Illiad Easle

@Catpone Cerberus Ætheron did his best to assist in Ædriga's attack on the manticore. His first shot had hit the beast square in the eye, his later shots were mostly aimed at the manticore's joints looking to reduce or eliminate its mobility so Ædriga could more easily deal the killing blow. Once the beast lay dead Ætheron would step out of the forest to investigate the corpse before pulling out a very sharp knife to begin dismembering the corpse. He first quickly and carefully removed the tail and set it aside, he would then remove the legs as the hip and shoulder joints. Once the limbs were removed he turned back to the tail, carefully and expertly removing the poison sack and stowing it away. Then he'd start cutting the coat off of the rest of the manticore before finally turning back to Ædriga with a smile. "You did a very good job, this was a big one, lots of meat here for us."

@Sherem (Council) "I'd like nothing more." Many in the Council, including Sir, were shocked by her response. She continued, her hard gaze back on Celestia, "Don't bring Princess Luna into this either. She was on the moon when you sent MY PARENTS TO THEIR DEATHS!" The deer ambassador was shaking with anger as tears rolled down her face. She looked like she was about to jump over her desk at Celestia before she disappeared with a flash of magic cast by the buck at her side who stood to take her place, "I apologize for my colleague's behaviour. We are more than willing to accept your more than generous offer." Nightshade seemed eager to end the meeting at this point before the rising tensions of the delegates boiled over into something with larger consequences, as it nearly just had. "If there's no further business then, this meeting is hereby adjourned. Princess Celestia, the Council awaits the submission of your duly selected representatives for ongoing participation in the Council. Unless another emergency summit needs to be called, this Council will reconvene in one month." [Provided Celestia does not add anything] Nightshade would give the gavel a final hit, and the delegates would begin to file out of the room, many looked toward Celestia as they left, most of them had positive or hopeful expressions, the rest had nothing worse than suspicion, none of them were openly hostile as they exited. Magpie rejoined Celestia's side, a worried expression on her face, "They really gave it to you there. Shall I escort you to your quarters or back to your airship?" (Tavern) The mare giggled at the attention and scooted closer until she could rest her head on his withers. The mares at her table were starting to look jealous as she gained courage. "I don't mind, I actually like how you talk. It makes me feel so special. I'm Pink Magnolia by the way. What do you say if we take this somewhere more comfortable? Maybe, um..." her confidence wavered, "Maybe my, err, my house?"

@Blitz Boom I think you give me too much credit, I don't plan that far ahead on fun side pieces, but that is a good connection to make. I'd tell you the actual reference, but that would spoil most if not all of the things I had planned for Cabinet Mare. I do like your attempt at Vale, but you did go a bit terminator with it. Here's my attempt: She shouldn't have a mane at all, but the maker doesn't have that option. I'm sure with more effort I could get it to look more accurate. (Mostly I can't quite get the colors right.) I should mention though that (In reference to Void thinking Thestrals are vegetarians) Thestrals are not commonly vegetarian, but rather tend to be omnivores. Bat Ponies on the other hoof, which is the term for a pony possessing some but not all the traits of a Thestral, tend to be vegetarian. Bat Ponies are typically the offspring of a thestral and another kind of pony. Elef, being a full blooded thestral, was fed extra protein even before he became a vampire.

@Randimaxis Oracle blushed at the invitation to come to the quarry, "Oh!? I'd, um... I'd love to see your home some day, hopefully soon." She shook off the embarrassment as she walked, the other changelings were watching them with interest as things in the hive were settling back to their regular routines in the wake of the concert. "Let's see then, I think the warehouse and the nursery are the only things I have left to show you... If there's something you'd like to know though don't forget to ask!" Along the path she took the changelings walking around them started getting smaller until they were generally about Oracle's size, with the occasional full sized changeling among them. These smaller changelings seemed to be grouped together in sets, each set being almost exactly identical outside of small variations in their hole patterns. Soon enough they arrived at a doorway flanked by two changelings in guard attire who stepped aside for Oracle and Dax to pass. The room was humid, but not terribly so like the gel pits, the room was like a larger version of the tunnels, the walls lined with evenly spaced cocoons with sets of changelings in various stages of gestation. Some looked about ready to burst, but even before they were officially 'born' Dax could see the subtle differences among the foalings inside. Oracle seemed calmed by the room as she looked lovingly at the unborn foalings surrounding them. "Isn't it beautiful? I can hardly wait until I've matured enough to have a nursery of my own like this..."

