Blitz Boom

@Illiad Easle (Cherish) Oooh, shoot. It hadn't been before he suddenly dropped off, causing Cherish to have to turn around, as she wasn't as quick on the uptake there as Elef had been, that she noticed that apparently, they had flown for quite some way. None of what she saw right now were familiar, and that told her that they had probably flown for quite some time, in a direction going away from Troy. Her mom wasn't gonna be happy about this... *sigh* Well, she were too deep in now, and she wasn't just gonna abandon Elef here, at whatever the place were he had finally flown down to. She'd just have to ask forgiveness later, and hope her mom could understand why she had followed him. Poor Crow had to be panicky too... She really should have said something, before taking off. She just got so worried, seeing what had happened. Hopefully she could make it up to everyone, once she got hold of Elef, and came home with him. Least she wouldn't have to worry about them being lost in the desert Even if it got dark, they were near a city. Surely there'd be someone there that could help them, even if Elef was hurt. Though she hoped he wasn't. She wasn't that physically strong. "Eleeef! Please wait for meee!" ================================================================== (Void) "Null will help, I know it, but I'm still going on the airship, right after I make sure that you two are back home, and looked out for." Void would turn and look directly at Gemini and Teal. "I know you worry too, but I need you to stay safe at home, and look after your sisters, while we go and get Elef. He's close to you. I really do understand that, but it's harder for us to focus our search, if we have to watch out for you too, okay? Please, trust me with this. I will get him home." It were a lot harder for her to deal with issues, if she also had to make sure to keep Gemini and Teal safe from everything at the same time. It were going to be a lot easier, if they were back home and safe, while they went and dealt with this. She'd listen if they had input, but when everything were said and done between them, she'd make sure to drag them into a hug, one on each side, while looking up towards Llambda. "I hope Vale can look out for them, but in case she can't, I'd appreciate your help, just until I get back." She'd welcome Llambda to join her in the chase too, of course, but she had to be sure that her kids had someone to look out for them first. She refused to leave the younglings all by themselves. Though hopefully Vale could look out for them. As for Crow, she shook her head, at the offering to join the airship. "N-No airship. Dangerous. Don't want. Just... Show me, p-please. I fly then." She were not a fan of the idea, being in an enclosed space, with armed guards in many places. It were better for her to fly. That way she could also look down, to see if they had maybe stopped on the way there. Regarding said airship, Void would bring a small saddlebag, with some water and a med kit, that she tended to keep packed, just in case, along with the hammer she had been gifted at the door. She hadn't much use of it recently, beyond some training, but she had been given it, and would use it as needed. This were as good at time as any to stay strapped, and be ready for anything. ==================================================================== (Grey) "I just hope it leads to the least amount of casualties." Craven slightly nodded at that. "I'll keep that in mind, thank you." Probably best to bring a pouch just to be safe, but it wouldn't have to be special or anything, so that would save some time. Also, folks tended to notice when you wandered around with a hex box. A leather pouch though, could be hidden under clothes, and be used for many things. If he could turn pale, he would have done so, when Red were mentioned. Red wasn't talked about a lot, that was for sure. One of those they tried to not bring up, as it had been a bad time for both changelings and others alike when she had been there. But he had been one of those that sadly met her. Not from the start mind you, but he had the misfortune of running into her once, a few weeks before she were told to leave the protection of the group, A very rare ruling by Bling and her siblings, but Red had been problematic, and unwilling to get help to reel herself in, so Bling had no choice. It were either casting Red out, or have the entire hive, and those they helped, get into trouble, for holding their hooves over a violent criminal, and she couldn't do that to everyone. He knew she had still done so with a heavy heart though, and had prayed that wherever she had gone, she'd get some help, and live a happier life. She always felt hurt, when she couldn't help the changelings in town that needed it. Which to her, were basically most of them. As for his own encounter, he had been in town just a short while, and accidentally stumbled in on one of her uhm... Aftermaths. Considering the sight, and what he were told of her after, to warn him to not cross paths with her again, he were amazed that he hadn't gotten his head cracked open there. Though she still spooked him, even just when he saw her. She were a uhm... Very frightening presence. He'd helped the victim get out and patched up, then assisted in watching over him for a while, as he got better. Been his introduction into the hive proper. Not he best way, but at least he hadn't had to