[FIN] Salt and Pepper Skies (Peppermint Schnapps/Orion)

[belloblossom]

It wasn't often that Pepper chose to leave Winterbloom, but lately, she was experiencing a great deal of creator's block.
"Maybe a change of scenery will help get those ideas flowing again." She had said to Puppa, her tail. After some deliberation on where to go, she eventually settled on perusing through the Glittering Forest. She was perfectly comfortable treading in that area - she was a winter pony, after all. She walked her step, not wanting to tread on any frozen flowers or get impaled by hanging icicles from the trees around her. Heaving a sigh, she looked over her shoulder at Puppa.
"Maybe if this place doesn't work, we should just... I don't know, take a whole tour through Winter's Breath. I'd suggest we do a show based on travel and a search of purpose, but without a purpose being found at the end, I think it may end up being a dismal performance. What manner of puppets would we even use for something like that?" The puppeteer shook her head. She'd been working with puppets and performing the same stories for years. She wanted to change it up, but she was struggling to come up with something - anything - that felt right.

As she came around a bend in the path she was following, she found herself in a small clearing. She tipped her head back towards the sky, the clouds grey and white mixed together. Maybe it was due to snow soon. The cold never bothered her, anyway, since Puppa had the tendency to act as a makeshift scarf, but she still heted a sigh. It was best to keep moving. Until inspiration, or something else, struck her. @Shadrya ​

 

[Shadrya]

Orion was suddenly woken by one of his siblings yelling him to get up, dazed and a little bit confused as he knew he didn't have any work today, a few minutes after the abrupt awakening Orion decided to get up to see what his sibling wanted. As Orion walked out of his room his sibling crashed into him waving a slip of paper in his hoof he sibling replied "A ROYAL LETTER!!, A JOB FROM THE PALACE", Orion took the letter and started to read it "Orion please go to the Castle and clear the sky for me".
Orion started to pack his satchel for the day ( some snacks, water etc ) and flew out of his home and towards the Castle @belloblossom

 

[belloblossom]

Pepper had been continuing through the Glittering Forest, unsure of where her hooves were taking her. Occasional, Puppa would tug her in a different direction, likely in pursuit of some forest creature that Pepper couldn't hear herself, but the two of them never managed to find anyone or anything, beyond snow and trees.

It wasn't long after she'd passed through the clearing that the snow had begun to fall. Peppermint had turned back into the trees, letting the branches shelter her from any of the snow. While the cold never particularly bothered her, the snow itself could make the terrain trickier to tread on, even with her paws. She couldn't imagine how a pony with hooves could make it through this forest. Maybe that's why she wasn't coming across any.

"We may want to find somewhere to hunker down, if this snow doesn't let up." She told Puppa, who curled over her back and squeaked in agreement. The snow was falling at a steadier rhythm now and Pepper didn't want to get lost in the woods indefinitely. "I imagine getting trapped in a snowstorm would certainly lead to some level of inspiration hitting me." She snorted and tossed her mane, shaking off snowflakes from it. While she had been looking to clear her writers block, she hoped that getting trapped in a snowstorm wouldn't be the only way she needed to break through it. @Shadrya

 

[Shadrya]

Orion was excited that he had work today as he was feeling restless ( maybe because when the weather was restless he was too ), so he was happy that he has a summons from The Castle to get rid of the snow storm that was Orion was flying into,
as Orion was flying over head he had noticed a pony on the ground and thought "what is a pony doing out in this weather?"
He flew down and said "one minute ill get rid of this storm and come back down". Orion then flew up high into the sky so high that he couldn't see the ground and started to do his work, and with a flash of a light Orions work was done and he started to fly down to the pony on the ground.
Hi he replied to the pony, what are you doing in the weather? It's dangerous out here!!!
@belloblossom

 

[belloblossom]

Peppermint Schnapps was continuing on her way through the forest, Puppa wrapped tightly around her, when she heard the fluttering of wings above. Looking above her, she met the gaze of a pegasus who informed her that he was going to clear the storm and be down again shortly. She blinked, surprised at his arrival and then again as he left. Puppa raised off of her back and the pony and her tail peered at the sky where the pegasus stallion had disappeared.