@Randimaxis While he did get some strange looks as he walked about the theater, no one stopped him or spoke to him, not that he'd notice as enamored as he was with the place. Walking outside he was once again treated to the frigid winter air. Knowing where Raven Silverhoof had turned away from him he could likely find the Silverhoof Theater near the Silverhoof Estate. While it wasn't the most popular theater in Canterlot it was well known for being a rather exclusive one. Outside of arriving early to the theater he could return to his room to practice his lines.

@Catpone Cerberus Ætheron smiled as she made her choice, "We'll hunt together then, I'll just put these down in the cave first." He redoubled their pace up to the cave they had started the day in, setting the bag of mail down in a partially secluded alcove before pulling out his bow and arrows and turning his attention back to the forest. "Now... let us hunt." He would lead the way back into the forest, arrow ready as he moved almost silently through the underbrush off the path. Whenever he saw a small creature they could hunt he'd point it out to Ædriga if she hadn't spotted it yet and tell her it's name. He'd take turns with the ones he spotted, giving Ædriga the chance to take them every other time, on the opposing times he would shoot the spotted creature with his bow before collecting the carcass. If they found a larger creature like a manticore however, he would stop their advance and crouch down behind some cover and point it out, "This is a big one, it could eat us if we aren't careful." He'd quickly draw a diagram of where they were and where the large creature was. He showed them splitting up to get on either side of the beast before they attacked, and indicated that he would attack first before she would attack from the other side. Once he was sure she understood he would start to stealthily move to one side of the beast with his bow out.

@Sherem The murmurings were mostly positive around the Council, though some were obviously skeptical of her words. Nightshade simply nodded, "Your willingness to assist is noted. Perhaps you will be called upon when tragedy strikes, but that will be dependant upon your entering into full standing in this Council." He turned his eyes up at the other ambassadors, notably lingering his eyes on the deer ambassador who had spoken up earlier. "Now we open the floor for new grievances, I recall Ambassador Fir stated she had some grievances to bring forward." The reindeer ambassador rolled her eyes from across the room as the doe stood, "Our people are a race that does not delight nor desire conflict. We seek to end wars, to defend. Our machinists and pathfinders are known as some of the best in the world, silent heroes who've worked to minimize casualties in every conflict they participate in." Her gaze turned up to the other delegates as she pointed at Celestia, "We were a peaceful nation before we were sold to serve Her interests. Equestria's double dealings has ultimately resulted in the division of Cervidas and West Cervidas as her actions emboldened the reindeer nobility to oppress the peaceful deer workers. Driving us out of our forests and into the plains where we had to build our own defences. Then they sold our defenders to fight Equestria's battles. Of the hundred noble bucks who were sold only one returned to our lands, and he was forever scarred by Equestria's battles. Our greatest work of architecture, Eternity's Crossing, now lays in ruins due to Equestria's negligence." Her face pointed at Celestia, but her gaze was directed at the reindeer, "The Republic of West Cervidas requires the following of Equestria: First, the monetary compensation we were promised for our machinists' and pathfinders' labor in Equestria's defence adjusted for inflation and including interest for late payment plus the relevant funeral costs for all 99 who never returned to their herds. Second, that Equestria fund the restoration effort on Eternity's Crossing. Third... " She turned her face fully towards the reindeer, "That Equestria formally denounce the kingdom of Cervidas for their crimes and that they cut off all political deals and trade agreements with the same." There was a bit of uproar at her last demand, it seemed the Council was almost evenly divided between those who supported the deer and those who defended the reindeer. Troy and the Griffons were on the side of the deer. It took a bit of effort on Nightshade's part to silence the delegates, his gavel was pounded the hardest it had been this session, "Order!" Once the delegates were finally quieted Sir tapped the arm of his chair and all eyes turned to him as he sat forward with his fingers splayed, "The Court states that grievances must be solely relevant against single nations. It is obvious that some of these accusations are shaded by animosity towards West Cervidas. Equestria is therefore not required to respond to such, nor will they be held against them. However, they are free, and are advised, to respond to these accusations if they feel so inclined." Sir sat back in his chair and the eyes turned back to Celestia. (Tavern) His friendly response attracted some positive attention from the nearby ponies who heard, and certainly impressed the watching mares at the nearby table. The young mare laughed shyly, "Y-you don't need to worry about a little mare like m-me... I don't t-think I could hurt you if I tried. B-but if you're n-new here I-I w-wouldn't mind showing you around... I promise I'll be gentle..."

