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Messages - Impending Doom

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1
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Duskfields (My Little Fortress)
« on: May 05, 2013, 03:29:17 am »
This takes place a little while before the end of the update.



Praetorian saw the town once more as he crested the hill. He smiled, grimly. He never thought he’d be returning here. He started the long walk down to the town, looking for a unicorn.


Serenity is sitting off in a corner of the tavern, silently eating her lunch and watching the other ponies mill about.


Praetorian enters, and looks around for Serenity, the pony he’d come so far to find.


Looking up from her plate briefly, Serenity freezes as she lays eyes on a stallion she never thought she’d see in Duskfields again. “...Praetorian?”


Serenity! He walked over to her. “Serenity... What’s happened? I got your letter...”


Serenity leaps up from her seat and rushes over, pulling him into a tight hug. “Oh, I didn’t think you’d actually come all the way out here! Where is Maize?”


He held the hug, and nuzzled her. “Maize is back home, looking after our little foal. I’m not staying, just coming to see what was wrong.”  He pulled back, and looked over the mare. “What is it?”


“Well, nothing’s wrong, but... can we talk about this in private?”


Praetorian nodded, a look of concern on his face.


Serenity takes a moment to return her empty plate to the kitchen, before leading Praetorian back to her office. Once there, she recounts the events that have transpired since his absence: The true story behind the dragon ‘attack’. The incidents surrounding Carnith’s skull. The strange visions.


Praetorian looks moderately upset. “This is disturbing.” He sighs, and speaks again. “Serenity... Please, I know you don’t want to, but I want to ask you, once more, to come with me and Maize. To leave this place. It’s not safe here.”


“I know. I’ve thought about that a lot... especially recently...” She subconsciously raises a hoof to her belly.


“...what do you mean?” he asks, both relief and a sharp pain surging through him. “Did you... Have you found somepony else?” The natural effects of that he left unsaid, though it would make sense...


Serenity shakes her head. “No, never! It’s... you remember the night before you left?”


A sick feeling went through him. “Yes, I remember...only too well. What do you mean? What’s happened?”


She puts on the best smile she can manage. “Praetorian... I’m pregnant. I only found out a few days ago myself.”


Praetorian’s face was shocked. “You’re... You’re pregnant?”


Serenity nods. “It’s yours.”


Praetorian sits down hard. “You’re pregnant?” he says again.


She steps over, leaning against him.


Praetorian can hear the little movements of the baby inside her. “I... I...” He is speechless.


Serenity reaches up with one hoof, pulling his muzzle down to hers.


“Serry,” he whispers, still in shock.


“I know. I was just as shocked as you when Dr. Case Study told me.”


“I... I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Please... Tell me what you want to do...” he says, not knowing what he was saying.


Serenity puts her hooves around him. “There’s nothing to be sorry about. I couldn’t be happier about this.”


“But... I should be here with you, but I need to be with Maize... Please, come back with us,” he pleaded. “Please.”


Serenity looks away. “You know I can’t. Temperance, Cream Puff, everypony... they need me. I can’t just abandon them.”


Praetorian nods, unhappy as he is. “Yes, yes. Dammit, you’re right. You always were. I... I’ll try to come back as often as I can, then. I... I’m sorry, Serenity. Even though you say there’s nothing to be sorry about... I should be here with you.”


“You should be with Maize, she needs you more. I can protect myself.” She smirks. “I had an excellent teacher, after all.”


He smiles a little. “Maize will be happy to hear of this news, I’m sure. Serenity... Please, stay safe. If anyone harms you...” He shakes his head. “I can’t say I’ll let them harm you and not seek retribution. Serry... Stay safe, no matter what happens.”


“I will.” She says, locking eyes with him. “I promise.”


Praetorian hugs her tight. “If anypony tries to hurt you, or harm you in any way because of the foal... Well... Anyway. Have you decided on a name?”


Serenity nods. “I have a few ideas. What about Aquila, for a filly?”


Praetorian nods. “That sounds like a good name. If it’s a colt?”


“I...” She ponders. “I don’t really have any good ideas. What do you think?”


He smiles. “I suppose I could suggest Praetorian, but that might be getting a little too egotistical even for me,” he said with a laugh. “Perhaps Munifex?”


Serenity immediately recognizes the significance. “Yes... I think that would be a lovely name, dear.”


He hugs her tight again. “I love you, Serry. Whatever you ask of me, I will do. Please. Stay safe? For me.”


“For you, and for our foal. I promise. Give Maize all my love.”

“I will.” Tearing himself away from her, still wanting to take her away with him, he bows to her. “I hope to see you again soon, Serenity. If you need me, for anything, just write, and I will come.”

2
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Duskfields (My Little Fortress)
« on: April 30, 2013, 11:02:13 pm »


Serenity steps out of the hospital, slipping discretely down the side towards her office.

Redhat was just going about, walking his dog, before noticing Serenity. “Good evening Serenity.”

Serenity is a bit startled, but puts on a smile. “Oh! Hello there, Redhat.”

“Pardon me, but ask a favor of you?”

“Yes, of course.” She replies. “What do you need?”

“Well, I got to talking with Prodd, and we’re going to try and see how things work out, but I don’t think we can be seen in public together...”

Serenity raises an eyebrow. “Why? It isn’t like being seen together will blow your cover. Ponies will just think you’re gay.”

“I don’t think Prodd would like that all too much.”

She considers this for a moment. “I see. So, what do you need me to do?”

“Well, I’d appreciate a place me and him can get together, so, could we meet in your office when you're not in need of it?”

“Well... that depends. What exactly do you plan on doing in my office?”

“Socialize and getting to know each other.”

Serenity nods slowly. “Nothing... untoward?”

“I don’t follow...”

“You’re going to be getting to know each other purely in the social sense, and not in the physical, yes?”

“You do realize I’m not a floozy, slut, lady of the night, or temptress, correct?”

Serenity blushes just a bit. “I-I wasn’t suggesting anything of the sort! I just...”

“Why are you blushing all of a sudden?” Redhat was starting to get a little confused.

“...Nothing. You and Prodd may use my office if I’m not in.”

“Thanks... I guess I’ll go relay that to Prodd then.”

3
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Duskfields (My Little Fortress)
« on: April 25, 2013, 12:09:52 am »


Redhat was flying towards Serentiy’s office as fast as he could manage, as much as the pegasus prefered walking, the recent injury made that rather difficult, and he needed to see Serenity right now. It didn’t take too long at all before she finally reached the office, and gave the door a knock. “HELLO? MADAM I DEMAND A BLOODY APPOINTMENT, ITS AN EMERGENCY.”


In only a few moments, the door was thrown open to reveal Serenity, with purple parasol at the ready. “Redhat? What’s going on, is everything alright?”


“NO, everything is quite wrong at the moment.” He looked down at the parasol. “What’s that for?”


“Oh?” Serenity glanced to it. “N-Nothing.” She set it aside. “Please, come inside and tell me what’s wrong.”


He flew in and over to take a seat on the couch. “Okay, I’m rather confused at the moment, and this just couldn’t wait after what happened today.”


Serenity took a moment to shut and lock the door, before taking her seat across from him. “Okay... what happened, exactly?”


“Okay, so you know how I was in the the hospital with an injury?” he pointed to where his leg was covered in Gauze. “Well, I was given a little visit.”


“By whom?” as she asked, a thought occurred to her. “...Flamberge?”


“No, no, It was Prodd. Seems he had been waiting for me to wake up for quite some time.”


“Interesting... what did he have to say?”


“He kept complimenting me and telling me how he was afraid I got injured, and he’s known for a while that I’m a mare... and before I had woken up he had removed off my hat.”


Serenity seemed mildly alarmed by this. “Oh my... did he tell anyone?”


“No, in fact he’s known for a while now and hasn’t told a soul.”


“Interesting. Strange, but... interesting. What do you know about Prodd? I’ll admit, I’ve only seen him around occasionally.”


“Well, I actually know him rather well. We see each other often.” He sighed.


Serenity nodded. “I see. So, would you consider him a friend?”


“Well I suppose. He is the only pony in this town who’s openly treated me kindly that wasn’t obligated to due to their profession.”


