Borg said:
I'm in favor of checking out the underground scene (since we can certainly protect ourselves if necessary), but first we've got some more talking to Zinfandel to do. And make sure to ask about Mortal's Folly at some point; that is probably where we're going in the end, after all.

You continue talking with Zindanfel, and ask him if he knows where you can find a tavern around here.

Zinfandel: "Should you want for a meal or a bed, the hostel will see to your needs. It is the largest building beyond the marketplace to the south. You certainly cannot miss it."

Smoke: "Wait, that's it? You're telling me there isn't a single actual tavern in this whole place? How are you guys not bored out of your minds?"

Zinfandel: "Through diligent work, and spiritual guidance, of course. The Crown holds in high belief that a pony's desire to distract themselves stems from an underlying dissatisfaction that should be resolved, rather than indulged."

Smoke: "So, no fun allowed. Got it."

Smoke crosses her arms, an unamused expression straightening her snout. She does indeed look dissatisfied.

Zinfandel: "Now, I concede that there may be few activities for far travellers such as yourselves to partake in, though it is my hope that your journey here will gift you with a new perspective, and further your eternal growth as individuals."

Apple Basket: "Well, I know I, uh, learned a couple things since we got here."

Moonflower: "Heeheehee…"

Changing the subject, you decide to ask Zinfandel about the underground refuge he mentioned earlier.

Zinfandel: "Ah, yes. If your curiosity was piqued, then you should seek Cleric Florette in the Water district. She will be able to enlighten you on the subject well more than I."

You nod, and before leaving, you ask the stallion if he knows anything about Mortal's Folly.

Zinfandel: "Quite an intriguing name, is it not? Though I am unfamiliar with its origin, I believe that it is nothing more than an outpost that serves as a hostel for local farmers. A decorative building, as it were."

You thank Zinfandel for his time, and bid him farewell.

Zinfandel: "It has been an honour. Be well!"

Snow continues to fall upon slowly fading cobblestone streets as your party heads east to the Water district, and up a bridge to a cliffside platform.

Under an open-aired shelter, you come across a young mare in a cleric uniform loading a cart with supplies. She glances at you over her shoulder, and offers a friendly smile.

Cleric: "Rather chilly today, isn't it?"

You greet the mare, and ask her if she knows where you can find Cleric Florette.

Cleric: "That would be me, actually! What can I do for you?"

You introduce yourselves to Florette, and tell her that you were told to ask her about the underground refuge.

Florette: "It's a pleasure to meet you all! Really, I've never met foreigners before. And you're interested in the refuge? How unusual!

Well, locals call it the Undercity, since it's located right under our hooves. It was built centuries ago in Elysia's old waterworks, and has since flourished into a beautiful town of its own.

Some say it's a hideout for ponies who don't feel like they belong in Midgardian society, but I think it's so much more than that."

Florette pauses, and looks over at her cart.

Florette: "You know, my words can't do it justice. If you're interested, I could take you there for a visit, and you would see it all for yourselves. Just after I'm done gathering my things, that is."

——
Next Page: >>2609401
Previous Page: >>2609315
——