@Randimaxis Impundulu wasn't so much focused on the creatures of the quarry as it was on the plants, or rather the sad lack of them growing in the area. It decided that the best way to find a wielder would be to discover who among them did not fear the weather, one who would welcome rain after the land was held baron for so long. It figured the hat would be able to understand the answer to its own question once Impundulu acted. It flew up to one of the smokestacks of the gem refinery to get a good look over all those who were nearby before he started to draw on the power contained within the hat. Impundulu spread its wings, reaching out to the clouds standing outside the range of the quarry. As it slowly pulled in its wings the clouds began to roll in, first slow and white, then larger dark grey clouds started to cover the sky over the quarry. To anyone who looked up it would seem like the clouds were about to rain, but Impundulu was in control, the rain would not start until it decided so. It was waiting for a reaction, waiting for the citizens of the quarry to take notice and react before sending down the life giving waters.

@Randimaxis The changes in the script were subtle, mostly drawing greater emphasis to the small movements and turns of phrase that would usually go unnoticed by most of those in the audience either due to poor viewing angles or unfamiliarity with the subject matter. If Redd was sufficiently well versed in popular productions of Stalliongrad he'd recognize the verbiage as being the same as the rendition famously performed by the Cheshire acting troupe in Las Pegasus. A performance often called the single greatest rendition of Stalliongrad ever performed. Whoever the director was, it seemed they had eyes to overthrow the title using a version of their own script as a base. Redd would be able to study uninterrupted for nearly an hour after Filigree left before a member of the staff found him there. The young stallion was surprised to find him, mid oration, in what was effectively a prop closet. "Um, sir? I'm, uh, not sure you should be in here... but, I uh need that prop halberd hanging on the wall behind you if you want to pass it over." The stallion would leave once he got the prop in question. Perhaps it would be best if Redd found somewhere else to practice. It wouldn't do for their plan to be revealed before the time came after all.

@Randimaxis As Dax was reciting the song it wasn't long before Wheepy started to quietly pluck along on the guitar, before Dax had finished he had figured out a calm bouncing tune to accompany the words. Once Dax finished the trio on the room applauded politely, Bird smiled with a somewhat impressed look, "That was quite good, you say you memorized it from your family history? That's impressive." Oracle nodded in agreement, "I'm glad to hear that your history is as important to you as mine is to me." Wheepy was about to add to the praise when a noise came from the entryway, a changeling head poked through the opening and looked about at the ones gathered, "Um... if it wouldn't be too much trouble, I've got this room reserved for my class in a few minutes, so if you wouldn't mind..." Wheepy and Bird nodded, "Of course! We'll get out of your way right now." They stood up to leave, setting the instruments and books back where they had gotten them before offering a hoof for Dax to shake as they went to leave, "An honor to meet you Dax, if there's ever anything we can do to help in the future, you need only ask." With that, If Dax didn't stop them, they'd head out of the room. Oracle would motion for Dax to follow as she too made for the door, "As much as I loved music class, I don't intend to sit through it again. There's more hive to see and I don't know how much longer Illiad's willing to wait."

@Sherem I look forward to seeing what you have planned for Celestia's purpose. If you're up to it we could RP the interaction between the Equestrian representatives and the changelings at some point? Only if you're feeling up to it.