Serenity considered objecting to the mild insult, but decided against it. “Then why does it bother you that he knows?”


“Because, he told me bucking loves me.”


It took Serenity a few minutes to respond to this. “...I see.”


Red look down at the ground and slouched down. “I don’t know what the hell to do... and actually said I love him back.”


“...Do you? Do you really love him?”


“I don’t know... and what the hell does he even see in me?”


Serenity shook her head. “I couldn’t tell you that. You’d have to ask him.”


“Very well... I’ll talk to him about this...” He sighed and leaned back. “But Prodd really isn’t the only issue.”


“Go on...”


“Well, I got promoted, and I have to put up with the dragonslayer more than I had to to before, while instructing three greenhorns how to fight.”


Serenity sighed. “I don’t envy that position. The best advice I can give you about Flamberge is to only spend as much time interacting with him as is absolutely necessary - though that’s advice I give to absolutely anypony who will listen. As for the new recruits... being their captain, you can afford to be a bit more harsh - and honestly, it’s probably for the best that you do.”


“very well... I’ll attempt to avoid that cur...and at least try to work with the recruits. Just I feel now that if one of them dies, it’s my fault.”


“Then do everything you can to make sure that doesn’t happen. Train them to keep themselves and each other alive, and watch over them when the fighting starts. That’s the duty of any good commander to his troops.”


“Okay... I’ll try. Thanks for assisting me in these matters.”

Serenity smiles warmly. “It’s my pleasure, really.”

4
General Discussion / Re: Bombs explode during Boston Marathon - Many injured, 3 confirmed dead
« on: April 18, 2013, 05:10:30 pm »
Someone was screaming something in the background during the press conference. He sounded like some conspiracy nut (thought I heard 'we will expose your lies' or somesuch) but I couldn't quite make out what he was saying. Anyone catch it?

5
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Duskfields (My Little Fortress)
« on: March 30, 2013, 07:25:28 pm »


Serenity stands outside Praetorian’s home. She raises a hoof and knocks lightly on the door.


There is a short wait, and then Praetorian opens up the door. “Ah, Serenity. How are you?”


She smiles. “Oh, I’m doing quite well. I have a bit of time before my next appointment, so I thought I’d drop by.”


“Well, come in, come in!” he says, standing back to let her through into the small room. She can see in one corner a neat and well-kept collection of small pony statues, barely twice the size of her hoof. Above it, on a hook, hangs a small circlet of oak leaves. On the other side is a neatly kept bed, and a closed chest.


Serenity finds the accommodations quite spartan, but somehow still quite homely. She nods to him. “I like what you’ve done with the place.”


“It’s nothing, really. Just the Lararium and a place to sleep, really,” he says. “I’d offer you something, but...not really much food or drink here, heh.”


“That’s perfectly alright,” she says, “I didn’t come here for the food, after all.”


“Just the company?” he says in a little bit of a tease. “Please, do sit down,” he says, indicating the bed. “What did you want to talk to me about?”


Serenity hops up onto the bed, making herself comfortable. “Oh, nothing in particular. Just looking for some pleasant company.”


“And instead, you found me?” he says with a slight chuckle.


She chuckles in kind, sliding over to offer him a seat.


Praetorian sits down next to the mare, a smile on his face. “So, then. Now you’ve found me, you going to try and find out more about me, huh? Interrogate me like I’ve been interrogating you?”


“Well, I suppose I could... Where are you from?”


“A little city, out in the middle of nowhere. You’ve probably never heard of it. Called Roana,” he answers.


Serenity nods. “I think I may have seen the name in an old schoolbook once. What’s it like?”


“It’s a nice place, if a little small and insular. I suppose its most important feature is the barracks just outside the town, where some of the military of the Meandering Gloss is trained. Called the Field of Nokzam. All the ponies of the city go there, even if they’re not part of the military, for exercise and some weapon practice,” says Praetorian.


“That’s quite... different. Was the city often under attack?”


“Not too often. It was just a good way to get exercise, I suppose. We did contribute a few more soldiers to the legions than most cities, too.”


Serenity nods. “I see. So then what brought you out here?”


“The military, of course,” he says with a little self-deprecating smile. “Third term, and all.”


“So you were deployed out here. But then why would they send you alone?”


“Well, I admit it’s not the most typical of deployments. But it wasn’t too large of a place, nor did it have too many ponies. I guess we were just the ones they could spare.”


She nods. “I suppose we don’t really have anything out here important enough to warrant a full military deployment.” Serenity slides a little closer to Praetorian. “So, do you have any family in Roana?”


“A couple now, just the paterfamilias and materfamilias.” He smiles a little sadly. “Not many others of my family I’m in contact with now. And more than a few are dead.”


Serenity looks confused. “Forgive me... I’m not too familiar with the terminology. It sounds like... ‘father-family’ and ‘mother-family’?”


“Father of the family, and mother of the family,” corrects Praetorian. “They’re the heads of the household. In this case, my mother and father, but it could be so far as my grandparents, were they still alive.”


“Ah, I understand now. And what are they like?”


“They’re pleasant ponies, if a little distant,” he answers.


“I see.” She says, the faintest twinge of envy in her voice.


“What are your parents like?” he asks in return.


Serenity looks away. “...My parents died when I was still a little foal. I never knew them.”


Praetorian hugs the little mare tight. “I’m so sorry...”


Serenity leans into the hug. “No, it’s alright. It wasn’t like I was alone, I had my brothers and sisters.”


“Still,” he says, giving the mare a little nuzzle.


She accepts it, turning it into a brief kiss on the cheek.


Praetorian turns an interesting shade of red at the kiss, and only barely restrains a slight flinch at it.


Serenity blushes as well, chuckling nervously. “So, ah... do you have any brothers or sisters?”


“Uh, well. I’ve had a few,” he says, joining in on the chuckling after a second’s pause. “Three brothers, and four sisters.”


“And what are they like? Are any of them in the military too?”


“Well, some of my brothers were. Munifex and Miles were, yes. My sisters aren’t, and neither is Artitus.”


Serenity notes his use of the past tense, and looks concerned. “...Something happened, didn’t it?”


“...To Munifex, yes,” he says, looking over to the little set of figures, and noting the one of his brother. “He’s dead, now.”


“I’m sorry...” She leans against him, “...and Miles?”


“Miles... I don’t even know what happened to him. He just stopped sending letters, after a while. I pray that he’s well... But...”


Serenity raises his chin with a hoof, looking into his eyes. “Do you have faith in him? Do you believe he’s a strong, skilled warrior?”


“...Yes, I believe he is,” Praetorian eventually admits.


She smiles. “Then I believe he’ll be alright.”


“Yeah...” agrees Praetorian.


Serenity decides to change the subject. “And what about your sisters?”


“They’re still all alive, last I heard,” he says, happier to get on to a different topic. “Let’s see... Equa’s married to a stone carver back in Roana. Pulchra’s a clothing-maker, I think she’s moved to another city... What was it again, Cartwheel or something? Sacerdotessa’s a priestess, just moved to Coupledye if I recall. And... that just leave little Graminea, who’s married too, to a military officer, a captain if I recall.”


“Interesting. Is there some convention in your society against mares in the military?”


“Of sorts. Mares are to be protected. The military is also...well, less salubrious than most places, shall we say.” He shrugs a little, not breaking the hug that hasn’t been broken yet. “I suppose it might be different in other places...”


Serenity nods. “One of my sisters is a soldier. She’s actually been very successful.”


“That’s good to hear. You could be a good soldier too, if you wanted,” he said, and then smiled a little teasingly, before saying “I’m sure we’d be good partnered up. Keeping watching each others backs, and all,” in a teasing voice.


“I’m sure we would.” She looks away. “But... I don’t really want to hurt anypony if I don’t absolutely have to. I guess it’s just not in me.”


Praetorian turns her head to face him again. “I know you don’t...and that’s what makes you a better pony than I am. I’m just a soldier. You’re something more, something better, you and Maize are.”


Serenity looks up at him. “You’re so much more than that to us.” She cranes her neck up, hesitates, then moves up and pulls him into a brief, tentative kiss.