bury someone again. And now he had to deal with her once more. *gulp* This were not good. Especially not if she remembered him, and could sense him out. Hopefully she couldn't, but it were a concern. And a fair one, he'd argue. She were likely to rip his limbs off, one by one, if she found he were trying to meddle with her affairs. "I... Will keep that in mind. I... Oh gods, this just gets worse and worse. Why did it have to be Red, of all changelings... Hopefully I can just incapacitate her. I know some things that works on changelings specifically. Just have to be careful with it, and it should go somewhat okay. But a-anyway, thank you for the information, sir. I'll go and make preparations. Hopefully I'll see you again soon." He hooped that The Grey had some insight back, because otherwise, he had to go and look for essentially some magic disruption. A few tools like that made over the years, to knock out a changeling instantly, by messing with their magic. Also some that's disrupt it to the point of instantly killing them, but he'd prefer it didn't get to that, as seeing their leader killed, could cause a riot. Even if it were Red, and she likely deserved it. Yannit would likely agree it were best to kill her, once she heard who it were. She had heard some snippets here and there. Enough to make her sure Red were nothing but bad news, and could cause issues, even if she were in chains. But having that option as a last resort, were probably wise too. There were of course also the worst option, but he sincerely hoped that no one were in possession of that particular toxin here in New Las Pegasus, or in general. He'd never seen it, but the infamous toxin from Neighpon, developed specifically against changelings, were horrifying enough to be well known, in the right circles. Essentially a fungus, it were administered via needles, or chugged into the mouth of the changeling in question, and while normal bodies would simply digest the weird concoction, it would fester quickly in changelings, covering their insides, and draining every ounce of emotion they had in them, and any they would consume. It essentially starved them to death rapidly, over a period of 3-5 hours, if you didn't get the antidote, and could be spread via bites or bile from infected changelings. It were generally considered a war crime among changelings to use it upon them, as it could eradicate entire hives if it were deployed properly. Though thankfully, the one who had invented it, were in kind actually imprisoned, once the next leader of Neighpon had come to power, who despised the concoction, and the toxin were officially destroyed in its entirety, around 16 years ago. Didn't mean there weren't still some lingering fear, that it were available somewhere, and ready to be used though. Or that paperwork had survived. Though he truly hoped it were but a forgotten part of history, and would never reemerge. ============================================================================ **Next day.** (Cherish) Cherish would land and fold her wings in, when she saw him dig on the ground, and approach him without hesitation. "Elef! I was so worried about you, are you hurt?" When he responded, she stop up, around a meter away from him, one hoof risen up and ready to set down again. It were a response that had caused her pause, as it were rather confusing to her. "I had to follow you, Elef! I was so worried when you got attacked and took off. Please, stop digging, and let's go home, okay? I bet everyone's super worried about us." She'd put her hoof down, and slowly walk closer. Not an ounce of fear in her eyes, but simply concern, over what were up with Elef. Why were he being weird, and trying to dig out a hole? Was he trying to go underground to run away from her? ============================================================= (Null) Null were not morning happy, but despite wanting to be miffed and let out a retort in the vein of *Shut it, and let me sleep*, the message instead got her groggy mind to wake up more, and rub her eyes free of sleep. If Arcade were here, she'd shake him, and tell him they had to get up, otherwise, she'd respond to Nine first, and then go to where her coltfriend were sleeping, and stir him from his rest. "Elef took off? And he brought another kid? Awh bugger. I'll get right on it." She didn't hope that he would snack on that pegasus, but she had seen him do this by accident before, and it could end up happening again. She had to go get him fast, and drag him back here, were she could keep a better eye on him, until she assumed Void would come for him. She couldn't imagine one of her kids took off, and her sister wouldn't go and fetch him herself. Hopefully she'd be able to present a colt flustering and ready for a scolding, and not a corpse, or someone with young blood around their muzzle. =============================================================== (Ranger) Morning brunch were being set up, so about half were there. It'd be possible to go in and eat, but the selection would just be a little limited for the next 15-25 minutes or so. She'd find though, that Kozue were already there. He tended to wake up early and get to the buffet before most others, so that he could eat in peace, and go back to clean his musical instrument before getting on with a nap, and then the day proper. Though as he had to go out and be active today, he had a bit more on his plate, along with