@Sherem (Council) The murmurings around the council members seemed positive enough in response to Celestia's bid for cooperation with the changelings. The changeling ambassadors talked between themselves for a moment before one of them stood. "We find your proposal... acceptable. We will bring your proposal to the Queens' Council. If they agree, and if you adequately punish those offenders in the meantime, you will hear from the Queens' Council about this cooperation within a fortnight." Nightshade nodded as the changeling ambassadors sat down, "Moving on, it appears we've exhausted the list as it currently stands, we'll now give Equestria a chance to air any grievances they may have against any of the nations on this council before we move to allow the nations present to lay out new complaints." The Council's eyes all returned to Celestia, now a bit more cautious as they wondered what, if anything, she would say. (Tavern) The barkeep smiled at his reaction, "Another satisfied customer I see. First one's on the house, let me know if you want another one." It would be long before a young mare, obviously at least a little intoxicated, came up to take a seat next to him and almost immediately started to try to flirt with him, "Hey big guy, not many like you around here... you come here often?" A trio of mares at a nearby table giggled as they watched the tipsy mare, it wasn't hard to draw the conclusion that they had put the mare up to this.

@Blitz Boom (Quite the response!) (NP) The stallion shrugged, "They used to perform here, both before and after the royal wedding. They were known for one of the best renditions of Stalliongrad ever performed! Nowadays though... I assume they've been too busy, there aren't too many of them left anyhow." The stallion looked intrigued, "Well... don't spread it around, but the owner has offered a handsome finders fee to any talent scouts that bring in popular acts. If you were to convince some of these performers you know to come perform here you'd be entitled to that reward." If they were ever lacking for money it'd be something to keep in mind. Arcade was hesitant, but seemed to calm knowing that Null had at least some experience with this sort of thing. "If you're sure, I suppose we should see if it's safe for the ambassadors to interact with before they join the list of those driven to madness." He'd watch from a safe distance as she went to inspect the machine. Looking around the machine she would find it lacked a number of things most commercial machines had, like serial numbers and registration plates. The only identifying mark it had was a logo: a puzzle piece with the words Jigsaw's Puzzles & Games written underneath. The machine must have had some sort of motion or proximity sensor as when she got back up from inspecting the machine the screen had turned on. It was a cartoonish image with some text: 'You can't win me, I can't be beat. Try anyway?' There was a number dial labeled Credits that rolled to 1 with a ding as if she had inserted a coin. She had the unshakable feeling that she was being watched. (Troy) They both, at the very least, recognized their names as they turned to look at Void when she said them. Piecey was the more bubbly of the two as she giggled at the attention and pointed a hoof at Void and said "Vahda!" before babbling to herself as foals do. Peal was a more reserved foal, shying away from the attention and trying to hide her gaze in Teal's care. Ardee was quiet for a moment, looking away. She turned back with a bit of a happy/sad expression, "Mistress told us something like that. That she wanted to teach us how to make food... I'd like that, if you could teach us." The other fillies looked down at the mention of Mistress, but turned their attention back to Void with a bit of hope in their eyes. The foals' personalities were made more obvious as they ate, Piecey being the more energetic one who kept trying to take the food from the plate herself and ending up making most of the admittedly small mess between the two, while Peal was more restrained, sitting upright next to Teal looking to mirror her as she was fed, crewing the food she was given and doing her best to not make a mess. Piecey was wholly focused on the food, while Peal was looking all about the room, though she looked mostly at Void she looked away whenever Void looked her way. The fillies all looked confused when Void said dessert, they looked between the food and Void and seemed to conclude that it was some other form of food but didn't ask about it just yet as Ardee helped divide the remainder of the salad. Vale refused any more for herself, and Ardee only set a small portion for the foals as they shouldn't eat too much more being so much smaller. They all watched Void closely as they finished off the salad at a bit more restrained pace than before. Once the foals were done eating Teal and Toupé returned them to the crib before passing through the toy area and finding a small soft animal for each of them and putting them in the crib with the foals to entertain them for a bit. They were quick to return to watching Void work. The fillies were impressed by the sweet smelling thing that Void set before them, it was clear by their expressions they had never seen something like it before. Toupé looked to get Void's attention before speaking, "Um... you said these are protein bars, do you think Elef would like them? The guard mare said that thestrals like him need lots of protein, more than other ponies, which is why they have to go hunting." Teal on the other hoof had a simpler question, "Is, uh, is this dessert? Or, uh, what exactly is dessert?"