Praetorian enjoys the taste of her lips, but though he hides it, he is happy when it ends. “Serenity...” he says, not sure what else to say.


Serenity blushes furiously. “I-I-I’m sorry, I... I don’t know what...”


“Serenity,” he says again, brushing her mane. “It’s...It’s alright. Have you told...Have you told Maize about how you feel?”


“Well... she has mentioned that she’d like it if the two of us were a bit... closer.”


Praetorian bites his lip a little. “Serenity... I... Please don’t be offended by this. I... I love you...but... This is a little new to me. Can... Can we hold off on going any further than this, at least for a time?”


Serenity nods. “Of course. More than anything, I want you both to be happy.”


“That’s what I want for you two as well, Serenity... To be happy.” He brushes her mane aside, and gives her a little peck on her forehead. “Please, whatever happens, whatever comes between us...don’t let me hurt you, Serry.”


6
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Duskfields (My Little Fortress)
« on: March 21, 2013, 12:46:07 am »


Puff knocks on Crosshair’s door.  She wasn’t worried, yet.  After all, her friend does like to nap, and she wouldn’t put it past her to accidentally sleep through a meal.  “Cross!  You in there?”


With some rumbles of a pony falling off of something, The door’s opened to reveal a Crosshair with messy coat and mane “nn, Morning ‘puff!” she beam her the brightest smile she could manage at this time of the day. Which it wasn’t much, but she showed no displeasure in seeing her best friend at her doorstep.


Cream Puff smiles at her friend.  “Morning!  You almost missed breakfast!”


Crosshair blinked and let out a yawn, stretching her neck slightly to the sides to make it pops, revealing a little bit of fading bite mark there unintentionally. In fact, now that Cream Puff have a little better look, she seems to have those in various part of her! “I must’ve slept too much again.. Rough night.” She giggled as she went over to grab her brush so that she can brush her mane to be proper again.


Puff quirks an eyebrow at the marks on her friend.  “...are those bruises?”


Crosshair begin to brush her mane and coat, seemingly unconcerned while tying up her mane into a ponytail. “hm? Oh! yeah, I get these sometimes. Have to spar to keep the shape up and all that, you know? ehe..”


Puff isn’t fully convinced.  “Oh really?”


Crosshair nodded as she brushed her coat clean, trotting over to her friend, beaming her a smile. “Yeah really.”


“If you say so...”  Puff still isn’t convinced, but doesn’t really have anything else to go on right now.  “Anyhow, come one!  I’ll whip you up something to eat at the tavern.”


“That sounds wonderful!” Crosshair grinned as she follow her friend away, locking her room’s door.


Puff keeps glancing sideways at her friend’s bruises, but doesn’t say anything as she leads her to the tavern.  She makes her a good, hearty breakfast: Eggs, haycon, potatoes and peppers, and fresh bread.  “Here you go, Cross!  Eat up!”


Crosshair’s eyes was sparkling to see such a grand breakfast, her mouth was already watering “Oh.. my, Puff, this is amazing!” She squee’d as she take her seat, and eat up she did! She sure was hungry!


“So, how long has it been since you two sparred?”  Puff sits across from her friend as she eats, striking up conversation.


Crosshair made sure she swallow the delicious food down first before speaking “Well, yesterday really. Why?” she asked with a cautious curiosity.


“Dang, and those bruises are still there?  He doesn’t pull his punches in a spar, looks like.”


Crosshair chuckled as she noms the last bit of her eggs, moving onto the haycons and potatoes “Bruises usually takes more than a night to go away, Puff.”


“Still, I’m surprised he hits you hard enough to cause bruises.”


“It happens in spars.” Crosshair said dismissively as she finishes the last bit of her food. “Whew! That was amazing as always, Puff! I’m glad we have you around to cook stuff for us!”


Puff smiles at her friend.  “I’m glad you enjoyed it, Cross!”  As they talk, the subject eventually wanders to Puff’s meetings with Serenity.  “She’s a nice pony, Cross.  You should see her some time.  Did me a world of good.”


Crosshair rubs her muzzle slightly as she ponders about that. “hmm.. I don’t know, I mean, I know she’s a nice pony and all that but. Besides getting to know her a bit better, I’m not entirely sure why I should give her a visit over any other ponies else.”


“It’s her job to talk to ponies, and I don’t think her schedule is so full that you’d be pushing other ponies out of line, heh.”


“Mm.. I suppose so, Alright Puff! Let’s go meet her now?” Crosshair beamed at her friend brightly.


“Great!  Come on!”  Puff eagerly leads her friend to the office, idly wondering if Serenity and Temperance will ever get separate offices, then knocks on the door.


After a brief pause, Serenity answers the door. “Oh, hello Cream Puff. And Crosshair, as well? What brings you two down here?”


“Silly Puff here thinks I should talk to you.” Crosshair giggled and give her friend an apologetic nuzzle at the side of her muzzle for calling her silly, that’s a tiny bit too affectionate for friends to do. But it seems normal for them enough.


Serenity smiles warmly. “Well, I’m sure she means well. Why don’t you come on inside? If nothing else, we can sit down and have a nice chat.”


“Don’t mind if we do!” Crosshair chirped cheerfully as she lead Creampuff inside into the office. Seemingly quite cheerful already just by being near her friend.


Serenity makes sure both of her guests are comfortable before taking her own seat. “Right. So, Crosshair... how have you been doing lately?”


“Not bad! I’ve been patrolling and training a lot. Got to keep my shots good in case we might need it, Plus I’ve had a great meal from Puff, talked to her some, I’d say I’m pretty happy with myself” Crosshair chirped contently.


Serenity smiles warmly. “I’m glad to hear that. And what about you and Flamberge? Can we expect wedding bells any time soon?”


That made the small mare blushes a little brighter than she intended to. “Um, w-well, It’s up to him.. Really, If he really wants to take my hoof into marriage.. I’d really like that, though.”


“Well, have you told him as much?”


Crosshair leveled her ears and look down slightly for a second, pawing at the floor “Well.. not really. He’s a busy stallion and there’s plenty of things on his mind. I don’t want this to be a bother to him too.” Said the smaller mare, on whom marks from what happened earlier could be seen quite easily at this range.


Serenity begins to say something, but notices the odd marks on the little pegasus’ body. “Crosshair... where did you get all those bruises?”


“While Sparring with the Commander.” Said Crosshair dismissively. “It happens.”


Serenity stands, coming around the desk to sit by Crosshair. She takes one of the little mare’s forehooves in her own, gently lifting the leg to trace the two half-round marks on either side of the limb. A bite mark, and most definitely equine. It doesn’t appear to have been hard enough to break skin, but it must have hurt tremendously. Serenity stares over the tops of her glasses into Crosshair’s eyes. “I don’t recall ever hearing of any martial art that teaches one to use their teeth in battle.”


Crosshair, again, tried to wave it dismissively, pulling her foreleg from under Serenity’s inspection. “The Commander says that you use what you have. And sometimes when your weapon gets knocked off, your teeth can make a very good weapon too knowing where to bite.. Like the legs or the neck!” She explained, trying to sounds casual about it, but on a closer inspection, anypony would see that she’s hiding something, and there’s something more about it.


Serenity’s pupils shrink. “...He bit you... on the neck?”


Crosshair blinked at her little slip-up but still tries her cover. It’s her story, and she’s going to stick with it. “Uh.. yeah..” She replied simply, trying to figure something out but lean her neck to the side to let Serenity inspect the bitemarks there as well, some even seems to have broken the skin!


Serenity turns away in horror, but forces herself to look back. “Crosshair... these marks... they aren’t really from sparring, are they? Please tell me the truth.”


“They are!” Crosshair insisted.


“Crosshair, please. You don’t have to lie to us, we want to help.”


Crosshair sighed. “Serenity, please. I’ve got these from the spars, it got a bit too rough and there were some bites a little more painful than others, but that’s that. Okay?”


“No.” Serenity stands over Crosshair. “This... this is not okay. Sparring or no, he shouldn’t be hurting you like this.”