a big glass of herbal tea, so he had some energy to work with. Honestly, the most lazy of them would be Speck, who had jumped up on Ranger's back, and then laid down to take another nap. It'd be up and causing trouble later, more than likely. Kozue gnawed down some veggie bacon and scrambled eggs when he saw Ranger, and rose a paw in greeting. "Oh hey, good morning! I figured it'd be at least a few more hours before you woke up. Come right in. Plenty of room this time of the morning." ============================================================ (Void) Crow had flown off, once she had been shown where to go, but they would manage to catch up to her. She had gotten lost once, and it took her a bit of time to backtrack, though at least she still had some of her snack crystal left, that she had been gnawing on for comfort food as she were on her way. She'd be around 2/3'ths of the way, when she saw the air ship, and with some trepidation, would fly up towards it, though she elected to follow it, rather than board, lest she were told to. She'd already gotten lost once, and might again, if she didn't follow them, unfortunately. She didn't like having to rely on others like this, but she'd do most anything for Cherish. Sadly she weren't as good at following a map as she had thought. Or her panic had impacted her. Either way, it wasn't good, and she truly worried constantly about Cherish, and how she were doing out here, so far from Troy. She could get seriously hurt, and not be found for years, if ever, out here in the desert. As for Void, she were nervous too, constantly checking her equipment, and making sure her leg were attached proper, even though the several dozen others check, showed her that everything were perfectly fine. But she too were worried, for Elef and Cherish alike. If Llambda were with her, she'd talk to her, even if she wasn't looking directly at her, just as they were being approached from the down-ward left of the ship by Crow. "We have to be there soon, right? Oh, I hope Null already have them... The desert is too dangerous for two young ponies to fly around in all by themselves."

@EQ_Theta "...It is hard, to think about the future. I try sometimes, but there is many things that can change, and not like when Master Discord was in control. Things change slower, but it is more permanent. Confusing, but supposed to be understood... How can you be prepared for the future, when it keeps changing? Maybe I will understand some day. For now, I think I will try and think of what we have to do with the elders, so I do not forget something important. There are many things you have all told me there, that sounds important to not forget. So many more happening, that I have to save room for too." Things happened so rapidly, that she barely had time to think over things anymore. Last night had helped some, but there were still much, and more would inevitably come, soon as they headed towards the elders, and then also when they actually got there. Even if the meeting went badly, she had to remember the things they were told there, as they would be important, yes? And her friends needed her to be present for the ordeal. It would not be good if she shut down, because she were overburdened. And to think, a few months past, she would have never thought of this, or anything like it. Sen, Lin, Rosa and others, had already done much to learn her about things. Even if there were still much left, it were more than even her master had given her, about how the world truly worked, for all the years she followed his commands. The squid-like creature would wave back with the end of one of his tentacles too, before leaving fully. He had much to ponder, about the existence of several different worlds, the meeting he had with one such world's denizens, and the nature of his new servants home world. Things worth study and keeping for posterity, in several shells, but before that, he would need to focus on his new servant. Teach her how to swim, how to commune, and the various other things, needed to simply be, in this new home of hers. It would also be prudent to teach her this spell to keep the water in, in case she were to wander worlds, as to not empty their oceans into that of her mother. It would benefit neither of them. The time would perhaps allow him to prepare more for another meeting with the dry creatures, and perhaps ask his new servant some questions, about the potential for cross-dimensional travel. He got the gist that they themselves were bound to be only of their own realm, and that of their masters, but what of said masters, or any other that they gave passage to? Now that was a subject worth studying for potential future implementations. "Many good masters are chosen recently. Maybe more will not have to wait for so long then." Omen would look towards a particular set of eyes, laid on shadow, that neared to gaze at the water left behind. Six eyes like a feline, in three different sizes. No name, just like any of the unformed, but they all knew this one were the oldest among them. The one that were here, more than any other remaining unformed. Perhaps with how many masters were chosen these days, they too would find a home? it had been very, very long since the last oldest one had been picked. As for Mother, she did not arrive, but a cold wind did come, carrying her breath on it, caressing their ears as her words reached them. "Wander proudly home, and