@Catpone Cerberus Ætheron could understand that the city had made Ædriga quite uncomfortable, and so was more than willing to lead the way back into the forest. He would wait until Ædriga seemed comfortable before attempting to interact with her. If she calmed before they reached the cave they had started at this morning then he'd turn and ask, "Do you want to hunt with me?" He'd draw in a clear spot in the trail a basic pictograph of him and her fighting a manticore, "Or do you want to rest while I hunt?" He drew himself hunting on one side and her sleeping on the other. If she hadn't calmed down by the time they got back to the cave he'd drop the packages off his back, leaving her language books where she could easily access them, then turn to leave, "You stay and rest, I'll go hunt." If she didn't seem to understand he'd draw her sleeping in the cave while he shot small creatures with his bow.

@Sherem Changelings are cautious by nature, they always wait until they are sure before acting or asserting anything. While they are aware both of the School and Ocellus (Who I will admit is very cute) they cannot get close enough to evaluate it and make an informed decision. Further, they could just as easily decide that it furthers the doctrine that only 'reformed' will most ponies accept them, which they do not find acceptable. I'm one of those who dislikes the transformation, to me it implies that they are, by nature, duplicitous and evil. Further it seems to teach the lesson that one must change themselves and abandon their past in order to be accepted, something I can't agree with. While it may be true that there is higher chance of acceptance, and many may choose to adopt a bug pony form form to reach that acceptance, it is not something I imagine most changelings will accept as a reasonable compromise. Besides, Celestia isn't exactly in a position to demand anything. Sounds like you've got a good idea of it then. If you need more help then here's how I imagine you could have her respond: Celestia would nod in understanding before she responded, "I see. You must understand that my ponies were in many cases traumatized by the attack, ponies are known to lash out when they feel threatened. Still, that does not excuse their actions against your constituents, I simply ask for some understanding as it may take some time for them to accept your presence. May I suggest a compromise? A sort of cooperation among our peoples? I could select a few ponies, trusted by the populous, to meet with and learn from some representatives of your kind. As our representatives interact it should show the rest that they have nothing to fear from your kind. In the meantime I will do what I can to ensure those propagating the violence are adequately punished. Do you find that acceptable?" I think that works well for her, but you're free to have her answer as you will, although: I don't know what you meant when you said that, so I can't reflect that into her response. If you can remember the opening and problem she foresaw that would be good to include in her response.

@Sherem I assume you mean on the council side as I'm sure you can figure out Sherem in a bar. Lets see here, how Celestia reacts depends on how she views changelings as a whole (Whether they can be trusted or not), and what she thinks is needed in order for the populous to trust the changelings as they are. Do the ponies need to see them transformed in order to trust them? Can they be convinced by simple public forums or official declarations? Perhaps there could be an exploratory delegation made, have some open minded ponies, trusted by the populous, learn from the changelings directly how they coexist with ponies and how their relationships are beneficial so that the population can understand that they are not parasites but symbiotes. If Celestia is against the changelings things will be much more difficult, but she could demand that they submit to 'reformation' in order to prove that they are as cooperative as they say, or demand they leave Equestria until Chrysalis is brought to justice. Let's look through what the delegates said and I'll give some alternative wording if it wasn't clear: Officially, the Queens' Council does not accept responsibility for Thorax. They don't know Celestia's relationship with him and are distancing themselves if the relationship is bad. First they assert that changelings and ponies have peacefully coexisted as they were, and would have continued as such had Chrysalis not attacked. The ambassador personally sees the transformation as a perversion of their natural state. The Council has asserted that no being is inherently evil, and as such need not change their nature in order to be accepted into civil society. This extends to say that carnivores need not become herbivores in order to be accepted. Excepting those cultures which are inherently evil, all cultures should be accepted and cherished as they are. The council accepts that change and compromise may be needed, and are willing to adapt as the situation requires. They reassert that any such compromise must include the ceasing of injuries against them, and cannot obligate any to 'transform'. Hopefully this helps, feel free to ask if anything is unclear or to clarify exactly what you need help with.

