Scene #3402: Tea Time in a Castle

Owner	Pose
Ebon Ribbon	Nightmare Castle Not exactly a ritzy place on first glance. Ebon was not kidding when she said it was in disrepair. The towers are partially crumbled, the outer walls have several large holes, and the entire area is generally dark and foreboding. Even though it is currently daytime, the area seems darker than even the thick forest around it. As she is expecting guests and possibly future underlings, Ebon Ribbon has done her best to make at least the main room presentable. A long midnight blue carpet has been rolled out from the main door to the dining hall, and the main room has been dusted and swept and polished to a shine. It is still in disrepair, but it is not dirty! It is likely that Ebon has been working on this for days, considering the level of dirt and grime that can be seen through the doorways into other areas. And there are signs in front of the two thrones that say 'Do Not Touch!' However, a short way in front of the standing dark throne is a cute little bistro table with four chairs around it. Ebon herself is standing at the front door awaiting the arrival of her guests. She looks rather regal, like she just might belong in this castle were it properly restored. She of course has made sure her mane and tail are well groomed in order to increase that regal look, and her posture is very prim and proper. And like most ponies, she wears no clothing, letting her lovely coat shine gently in the pale daylight.
Ferham	Landing on the crumbling battlements, Ferham makes her way down and into the castle, sort of finding her way as she enters and strides across the midnight blue carpet, her high-heeled boots thudding softly against it. "Good evening miss Ebon Ribbon," Fer bows her head respectfully as her wings fold behind her back, as she's greeted at the door. "You seem to have prepared yourself elegantly for us, I just apologize I lack any evening wear myself, it's not the best to fly in," she smiles, looking as if she's admiring the fine coat and mane the pony has presented.
Linne	All Linne can do, dressed in her usual maid's uniform, is just pause at the front entrance. A feeling of pure maidly dread falls over her. Indeed, before her lays the true incarnation of any professional maid's worse nightmare. She can feel the dust, the disrepair, and the pure neglect as things rot and dust collects. The woman goes weak in the knees, crying tears of pure frustration and insult to the name of her profession. Her cane clatters to the ground. Hands go to her head, and then she has to force herself to not sob on the spot. Someone's going to need to come and help her along, as she's already brandishing a broom as though she's either going to kill someone with it, or sweep this entire castle clean by herself. Given it's Linne, and how her face is twitching, it may just be both. Ferham and Ebon might both hear the frustrated grrrr of maidly wrath as the dust in the main hallway is suddenly being assaulted by a blind maid woman leaping from wall to wall thanks to her Stand, smashing every offending cobweb, bit of dust, and other debris to nothingness. When she arrives, it's in a whirl of spinning petticoats as she lands from leaping up to the ceiling. "Good...good evening, Miss Ferham, Miss Ribbon." She adds with a curtsey. Then her knees buckle. "Oh god I can still feel the dust! This place is a horror house!" She finally mutters in despair.
Ebon Ribbon	Ebon Ribbon waves a forehoof dismissively to Ferham. "It is alright, Miss Ferham. Your typical outfit is nice enough." she says, smiling. "But, as hostess, it is my duty to present the best possible appearance to my guests." Then, Linne arrives and immediately attacks the dust and cobwebs still dotted about the area. Ebon Ribbon tsks softly as Linne lands and greets them with that broom in hand. "Try and relax, Miss Linne...that is you, correct? That is exactly why I offered to hire you. This room has been reclaimed, but there are many others which require attention. I will join you in vanquishing our dusty foe!" Ebon rears up on her hindlegs and kicks at the air as if boxing some unseen foe. Then, she lowers back down and smiles. "But first, tea! It is hardly polite to have you start work immediately." Ebon turns and heads toward the bistro table, motioning to it when she is closer. "Please, relax. I will bring tea, and we will discuss your pay. Will you be wanting to join us in this endeavor, Ferham? Or, are you simply here to take advantage of me?" Ebon smirks lightly as she says that, obviously teasing the robot.
Ferham	Ferham giggles just a bit as Ebon rears up and makes a show of supporting Linne's war on dust, blinking a little as she moves to follow and hears Ebon's comment. "Take advantage of you? I'm really not the type to want to do that, I'm afraid," she teases a little back, as she puts a hand on her hip and reaches over with her free one to pat Linne on the shoulder. "Are you alright? I realize the state of the place must have... set you off," she said in a gentle voice. "As for joining you, yes I thought I might, if you would be so gracious to have me in attendance," she bows a little again, curtseying a bit, almost.
