"HQ Fanfic (in progress)"
By mixedupDiscord (https://pastebin.com/u/mixedupDiscord)

URL: https://pastebin.com/cj5a461D
Created on: Thursday 7th of November 2019 05:06:48 AM CDT
Retrieved on: Monday 26 of October 2020 12:51:46 AM UTC


https://soundcloud.com/life_for_mylife/ye-free

Ludia, 7th of Dusk Sprout, year 36, Kalpa 6218
Red sunlight paints a sunny day in Capricious Cozniac, the capital of the new world. Our wonderful metropolis extends from the dreary shores of starchart plains to the mountain tops between Nibbuta. The cherry blossoms cradling mainstreet are in full bloom this time of year. The flesh colored leaves pave the streets all the way to Kunot's Tabernicle, a well acclaimed University for their test scores and charity events. Around here, it's everyone's favorite passage to remark on how the cherry teas and floral scents are Crow-ley's earliest arrows into the hearts of teens and young adults. It seems the older someone is, or the more infatuated they are, the more likely you are to hear dumb aphorisms. Sometimes its nice though.. in moderation.

"No! I swear I saw him" a demon girl defends against the giggling of her friends on their way to school. "Oh my 7 stars yes! He was just so dreamy.. sitting by the windowsill"
"Swooooon! Hehehe did he play you a lullaby too before tucking you in." this girl teases with bedroom eyes
"I wouldn't mind him tucking me in." and this girl seems to mean it
"GAULZA!" The two of them balk in unison. Really, girls their age. I can't believe they talk like this.

"Okay, shut up! shut up! Let me tell you what he told me!" The girls seems to reel it in, giving into suspense for the girls story. "Anyways, Shei-Sher told me, all I have to do is follow my heart and go for it. Boys are too stupid to know when a girl likes them and that I! was a total knock out." cheeky girl swelling with pride there. The girls erupt into a chorus of giggles, flying accusations at the young lover's story. What a pathetic display.

"Gabriel, You believe me right!"
Oh crap.. I need to stop eavesdropping. I always get caught. "I- I don't really know. I've never had a god visit me. I know it does happen. And they say you see The God of Bastards and Kids all the time in the city anyway so it's not really that big a deal anyway."
Oh no. More giggling 

"Hear that Full Bloom. It's not a big deal anyway."
"GUUH! You guys are the worst."
Just keep moving.
"Speaking of big deals. I got tickets To Shei's concert this weekend."
"In the Cozy Vimana!" absolutely beaming these girls
"Mhmm, So Full Bloom you think Shei'll like you swooning over him at the concert.. Oor when he's in your bedroom." So sultry.

*WHACK!* ouch, that sounded like a hard slap. I'm getting out of here.

"So are you going to the Concert Gabe?"
"I don't know Edwin, does a fish piss."
among respective youths, they share breakfast. Scones, Falafel, eggs, spinach, raddish salad, bean stew, whatever else can be plated from the eatery. Edwin can't help but pass a tired look at Gabriel. "You'd like it you know."
"I honestly started working for the bakery on my block last week, so not like I have a choice."
"You don't even try Gabe. That's a family shop, they got kids in this school that are going too. Tell me how busy they're gonna be the same day THEE Literal God of rock and roll is running a show downtown. Really man."
Samson Adders cuts in "Just go Gabe you're gonna break Edwin's heart."
"Yeah Gabe, why don't you ever let me suck your dick."
"Dude stop I fucking know everyone here."
"Fucking homophone. Why can't you love me in public. How is it You can live rent free inside of me Gabriel! and I still feel empty inside."
Samson snickers like a hyena "Everyone sucks dick Gabe, come to terms with it."
"I count like twenty dicks unsucked in this room. You don't need mine!" a vain attempt at shutting down their game.
"YES! MAKE ME YOUR WHORE GABRIEL. SHARE ME WITH THE ENTIRE SCHOOL." Edwin hollers and moans. Thankfully the breakfast hall is without adults. A sanctuary for kids to relax and socialize before beginning the day. All the boys, demons, fey, mortal and all cackle and joke among themselves, contemplating on their own felatio philosophy. All of the girls are repulsed, though it's not the first time the boys act like this.