@Blitz Boom (NP) The stallion at the desk nodded, he signaled to one of the guards who went behind the dividing wall, "Just a moment, can't leave the desk unattended after all." The stallion shrugged, "Never met him personally, I don't think he's left the Stacked Deck since his golems liberated the town. But from what I've heard he seems more like a shrewd business pony, he wanted to be sure our sector was the best option both for the town and for you. It seems like he truly does care for the city, and just wants what's best for it." Soon after getting that answer a shorter mare also in a checkered suit came out from around the dividing wall and nodded to the stallion, who let her take his place behind the desk. The stallion walked out from behind the desk and motioned for Arcade and Null to follow. Stepping around the divider wall the sounds of the casino grew ever more apparent, to both sides of the polished walkway were rows of slot machines, then the room opened up with higher ceilings and a second level that overlooked the lower lever, they could see ponies of all kinds eating but mostly drinking on the upper level while the lower level was dedicated to more involved gambling tables like varieties of cards tables and a few roulette wheels. "This here is the main hall of the Top Suits, gambling of all sorts takes place here on the lower level, while our top notch dining services and bar area overlooks it. The frequent stairways ensures easy transport between the two layers, often it's easier to navigate between the tables by going up and over them than winding through the tables and machines on the lower level." Pas the gambling hall they entered a large covered rotunda, the ceiling was easily three floors high. A pair of staircases connected the levels and wound around the room. "This here is the center, a good place to relax between the gambling and the theater. To the north and the south are the two wings of our hotel, on the third floor of the east side, over the gambling hall, are our top suites, including the owner's suite, the penthouse suite, and the high roller suite." He continued west, crossing the rotunda to the opposite side from the gambling. "Here we have the Three Piece Theater. Each level has it's own entrance, and through a marvel of architecture it can be arranged to be three separate stages, or all the seats can look down on the base floor's grand stage! Unfortunately at the moment we don't have much in the way of performers lined up, but we hope our cooperation with Troy will attract more performers to our stage." He opened the door to the base level of the theater, and it was in pretty good repair all things considered. If Null were well versed in architecture she might notice that the upper level's stages were held up by strong cables, and were likely pulled up into the ceiling when the upper levels needed to look down on the base stage. The theater shown he returned them to the rotunda, he seemed to think about something for a moment before nodding, "Let me show you one more thing. If nothing else has impressed you, then this surely will." He led them back into the gambling hall, and turned down one of the rows of slot machines until they came upon a rather different kind of machine. It looked more like an arcade machine than a slot machine, it had arcade controls instead of a slot arm, but above it was a jackpot total that was rather impressive in size. Cabinet Mare was the title painted on the head board. "That there is Cabinet Mare, or old Cabbie as the regulars call her. No one's ever won the jackpot since it was first brought in before the Summer War. Some say it's haunted, some younger ponies went insane trying to beat it, so they stopped letting foals onto the gambling floor. I've paid in a good portion of my pay trying to beat it myself, I'm sure I've gotten close on occasion." He shrugged, "The game's different for everyone who plays it. Though if you do feel like giving her a spin I should warn you... those who don't treat her well, tend not to walk away unscathed." He'd walk away leaving the ominous tone, "Enjoy yourselves, if you'd like to cash some chips the bank's just over there, if you want to book yourselves a room feel free to come back by the front desk." Arcade seemed generally impressed by the whole show, but was wary when they were shown Cabinet Mare. Once the checkered suited stallion was out of earshot he whispered to Null, "That machine, it doesn't sound far off from the kind of thing the facility would investigate. I'd be careful if I were you." (Troy) Toupé seemed to relax at her promise, and resumed her place at Teal's side as they watched her make the salad. While they were a bit wary at first to try what was offered to them, even after Void tried it herself, they warmed up to the idea soon enough and enjoyed the small amounts they were offered, after trying the lettuce Teal remarked, "It's... it's like the food we had before. Before Mistress took us away." This prompted Toupé to try her first bit, who nodded as she chewed, "Just... different. It crunches more, has more water in it." They weren't too impressed by the taste of the oil, but weren't put off by it, each giggled at the other's reaction to it. Toupé responded, "This one is Piecey," she pointed to the one who had captivated Void's attention, who was being carried by Vale, "And that one is Peal." She pointed to the midnight blue pegasus foal that Ardee carried. After Ardee got a good look at what Void had made she spoke up, "They should be able to eat the greens fine as they are, should be good for their teeth anyway, but as long as the fruit isn't too sweet or sour they should like it fine. Th... thank you for doing this for us." She spared a glance at the other two, who quickly caught on and gave Void, Vale, and Pen, a short Equestrian bow, "Thank you!" they said in unison before accepting a plate each from Void, as well as a plate of the softened food each for the foals. They stepped back a bit before sitting with their food, Ardee set Peal down with Teal and Vale set Piecey down with Toupé as well as accepting a plate for herself. Pen waved Void off when she tried to plate something up for her, "No no... It'd be sort of like cannibalism for a wooden pony to eat plants wooden it?" she smirked at her pun before whispering in Void's ear, "I just eat dust, and there's plenty of that to go around here, but I appreciate the thought." Once they were all sat down the fillies did their best to corral the wiggling foals who wanted to attack their plates while they looked at Void, apparently waiting for something. If Void didn't pick up that they wanted her to eat first Ardee would explain, "Um... it's... well... Mistress taught us it was rude to start before the host, so..." Once Void took her bite they would start to eat themselves, first slowly then ravenously as they truly experienced the flavors. Toupé and Teal helped Piecey and Peal to eat slowly, giving them individual pieces of lettuce and small portions of the softened fruit at a time, cleaning them up as they went so none of the food went to waste. Despite their age the foals were remarkably clean eaters, it seemed they had been taught early to eat all the food and not waste any. Soon enough they'd finish off their plates, almost leaving them cleaner than they had started before eyeing what was left in the serving bowl. They didn't seem familiar with the concept of leftovers. Ardee spoke again, "Um... could we have more? Is that allowed?"