With a flash of light, the sky was cleared of clouds and the storm that she'd been a little concerned of, was soon replaced by silvery blue sky. She blinked at the brightness of it and stepped away as the pegasus returned. She stared at him as he demanded to know what she was doing out in this weather, her mouth having dropped open.

It wasn't until Puppa nudged her that she regained her ability to speak and the indignance that came with it.
"Excuse me?" She narrowed her eyes at the stallion. "That's what I should be asking you - you just appeared out of thin air! What, were you expecting me to thank you?" She shook her head, trying to clear the thoughts and irritation from her. "I don't know why I should have to explain myself - and for your information it's hardly dangerous. It's the forest, not Frost Breath Canyon. However, since you asked... and you did clear the storm... I'm out searching for inspiration for a story." She raised her eyebrows at the pony. "Your turn. What are you doing out here? Especially if you're so certain about the dangers in the woods." She added. @Shadrya

 

[Shadrya]

Orion looked at the mare with fustration and replied "I was doing my job!!!, i am in charge of weather control for The Castle" I was startled to see any pony out here thats all" In search of inspiration for a story? he replied.

@belloblossom

 

[belloblossom]

Peppermint Schnapps may have been impressed if they were under different circumstances, but she was feeling a little hot-headed at the moment, despite it having snowed just earlier.
"Just because you work for ponies in the castle doesn't mean you get to demand answers from anypony you come across, as though YOU are royalty." She retorted. "I would have been happy to speak to you, but I won't be bothered with you if you continue to be haughty. Think carefully now - are you ready to act polite?" She eyed him and then sighed.

"Yes, inspiration. I'm... well, I'm a creator, of sorts. Like, a writer, but... Well, I'm certain you wouldn't see any point in my profession. After all, you work for the castle." She rolled her eyes. "Why would you be interested in a common pony like me? Why waste your precious time?" Her tail curled back around her shoulders, narrowly avoiding the spikes on her back. Pepper sighed. "What's your name, anyway?" @Shadrya

 

[Shadrya]

Orion shocked as this mare has mistakenly thought he was being rude but he was just worried seeing a pony in a blizzard, Orion replied "im sorry if i came across rude, i was just worried about your safety, i never see anypony around when there's a blizzard and i get called to work", Orion sighed to himself.
Orion lit up when the mare explained what she did for a living , "really he exclaimed!!, in my village once a year someone would come to our village and perform i thought it was so cool!!!". "common" Orion replied, "Writers are not common they are magical, they are awesome!! they to travel around and share their stories with everyone, to see smiles on all the ponies both old and young. My name is Orion" he replied.. "May i ask what yours and your tail's name is please?"

@belloblossom

 

[belloblossom]

Peppermint Schnapps looked down her nose at Orion as he apologized, but she relented a bit.
"You didn't just come across as rude, you were rude. However, since you've apologized, I think we can move past this. Though I'd advise you not to yell at every stranger you come across in your future travels." She informed him.

When he went on to speak kindly of writers, Pepper continued to loosen up.
"I'll admit, writing is something I only do part of the time. Rather than your average storyteller or author, I'm a puppeteer by trade. It's a lot more than mere foal entertainment, like some ponies would have you believe - though I certainly do a lot of birthdays, heh." She smiled, remembering the awestruck look of the foals she'd preformed for - doing a show about the Four Queens. When the pegasus introduced himself as Orion, she nodded curtly. "My name is Peppermint Scnapps. My tail is Puppa. Like puppet, not like the bug association." She said by way of introduction.

"Now that the storm has been cleared away, is your job finished?" She inquired, inclining her head slightly to one side. "Or is there more work for you to be done, elsewhere?" @Shadrya

 

[Shadrya]

Orion started to nod in agreement "i shall keep that in mind if i see anypony down on the ground, i really was just worried!!". "ooooo a puppeteer" he replied, "I dont think ive ever seen a puppeteer performance before". Orion was so excited that he got to meet a real life puppeteer, but tried to hide it.
Orion bowed low and said "it's nice to meet you Miss Schnapps and Miss Puppa". Why yes my job has finished for the day until i get another summons from one of the Castles".