The first bell's ringing sounds all through the campus. I follow the sophmores out of the attendance hall where we had breakfast and into Mrs Lume's scribbing class. Dropping my bag and coat beside my desk like always. I get cozy with the window next to me, and daydream for a little bit before class starts. School's been a little of a mess for me. But it's only been the first three months. Like last year, things tend to slow down by now. And student council begin to plan out the festivals...

The Temple of Obedience, Where the Prime Mother Amy Thest resides, just east of Frost Frost National Park. It's an ornate gothic chapel, that rises so high, the dim blue exterior casts violet against the red sky at times and paints the snow caps of Frost Frost peak pink. You can see the horizon where Starchart Plains begins turn neon colors of green, orange, and dark blue just behind the chapel spires.

"Pryce.. Pryce!" Chorazin shakes Pryce awake from his study desk. "tsk tsk, thats the second time this week."
"Sorry. I know, I know. I'm just not used to the paperwork."
"Mhmm.." Chorazin casts a judgemental look, she often does. "What has it been? 200 years? And you still fall asleep at your desk." A chuckle escapes that tight lip of hers "You're like a baby."

"I wish you wouldn't tease me."
"Oh, hush. You're still so young after all this time. Honestly when I see you like this, I feel like you might even be getting younger."
"Heh, maybe you should buy me some diapers just to prepare then."
"Oh no." Somehow Chorazin reclaims a serious tone "Then it won't be a laughing matter. When you're done with the council hall proceduals, I need you to examine your mail. You know the drill." Chorazin lays down a tight bundle of letters on Pryce's desk, alongside a hot cup of coffee.
Pryce simply looks back at her with a grimace, and she almost chuckles again.

"Fine you big baby. Why don't you talk to Amy. She's been troubled all morning, she could use some advice."
"Advice on what?"
"Ahem." She clears her throat "On him again."
Sir Etac groans with much constipation "yeah okay I got it."

It's a leisurely walk through many corridors and one garden. The artifacts and memorials of their adventures lay out a map of nostalgia through out the entire Temple. Even in the games room where Amy is present, trying to solve a rubix cube for the hundredth time.
"Amy?"
"Oh Hi Pryce! I figured out the rubix cube. All you have to do to get the stickers off is give it a good lick, and then you're on your way. All it takes is a little elbow grease."
"That's nice. So you're feeling okay then?"
"Yeah, why wouldn't I be? Did something happen that'd make me not okay. OR is something going to happen soon that might make me not okay."
"No, Everything's fine, if you're fine. I just thought you might want to talk about him?"
"About who?"
"About Shei."
"Oh.." Amy's doggy ears droop down. "Yeah. I saw him."
"Again. Was it a nightmare?" Pryce sits beside Amy on the large ottoman.
"No! It was him. It really was!"
Pryce gives Amy the same attentive look of pity. Comprised with some hope. We have been getting notices and hearing rumors about the God of Bastards and Kids appearing in brothels and bars, alley ways, festivals, schools and even in children's homes. The city is so dense, news travels slowly. Even with the reports, they are only rumors. And despite the volume of letters, this wouldn't be the first year we heard of it.
"Let me show you Pryce. I can show you it was real this time."

With some reluctance They travel the halls to Amy's bedroom. where by the balcony Amy points out the large crack in the top portion of balcony door's arc.
"He hit his horns there bowing to me."