rest your weary mind, my children. You will need your strength for the tasks ahead. Please let me know how it went, next you return." Though it held no actual power, she truly wished them the best, as they prepared to leave. They had a most arduous task ahead of them, that she did not envy, but she had faith that they would prevail. Dealing with her daughter's new sibling showed well how they adapted to new situations at the least. Hopefully their elders were at the least half as amicable as he had been. Naught else would come from her, and Omen would follow quietly back home, to whatever awaited them. Rest perhaps? Or more hunters. Who could really tell? ======================================================= @EQ_Theta Celestia smirked a little, hearing the argument at the end, towards the concept of perhaps finding complacency, rather than continue to learn. "I believe you and my dear student Twilight, would get along well, Videntor. You have much the same view upon knowledge, and the need to expand your knowledge, regardless if you find the answer you first sought. Perhaps a jaunt to Ponyville some day, would be an enlightening experience for you." Ever an inquisitive one that mare, but it had gotten her far, and Celestia were confident that it would lead her to ushering in a new, enlightened age someday in the future. Perhaps a meeting with an ancient creature possessing a golem, would further expand both of their mindsets, and work towards that? Hard to say, though she knew for certain that Twilight would be interested in meeting them. It were a unique opportunity to meet beings of a long-extinct race, possessing knowledge that had long since faded and been forgotten. It were practically a dream come true for her delightful little bookworm. "From what I know of golems, their creation takes a lot of magic, rituals, and discipline. I would be surprised, if they had no knowledge of how to do so, nor had made some themselves. Still, if you ever do meet some, even if they do not face you with hostility, do keep your wits at hoof, and speak to them with the same respect, that you would given to you. They are infamous tricksters, but they are not without reason, nor hospitality. Though, I wouldn't waste my time going to Neighpon and chasing after them. Their government have tried for generations, for various reasons, of which not all of them are good, and they have all come up short. You will have better luck finding one that roams than their mainland settlements." She would not speak of it, but during her occasional talks with Neighpon over the centuries, she had been asked if she knew of a way to find them, or perhaps could find one. While she felt like they were likely to be able to handle that, if able minds were set upon it, such as the former scientists of Center Zero, her interest in helping them in this matter had long been tempered, by the shifting reason behind it, as while some wanted simply to be able to find and speak with the kitsune to set some good terms between them, others had a long standing want to eradicate them, due to old grudges, or religious beliefs, and with how the leader might change abruptly into the latter, giving them a tool like this, if they were able to make it, could amount to her partaking in genocide. Her hooves were not clean, but she had limits, even if it would give her more political sway with Neighpon, while the kitsune and them never had any official one, beyond the unspoken rule of *Live and let live*. Truthfully, she hadn't a clue how them meeting any kitsune might go, but she wished them the best of luck when the time came. Had she known of the exchange student program happening now in Ponyville, she might have directed them there for that too, as two kits were currently attending the School of Friendship, but due to Twilight being a princess in her own right, ad Ponyville being her domain as it were, she had handled such things herself. She were going to speak to the princess of it eventually, but much had happened since then, so it had taken a backset for now. Celestia bowed her head in turn, smiling a little more warmly, after the shadowy griffon had diminished it so before. "Til we meet again, I wish you all the best." And with that, she would be on her way properly, and the changelings would return to doing what they did, which included gossip between one another, and ordering more drinks, which left the owner a little busy right now. Not to worry though, as they sought to move on, and Scarcity were ready for that to happen too. Though Wig would give them an enthusiastic wave and a big ol' grin, before going back to filling cups. Hopefully they'd come back someday, and try more tastes. She were always happy to have more non-changeling customers, to branch out a bit more. "I were just going to propose that myself. Shall we?" She'd give a respectful nod towards Wig, but as she seemed busy, she didn't chose to disturb her. One should respect a worker, and try not to unduly interrupt, lest there were reason for it. Leading them in a specific direction, she would regale them with a few titbits here and there on the places they assed. A fair few tailors in this town, they might find, but she assured them that they each had mostly their own clientele, though she did highly endorse one particular one, as they offered not only a proper dress and fitting, but a complimentary mane and beard styling too. A couple that