@belloblossom

 

[belloblossom]

Pepper was getting the impression that this stallion spent more time focusing on his work than interacting with others. His social skills certainly seemed a little rusty. Then again, she was the pony who'd left behind civilization to try and find inspiration for a puppet show in the middle of no where. Perhaps she wasn't exactly considered sociable either. She watched him bow and flicked her ears, becoming uncomfortable quickly.

"I'm not royalty, you don't have to bow or anything. Look, just get up, okay? Yeesh." She told him, waving a paw at him, but keeping distance so she wouldn't risk hitting him. She raised her eyebrows when he dubbed her tail, Miss Puppa and she exchanged a glance with her tail, before she turned her unimpressed gaze to Orion. "My guess is that this is the first time you've spoken with a ghoulie. Puppa... You don't have to address them like that. While they're more intelligent than that mess of hair attached to your end and they possess some levels of vocalization, you needn't treat them like another pony, because they aren't one. You may as well give your legs names and treat them so formally." She informed the pegasus, cracking a smile.

She turned back towards her path, glancing at the clear sky above.
"Well, I shouldn't like to keep you from your life. If you have places to be, you're welcome to go to them. I can continue my hunt for inspiration solo." She remarked casually. @Shadrya

 

[Shadrya]

Orion embarrassed as he thought that bowing was a sign of respect and introduction quickly stood up, "you are correct you are the first Ghoulie i have met", even more embarrassed Orion blushed "i applogise if i have offended you and your tail", Orion laughed and replied "i am free, let me accompany you to the next town, i might know a few people in town that like to tell stories themselves".

@belloblossom

 

[belloblossom]

Pepper nodded a little when he confirmed that she was the first ghoulie that he'd met. It tracked based on how unusual he was acting and how he tried to be so polite to Puppa. She thought he'd understood her meaning, but when he apologized for offending her tail she rolled her eyes. Some ponies took longer to understand than others. Where did he live that was so excluded that she was the only ghoulie he'd met? She knew that her race had hidden themselves for some time after the incidents, but she seemed to see more and more of them living among others - her sisters, too, had no problems in being out in public. For a brief moment, she wondered if she should've gone to Peach or Absinthe for creative advice, rather than wandering around in the woods. Shaking the idea off, she flicked her ears when Orion invited himself along on her adventure.

"How far is it until the next town...?" She asked. She'd been walking around in the snow waiting for inspiration to strike, not with any particular guide in mind. However... There may be some merit in picking a destination and following a guide somewhere. Maybe an unexpected journey could be just what she was looking for to jump start her creative flow. That said, she certainly didn't want to wander around with company she didn't ask for, for days on end. "If it's near... then you may come with me. I wouldn't ask you to stay with me for an extended period - I'm sure you have others waiting for you at home." She said, trying to be polite about it. @Shadrya

 

[Shadrya]

Orion Replied "as we are just outside Wintercastle there's Glimmerstone Mines or Frostbreathe Canyon i can escort you to", Orion laughed and said "why yes i have 10 younger siblings waiting for me at home but my parents are off today from work so they are looking after them, i have to go to the markets in the next town anyways i have a list of things to get from everyone, so it doesnt maybe which town i go too".

@belloblossom

 

[belloblossom]

Pepper considered the two locations closest to her. Eventually she decided that she was most interested in the mines, having heard in passing the gems they could hold within. She wasn't exactly prepared for a digging mission, but with her claws? She was sure that she'd be able to uncover something worthwhile. She glanced at Orion when he revealed that he had TEN younger siblings. She had sisters, sure, but not that many! She gaped openly at Orion, until he mentioned that he wanted to grab some items in a nearby town. She closed her mouth in order to frown properly at that.