Pryce offers it a gander, examining the crack. "We're gonna need run to the store for some spackle. If this is true Amy, why didn't you invite him in. Did Shei really not want to see me or Chorazin, or any of his other friends? It's been centuries and no one's been able to get a hold of him."
"No, but that's the thing. He doesn't remember any of us."
Pryce frowns at Amy, not sure to believe her or not.
"Hmph- You Never trust me!"
"Amy that isn't true, everyone trusts you. We couldn't have come this far without you." Pryce feigns an attempt at consoling Amy, like it's been the thousandth time he's had to do it.
"No, its true, nobody trusts me to do anything on my own. It's no good to hug everyone into peace and hold the power of a million tartarus demons, there's nothing I do on my own. Everyone sends an advisor. And if I give a speech or sign anything on my own everyone freaks out even though nothing really crazy ever happens from it."
"If Shei-Sher was at that balcony he'd be telling you that every great ruler was surrounded by trustworthy advisors."
"Oooooooh MY GOD." Amy groans "I can't believe you Pryce. You always come up with something someone else would say. I'm like the only girl you ever say no too, its crazy!"
"Hay whats that supposed to mean."
"Oh please Pryce, why else do you have 200 wives. I honestly, thought you were just a no good perv, like in the bad way perv. But you really just can't say no to a girl that likes you."
"Thats not true!" as sheepishly as he tries to defend himself "and don't bring my marriage into question. Every one of them has my undivided commitment. We might have our missteps, but we always work things out and I don't remember you ever objecting at any of my weddings."
"Psh! I stopped coming after the 10th one Pryce. I don't know who you invite to those things, but the people at your weddings aren't my kind of people. And too many families. Never any food left."

Pryce rubs his temple. Only an hour past noon, Pryce contemplates just leaving to finish up his paperwork instead. "Amy. I don't want to argue. What else happened with Shei."
Amy pouts and turns abruptly to the balcony. Pryce denied Amy of an outlet for her temper and it shows in her tone. "Fine I don't want to argue either." a dirty lie "Anyways Shei-Sher was right here and I kept telling the stooge to come inside but he told me he couldn't. Because if he did it would be the beginning of writing a contract. And I told him that's fine, I don't like making promises with gods because they're always shifty and are looking for a way to hook you in forever but he was my boyfriend so I trust him."

Amy continues gesturing to the balcony and then flagrantly mimicking the interaction with gestures "And then he said hold on there Princess I'm not ready to become anyone's prince just yet. And I had to tell him to stop being stupid and get in here and the more he talked the more it seemed like he really didn't remember anything about any of us. I still didn't know what the big dumb deal was with making a contract with me if I trusted him. I thought Gods were all about getting their grubby hooves in someone else's lives. And he said yeah they totally are but he's not that way with girls. He's the god of kids and Bastards, so he's kinda like their custodian, or another dad for millions of people coming of age. So like any pact made with a girl would kinda be like a marriage. And that would be REALLY irresponsible for him. He's sorta like the opposite of you Pryce."

"Amy." Pryce warns Amy not to push it.

"I'm just joking, wow- don't get mad. Anyway the moment he said that, I grabbed Shei by his big silly cape -you should see it, it's not even practical it's so big- and I tried dragging him into my room. And well he held onto the balcony like he was holding on for dear life and wow is he strong now! I always thought I had the edge on Shei when who's pinning who down, but he really held out, even when I was in my Demon form. But he sorta cheated too, cuz his cape just turned to fog and then wings and he flew out of the balcony."

by a many series of brow movements Pryce seems to believe Amy more now. A liar would be less likely to such length for an explanation, or pantomiming. "That does sound like something that.. would happen between you two. I'm proud of you for not chasing after him in your demon form Amy."
"Well yeah- I'm not gonna wreck my own city. I love this place! And if he's out there I'll probably see him again and the next time he won't have a chance of escape. I'm just a little sad he doesn't remember anything you know."

"Yeah.. Maybe he reincarnated after dieing or something like that. But I'm sure you'll see him again." Pryce puts a hoof on her shoulder. Amy stares out to the electric horizon, past her vacant balcony.