owned it, that had understood the value in having a place were one could walk in a mess from the street, and come out looking like a shining star. Lovely ponies too, she'd add. As the crowds thinned out, they would eventually get to a part of Canterlot that looked a fair bit less modern. Less glamour and more practicality. Houses that seemed out of place in this day and age, with less shops around, and the locals seemed to mostly keep to themselves, and their own friends. At least less looks were send their way, and barring a few nods, no one really commented on their presence, and just went about their own business. There were still obvious tourists wandering about, some of them chewing on snacks, but they were obvious tourists, as they stuck out a lot in behavior, and generally looked and pointed various places, engrossed in the scenic, rustic trip through this place. "Welcome all, to Canterlot's Old Town. A lovely quaint part of an otherwise evolving city. Lest you think it dead, I assure you that Old Town is still fairly alive, but most work are in the main city, and those here, are often those who prefer the quiet, or have other reasons not to speak with others. And then there are places such as this." She would point towards a shop, that were covered in layers of plastic. Underneath were what looked like an old timey butcher shop, which considering the sign above it saying *Double Chow's Meat & Pet Food*, were fairly accurate. "Belongs to an old friend of mine. One of the rare equine butchers we have, and thus are necessitated to work away from the main town, as it is a frowned upon profession. You will find the fish market in this area for the same reason, further along. As for the plastic, he's having the shop fumigated. One have to adhere to certain standards, when handling food of any kind. As for the general look, this part of Canterlot is the oldest, and it have been seen as important to our history, that it is kept as it were, so any renovations and such, have to be made with that in mind. As it means it can't be as flashy as the main street, it does cause it to be less bustling, but as mentioned, it allows space for those who prefer more quiet, for instance. Ah, here we are." As she had talked, their trip had gotten them to a stone house, that looked like it were among the oldest of the bunch, although not worn down. It appeared to have been renovated with said old look in mind, and as she knocked, the door would open, and show that Brick stood in there, silently gazing upon them all, before moving aside. Inside were a perfectly clean home. A kitchen, two bedrooms, a living room, a basement, a study, and a fireplace. Several more rooms, a large bathroom, and closets for other uses too, past the hallways, all looking fairly rustic, but perfectly functional. "And now that we have more privacy, let me speak more plainly of a few things. The shadowy figure that ended our meeting? They are one of the recruits, that works for Shade Stealer. The Night Guard's special ops leader. Essentially the one who does their dirty work, to put it in simpler terms. He's widely disliked, due to his usage of necromancy, and his workers never speak. Most think it part of their duty, but I know it to be because they are not able. The role of being a Shadow Hunter, is offered as an alternative to long prison sentences for certain criminals with potential, in secret of course. If they accept, their souls are torn out, and embedded into what amounts to puppets clad in shadow, run by necromancy, while their bodies are kept alive and comatose. You then serve out a lesser sentence as part of their group, and have your mind clearer of your time there, upon your exit from it. Celestia is one of the few that knows the full truth, and she absolutely loathe Shade Stealer, and have openly ordered that he and his puppets are not to approach her, unless there is no alternative. Interesting stallion really, but very dutybound, and loyal beyond measure to General Screecher. As for this home, it is among the oldest and largest that Old Town had, and are one of several dozens I have purchased over time, and keep renovated and clean, in case I need to have housing on offer. Old Town offer more privacy, and have lower property value, due to less general demand, so it is a great place for me to house certain associates, such as yourselves. I think you will find this place adequate as your rendezvous point. The basement also have a few secret compartments that you can hide things in, in case you worry about theft, or noisy guards. I assure you everything is in perfect working order, though lacking somewhat in homely charm. Some personal decorating from your part, should handle that rather easily, I would say. Now before I continue on with more, have you any questions, or responses? We can speak freely in here, so worry not." ====================================================================== @Catpone Cerberus A small frown furrowed her brow as she heard that question, though she'd answer it. Was a fair one, and the answer wouldn't reveal anything forbidden. Though really, she barely knew anything that were so forbidden, that she cared to keep it a secret. She could count those on one paw, and she doubted the conversation would go anywhere near those topics. "Yeah, there's creatures of pure order alright, and if you're lucky, they're never gonna get back to this reality. Those freaks