@Catpone Cerberus Ætheron would not try a second time to touch Ædriga once she recoiled from his first attempt, and would simply wait for her to regain her senses before continuing. He nodded at her charaded explanation, "Good to fly and not fight. Not good to fight friends." he motioned towards the forest with concern still on his face, "Do you want to go back into the forest now? We won't go far before we camp for the night."

@Blitz Boom You're very good at it, but here's my attempts. First is Toupé, once she's grown up a bit, next is Ardee once she's grown up.

@Catpone Cerberus (Well I'd hate to let your writing go to waste) Despite their best efforts a large, but young faced, griffon ran into Ædriga, the two of them falling over in the process and Ætheron disappearing into the crowd. "Oh! I'm so sorry, I..." the griffon noticed she was a dragon, and immediately backed up with a somewhat fearful expression before scurrying off in the opposite direction. When she started to panic many of those around her noticed and widened their berth around her, they all stared with worried expressions but didn't venture to help the panicked dragoness. When she took off for the skies she would narrowly avoid crashing into the flying ponies and griffons, though a few hurled some unkind words after her. Once she had made it to the edge of the forest, it wouldn't take long for Ætheron to arrive at a full thundering gallop, worry and concern evident on his face. He'd attempt to calm her with soothing contact if she seemed receptive, and simply waiting nearby if she refused his touches. Once she seemed to have calmed down enough he would ask, "Are you okay?"

@Blitz Boom Thanks for the tip, if I can get it working you should see a number of characters appear here shortly.

@Blitz Boom That's some phenomenal quality there, it looked like a commissioned piece! What creator program did you use? She looks very good!

@Randimaxis @Blitz Boom @Flow Mystic felt an ache start to grow in her horn and deeper behind her eyes, she had never channeled this long before, and it was starting to strain even her podigious stores of energy and ability. She would have to end this quickly or else she'd pass out, potentially revealing herself to the two with her. Nonetheless, her discomfort and physical strain would be obvious to the other two if they looked her way, sweat poured down her furrowed brow and all her muscles were tense. She did her best despite the growing pain to draw the plant that the ghost showed her. It was hard to understand, it seemed like Luther, or again someone in charge, knew of or had a certain plant like the one she drew, and the ghost wanted it here. How any of it related to the two stallions she had seen earlier she had no clue. She very much hoped Luther would be able to explain something. Drawing done she'd reach up to remove her blindfold and thus sever the channel, unless the ghost mare did something to warrant her continued effort.

