Palace Entrance Door/Hallway

[Correctional Forces]

A hard "Hey, watch it!" was on its way out of the mouth of the soldier that Plush had run into before he did a double take and realized who she was. Very slowly a slimy grin crept onto his face and he smirked maliciously at her.

"Well, well, they finally let the animal out of its cage. How does it feel, freedom? Better enjoy it while you can, I have it on good authority that it won't last long for you."

---

Meanwhile, the guard that Perspective had approached employed his training and somehow without moving a muscle looked even less friendly. He didn't even look at the new arrival; had been drilled for countless hours on how to keep his post and the large grin wore by this common street filth made him feel like he had to make up for it with an increase in his hard demeanor.

[Perspective Shift]

Perspective noticed the subtle downshift in the guards demeanor, but remained undeterred. He pushed his glasses up and approached the guard, all smiles as he asked, "Good afternoon, good sir. I was wondering if you might be able to tell me how I go about applying for a position within the Palace's Library?" He patiently waited for the guard to reply, his smile never fading.

[Plush Ramen]

Rubbing the sore spot on her forehead, Plush Ramen had glanced up with complex emotions. The old her, would have yelled back, told this soldier off, and more or less hurt him for his violent words. But time passed, anger came and went, and the once murderous mare felt drained of all energy. Unsure how far behind Orange Glow had been, blue dull orbs shot a glance his way before shifting as they turned to look at the ground.

"Excuse me, I must be going now."

Attempting to walk around the armored soldier, a part of the mare felt destroyed. What did his words mean? Did he know more then her as far as her future went? Wanting to put it behind her, the orange coated pegasus knew she'd find enemies everywhere, but for useless patrol guards to bash her, things were worse off then she thought. Unable to hold her tongue, she spoke in passing.

"Useless pile of rust."

[Orange Glow]

Orange immediately glared at the guard a soft growl could be heard. She walked up to him never losing sight of Plush. "How about you watch where you are going you faceless arrogant prick. What would you have done if I ran into you or the Queen?! No matter how little a creature maybe so long as they are within these walls it is your job to make sure they are all safe. Prisoner or not"

[Correctional Forces]

Finally, the first sign emerged that the huge guard even knew Perspective existed, in form of a light sigh that was sure to carry the vast inconvenience the pony was putting on him by forcing his attention away from standing motionless. "The library would be a good place to start," his gravely voice rumbled as he lifted a heavily armored hoof to gesture at an opening that was slightly more ornate than the others. "Through that door, second left, first right. Do not get lost." The last sentence could have been taken as simply helpful advice, but the dark eyes shining from underneath the emblazoned helm made it quite clear that it was a warning, and that nothing good would come to him should he deviate from the instructed path.

---

The "faceless arrogant prick" was by no means deterred by either of their words, but he visibly held himself back upon recognition of who she was, anger evident in his posture. "Some dangers cannot be stopped by the Guard," he replied ominously. "And you," he continued as he turned back to Plush, "watch your tongue or you will be going. Sooner than you think." With a loud snort and a sharp ringing of his hooves as he turned, he resumed his path.

[Orange Glow]

Orange growled at guard and shook her head catching up to Plush, in a soft voice she spoke to Plush. "Are you really just going to let yourself get killed? You were pretty damn fierce back when you attacked me and the others."

[Plush Ramen]

"You'd be doing me a favor!"

Snapping back and walking somewhat faster, Plush had soon noticed Orange Glows presence next to her as her words rung through to her ears. What did it matter to her anyway? Stopping close to the palace entrance and noticing the guards talking to a brightly colored maned stallion, her blue eyes faced her sitter with uncertainty.

"Im not who I used to be.. Its better this way. Everyone wins."

[Orange Glow]

Orange looked at her and sighed. "You should still try to at least survive the ordeal. You'd be set free or at least be given some type of position in the ranks if you wanted it"

[Perspective Shift]

Perspective looked towards the hallway then back towards the guard, his smile somehow wider, "Thank you ever so much, good sir."



He started off towards the library, but not before passing two mares, one orange coated with a raven black mane and the other grey coated with light blue colours for her mane. As he passed them, he dipped his head politely, his ever present smile still there, "Good afternoon, ladies." Without waiting for a reply, he continued on his way.