The last school bell rings, the horizon turns a burnt purple now in the irradiated sky. I spent a lot of my time in class trying to imagine what it must have looked like when the firmament was still in place. The teachers don't trouble me over how often I look out the window. They know I learn better from reading because beside the orphanage I practically grew up in this university. With the last bell comes the clutter of everyone pouring out of class. The talking, the clausterphobia, I try to avoid some of my classmates. All day they've been fabricating a homosexual home life where I can't suck enough dick to provide for our anal spawn. In the gymnasium they were entertaining a pretty sophisticated conceptualization of religion in our imaginary home life and I just couldn't stomach it anymore when they suggested burning used tissues as an offering to Shei-Sher.
Right now I'm only really looking at the clubs post-board to keep my mind off of it. One thing I've wanted to do is join a club, but nothing's really stood out enough. Beside that when will I have the time? I need to work after school in case my scholarship can't earn me a sponsor for work training. And not having a sponsor will impede my career progress for scribing, which I hear is already a slog. Jobs get passed down by vacancy. Either someone retires or someone passes away. Good life though being a scribe.

"Finally picking something Gabriel?" Laity Asura, cute, short, demon kirin. Always bubbly. Blonde and electric blue. She seems to be here every time I'm looking at the board. Maybe she's just always here.
"Not yet. What about you."
"Been in one."
"Oh? which one's that?"
"Guess."
"..Swim?"
"No."
"...." Some time passes, as Gabriel looks at the post board "So what is it?"
"I told you to guess dumbass." She always seems to catch me off guard like that, maybe because she's always smiling. She doesn't mean anything by it. By now I've learned it's purely for shock value. "Well, I better go. See you tomorrow Gabriel."
"Yeah see ya."

The walk is uneventful. I see more of the the same people I saw through the day. Some of the boys heckle me, some of the girls punish me for eavesdropping again. Nothing out of the ordinary. The welcoming rings of a store front's bell tings as the glass pane door opens. "Good Afternoon Mr. Arbawa, I'm here."
"How's my favorite lion doing!" Dough Arbara, a deer in his 40s and a married man, calls out from the kitchen in the back of the store.
"Fine! I'm gonna start my washing station and get to filling orders."
"Great! We have 12 trays of unovened pastries so get to it son."

I always thought it was weird how older folks will call a kid son, despite not being their parent. It seemed to mean a little something more considering how long I've known Mr. Arbawa, but also the fact I was orphan. Hard to ignore the context, but Mr. Arbawa knows his boundaries and I prefer to keep my personal life private. Beside the money, its a reason I like this job so much. The socializing is minimal and I get to roam. The place smelled like dough, and I always came home smelling sweet.
"I loaded the mo-ped already. Here's the list of addresses. You're lucky son, you'll be away from the bakery all night Hahaha!"
"Thanks, do you need me to lock up for tonight?"
"No, I can take care of that. You go home after the pastries are delivered."

Gabe's paw grinds the shift into gear, and the motor groans to life. Without the lightposts and stoplights it'd be pitch black in the neighborhood. Gabriel's a solitary light, flitting through traffic. The lion savors the cool Sprout air, rushing through his glorious mane. In the peace of the neighborhood, the long drive between Tabernacle and the Cozy Vimana there is a serenity on the ambient highways that Gabriel longs for everyday.
I came to every address, one of the fun parts about delivery is all the colorful characters you can meet. A countless diversity of creatures inhabit the city. It really is a marvel, how any of this could be possible. Everyone living under one dominion. We are taught that it's only through the impeccable love of the Prime Mother that it is at all possible. Without her star shinning on us, the city would give in to turmoil. Over night you might wake up to a hellscape. At least that's what they say. It still sounds like lofty thinking to me. I think it's just a very smart system we have here. And everyone feels the same kind of reciprocity towards one other. That goes without saying we have our errors, and Arbara's bakery does not do deliveries to the bad parts of the metropolis. But for the most part, it really is an incredible wonder unique to history.