@Catpone Cerberus Ætheron puzzled for a moment exactly what Ædriga wanted in regards to his question, before narrowing it down to either not wanting to leave the post office, or being hesitant to pass through the city again to get to the forest. He decided the second was more likely, "Don't worry, we'll go back to the forest then." He bid his farewells to the staff, Postmark saying goodbye to Ædriga as well, "I hope to see you again soon! Keep Ætheron safe for me!" With that they were back on the streets of the city, it was somehow more crowded now than it had been when they first arrived, and they didn't get nearly as much of a berth as they had the first time. If Ædriga wasn't careful she'd quickly get separated from Ætheron, especially since he was striding at a quicker pace than when they first arrived.

@Blitz Boom (NP) Arcade seemed surprised by the revelation, "Really? Interesting, I suppose they would then have an ulterior motive for keeping us sane, though I suppose it's really a win-win for them and us, as long as they prefer positive emotions." Arcade didn't look very impressed by Null's attempt, but shrugged as he headed up to the desk, "We're new in town, came with the Trojan Ambassadors, what's good around here?" The stallion at the desk changed his tune rather quickly when he heard who they were with, "Ah! That does explain the difference. If I recall correctly they put the embassy just about southwest from here right?" He smiled, "You've got my boss to thank for that, he fought hard to get that space cleared and approved by Grey Mane. We do hope you find the edifice accommodating? If there's anything it lacks don't be afraid to come to us for assistance. Anyway," he reached under the desk and pulled out a damaged map of the city with a number of notes on it. "First off, outside of the immediate vicinity of the Stacked Deck I'd avoid the coastline at all costs, past that I'd stay away from the north and south quadrants as well, not exactly the most savory of ponies there if you catch my drift. Now, your not a pegasus like your... friend there, so I'll skip the cloud district, but over here in the west side the three inner rings are where most of the commercial business are, you've got theaters, a few boutiques, top notch restaurants. Queen Cheshire's old acting school and theater is in this quadrant, though it's in the middle rings like your embassy. The outer rings are mostly residential so I'd avoid those when wandering, though I assure you they're safe to travel. You may find some smaller shops throughout, but the highest quality and security are to be found here in the center." He looked between the two, "Anything in particular I can recommend? Or would you like a tour of the facilities we provide here?" Arcade looked back at Null for her decision. (Troy) Toupé shook her head as she took a step back, holding the front of the coat closed with a hoof. Ardee comforted her while Teal explained, "That's Mistress' coat, She gave it to her before she left, said it would keep her safe, she hasn't taken it off since." She chuckled, "You'd likely have better luck washing it while she wore it." Now that Teal mentioned it, while these ponies weren't exactly dirty they weren't the most clean either. It was clear they weren't the most well versed in proper hygiene and likely didn't bathe as often as one should. Combined with their recent trip across the desert... perhaps it would be best to show them the bathroom after dinner, and make sure they knew how to operate the shower/bathtub. They all watched intently as Void worked, Toupé even bringing out a battered notebook and worn down pencil to take notes. Pen and Vale helped Void as they were able, Pen took interest in the notes Toupé was taking, while Vale was more Void's sous chef for the salad. Vale also sampled one of the cubes to further prove it was safe to eat, though it was clear that Vale was not a big fan of squash, the face she made caused a small amount of giggles among the fillies. Now that the squash was cut they turned their attention to the other ingredients Vale had brought with differing levels of curiosity and recognition. The more common ones like lettuce and apples they recognized, but anything less than common they didn't seem to recognize. The foals started to stir, so Ardee went over to check on them, and Vale went along, "Would you like some help Ardee?" Ardee hesitated a moment before nodding, "If they like you it should be fine." With that Vale and Ardee ducked behind the curtain to care for the foals, if nothing crazy happened on Void's end they'd return each carrying one of the now awake foals about fifteen minutes later, their wide eyes looking all about the room but mostly focusing on the ponies in the room and smiling. Unwrapped Void could see they were a white unicorn with a pink mane and a purple-black pegasus with a light blue mane. When the unicorn foal met Void's gaze she couldn't help but recognize the eyes as being just like Celestia's: full of love and acceptance.