Crosshair flops her ears down slightly as she looks up at the Doctor. “It’s alright, really. I’m a guardspony! and if I can’t handle a little pain.. then how am I going to handle it in a real fight?” She reasoned, still trying to protect the stallion that gave her all these marks.


Puff finally speaks up, having been sitting and listening this entire time.  “You can train without stuff like this, Cross!  And you’re a markspegasus!  You shouldn’t actually be in any fights!”


“But.. It’s better if I know how to take care of myself /when/ I’m in the fights! right?” she retaliated.


“Not like this!”  Shouts Puff.


As the two mares, argue, an idea begins to form in Serenity’s mind. She steps between the two, holding up her hooves. “Enough!” She turns to Crosshair. “...What day was this... sparring session?”


“well.. it was three days ago, I think..” Crosshair answered, rubbing the back of her neck slightly.


Serenity turns to Cream Puff. “Puff, wasn’t that around the same time...”


“That Flamberge kissed me and I told him to buck off?  Yeah...”


Crosshair blinked and perk her ears up, looking at her friend, stunned.


“Yeah... I had the hots for him, Cross.  And he apparently figured it out and tried to get with me.  I told him that wasn’t going to happen.”  Puff blushes as she tells her friend this.  She was over Flamberge... mostly.  And Crosshair deserved to know that he was a cheating bastard.


Crosshair frowned slightly and leveled her ears again, giving her friend puff a neck hug. “Oh Puff.. why didn’t you tell me you had the hots for him? I wouldn’t mind you at all!”


Cream Puff sighs.  “It’s not just the polygamy, Cross!  He’s nuts!”


“No he’s not!” Crosshair sighed aswell “He’s as mentally well as both you and me.”


Serenity sighs. “This isn’t the point I was trying to make. Crosshair, Flamberge did what he did because he was angry. And that means it’s going to keep happening.”


“He didn’t do anything wrong..” Crosshair said, still trying to protect him even now.


Serenity holds her head in her hooves, unsure what else she can say to the poor mare.


Puff looks her friend in the eyes.  “Hurting you is wrong, Cross.”


“It is.. but not like this!” Crosshair protested still.


“Yes like this!  Exactly like this!  He can’t take his frustrations out on you, Crosshair!  Especially not when he’s mad at me!”


“He was a little rough on me that night is all! And I didn’t complain! He would’ve stopped if I’ve told him to!” Crosshair said again, trying not to raise her voice too much at her friend.


Serenity looks up from her hooves. “Puff... I don’t think we’re going to convince her like this...”


Crosshair huffed slightly. “You don’t need to convince me anything.. Flamberge’s not a bad pony.” She said firmly.


Serenity sighs. “I don’t think there’s any point in arguing anymore. You... you can go, Crosshair.”


Crosshair sighed slightly as well. “Alright.. Thanks Serenity, It was.. good, talking with you.” She nodded, getting up to turn and left the place.


Serenity slumps back in her chair. “Puff... what are we going to do?”


Puff sighs.  “I dunno?”

“He’s hurting her, she doesn’t even see it, and there’s nopony here strong enough to stop him...”

7
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Duskfields (My Little Fortress)
« on: March 17, 2013, 12:54:22 am »


Maize steps into the new office. “Wow... it’s really nice in here.”

Serenity beams. “Yes, they did a wonderful job. And look!” She trots over to a corner, where a comfy-looking padded therapy couch sits.

Maize walks over to it and plops down, snuggling in. “It’s almost as nice as my bed. I like it a lot.”

“I’m glad you like it.” Serenity pulls up a chair, sitting beside the couch as a proper therapist would. “Much less intimidating, don’t you think?”

“Yeah, a lot better.” Maize rolls a bit on the couch, getting comfortable, and looking sort of like a puppy, albeit a very large one.

Serenity cannot help but giggle at Maize’s antics. “You look adorable.”

Maize blushes, but giggles a little, too. “I’ve heard a few ponies say that about me. I... guess I just act different from how ponies expect sometimes.”

“It’s as though... you aren’t really concerned what ponies might think. You don’t have any inhibitions about just doing what feels right, instead of what you think everypony else wants.”

Maize shrugs. “Ponies sometimes think things are right, even though they’re not. Even I do, sometimes, but I just try to do the best I can.”

“And... I really like that about you.”

Maize smiles. “Thanks. I... well, I really like how you go out of your way to help ponies. Like you did for me.”

Serenity returns her smile. “It’s something I’ve always enjoyed doing. I just want to make ponies’ lives better. I’m sure there are a million easier ways to do that, but... none of them are nearly as rewarding in the end.”

“Yeah. I bet.” Maize looks around the room a bit more. “I wish I were half as smart as you. I think I’d be a lot better at making other ponies feel better.”

“You already do a wonderful job making other ponies happy. Cream Puff, Morning Dew, Praetorian...” Serenity blushes lightly. “...me...”

Maize looks to the mare before her and offers a smile, plus her own light blush. “I’m glad I make you happy. I just... wish I could make you all even more happy.”

“...What do you mean?”

“Well... Morning Dew has been getting really mean things said about her, but I can’t really stand up for her because I don’t know who is saying things, and even if I did... I’m not exactly scary.” Maize shows off her lack of muscles. “Cream Puff wants to be in a relationship, but she doesn’t feel right with any of the stallions here and she isn’t into mares. And you... well, I don’t know how I could make you any happier at all. I don’t know if you have any problems or wants.”

“I... don’t really have any, no.” Maize can detect just the slightest hint of dishonesty in her voice.

Maize seems really interested now. “You don’t have to lie to me. Everypony has something they would like.”

Serenity averts her eyes. “It’s nothing, really...”

Maize makes puppy-dog eyes. “Please tell me. I just want to help you.”

“I-It’s, well, uh...” Serenity takes a deep breath, swallows, and continues. “Maize... I like you. In fact, I think I... really like you, but...”

“But what?” Maize gets up and hugs Serenity. “I’m okay with you liking me. I like you a lot, too.”

“...But you’re with somepony who truly cares about you. Who fits you perfectly, like the two of you were made for each other. And I’d hate to ruin that.”

Maize nuzzles Serenity a little before pulling away. “I don’t think Praetorian would mind that much, actually. I’ll just ask him.” She smiles. “The worst he could do is say no, right?”

Serenity accepts the nuzzle gratefully. “...I suppose you’re right.”

Maize’s smile grows a little wider. “So... now that I’m helping you, maybe I should let you help me, huh?” She plops back onto the couch. “Go ahead, doctor.”

Serenity smiles wide at her friend, and leans back in her chair. “Now, in our last session...”

8
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Duskfields (My Little Fortress)
« on: March 13, 2013, 11:41:48 pm »


Redhat sighed and looked down at the ground. Even after the fields outside town were cleared of the guts and corpses, the earth still had a faint stench of death as well as a few splatters of blood here and there. This honestly wasn’t the idea place for a pony to spend there free time, but right now the pegasus was just sitting on a stump, doing nothing in particular as his pet just sat next to him.

Serenity happened to trot by, on her way back to the office. Noticing Redhat looking forlorn on his little stump, she headed over to see what was the matter. “Redhat? Is everything alright?”

The pony “ughed” and turned around to see Serenity was there. “oh... hi...”

“Hello. I was just on my way back to work, and noticed you here. Are you feeling alright?”

“Well, I certainly certainly could be better...” he sighed, the pony honestly looked like he felt horrid.

Serenity pawed the ground nervously. “Would you... like to talk about it?”

“I ‘spose” he said, seeming rather dejected.

She came over and sat down beside him, opposite the big shaggy dog. “So, what’s gotten you in a funk?”

The dog whimpered, before moving over and giving Serenity a little nuzzle. “Hmmm... Well, can’t you smell it in the air?”

Serenity briefly rubbed Bonnet’s head, turning up her nose and sniffing the air. “Not really... wait. Something metallic, rather like copper...”

“Oh, well that’s the stench of blood.” He leaned sighed again and looked down. “which, is part of the plethora of death’s scents.”

Serenity’s pupils shrank, then she mentally bucked herself for forgetting that this was the site of the battle mere hours ago. She took a moment to regain her composure. “S-Sorry... I’ve never actually smelt blood before. Why are you out here, then?”