are better kept in their own world, wherever they ended up. They're why the draoncequui kingdom broke up, I've been told. Was before my time, but apparently there were so much chaos from all the draconequui gathered up, ruling over a sorta huge continent, that the universe or something spat out beings of pure order to balance things. Big war, not great, and in the end, they got banished, and the kingdom broke up. Sometime during it, the continent got broken up too. Might've been because of the war, or a further way to make sure we wouldn't go gathering in huge numbers again. Either way, we all know the warning, that the old draconequui gives us: Don't go too far, or pure order's gonna come back. And you don't want those things, because you know what the first thing those folks do is? They'll destroy your free will. Free will and choices are chaotic. Only way to have anyone being pure in order, is to have them lil' more than a living machine, taking orders. There's stuff like the Elements of Harmony, and various other stuff that balances things out these days, so ain't a worry, long as we don't try to stack up another kingdom. That's the rule. Or the old folks are running a prank that's lasted over a hundred thousand years, and they're laughing behind our backs. Honestly, I wouldn't put it past 'em." Ancient history meant that only the oldest could remember. Not a lot of those around anymore, but she wouldn't put it past them to tell them false tales, because they thought it was funny. Draconequui had some odd humor. To her credit, Glutton would actually listen to the whole thing, occasionally taking a bite out of a tree she'd yoink, or crunch of a boulder, etc. She didn't go for live or dead prey though right now, only inanimate things. She could go for those, but she didn't feel like it right now. Better with an oak, treetop dipped in the river, then rolled in old leaves and dirt. Aaah, that sorta thing hit the spot during a good story. She'd have just finished drinking the color off of a hanging willow branch, when Asildae finished. "Well ain't that something. Not often you see a hivemind anymore., Most of those I've known, either evolved out of it, or went extinct, once folks sorted out they could handle the problem, by cutting the head off the viper. Sounds alright though. Kinda like the changelings, but more ant-like." The tone of her voice and look on her face, should show that Glutton considered the species an interesting sort. She wasn't as big a fan of it as the fluffballs, but she were biased there too, so that weren't exactly a fair comparison. For normally evolving species? Yeah, she were a fan of the concept. Hiveminds, warring queens, brutal acquisition of power- They had it all, from the sounds of things. Only thing she wasn't a fan of, were the anti-magic properties they had, but nothing could be perfect now, could it? A shame really, as a nice, crunchy outer shell, with a gooey inside, seemed rather tasty, in these proportions. "I'll say you have some good grounds for wiping that stain out of your hive too. Might be family, but some brat that ain't playing the game fair, don't got no right to nick your throne. I mean, cheating's all fine and good, but this isn't even done in a fun way. What's the point?" The city vaguely got in sight in the distance, and above them, a massive shadow passed high above. If they looked up, they'd see a large dragon, with some smaller dragons flying nearby her, likely for protection. She appeared to be wearing... Giant, knitted socks, with room for her claws to exit, and a pair of glasses. Not something you saw everyday, but she were headed towards town all the same as them, yet seemed to pay them no heed, and if they did nothing to get her attention, she would simply continue as such, headed towards the giant city that neared in the distance. Though there were still some way left. They'd been fairly deep into the forest. Just a few of the taller buildings poking over the holes in the treetops here and there. =========================================================================== @Catpone Cerberus "Hmm... Several souls? Fascinating... Never were much in the way of research into how many souls were possible to maintain in the same body. Rather unethical stuff to put into practice, of course, and interest wane fast for scientists, when all they can do is speculate, or going by second-hoof accounts. Though it were speculated that a legion of them, - if possible - would present an unprecedented amount of ethereal energy. Still, I suppose I am merely running on conjecture. Something beyond just a gathering of souls sounds like they're about to cause great ruckus, and against two strengthened alicorns, it has to be something quite notable. Something you seem to have an inkling about, Mr. Vaz. Your body is a vessel, notable by more than simply longevity, I take it? Or have the potential to be so, at the least." Vaz were an ever expanding enigma at this point. One who with every layer, got more intriguing. What more were he hiding? What secrets were he the steward of, and what might it mean for their world, if something like this were to pass here, as it were in Solar's world? The battle between an immovable object, and an unstoppable force, were bound to be a catastrophic event, of historical proportions, and they hadn't the same degree of staunch militarism here. If a similar thing happened with Vaz here, things