I park the mo-ped in it's usual spot behind the bakery. We just lock it to a telephone pole and thats enough around here. And like I said before, my house is in the same block.
The door latch unlocks and slides open quietly. Everyone's asleep at this hour. Gabriel, puts down his shoes by the doorway with the rest and lumbers upstairs to his room. The door shuts close. And I turn my desk lamp on, I have time to do some homework before I go to bed..

Amy stands out on the balcony watching the night. Wind gently pours into her room carrying the curtains to flow. Two knocks sound from her bedroom door.
"Come in."
The door comes ajar with a creak and appears Mirror Image in her night gown. Beside her metallic skin and halo, she appears as Mare as any other mortal equine. "Anything tonight?"
Amy's focus is vacant, her mind lives in the night sky and city lights, along with it's prince.
"No Then.."
"No..." Amy sighs

The fluttering curtains carry their conversation while Mirror Image and Amy Remain in silence.
"If your love is true. Like all innocent prayers reach their respective gods so will it."
Amy lays her bored face onto her hoof, digging her elbow onto the balcony rail. "Well maybe my love isn't true anymore then." Mirror Image is thankful Amy is turned away from her. Because then she would see how heart broken her face looks. But she lets Amy continue to speak.

"It's just been too long I think. It was alive when I saw him last night. But now... well he isn't here.. and I don't think my feelings are either. like they're just coming up foggy when I try to feel it in my heart and then-" Amy looks over to the sky, the wind whistling above "and then They blow away with the wind. and I think it's always been like this but I haven't noticed and I'm trying not to see other boys- you know how I am when you and Chorizo take me out for date night."

"Yes.. you spurn every Colt."
"Yup! that's what I do, I spurn" Amy rolls a pebble back and forth along the rail, as she teases her hair with the other hoof. "I'm the queen of spurning... I don't think it's fair. You can't just leave like that, the way he did. Because I never got to say goodbye, or tell him what he means to me. We never got to daydream about having a family together or any of that stuff. He left me to do it all on my own. And it feels less and less like I'm not seeing other boys, not really because I'm still in love but.. Because even though-" Amy's voice breaks "it feels like.. we're still together. You know." Her voice curls up, and balls in the throat just for a moment.

Mirror Image looks on while she plans to say something, anything, that might make it better "All good believers are patient too"
                                                                                            "All good believers are patient too" Amy imitates her until Mirror is finished.
Staggered by the mimicry, she is at a loss for words. After several centuries it hasn't gotten easier. "...It's about time for bed, Amy."

"Okay." Without a fight Amy takes herself away from the balcony, but leaves the doors open just incase. "Is Pryce still here?"
"No, he's celebrating his anniversary with his wife and kids."
"Oh, yeah. Should've figured." Amy closes a drawer, putting on her jammies. "G'night Mirror."

"Goodnight Amy." she dims the lights and closes the bedroom door.

It was a long walk back to her chambers for Mirror. She closes the door behind and kneels before her bed, reverent in her pale blue gown. She clasps her hooves together for the nightly prayer.
"I say my prayers, before the all and in them I give the truth in my heart. 
To Hoz-rah I ask for a good harvest this year, to keep the peace and make sure no citizen goes hungry,
To Zono-ael I ask for peace among us again, the serenity to keep it, and the purity to withdraw from conflict.
To Enjoma I ask for his careful observance. I ask for his wisdom, I ask for his intervention where justice fails.
To Selvara I ask for your grace to rain over our Prime Mother Amy Thest
To Son'rva I ask for your words to whisper through Amy Thest
To Cydren I ask that you protect her and this city's heart
To Radriel I ask of you to defend our hearth.
Buiwong I ask that you behave, I also say my thanks for all your assistance in governing our City. You have this city's gratitude. I say my thanks to Cer'rog too for helping Pryce manage the finances and lessening the work load on him as Emissary. Even if your dealings are supervised, you labors have not gone unacknowledged. I say thank you to Chabreg for the snowy days last year, everyone thought it was wonderful, especially the children who are so fond of your works. I ask Goromiah for his continued service in keeping the dead from our shores. This City rests upon your shoulder which borders Nibbuta. I ask Ratren for another beautiful morning and Sabuul for everyone to get a good night's sleep. And my last prayer though not the least goes to you Shei-Sher, If you aren't coming back then please help Amy find Love again."