Linne	The maid takes a deep breath. In, out. Then she straightens her skirts, puts aside the broom, and finally seems to calm down enough to converse properly. Every now and then she does twitch persistantly. Linne very well may have a cleaning problem. Ferham's comforting touch has her smiling just a bit. "Y...yes. My own Master's estate was flawless. I...I will be fine, thank you Miss Ferham." And so she taps her way towards the bistro table, helpfully pulling the chair out for Ferham. She'll seat herself after the others do. "My deepest apologies, Miss Ribbon. My...sensibilities were briefly overcome. Indeed. Not a single speck of dust shall remain! Though we will need a proper industrial crew for those crumbling minerettes." That much is definitely beyond her skills. "Yes, tea would be lovely." There's another motion, as though she's about to get up, before she forces herself to be a good guest rather than a servant.
Ebon Ribbon	Ebon Ribbon doesn't actually seat herself yet. Instead, she makes sure the others are seated, then heads to the nearby kitchen before returning with a tray of tea held in her ebon streamers. Ribbons of neon purple magic that somehow glow with blackness. She sets the tray on the table, then serves the tea. The tea set is a lovely polished black ceramic set with gold inlays that are reminiscent of her streamers in the way they move across the tea set. Once the tea is poured, she seats herself. The tea is nice and warm, and they would find it has the flavorings of lavender and chamomile. "So, Miss Linne, what is your retainer?" the pony asks as she lifts her cup with a streamer before sipping daintily. "And Miss Ferham, we would welcome any help you might offer in restoring this castle."
Ferham	"Exotic tableware you have, Miss Ribbon," Ferham is seated with help from Linne and seems to be fairly comfortable, green eyes playing across the moving lines on the tea set. "I have received instruction from Miss Linne Park, so I offer my services in the restoration of the castle," Ferham responds to Ebon's question, taking her teacup and sipping daintily at the chamomile tea. She can enjoy it--she has the sense of touch and taste to, after all. "I however regretfully inform that I have no spare energy source at the moment to make a complimentary tapping of my energy at this time feasible, I hope that is alright," she winks at Ebon Ribbon a bit playfully, likely when Linne isn't looking.
Linne	Luckily, Linne can't be fascinated by the glowing magic. Probably for the best, she's still shellshocked by the enormity of their task before them. She does sip the tea, and runs her fingers along the fine teacups daintily. Indeed, she sips with one pinky out, refined and quiet. Perfectly straight in the chair, too. "Yes, very fine. Good silverware is the start of any proper household." She nods sagely to herself, snob that she is. Linne considers, then pulls out a contract from within her skirts. All those folds have their advantages. She pushes it towards Ebon. "This is my standard contract." It quotes a price that's definitely high, but also includes all building materials, parts, and labor included as well as a guarantee of workmanship for the extent of the contract and time beyond. Blink. "Energy...tapping?"
Ebon Ribbon	Ebon Ribbon waves her forehoof dismissively at Ferham and smiles. "It is fine. I am still well fed from draining that Toph person and the Iron Man." she says. She sips her tea as she reads over Linne's contract. She reads it over carefully, then sighs softly and looks away. "As hard as it is to admit...my financial security is a bit..." She gives an awkward cough and looks ever so slightly embarrassed. "...lacking...at the moment. I am afraid I cannot hire you at that price." Ebon looks fairly disappointed. She loves cleaning and such, but this place will be difficult even for her. She giggles a bit at Linne's question. "Ah. I am an energy vampire. Without the life energy of others, I start to wither away. But, I have grown to cherish it. Every person's flavor is just a bit different, and I consider myself a conoisseur when it comes to such things." She sips her tea again after that, as if it is perfectly acceptable to be an energy vampire pony.
Ferham	"Ohoho, you got ahold of Toph?" Ferham seems amused at this, she hadn't forgotten her... previous humiliation at the earthbender's hands, clearly. "Ah, so you lack the currency in order to pay her, perhaps there is some way we could either help Miss Ebon raise money or offer a service in trade," the femmebot raised a clawed glove to her chin, stroking it idly. "Indeed, I have been trying to show Miss Ebon that she's not only a welcome addition to our company but that her nature is nothing to be ashamed of," she explains to Linne. "Further, I have to say I kind of like this place, it is... fairly gothic, reminds me of the estate held by our CO," she grins a little.