The pony shrugged. “because something disgusting happened here, and I personally and quite depressed about it.”

“You mean what happened to Praetorian?”

“That’s part of it but, how many ponies died today?” he gave her an odd look, and stroked his wolf a little.

It didn’t take a genius to realize he wasn’t talking about the guard. “...You’re ashamed of killing the discordants?”

“Oh never. In fact, a pony in my profession should show a certain level of decency, and respect when you take the life of another, to be ashamed of your job to be a shameful pony.” He grinned for a moment before frowning again. “but... regardless, I find the the act of murder to essentially  eat away at one’s soul.”

“Then, you fear the nature of your profession may be harming your mental and emotional wellbeing?”

“Oh, well... Not exactly. I just would prefer not to be one of those idiots who convince themselves that justify the act of slaying another via nationalism, or glory, or some other means. That’s just delusion of reality.” He then sighed and looked to the ground. “and yes, I fear killing will harm my mind unless I lie to myself.”

Serenity noded, listening intently. “I see.” She looked up at Redhat. “You know, you don’t have to justify their deaths in the way that you mean in order to accept that they were necessary.”

He gave a rather disheartened look. “Oh yes. Twas necessary, now wasn’t it.” He now was sporting an angry look. “This is the world where murder is indeed a necessary part of our continued existence. We kill them they’ll kill us. It’s funny how that only makes everything worse.” He then looked down again. “I can’t tell, if this world was always this big of a hell hole, or if it’s just decaying and withering into one.”

The pegasus then got up for a moment. “but, regardless none of that matters if we all die in the end.”

“If you really believe all that... why be a soldier? Why put yourself in a position where you have to kill, again and again?”

“Because I’m fearful... I’m afraid of something a lot more frightening than a group of discordants, and a spear at my side gives me a sense of protection and honestly, if I’m not out here killing, and being conscious of how disgusting my act is, odds are you’ll just have another dumb ass with a wavy sword charging in head first, losing himself to primal rage and delusions of honor and glory, when all he’s really doing is spilling the guts on another pony, and being proud of it. It don’t see the distinction between that in a bloody serial killer. The longer I keep this job the less likely you’ll get another mindless moron who does this shit with smile from ear to ear.

Serenity had a pretty good idea who Redhat  was talking about. “...I can assure you, ponies like him are thankfully quite rare.”

“No... I personally know there are a many ponies like him, conditioned by society to be brainwashed by personal visions of self worth brought about the senseless killings of others. I personally know that all the foals in my class as a child loved to play soldier, and talk about the heroic efforts of war heros in their story books. Why it’s foals like them who become the butchers of masses.”

“You misunderstand. He’s... something else entirely.”

“what makes you say that?”

“...Nothing. Anyhow, I need to head off to work.”

“Oh... well thanks for making everything better.” he was clearly being sarcastic.

Serenity stood and left in a bit too much of a hurry, considering the circumstances.

9
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Duskfields (My Little Fortress)
« on: March 12, 2013, 02:28:37 am »


Serenity leans back in her seat, peering over the desk at the pegasus mare seated before her. “So. How have you been doing since we last spoke?”

Puff reclines and sighs.  “Well... I’m not hung up on Flamberge any more.”

Serenity allows a small smile to brighten her face. “Well, that’s good. How did you manage to get over him?” She leans forward. “...Are you seeing somepony?”

“Well, mostly over him.  And no, I’m still single.  He... tried to put the moves on me, but I told him he couldn’t have me and Crosshair.”  She gives a slightly bitter chuckle.  “I think the term is megalomania.”

Serenity recoils slightly. “That sounds very uncharacteristic for him. Or for what I’ve seen of him, at least. What did he say, exactly?”

“He’ll be a king one day, he’s awesome enough to love me and Crosshair, he’s totally not being greedy or lustful, he’s the best pony ever, and so on.  I think that’s megalomania, right?”

She nods. “It’s pretty much in line with every case I’ve ever seen, yes.” Serenity sighs heavily. “What you’re telling me is... troubling, to say the least. While you may be over Flamberge, if what you’re saying is true... he may not be over you.”

Puff waives a hoof dismissively.  “I’m sure he’ll get over it eventually.”

“I wouldn’t be too sure of that. If he really does think he’s so great... he may believe he is entitled to you.”

Cream Puff starts to say something like she’d kick his flank, but he’s the Military Commander!  She probably would be able to make it difficult, but she’s unsure if she could stop him if he tried to force it.  “...What should I do?”

Serenity takes a large book from the shelf, opens it, and begins to write. “Well, I would try to avoid him as much as you realistically can. And if you do have to interact with him, try not to say anything that might set him off. Also...” she finishes and shuts the book, “I’d like your consent to tell all this to Temperance. I’m worried this kind of attitude might begin to influence his actions as commander. And if that happens...”

She looks uneasy, but can see Serenity’s concern.  “Well, if you think it requires his attention, I guess so?”

“Thank you.” Serenity considers ending their session and going to speak to Temperance immediately, but decides responding to the matter too urgently may distress Cream Puff. Instead, she settles back down into her seat. “Now... did you have anything else you’d like to discuss?”

Puff considers asking about Maize, but figures it’s probably doctor/patient confidential stuff.  “Uh... Crosshair and Praetorian set me and Temperance up on a blind date?”

This takes Serenity a bit off-guard, but she recovers quickly. “I’m assuming since you said you weren’t seeing anypony, it didn’t go quite as planned?”

Puff giggles.  “It wasn’t a disaster, heh.  Temperance is a good stallion, and any mare would be lucky to be with him, but I just didn’t feel that spark I’m expecting, you know?  Still, it was an enjoyable meal with a friend.  And I got a new recipe for salad out of the deal.”

Serenity smiles. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself, at least. And please don’t feel discouraged by the outcome, I’m sure a fine stallion will come along and sweep you off your hooves someday.”

Puff looks uncertain.  “I dunno, Serenity.  It’s just starting to feel like I’m doomed to a life of spinsterhood, you know?”

“I don’t believe that at all. You have a lot of very desirable traits. You’re very sweet and affectionate towards those you care about - and of course, you care about everypony. You’re a master chef - you wouldn’t believe how easy it is to charm a stallion with good food! And it certainly doesn’t hurt that you’re... quite pleasing to the eyes.”

“I’m also loud an in-your-face, heh.  I’ve scared off a lot of stallions, too.”

“You are quite... energetic, yes. But some ponies like that in a mare.”

She giggles at that.  “If you say so, Serenity.  So far, Flamberge is the only stallion who could stand up to my mouth, and you know how well that worked.  Ah well, maybe once there’s room for more ponies, I’ll find one.”

Serenity smiles warmly. “There, you see? Be optimistic.”

10
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Duskfields (My Little Fortress)
« on: March 10, 2013, 12:20:00 am »


Serenity sits at her- well, no, Temperance’s desk, carefully transcribing her latest patient’s last session into a large, thick book.

A loud knock at the door was heard, “Hello?”

Serenity looks up. “Yes? Please come in.”

The door creaked open, and the green pony slipped in awkwardly. “um... hello..”

She closes the book, setting it aside. “Hello... Redhat, is it? Were you looking for Temperance, or did you need to speak with me?”

“you, actually.” he said, looking around for a seat.

Serenity’s horn glows, and a small hoofmade sign proclaiming ‘With patient - please come back later!’, floats up and hangs on the door, which shuts with a click. Serenity turns her gaze back to Redhat, her hooves clasped before her. “So... what did you want to tell me?”

He took a seat on the closest chair, and sighed. “Well... I had somepony inform me I should come here... what exactly do you usually help with?”

Serenity raises an eyebrow. “...I don’t usually help with anything in particular. I help ponies with a wide variety of mental and emotional issues. Did this pony say why you should see me?”

“I believe he did...” He sighed and tried to think of a way to change the topic. “So... you help with emotional problems?”

Serenity notes the stallion’s attempt to dodge the question, but decides to move on. “Yes... is that what you’re here for?”

“Well yes.”

She nods. “Alright, what is the problem, specifically?”

Redhat looked down. “I’m actually a rather depressed pony, could you fix that?”