Amen...

Hóngdia, 8th of Dusk Sprout, year 36, Kalpa 6218
Walking to school I'm seeing some couples. Barely the fourth month of school and I'm already seeing people get together.
"Its the cherries in the air Gabriel~ and one day.. I'll have your cherry.."
"Pfhahah shut the hell up Edwin. People are going to start thinking you have the syndrome."
"Tell me more about this syndrome? You seem like an expert."
Samson Adders catches up with the two "kay, who's sucking who today."
"Gabriel was just ouncing to tell me about who he has a crush on this year?"
Gabriel smiles at his friends, secretly enjoying the attention. "No one really, there are a lot of pretty girls this year. I saw that Miley filled out, but I'm really not the romantic type."
"Oh Gabe!" grabs his arm, swinging his hip he slinks in just to make Gabe feel more uncomfortable than he already does "You've been saving yourself for me all this time. I knew you were a man of virtue!" Edwin pushes off, Gabriel least expecting to almost fall over from it "See, you're the fag here. You're literally waiting for a girl to spill her sopping panties right in front of you and say those exact words. You got all these girls looking at you like they've been asking daddy since they were 5 if they could have a pet lion and you just brush that shit off."
"True dude, chicks wanna fuck lions" Samson adds.
"Proof in the pudding Samson's single mom's fucking a lion" Edwin chimes
"I told ya that in confidence Edwin." Samson responds
"Yeah- it's Gabe though- so it's cool." Edwin defends
"Iiit's really not." Samson remarks

Gabriel decides nows a good time to cut in before the conversation turns passive aggressive. Edwin has a bad habit of not knowing when to stop or keep his mouth shut. "I'm not waiting for anything, and I'm really not interested in the girls at our school. A girl can be pretty but I hear what they're like when they don't think any boys are listening. Its really just not for me."
Samson points a talon up as if a light bulb sprung over his head "I think I get it, yeah no, you see Edwin you were talkin small potatoes here with Gabriel."
"I'm intrigued, aand-uh whats this theory you're onto Adders?" Edwin slinks over with interest.
"Well we both know Gabe is a career minded fellow, we both know lions in their natural habitat maintain harems. And we both really how Edwin is always checking out girls from behind -why's he always ease dropping eh?" Samson nudges Gabe.
Gabriel leers at Samson a little irritant, but he doesn't confirm or deny his allegations.

"Gabe here, isn't after small potatoes. He wants the big canoli. He wants the big 10,000 square ft mansion, with a big yard, big fence, and lots of girls to keep the place warm. Probably shooting for senior editor at a Scribbing company that has the exclusive on government contracts for handling magical artifacts, that way he can reel in six figures and keep the ladies coming to his shag palace. It's not a lack of work ethic that's keeping Gabriel from getting a girlfriend. On Contrare, IT's Too much work ethic!"
Edwin is a littled stunned, Samson's explanation makes a bit too much sense for him.
Gabriel is simply frustrated and refusing to dignify Samson's theory with even a response.