Taking the warning to heart and not wanting to cause any trouble, Perspective followed the guards instructions to the 'T'. He took the second hallway on the left and then the first on the right, admiring the grandeur of the Palace along the way, and came upon a rather large and ornate door. He pushed it open slightly, peeked in and was awestruck. Opening the door the rest of the way, he entered the library.



[Exit Perspective Shift to the Palace Library]

[Plush Ramen]

"Survive, I'm sure everypony would hate that."

Looking to the stallion that seemed to chipper on life, the mare envied him. To live so full of glee, one must go through alot of emotional training, something she was too far gone to even consider. But what if she did somehow survive this arena battle? Questions filled through her mind as Plush Ramen continued to walk. Getting to the doors and passing the guards with nice even glares, the orange mare pushed through them.

[Exit Plush Ramen & Orange Glow to Palace Gates.]

[Astral Midnight]

[Enter: Astral Midnight from the Library]

Astral stopped for a second outside the door to the Library. He had a decision to make here. He could either head back into the forest and stay there until it won, or he could just leave and run until he couldn't run any more. He turned to head in the direction of the entrance, before hesitating. Something deep within him enticed him to head back into the throne room, just in case the Queen was still there. Perhaps she could help him. He started in the direction of the the throne room, before breaking into a sprint again. His hooves carries him along the hallway as he continued to quietly sob to himself

[Exit: Astral Midnight to Throne Room]

[Perspective Shift]

[Enter Perspective Shift from The Library]

Perspective trotted his way back down the hallway, taking the appropriate turns, humming the whole way. He eventually ended up back in the hallway where he began and approached one of the guards. It wasn't the same guard as before, this one being of smaller stature than the other.

His grin remained as he asked the guard, "Hello~ I was wondering how I might go about getting an audience with the Queen?~"

[Correctional Forces]

Blinking in surpise at the stallion speaking before him, the soldier had looked around. As if not sure who he had been talking to, the pony pointed to himself almost as a question. Watching Perspective Shifts eyes continue to stay locked on him as a whole, the soldier could only assume it was for him. "I believe her majesty is finishing up with guests. There is not much scheduled for the day. She may take walk ins.."

[Noble Persona]

[Enter Noble Persona from the Library]

As Noble exited, he thought about what Strong had said... An offer to go on an adventure again. It had been so long... But no. Noble wasn't ready to open up that much. Being on a team meant you had to trust them and let them trust you. He wasn't ready for that yet. Not when there was still much he needed to do. He once again buried his emotions deep, putting on his calm mask as he approached the guard and the grey Unicorn he'd seen leave the library a moment ago.

"I believe her majesty is finishing up with guests. There is not much scheduled for the day. She may take walk ins.." The guard had said.

"Would she have time for me as well, sir? I have business with the Queen myself, but this meeting with her guests had taken up some time. I'm here about a position at the castle that was advertised in town just this morning." Noble said calmly and pleasantly.

[Correctional Forces]

"I would not like to think it would be a problem. At the worst, she will reschedule your visit. " Looking to them both at that point on, the soldier had turned its head back to its guarding position. Not used to getting such commotion from the public, the guard was pleased to see many others coming around to the idea of the Queen being in charge. Sure the others were questionable, but with her, how could they loose? Pointing in the direction of the Queen, he spoke softly. "The throne room is down that way and to the right."

[Perspective Shift]

Perspective bowed his head in thanks to the guard, "Thank you ever so much sir."

He turned to the stallion that had joined them, "Would you care to walk to the throne room together?" He waved to the hall that the guard had pointed out with a hoof, motioning for the stallion to go first.

[Noble Persona]

Noble nodded to the guard, offering a pleasant smile. "Thank you. I appreciate the assistance, sir." He took care to ensure he was projecting calm, almost happy feelings since he was dealing with a changeling.

He turned next to the Unicorn beside him, who seemed to be offering to let him go first. Noble merely shook his head. "No, no, good sir. You were here first. I insist you lead."