“Well, let’s find out just what we’re dealing with first. What sorts of things make you feel depressed?”

“When I look around and I realise the only real thing that can bear by presence for more than a minute is a dog.”

Serenity nods. “I take it you have trouble getting along with others?”

“Well yes” he really started to regret coming here. “I just... they can can become so insufferable so fast...”

“In what way?”

“Just, I feel like every moment i’m they’re judging me.”

“Well, I can tell you they aren’t constantly judging you. Ponies typically form an opinion about somepony in a split second, and it takes a bit of time and effort to change.”

“Still, they deem themselves above me and... well.. I get rather jackassy around ponies too...”

Serenity nods. “Yes, I do seem to recall hearing Praetorian mention something about some comments you made off-hoof. Well, that being the case, it sounds to me like the root of your problem is poor self-control.”

“I’m assuming good self control isn’t something you can take pill for.”

She shakes her head. “No, you have to learn it yourself. Though I can certainly help you, if you need it.”

“Yeah...” the pony sighed loudly. He didn’t seem all too thrilled.

“Well, why don’t we jump right in, then?”

Over the next hour and a half, Serenity walks Redhat through a few simple mental techniques designed to help him remain calm and collected.

11
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Duskfields (My Little Fortress)
« on: March 06, 2013, 10:19:25 pm »


Maize watches the line for lunch from a distance. It’s better than her normal behavior of waiting for Cream Puff to bring some food to the field, although she certainly seems to eye the line with a fair bit of distaste.

Serenity enters the tavern and moves towards the end of the lunch line, but stops when she sees Maize standing off in the corner. She approaches the tall mare. “Maize, what a pleasant surprise! I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you come up here for lunch.”

Maize offers a small smile. “Hey, Serenity. Yeah, I usually just let Cream Puff bring me my food, but I figured I’d save her the trip today. Besides,” Maize looks at the line. “I have to try and be social some, right?”

Serenity nods. “Yes, I’m glad to see you taking the initiative on this. Would you like me to sit with you?”

“That depends if you’re willing to spend your lunch in the field or my room.” Maize looks at the tables, which are already getting pretty full of ponies. “I’m not really sure I’m ready to eat in front of a bunch of other ponies.”

“I understand, one step at a time. And I wouldn’t mind having lunch somewhere else.”

Maize’s friendly smile grows into a happy one. “It’ll be nice having somepony new to chat with, I guess. I mostly just talk to Cream Puff, Morning Dew, and Praetorian.” She thinks for a moment. “Not that I don’t love all three of them, of course.”

Serenity takes a moment to process Maize’s last comment. If it meant what she thinks it did, it would certainly explain the Signals she was putting off when they spoke about Cream Puff... “Of course. It’ll be nice to just chat on a... less clinical level. Shall we get in line?”

Maize looks to the line, which has just about emptied, and nods. “You can go first, if you like.”

Serenity shakes her head. “Oh no, you go ahead, I insist.”

Maize’s smile fades just a bit as her bluff is called, and she slowly makes her way to the back of the line, standing a little uncomfortably behind a random stallion.

Serenity moves to stand behind Maize, offering her support.

Maize offers a quick smile over her shoulder and goes back to the amazingly difficult, grueling task of waiting in line.

After a short wait, Serenity is able to grab some food and joins Maize. “So, where would you like to eat?”

Maize thinks. “I normally eat outside, but some of the crops growing in don’t really have the nicest aroma to some ponies, so I don’t know if you’d like it. There’s always my room, if you want to eat there.”

Serenity considers the choices. “I don’t often get the opportunity to spend time outdoors, but if you think it would be unpleasant, I suppose your room would be good.”

Maize nods and leads the way, opening the door for Serenity as they arrive. “I know it’s not much, but make yourself at home. Feel free to sit on the bed with me, I don’t really take up much space so we can both sit comfortably.”

Serenity takes the offered seat on the bed, scooting over to allow plenty of room for Maize.

Maize crawls into the bed next to Serenity, but kindly keeps a bit of distance between the two. She wasn’t joking when she said she didn’t take up much room, there’s plenty of space to lay out the lunches the two have.

Serenity takes a mouthful of hay and chews quietly, unsure of how to begin the conversation as a friend and not a doctor.

Maize opens with “So, um... how’s work?”

Serenity looks up. “Oh, it’s going quite well. Naturally, I can’t go into much detail without ponies’ permission...”

“I figured.” Maize nods and chows down on a bit of her own food. “I bet you’re trying to keep from asking me a few questions.”

Serenity nods slightly. “I’d like to talk to you as... a friend.”

“Well, I think friends are supposed to know a little bit about each other, right?” Maize thinks. “I’m pretty sure all my friends know about my father, so... I guess I should tell you, too. He... well, he was kind of mean. He liked to hurt me, and he made me sleep outside, but I wasn’t allowed to leave the yard or talk to other ponies so I mostly just grew up gardening. My mommy... I think she was too scared of him to do anything, but then one day she just grabbed me and ran. We went... somewhere, maybe to a different city, maybe even to a different nation. But my father... he caught up to us... and he killed mommy... so...” Maize stops, flustered. “Actually... I think I just told you a lot more than anypony else knows... whoops... Uh... do you... want to say anything about yourself?”

A million questions flood into Serenity’s mind, followed by a million more words of consolation. But she holds it all back, settling for a reassuring hoof on her withers. “I... never really knew my parents. They both died when I was very young. I only remember their faces from a portrait in our home...”

Maize opens her mouth, but stops herself, closing it again. Then she opens it again. “I was... almost tempted to tell you that you were lucky. But I bet you would have had good parents.”

Serenity nods. “My siblings all tell me they were... perfect. Kind and loving, with many friends. They certainly made sure we would all be alright when they were gone.”

Maize nods. “I... never really had a family. After my parents were dead, I... I ran away and never looked back, and after that I mostly just drifted. I held a few odd jobs when I really felt like eating something more than what I could dig out of the garbage or grow, but... I didn’t really know anypony on more than a worker-master level.”

“I’m surprised you managed to stay sane with so little interaction with others. I don’t know what I’d do without other ponies to talk to...”

Maize can’t help but let out a little chuckle. “You think I’m sane?”

Serenity nods. “I’ve seen insanity before. I spent years in school studying insanity. I don’t see it in you.”

Maize offers Serenity a smile. “I guess it’s different when you know somepony... and I guess when you know what the real meaning is, too. I’ve heard a lot of different words said about me. I still don’t know what all of them mean, but... I think I’ve figured out some of the nastier ones.”

Serenity stares at her hooves. “I know I said I’d try not to ask questions, but... why didn’t you tell me all this during our sessions?”

Maize sighs. “I... the sessions... they kind of scare me. It’s like... I’m being in... interr...”

“...Interrogated?”

“Yeah, that.” Maize looks up and smiles. “Here, though... it’s so much more calm... It’s like I’m talking to a friend instead of a master... I am talking to a friend.”

Serenity smiles warmly. “I’m glad. And... I’m sorry I came across that way. I really do care about you, and I want to help in any way I can. I have since I met you.”

“I know.” Maize lets her head droop a little. “It’s just anxiety, I guess.” She turns her gaze a little toward Serenity. “It’s ‘anxiety’, right?”

Serenity nods. “Yes, that’s it.”

Maize nods. “I’ve been learning a lot of new words here, too, but good words.” She looks up. “Words like ‘love’ and ‘friend’.”

Serenity hesitates for a moment, still not sure she should be asking too many questions. “And... what do those words mean to you?”

Maize pauses as she thinks how to put it into words. “A friend is someone you love. Right?”

“Yes, I suppose you could put it that way. So then, you love Praetorian because he is your friend...”

“Well, he’s a special kind of friend. A coltfriend.” Maize smiles. “So we do intimate stuff together.”

Serenity considers this. “So then Cream Puff is just your friend. You don’t do those sorts of things with her.”

Maize nods. “I’d be her fillyfriend, though, if she wanted me to be. She doesn’t really seem to like that idea, though.”

“...When you first told me about her, I, uh,” Serenity blushes a little, “I was actually under the impression that she was your fillyfriend.”