"Speechless? Stunned by my investigative acumen Gabriel. Did I hit the nail.. too hard?" Samson continues to tease him
"No! I don't Want a harem, Polygamy is for degenerate weirdoes!" pent up, Gabriel blurts that out
"The Mortal Emissary has a harem, Second Tsar Etac's got 200 sluts in his ranger. You saying our representative in state's a degenerate Gabe?!"
Edwin nods along "I think that's what he's saying."
Samson calls out to a group of nearby schoolgirls "Look everyone! Look! Gabriel thinks regular people are fucking Weeeird!" The schoolgirl group simply walk faster, away from the boys in response.
Gabriel begins walking at a faster pace too, separating himself from the group.

"Hay.. Gabe where you going?"
"Just a couple meters ahead. So nobody can associate us by proximity." Gabe is quite ginger in response

Edwin sighs "You think we were too hard on him?" 
"I think we're gonna need a little more pressure, if we're gonna get this egg to crack." Samson adders concludes...

In the right shoulder of the Temple of Obedience an ornate shutter of many segments slowly unsheathes into a large aperture. Many highly sophisticated spires a part of the Temple's structure fold beneath the eye lid of what is the Veludo Civil Observatory. Pryce, stands at a lower platform inside the lab. Head raised, he watches the staff prepare their 'stethoscope into heaven's heart' with little anticipation for today's proceedings. 'Our stethoscope' a fanciful moniker written on a plaque preceding the Observatory entrance. Pryce prefers to call it a telescope though. "Hooooy." He calls out to the staff operating machinery on the raised platform.

"Yes, our Tsar?"
"I'm going to look at the constellation books. Just.. let me know when you have the reading."
"Duly noted, our Tsar. We shall have the reading for you within the hour."
Pryce ambles over to another desk at the end of the observatory, where he flips through a couple tomes trying to entertain himself. Really, his presence there is just a formal accommodation. He already read the letter from sent to them from the Hypnagogium in StartChart plains. It said that the 'blood moon's approach is nigh. Forward our calculations to the department of Veludo in the Temple of Obedience. If Sabuul's song be sweet as apples this year we should have prepared precise measurements for her departure. It is our estimation that the bloodiest of nights arrives at the dawn of reverie.'

Despite Archbishop Asteroclies alerting Pryce to forward their math to the Temple Observatory, it turned out Veludo had already received a copy of the letter.. The same time Pryce had received his mail. Which was really annoying, Pryce thought to himself. Like why? Why did you tell me to forward the math if you were just going to send them a copy anyways. Maybe just to be sure the information reached them? The information was a priority of importance. It just left Pryce in a foul mood is all, because he thought you could only use a telescope at night. Which is completely right. So when Chorazin came to his office to ask him why he was stalling it left him very confused. Apparently the telescope was outfitted with an enchanted lens which could see the stars at any time of the day. And for some reason the Observatory would not proceed without the Tsar's presence, because they had been waiting for him to forward them Archbishop Asteroclies calculations, which they had already had, and is also how they even decided to wait for Pryce in the first place.

"Our Tsar! The reading is ready for your appraisal." An astrologer waves to Pryce. Whirring, high pitched mechanical noises hummed as the telescope's platform descended, flush onto the floor. The same Astrologer approaches with a map, leads him to a desk while the other astrologers go about their own devices.

"By the way, next time can we do this at night?" Pryce speaks to the unnamed Astrologer with an air of casualness. The Temple rotated astrologers with each month as there weren't any chambers in the Temple for an Observatory Staff. The majority of them stay at local hotels when it was their work season, so for the most of them Pryce never committed any of their names to memory. "It's just that I was planning on showing my family the observatory. I already phoned home, and we all agreed night time was when everyone would be free -so if you could just remember that for next time?"
"Uhm- Yes, our Tsar, but- you are aware Veludo's capacity only hold's up to a 120 people at a time?"
"Well, then we can take them in 15 minutes at a time. It wouldn't be impossible."
"Understood Tsar Etac. My apologies on the part of the observatory Staff." the astrologer slightly bows his head, a gesture asking for forgiveness
"All is forgiven, its not too big a deal." Pryce waves his hoof, a customary gesture of forgiveness. Usually between master and servant.
"For the next time please just let us know of your arrangements. Our Observations can be made at any time of the day so it does not matter to us if you prefer day or night for Veludo's proceedings."
.....Pryce simply stands there, deadpan. and completely frustrated. He makes an effort not to show it though. This guy was just an assistant for the observatory, he didn't deserve that.

