable to find a suspect or the source of the explosion. Even though they couldn't prove me guilty, they claimed that I had taught whoever had set it off to build the bomb. I was dumbstruck. I was a well respected professor, if eccentric. But they accused me nonetheless. The trial came to nothing, it was all circumstantial evidence and I had a pretty good alibi. Nonetheless my good name was ruined, and that's why I'm here."
He then sighed deeply and wiped his eyes which had gone moist during his retelling.
"So now I'm here. Starting all over. But what about the promised Salt petre?"
|
|
Kiernan
Member
Tua Culpa, Culpa Mea
Posts: 384
|
Post by Kiernan on Nov 15, 2012 0:26:49 GMT -5
"All in good time," said Akaitora, noting to himself that his guest was kind of a lightweight. "We still have yet to discuss your end of the bargain, which, now that I've gone halfway on mine, I expect you to go through with. I am a stallion of my word, though, and I will show you, as promised.
"Now you're a teacher, so I know you likely know other ways of finding Potassium Nitrate. Technically, you don't need me, nor I you, but we're better off working together than apart. Now, I fed you in good faith, and tomorrow, I expect you'll be doing some cooking of your own, but for now, It's probably best we get you to bed, and when you wake up, I'll help dissipate your hangover."
Akaitora stood up, wobbling just a small amount, opened the door to his private chamber, and held out a hoof to his guest. "Did anypony ever tell you you're a fun drunk?"
|
|
luemas
Member
SHE BLINDED ME WITH SCIENCE!
Posts: 88
|
Post by luemas on Nov 15, 2012 16:38:16 GMT -5
Geoff took his hoof and rose, tottering a little. "I can't say anyone has. And I'll see what I can do tomorrow, but no promises. I've lived a bachelor's lifestyle... very simple in the cooking department." He laughed a little bit too much at his own joke again. He calmed down and thought. "Given the raw materials, I could make potassium nitrate, but it's such a pain and expensive too, much easier just to buy it. "
|
|
Kiernan
Member
Tua Culpa, Culpa Mea
Posts: 384
|
Post by Kiernan on Nov 16, 2012 2:29:55 GMT -5
Akaitora closed his eyes. He had offered his bed to his guest, if you could call a large, comfortable cushion that could comfortably seat three, and a warm, yet airy blanket that felt like silk a bed. Nevertheless, Geoff had looked so comfortable, Akaitora didn't have the will to move him. Besides, he had offered, and to take back an offer was selfish. He could almost hear his brother's voice, saying "Don't be selfish, Kai..."
Lying in a corner in his kitchen, fully wrapped in a second blanket, and using a few small cushions for comfort, Akaitora soon drifted into the weak sleep he always had at first. He had somepony he wanted to talk to, before he became unconscious to the fullest extent. Incubus. Incubus. For a few minutes, he simply thought the name, over and over again. Incubus. Incubus. Just when he thought he wouldn't have a chance to speak, Incubus finally arrived into Akaitora's semiconscious mind.
"If it isn't my favorite customer, Kai," thought Incubus, flapping his fluttery wings. "I'm busy tonight, make your complaint quickly."
"Not yet," thought Akaitora, glaring into Incubus's silver eyes. "First, I want to check in on that search I wanted you to do. Have you found him yet?"
"What part of, 'we're looking' do you not understand?" thought Incubus, clearly put out about his debt to Akaitora, and how he had to repay it. "I've got half of my crew up at all hours, just looking for your stallion friend. Odds are, he's dead."
Akaitora lunged at his former colleague, pulling his shaggy blue mane so hard as to bring Incubus eye to eye with Akaitora. "If he were dead, I would know. Stain would have told me personally. He's out there. You're just not looking hard enough." Akaitora released the ethereal pony's mane and walked off. "And you had better keep those barriers up. I don't want to have to deal with those three remembering what I mean to them. They mean too much to me, already, and recent events must have them flustered as it is..."
With that, Akaitora left the ethereal plane, and drifted off into a deep sleep, only to be roused four hours later, when his circadian rhythm woke him with a hangover.
|
|
luemas
Member
SHE BLINDED ME WITH SCIENCE!
Posts: 88
|
Post by luemas on Nov 17, 2012 0:11:56 GMT -5
Geoffrey rose and stretched. "Ah what a wonderful night's sleep" he mused a loud. And then his hangover kicked in and he stumbled to the floor.
He groggily stumbled into the kitchen. He vaguely remembered something about being expected to cook breakfast, and if his host was kind enough to feed him and give him such a comfortable bed... He startled when he saw Akaitora in the kitchen. He saw the blanket on the floor and put two and two together.
"Why... I would've never taken your bed if I had known that was your only bed. My sincerest apologies." Geoff heard how loud his own voice and cringed. "Stupid hangover" he muttered much quieter.
"I believe you mentioned something about a hangover cure? I believe both of us could use it."
|
|
Kiernan
Member
Tua Culpa, Culpa Mea
Posts: 384
|
Post by Kiernan on Nov 17, 2012 1:23:15 GMT -5
"Actually, it's just you," smiled Akaitora, setting a glass of yellow-orange liquid on the counter. "I've already had m-- that's yours, by the way," he indicated the glass of liquid. "I've already had mine. And don't worry about taking my bed, I had somepony I needed to talk to, anyway. Besides, I used to sleep like that at my second home, so, that was no different than two thirds of my life, give or take four years.
"Now, let's talk about what you'll be doing for a little while. Profiterole?" Akaitora held out a plate of spheres, filled with banana cream and dipped in salted caramel, stacked beautifully into an amber cone. "I made them this morning. Now, what I need you to do is go out into town and see if you can find any leads as to why the eclipse is hanging in the sky. These things only ever last a few minutes, but this has been in effect since yesterday. I need you to help me to discern why.
"I, myself, have a few things to do today, but when I finish, I will join in the search. We meet back here this evening. Any questions?"
|
|