Maize grins. “A little bit of me wishes she was, sorta. She’s always been really nice to me, and she’s really sweet... and pretty. She doesn’t think it’s right to have more than one special somepony, though.” Maize looks out her small window toward the field. “Morning Dew’s pretty, too, and she’s also really nice.” She turns back to Serenity. “You know, I think you’re kinda pretty too.”

Serenity’s face turns a very vivid shade of pink. “I-I-I don’t think Praetorian would be happy about that...”

Maize nods. “Yeah... it seems like a lot of ponies here think it’s wrong. I guess it’s sort of a thing different ponies see differently. A couple of places I used to live had lots of ponies with several partners. I actually worked for a noble who had a couple partners. ‘Mistresses,’ he called them.” She peers out the window again, this time with a different focus. “I’d talk to Praetorian about it, but I don’t want him to get scared I might leave him or something. Sometimes I think he’s as nervous about being a coltfriend as I am being a friend.”

Serenity follows Maize’s gaze out the window. “Well, a mistress is something entirely different. I don’t think you want any of those.” She looks back to Maize. “If that’s really the kind of relationship you want to have, you really should consider speaking to him about it. But... perhaps you should be subtle about it, at first. Not break it to him all at once.”

“It doesn’t matter what kind of relationship we have. I don’t mind only having one coltfriend.” Maize sits back a little, shifting herself. “What’s a mistress, anyway?”

“It’s... when you decide you don’t really love the pony you’re with, but instead of telling them so and leaving, you pretend you still love them while you secretly start seeing somepony else.”

Maize’s eyes grow wide and her grin fades. “Oh... that doesn’t sound good at all.” She bows her head. “That sounds really mean, actually. I can see why ponies aren’t very into having several partners here. I... I think I’ll just stick with Praetorian, then.”

Serenity nods. “Whatever makes you happy, Maize.” She slides a little closer to Maize. “For what it’s worth, I personally prefer stallions, but... if I had to be with a mare, I think you’d be my first choice.”

Maize blushes a little. “Th-thanks, Serenity.” She bows her head, looking down on the bed... and sees her plate still half-full of food. “Oh, I completely forgot we were eating.” After a quick giggle, she starts devouring the wonderful lunch again.

Serenity glances down to see that her own plate is just as untouched as Maize’s. She sets to eating, enjoying her friend’s company in silence.

12
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Duskfields (My Little Fortress)
« on: March 05, 2013, 01:58:34 am »


Cream Puff paces restlessly outside Serenity’s office.  Her appointment is this after noon, but she’s unsure if she has anypony in there already.  But she really needs to talk to her.  After a few more minutes, she pounds on the door, unable to keep her patience.

Serenity opens the door. “Good afternoon,Cream Puff. You’re right on time.Please, come in.”

She hurries inside, looking a bit haggard.  “Oh good, you’re here and I’m not interrupting.  I just really needed to talk to somepony and I didn’t know who, then I remembered you’re supposed to know how ponies work, so you’re the best pony to talk to, and it’s really important.”

Serenity quietly takes in everything Cream Puff just rattled off, before gesturing to an empty chair. “...Why don’t you have a seat?”

Puff heeds her advice and sits down, fidgeting constantly.

“Alright...” Serenity takes a seat across from her, “Now. What did you want to talk about?”

“Flamberge!  I... I love him!”

“The captain? Isn’t he already in a relationship?”

“Exactly!”

Serenity nods. “I see. So when did you start having these feelings towards him?”

“For... a while, I think.  I only actually realized it a day or so ago.”

“And what is it about him that’s so...” she searches for a word. “...bewitching?”

“He’s... a good pony.  And handsome.  Handsome helps.”  Puff blushes only a little as she talks.

Serenity stares at Cream Puff over the tops of her glasses. “Cream Puff, there are a lot of good, handsome stallions here. Temperance. Case Study. Others. There’s something else, isn’t there?”

“He’s strong, and he cares.  And he can handle my crap without getting flustered.”

Serenity is silent for a moment, deep in thought. “...Are there any other stallions here you’ve had even a passing interest in?”

“Well, I’m friends with just about everypony, or at least know their names.  Not too hard to meet new ponies when almost all the food comes through me.  Praetorian is nice, but not my type.  And I’d feel even worse about taking a stallion from Maize!  Red is rash, hot-headed, stubborn, and a bit of a jerk, definitely not my type.  Case Study is nice enough, but I don’t think he wants a relationship.  And even if he did, I get the feeling it’d be like dating a book.  Temperance isn’t bad, but he’s just so busy.  I probably know him least out of all the ponies here.”  She sighs.  “I just don’t feel that spark with any of them that I do with Flamberge.”

“Then...” Serenity hesitates for a moment. “...what about mares?”

Puff shrugs.  “Never really considered mares an option.”

“Well, it isn’t everypony’s cup of tea, but perhaps you might at least consider it, at least until some more eligible stallions come along.”

Puff just gives Serenity a slightly confused look.  “...Are you coming onto me, Doc?”

“...What? No, that would be highly inappropriate.”

Puff shrugs again.  “Can’t really picture myself with a mare, and I can’t picture myself with anypony as just a temporary thing while waiting for something ‘better’.”

Serenity considers this for a moment. “Why do you feel the need to enter a committed relationship right now?”

“It’s not exactly something I planned!  It just... kinda hit me out of nowhere.”

Serenity is silent for a long time, deep in thought. “I... really don’t know what to tell you, other than try to find something or somepony to take your mind off him. If your feelings are that strong, this is going to be very hard for you. But you must accept that you cannot be together.”

“So, what... that’s it?  Play the lonely lover from afar, letting the one you love be happy even if it means without you?”  Cream Puff sighs.  “Being mature sucks... and is lonely.”

Serenity smiles, placing a hoof on her shoulder. “You won’t be alone forever. I believe you’ll find somepony.”

Cream Puff doesn’t look too convinced, but manages a weak smile for her.  After all, she’s supposed to be the professional, right?

“Now, if you don’t mind, there’s... something I wanted to ask of you. How much do you know about Praetorian?”

Puff quirks an eyebrow at Serenity.  “A decent amount, he’s a good friend.  Why?”

“Well,” Serenity begins, “I had a chance to speak to him a few nights ago. Something about him struck me as... odd, particularly when we got on the subject of Maize, but I couldn’t quite put my hoof on it. Now perhaps it’s just me being.... well, perhaps it’s just me. If it isn’t too much trouble, could you keep an eye on him, particularly when he’s with her, and tell me if you see it too?”

“See what?  What were you two talking about?  Because he’s always been a perfect gentlecolt where I could see.”

“I know, and it’s probably nothing. But could you please do this for me? It would ease my mind, at least.”

Puff gives her an uncertain look.  “It’d help if I know what I’m looking for.”

Serenity sighs. “Just... get him on the subject of Maize, particularly her... social anxiety.”

“Social anxiety?”  Puff still looks incredulous as she thinks to herself.  Sure, Maize is shy, but she can hardly picture Tor getting weird about it.  He’s not exactly a paragon of social interaction himself.  Unless she means the why behind Maize’s shyness?  Puff knows Maize has, or had, issues with her father... oh, there it is.  She can see him getting pretty damn angry about that.  To be honest, she gets angry when she thinks about that, too.  “This wouldn’t happen to have anything to do with Maize’s past, would it?”

“...Yes, it does.”

“Her dad?”

Serenity’s ears prick up. Maize hadn’t said anything to her about her family. “...What about her father?”

Puff face hoofs.  “I thought she would have told you...”

She shakes her head. “No. She says very little about her past, and nothing at all about her family. When I start to dig around those subjects, she becomes very distressed. I assumed she had some very traumatic memories... but of what?”

“I don’t know any specifics, but I know her dad treated her horribly, and her mom hardly treated her at all.  Praetorian probably knows even more than I do.  If you started talking about Maize’s past, I wouldn’t be surprised if he got angry.  Protecting ponies is his job!  How much more will he want to protect the mare he loves?”

Serenity sighs again - she seems to do that a lot these days. “...Maybe you’re right. Maybe I’m just overreacting.” Cream Puff was absolutely right, of course. She’s a bucking psychiatrist, it should’ve been perfectly obvious to her that Praetorian’s anger was normal and justified. Why would she go and blow something like this out of proportion?