The astrologer explained the map to Pryce and explained that The Hypnagogium's calculations were confirmed. The Blood Moon would be received precisely at the Dawn of Reverie.
Tsar Etac storms out of Veludo Observatory in a huff. On his way to his Office he stops by Chorazin at a reception hall. "Why! Did you tell Me. To go to the observatory now! When I could have gone later?!?" The show of aggression fails to get a rise from Chorazin. She's seen him under the wire before and even then. Being angry at her has never been a way to get a reaction.
"I don't understand. Why wouldn't you have just informed the astrologers to hold on until later? You are their Tsar after all."

It's at that moment Pryce is overcome with more chagrin than frustration. He wants for nothing but an exit from this conversation.. "Oh. Yeah, that's true.." He scratches a hair on his head "I need to go find Amy. W-where is she?
"She's been getting ready for her council meeting in Catacomb Terrace. If you run, you can catch her before she leaves."
"Okay, thanks Chorazin. And- sorry about that." There's extra speed in his pace, as Pryce leaves the reception hall to go find Amy.

a quiet, smug smile, Chorazin wears on her face "All is forgiven." As she waves her hoof in gesture...

The muffled sound of rushing air rumbles by the carriage walls. An intricate, gothic, automobile carriage with gold trim, looking as though it were chiseled from obsidian, and cartoonishly large. The vehicle is considered an antique of the last kalpa an age of steel and magic. Refurbished into a modern machine of diesel frothing locomotion. The Passenger's chasis is elongated absurdly to accommodate Amy's advisers. Though a Limousine is considered more elegant for carrying nobility and their entourage, a carriage was only practical. A simple Earth Pony chauffeur drove from the pilot chamber, down Highway 85. Amy Thest sat by the side window, more like she was squished against the window by her Demon Lord passengers, while preoccupied with the outside view. Herself and her sporting business attire, matte black pleather jacket and skirt built slim and reticent in form with steel trim on the zipper and pocket protector. The skirt is long reaching just past the knees. Laying over her head was a black felt slouch hat, with many crimson, thin, velvet braids hanging from the the cap's edge, completing a barrier between her face. Meant to reduce visibility among the public. An outfit meant specifically for conducting business in.

Amy pans away from the window, the velvety braids trickling around her face revealing her gentle nose and porcelain jewels for eyes. She faces to Imaal who sits hip to hip beside her. His back, neck, and head arching over the carriage walls just under the vehicle's ceiling.
"Do you think there'll be food?"
Imaal is without expression before or after saying "Unlikely.. They are never so courteous."
"But it's the butchers ward AAAND agricultural sect. All the Sentinel's of Apples are going to be present and we've been planning a meeting for the blood moon date for a LONG while now."
Imaal, remains silent, only looking at Amy with lordly stoicism.
"Aaanyyyythiiiing? You don't think they'll have anything made for us?"
gradually, Imaal raises a claw to scratch his chin "Perhaps tea.."
Amy frowns dramatically
Big, the more burly hulking stone of the towering Lords boasts "Aye. I remember drinking Scorching Ember Spit last I convened with the Butcher's Ward."
Amy's frown deflates into a queezy grimace "eeugh, but that's made from gasoline isn't it?"
"Frothing, burning pit in my stomach. The Butcher's know how to make a kombucha that stokes the coals inside a warrior." Big reminiscences past any regard for Amy's comment "I envy their covenant. Amid the petrifying boredom of peace they may continue to live by the sword, throttle mutual lusts for blood and glory! Aye. aaaaye...." Big sighs "How I miss the days."