[Correctional Forces]

Staring at the two ponies and lifting a hoof to his line of sight, the 'pony' simply offered a small smile. More stressed that he couldn't seem to understand why their emotions were so under control, the changeling ij disguise had suddenly lit up in flames. Transforming into his bug like self, he simply shook his head in wonder, going back to his business.

----

[Enter JO, Vaan and Astral from throne room]

Walking out and watching more ponies through the halls, it was never hard for another changeling to tell what was real and what wasnt. Mostly due to their scent and antenna waves, JO simply continued walking. As armor clicked through his paced stride, his mind stayed focused on finding the home.

[Perspective Shift]

Perspective lowered his hoof and nodded, "If you insist, sir"

He started to lead the way down the hall that the guard had pointed out, his ever present smile still on his face.He turned to the stallion walking with him, "So, what job are you looking for, if I may ask?"

[Vaan]

Vaan hovered lazily behind JO as he lead him. He gave a simple nod to them before continuing on his way. They seemed too busy with their own things to talk. So was he.

[Astral Midnight]

Astral followed along behind JO, staring mostly at the ground. His mind had finally cleared from the meltdown he had just experienced. He hoped that he wouldn't have to go through any more of those, but something within him told him differently. He sighed and took his mind off of that, focusing instead on the task at hand; finding a suitable home for Vaan and his daughter.

The thought of that alone made him smile. For the first time in his life, he was actually helping someone, not hindering them.

[Noble Persona]

"I believe the position is that of a Combat Trainer, so the guards are more capable in the days to come. It's a hard time we live in. Old families don't mean much anymore, so we have to make a living as best we can." Noble replied to his companion as they continued along the hall.

[Perspective Shift]

Perspective's smile faltered for a brief second at the stallion's family comment, but the change didn't last long enough to be noticeable. He nodded to his walking companion, "That seems like a very noble idea. I'm applying for a job as a librarian here in the palace. Hopefully I get the job. I'd get easier access to all those beautiful tomes and scrolls on the various kinds of magic."

[Correctional Forces]

Walking along the halls and coming up on the entry way palace guards, JO had merely given them a firm nod. With a star crest on his plated armor, not many chose to question his objectives as he turned to the creatures following. "We are heading outside. I apologize for not having the skill to teleport us directly there." Needing to get that off his chest, the soldier pushed open the door to the outside world. 

[Exit JO, Astral and Vaan to palace gates]

[Noble Persona]

"You're a scholar? That's a good profession to be in. Well, I hope you get the job." Noble said, offering the Unicorn a smile on their way. "So, nervous about seeing the Queen?"

[Perspective Shift]

Perspective beamed at him, "Actually, I'm quite excited to meet her. There are a few kinds of magic that I'd like to learn that I need her permission to study."

They soon reached the large ornate doors to the throne room. A guard stood on either side of the door as they approached. Before they entered, he motioned for the unicorn to go first, "You go first. You've been waiting longer than I to see the Queen."

[Basilisk Nova (R.I.P)]

[ Enter from Library ]

Nova decided that now with the information learned from the map, he decided to take matters onto his own hooves. Strong is clearly going to be too busy trying to plow that pony he'd just met and Goddess knows what happened to astral, trotting to he heads to the Canterlot train station.

[exit from hallway]

[Noble Persona]

Noble paused, having a moment to think. He then shook his head and looked to his companion. "Actually, now that I think about it...Combat training will likely cut into the time I spend organizing orders for weapons. The guard will be under-supplied if I can't meet the demand for quality equipment." He said, starting to turn around.

"I'll see the Queen once I have her order ready."

[Perspective Shift]

Perspective turns to watch the stallion leave, "If you're sure. A good day to you then." He nodded in farewell with a smile.

He approached one of the guards at the door to the throne room and asked with his cheerful grin, "Hello~ I was wondering if I could possibly have an audience with the queen."

[Correctional Forces]

The guards near the throne room had merely blinked in silence. Staring at the pony with nothing more then a stern glare, they seemed to glance at eachother before nodding and removing their spears for the stallion to move forward. Speaking up, the changeling on the left had wanted to make it clear to the pony standing there that the Queen's time was precious, and to make it short. "You may pass, but do not linger longer then your appropriate amount of time, the Queen will not be free forever. For now, you are good."