Linne	Her head tilts just a bit as she ponders. "What are your skills, Miss Ribbon? I am not normally one to negotiate, however, as a member of the Confederacy you have a certain...leeway that would not be afforded to those of lesser status." There's a smile offered to Ferham at that. "Nor would I necessarily be against payments in installments, given proper collatoral." Her eyes widen a bit. "Truly? A vampiric...wow. The Multiverse truly is full of wonders! Ah, of course. No, no, anyone with impeccable manners such as Miss Ribbon clearly has nothing to shame regardless of how she obtains her sustainance." "That does remind me, I need to put in a social call one day."
Ebon Ribbon	Ebon Ribbon nods in agreement with Ferham. "Once it is properly restored, it will be akin to a gothic cathedral, with all the grandeur and nobility that goes with such a building." she says, then sighs dreamily. "And I will be its gothic princess. The lovely Ebon Ribbon, envy of all who see her." She giggles a bit, then smiles to Linne. "I am quite skilled in cleaning, fashion, and proper ettiquet. And as a predator, my skills in sneaking and suduing are second to none." She seems a bit surprised when Linne seems actually awed by her vampiric nature. Ebon actually ends up looking a bit shy, but that is quickly suppressed by her proud nature. "Well, this call is quite social." the pony says, then hmms. "I am afraid I have little in the way of collateral. This tea set is nearly all I have to my name at the moment. It is the price of being driven out of towns by unsympathetic and narrow-minded ponies."
Ferham	"There are vampiric or hematophagus creatures pretty much everywhere, and in the multiverse it should come as no surprise there are ponies like that as well," Ferham nodded, sipping her tea as she nods to the conversation. "Fashion as well? Gothic additionally, I take it," she smiles a bit, toying with the vampony on that little thing. "This is true, she likely faced descrimination in places, as my kind have in various places," Ferham mutters for a moment about 'damm robophobes' or the like, though she's quick to resume the calm and pleasant face. "If you need any assistance with the bill as well, I will see what I can do--in between my normal activities, anyway," she explains. "In the meantime, this has been quite a lovely gathering, Miss Ribbon," she looks almost as if she's coyly teasing their hostess, a bit.
Linne	She closes her eyes, ponders, and then opens them. "Well, my own Mistress' estate was badly damaged during her kidnapping. If you were to assist with the repairs and cleaning, and eventually her rightful return, then in turn I would be willing to waive the normal fee." Her phone rings, and her face goes white for a moment. Whiter than usual. "Ah! My deepest apologies. This may be information regarding her whereabouts. I must away. Thank you for your hospitality, Miss Ferham, Miss Ribbon. Let us continue this discussion another time." With a curtsey, she rushes off, terror and hope in her eyes.
Ebon Ribbon	"Ew. I am not hematophagus. The sight of blood flowing can be lovely, but I would never sample it." Ebon says, shaking her head firmly. "As for my fashion sense, I prefer elegant to anything else. Gothic often fits nicely into that category, especially with my natural coloration." Linne's proposed trade of services seems acceptable, but Linne rushes off before Ebon can give an answer. The pony is left blinking in surprise as she watches Linne rush off. She shrugs, then looks at Ferham. "So, you came to see me without reserve energy? What a selfish thing to do." she says, turning her head up in a haughty way and smirking playfully.
Ferham	"Miss Ribbon delights in watching the blood flow, hmm?" Ferham smirks a little as she attends to the last of her tea, before setting the cup down against the saucer. "Ah, I see. You're looking quite splendid today as well, I am flattered you prepared for just this meeting with me and Linna. Not everyone takes the same courtesies with synthetics like myself over other organics, I find sometime," she looked over idly as Linne Park rushes off. "Don't mind her, she does that, fairly often, even," her brows raise when the teasing comment comes from Ebon. "I realize it is a horrible thing of me to do, you will have to forgive me, Miss Ribbon," She leans back a bit in her chair, crossing her legs daintily. "I hope you're not feeling too famished tonight."