"Well, you're welcome to escort me to the mines, but I can't imagine there would be a proper town near the mines. You may have better look at the Whimsnow Peaks or back in the direction I came, to Winterbloom. Just... point me in the general direction of the Mines, and I'm sure I'll be able to find the way on my own." She informed the pegasus. @Shadrya

 

[Shadrya]

Orion had a thought that maybe this pony didn't like him, she was very stand off like running into him was a burden. "Then i shall escort you to the mines orion smiled, "there are markets that have most things like any other market in Everchange so i can go pretty much anywhere i want, its one of the best things being able to fly, it makes my every day chores an adventure and not so boring, also one of my sisters has asked if i can get some gems for her as she will use them in her arts and crafts for the foals that she will be teaching, its the only market you will find these gems" Orion replied.

@belloblossom

 

[belloblossom]

Pepper flicked her ears somewhat dismissively as Orion informed her that he would escort her all the same to the mines. So be it, she thought and gestured to their surroundings with a hoof.
"Well? Lead on then, if you're so determined to." She told him. She wouldn't just start walking only to be told that she was going in the opposite direction. Pepper was not the sort of mare who set herself up for failure or embarrassment.

"You mentioned you have, what, ten siblings? So there's eleven of you altogether? How did your parents manage... never mind. What's it like, having so many siblings? I've only got the two - sisters, both of them. We're triplets." She grinned at the thought of Peach and Absinthe, before her frown returned. She'd brought up this topic because Orion seemed inclined towards chattering and she may as well listen to some family anecdotes. She didn't know how long this trip was going to be, but it didn't have to be entirely in silence. So long as he didn't ask her any personal questions, the walk would be just fine. @Shadrya

 

[Shadrya]

Orion started to walk and as he looked back Pepper said "ten siblings"? and he replied "yeah 4 younger brothers and 6 younger sisters, just had the oldest sister move out of home and a letter told me she's looking to adopt, so here's hoping i get a neice or nephew soon" my parents well... they loved every bit of it my mother is a unicorn and my father is a pegasus, ooooh triplets thats cool, no triplets in our family we have twins though cheeky as hell!" Orion continued walking and stared at the sky noticing that it was getting darker he turned his head to Pepper and said "its getting late, do you want to stop and rest for the night or do you want push on, the town is about 6 hours walk from here on hoof"

@belloblossom

 

[belloblossom]

Pepper imagined that between all the siblings Orion had and how they only had one set of twins, by his own description, that the pair of parents must have either started young or be quite old by now. Puppa's "nose" wrinkled in disdain and Peppermint was inclined to agree. Perhaps it was a symptom of her breed, but she couldn't see much sanity in large families. Three foals to a pair was large enough, but eleven? She shook her head. If some manner of danger fell upon Orion's family - it would be impossible to protect all eleven of them. The thought of a family member lost because of a failing ability to protect everyone at once... The thought alone was enough to stop Pepper in her tracks.

Puppa curled around to nuzzle Pepper and Pepper's nerves eased. She did not have to worry about such things. Her parents were safe - her sisters too. Beyond that, she had no loved ones to speak of. She continued walking again. Glancing at the darkening sky, she blinked slowly at it and watched the growing shadows on the ground.

"I have no problem walking through these shadowed woods, though your own senses may be muddled... If you wish you find somewhere to rest until your precious light returns." She rolled her eyes. "Then we can do so. I would hate for you to injure yourself in the dark." @Shadrya

 

[Shadrya]

"Actually that would be great, im not used to walking on foot, if you can give me a few minutes im going to fly up and scout for a suitable place to rest", Orion replied. Orion suddenly with speed flew up fast to above the trees and hovered there a minute to scout a spot to hunt and to rest, suddenly he spotted a few bushes of plants that he recognised made sure to remember the spot and flew down right beside Pepper again he replied to Pepper "if you could please follow me i found a suitable place with food and shelter, but have been other ponies that stopped here and have long gone"
After several minutes Orion and Pepper arrived at the spot and Orion starte to gather fire wood to make a fire, once he had started the fire he started to pick the berries off of the bush and turned to Pepper and said " would you like some?"

@belloblossom