Puff giggles at Serenity.  “Over-thinking it, eh?”

Serenity allows herself a soft chuckle of her own, “Yes, I’m guilty of that sometimes.” She smiles at Cream Puff. “But thank you for easing my mind.”

“No problem.  And, uh... thanks for your advice.  Even if I was hoping to hear something else.”

“Of course, I’m always glad to help. Now I don’t mean to rush you off, but Temperance will be running us both out of here in a few minutes. This is still his office, after all.”

13
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Duskfields (My Little Fortress)
« on: February 15, 2013, 02:55:07 am »


After unpacking the last of her work materials and storing them safely in Temperance’s office, Serenity heads out into the fields, searching for her first ‘patient’.

Maize is easy enough to find. She’s lying amongst her crops, in a small bed-like mound of dirt, and staring at the clouds. She looks rather childish with her hooves hovering over her small frame.

Well, that certainly looked odd enough to be her. The doctor approaches her. “Excuse me, are you Miss Maize?”

The mare quickly, if unsteadily, rolls over to her feet and picks herself up, giving her body a quick shake to get rid of a little dust. She looks up at the new face, a little red-cheeked. “Y~yes, ma’am?”

Serenity extends a hoof. “I’m Dr. Serenity. Mr. Temperance asked me to come speak with you, if you have the time.”

“Oh...” The mare glances at the ground worriedly. “Did... did I do something wrong?”

“Oh, no, nothing like that. He just... wanted me to ask you a few things, that’s all.”

Maize nods a little and looks up again. “Oh. So... what do you want to ask me, then?”

Serenity moves to sit beside Maize. “Well, Mr. Temperance told me that you’ve been acting very... evasive. You seem to go out of your way to avoid interacting with the others.”

Maize backs away a little, her head dipping down and her eyes falling. “I’m sorry... I’ve really been trying, but it’s kind of new to me... I’m sorry...”

Serenity raises a hoof to stop her. “Nopony is upset with you about this, Maize. Just... concerned. Now, why do you avoid other ponies so much? Is there something about them that bothers you?”

“N-no... everypony here is so nice...” She offers a quick smile before looking at the ground again. “I just... I can’t really handle other ponies... I get overwhelmed...”

“So then I take it you aren’t accustomed to working alongside other ponies? What did you do before you came out here?”

“I...” Maize seems to be really conflicted. “I... lived on the street. I never really knew anything I could use in the city, so... I just looked through folks’ trash and slept on whatever soft patch of grass or dirt I could find.”

“That’s quite a hard life. You didn’t have any family to stay with?”

Maize’s eyes begin to tear up a little as they go out of focus, her head pointing solidly at the ground. “I... I don’t really want to... talk about my family...”

Serenity pauses. There was definitely something there, but if she pressed for more information Maize may shut her out. “...Okay. Let’s talk about something else, then. You said you’ve been trying to socialize with other ponies?”

Maize brushes the tears forming in her eyes away and looks up again. “Y~yeah, I have... I talk to Cream Puff, and sometimes I talk a little with other ponies...”

Serenity nods. “I’ve met miss Cream Puff, in passing. She seems like a nice enough mare. Do you two get along well?”

Maize nods. “Yeah, she’s really nice. It’s... really nice to talk with her as I tend the plants.”

“That’s very good. Having a friend like her will make improving your social skills much easier.”

Maize looks around. “Yeah... I guess so...” She tries think of something. “M-may I be... excused, please? I’d like to... check the plants, and... you know, to...” Her voice falters off.

Serenity quirks an eyebrow at this. “Well, I did have a few more questions... will you be gone long?”

“I... y-yeah... I will...” Maize is obviously uncomfortable, her hoof scraping the dirt as she avoids eye contact as best she can manage, and her head hanging extra low.

The doctor stands. “Well, in that case, I suppose we can speak more later. Could you come by Mr. Temperance’s office after you’re done?”

“Umm... okay...” Maize starts to back away. “S-see you, I guess...”

Serenity smiles. “Yes, see you.” With that, she turns to leave.

Maize doesn’t even pretend to ‘check her plants’ as Serenity departs, instead opting to plop down into her bed and cover her face. Serenity can faintly hear the sound of sobbing for a moment before the sound can no longer penetrate the air between her and the mare.

Serenity quickens her pace, heading back to the office.




Temperance was sitting in his office.  Or well, he was sleeping in his office, propped against his table and snoring almost inaudibly.  It was late in the afternoon, and his sleep schedule had been off for the past few weeks as he worked as needed and when he could.  He’d only
been there a few minutes too, but that’s all it took for him to slip off into dreamland.

Without bothering to knock first, Serenity opens the door and pokes her head inside. “Mr. Temperance?”

He starts in response and snaps up.  “Huh?  What?”  He blinks a few times.  “Oh, Dr. Serenity.  How can I help you?”

Serenity enters the office, finding a chair and slumping into it with a sigh. “I just had a talk with Maize.”

He runs a hoof down his face and tries to jostle himself awake.  “Oh, you did?  You... don’t sound too enthusiastic.”

“She’s obviously suffered some type of severe trauma, something to do with her family. I wasn’t able to get much information out of her about it, though.”

Temperance is silent for a moment, but he’s clearly troubled.  “I see... that’s not what I was hoping to hear...”  Not that he really knew what he wanted to hear.

Serenity sits upright. ”...I’d like to start seeing her regularly, in your office if you don’t mind. Maybe if I get to know her, earn her trust, she’ll open up to me more...”

He nods.  “That sounds like a good idea.  If you had a specific time for regular appointments I can work around that.”  He pauses and asks in a quiet tone, “You think you can help her though?”

She raises a hoof to her forehead. “I’ve seen a lot in my line of work. Mental disorder. Loss and grief.” Serenity stares at the floor, her voice hushed. “... domestic abuse...” She looks back to Temperance. “I don’t think it’s anything I can’t handle.”

“Good.  That’s... that’s good,” he replies.  “I didn’t realize it was anything that serious.  She was quiet on the trip out here, but seemed alright otherwise.  I certainly don’t want anypony around here to suffer through something like this though.”  He glances down to his desk and back up.  “I understand that you’ve probably got some privacy concerns here, but... would you mind keeping me updated on her?  I’d like to know she’s alright.”

“Of course. As expedition leader, you have a right to know.” Serenity allows a small smile to cross her muzzle. “It’s good that you’re so concerned for the well-being of those under you.”

Hearing that makes him smile a bit himself.  Maybe he was doing things right.  “Thank you.  I’m sure you’ll do a good job.”

14
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Duskfields (My Little Fortress)
« on: February 11, 2013, 10:58:32 pm »
Journal of Dr. Serenity, Doctor of Equine Psychology, Coupledye Univ.

1st of Malachite, 269

We arrived at our destination this morning. Truth be told, when Dutchess Virtue told me of this new settlement - which I've learned has been christened 'Duskfields' - I was expecting accomodations to be quite spartan, but the sparseness of this place is still quite striking. A mere few steps in any direction, and one finds oneself entirely engulfed by untamed wilderness - admittedly quite a liberating experience for a mare who had never before set hoof outside the city's walls.

But I haven't the time to commune with nature right now. I should locate the leader of this venture - a unicorn stallion, one Temperance - and inquire about setting to work. Hard labor and isolation can cause undue stress, and it would do well to begin addressing that before it becomes a major issue.

4th of Limestone, 269

I think I will be postponing my long walks in the woods for the forseeable future.

A badger pony came out of the forest today, and assaulted one of the farmers. I didn't see the attack in progress, and thankfully the local militia was able to contain the situation before anypony else was injured. As I understand, miss Morning Dew is expected to recover quickly, thanks to our resident doctor. However, it's likely those cuts on her legs aren't the only wounds she sustained. I should see about speaking to her later.

15
Play With Your Buddies / Re: X-COM: Enemy Unknown
« on: November 05, 2012, 08:37:06 pm »
Victor DeVry, an up close, in-your-face shotgunner. And we should start in Africa.

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