Ebon Ribbon	Ebon waves a forehoof. "Not at all. I am still quite energized." she says, then tilts her head. "But, why would someone care that you are a robot rather than a...organic? People are people, no matter their composition." Ebon finishes off her own tea, then smirks lightly as Ferham apologizes. "Do not let it happen again." she says in a rather serious but still teasing tone. Ebon lifts the tea kettle, pours herself another cup then offers the same to Ferham. "So, what is it you do when you are not serving yourself up for vampires?" she asks.
Ferham	"Sometimes I am not seen as a 'true' person by some organics, that is partly why I feel like we have something in common--I have faced discrimination as well," Ferham explains, gently taking her saucer and cup and holding it over for Ebon to fill again. "I have been assisting the confederacy as an enlisted member of theirs for sometime now, also Peridot had asked me for assistance with maintaining her kindergarten program--and I have offered to help Miss Linne rescue her employer from the party that kidnapped them," she shrugs a little, holding her saucer as she sips the tea daintily. "I try to keep busy, more or less, when I'm not being graced by your presence, Miss Ribbon," she smiles back a little, having noted her last comment.
Ebon Ribbon	Ebon hmphs as she hears that. "I suppose I am in a special position to understand such discrimination." she says as she fills Ferham's cup, then sets the kettle down before lifting her cup in a ribbon again. She listens to Ferham's list of activities, then her eyes narrow. "Are you...a goodguy?" she asks, almost like she is accusing Ferham. The remark about grace by her presence causes Ebon to smile, though. "Well, I am rather graceful." she says before sipping.
Ferham	"Oh my," Ferham replies, sounding mock insulted a little as Ebon levies the 'goodguy' accusation against her. She is however, joking. "I wouldn't be counted among the members of the union, that is for sure, especially not with most of my activities, after my world unified, anyway," she puts a hand against her chest, as if looking a little shocked. "No, I just have a strong opinion on assisting those in need or the downtrodden--we're not any less 'people' than the humans, in my opinion, whether we're robots, or ponies, vamponies--for that matter," she shook her head, being more sober about the topic now. "I'm proud of who I am and what I am," she sat quietly for a few moments, nodding. "I'm glad you... opened up to me at Peach's dinner, more or less, I understand that may have been difficult for you to do."
Ebon Ribbon	Ebon Ribbon smiles just a bit as Ferham defends herself. "Well, I will not hold your penchant for assisting others against you, but I learned long ago that assisting others just means you are that much more open to being taken advantage of or hurt. So, I trust no one, and assist only if it will offer me some advantage or enjoyment. I am not really opposed to helping others, I just do not like being vulnerable." Ebon looks off to the side as Ferham talks about the dinner and opening up. "Yes, well...it was unexpected. And consider yourself still on probation. I doubt actual friendship will develop. The ponies of this land have made it quite clear that I am un-friendable."
Ferham	"I understand your concerns, though it might help to open up a little once in a while, though you're wise to be careful with whom you do," Fer nodded, seeming to understand the pony not wishing to be left vulnerable. "The people in Equestria do not accept you? clearly they're uneducated," Fer made a face and a brow raise there. "For them to make you outcast just because of a nature you cannot help or change, dispicable," Ferham shook her head again. "I understand, I appreciate your leniency," she smiled again at the vampony, watching her as she drank her tasty tea. "I don't suppose you mind if I drop in for more visits in the future, I'll give notice beforehand, of course."
Ebon Ribbon	Ebon Ribbon seems satisfied when Ferham says she understands. "Quite. That is why I wish to make them understand what it is like by taking over Equestria and having -them- cast out!" She rubs her forehooves together in anticipation. "But, I have to become strong enough to capture the queens, or my dream will never be realized." she says, then hmms. "Or...perhaps I am strong enough already, I have just never had the opportunity." She considers that idea a moment, then shakes her head. "I suppose in order to find out I will have to try myself against the elites of this world. If I can defeat them..." The dark pony smiles just a bit when Ferham asks if she may visit in the future. "You are welcome to visit whenever you like. But, yes, do give notice in advance. It would hardly do for you to drop by and not find me here."
Ferham	"I see you have some goals ahead of you already, that's good," Ferham nods, not seeming to find this odd, really. "If you wish sometime we can spar, however I am afraid I have taken far too much of your time and hospitality--I should depart for the evening as well," the femmebot rises and pushes her chair in, after setting her saucer and cup down. "I must thank you for a wonderful evening, Miss Ebon Ribbon," she bowed her head respectfully, before seeing herself out. She was like that.