could end up quite problematic. Yet he he had wits around him, and didn't seem enamored with this alternative for himself, so she wouldn't currently think that he were headed down this path. It were more that it were an option he were aware of too, as he seemed to know what were happening, which introduced more secrecy. Hidden information that the researcher in her, wanted to pry more into, but now were neither the time, nor the place, to drill him about this. But oh how she longed to know more, and understand what he had done, and could do. "And SOlar, sir? If she were indeed predating the conflict, does that mean that this signal went off for a while, or are there also temporal interferences, when it comes to things and beings transporting over from your world? It could make things more troubling, if we end up with evidence from a non-linear timeline. We could suddenly be a year ahead, and a crazed alicorn, from mere hours into the conflict, wanders fully powered through to Equestria. Or we could run into long desiccated corpses within hours. Might I also add, if heat is required for a power source, would there be something to gain by reheating them? I can assist in that matter, if you think it will work." She didn't have to melt things. She could control her fire levels well enough, to where she could heat this up, to something similar to where they came from, without causing damage. Of course, she would need permission, as it wasn't like she wanted to accidentally cause issues. It were by far the best to offer the option, and then see what he wanted to do with that. He were both her boss, and the one most knowledgeable about these things. His input outvalued her own substantially on these matters. ==================================================================== @Catpone Cerberus "I dunno. But I'd guess it either means she's one of the top predators, or that she gave birth to one who're bound to be. Could also be a cultural thing, and a title that has some meaning beyond just the surface level. Truth is, I wish I knew. Maybe if I did, I could be more of a help to you and her here, instead of the burden I've been so far. *sigh* Sorry, sorry. This ain't about me. It's about Ruby. And your mother. From the sounds of it, she's notable for several things. Who she mated with, who her kids are..." Leviathan would turn and look directly at Charir. She had half the mind asking him about their mother, but seeing him in the face now, how worried he already were... She couldn't get herself to do it. A smile would just creep across her face instead, and her hand go over to clap his right cheek kindly, before scratching under his chin. "But we can't sit here and worry all day, right? I figure, the way I see it, we have two options: We either go out and mingle, to get to know your smarter kin better, or we go search for answers. Wat do you think, hun?"

@Illiad Easle (Cherish) It'd take time, but she would gain on him, and would try to call out, yet no response came back. Even after a dozen times, he didn't even seem like he were listening. Maybe the wind were against them? But thestrals had really good ears. He should be able to hear her, which meant that he were ignoring her. Perhaps because he were injured, and couldn't think straight? Poor Elef. He must be so scared! If she kept going, and could go and get hold of him, she were sure that she could get through to him though. She just had to keep on, and they could both go home, and get him some help. Hopefully he wouldn't end up crashing before that... She couldn't tell the state he were in from this distance, but he could at the least fly, and stay stable, so it shouldn't be life threatening. The panic from suddenly being attacked by his classmate might have him spiked on adrenaline though, and it'd show more once he were still. Like he might have a broken leg or something. There would be a lot of questions about what happened back there. Later. She had to bring Elef home first. Poor thing must be feeling so scared. ================================================================= (Void) Once out of Crow's range, and close to her, Void would lean down and embrace her kids, holding them tightly. They'd find that she were shaking a little, letting through how frightened she had been when she heard something had happened out here, despite seeming mostly calm and collected before. The sight, and hearing them speaking so upfront to her, made Crow slowly put down her wings, and ease up from her stance, though she stayed put, assuming that she were still defending her friend. That were until Cherish were mentioned as having followed Elef, and her ears perked up. She'd then turn around, frantically looking for Cherish as she sped around in a circle, her heart rate and breathing speeding up substantially, as she'd then look around in the sky, wings prepared to take off, but having no idea which way to go. "C-Cherish?!" Crow were hyperventilating. eventually settling at looking towards the others, fear and panic shining in her eyes. Cherish was her only friend. The only one that she had left in this world, and now she were gone, towards who knew where, with a strange colt no less! S-She wasn't there to protect her. She had to... She had to find her! These ponies, they... They were going to look for her, and Elef. She had to... F-Following them were her only choice! She had to try and stick with them, for Cherish. Meanwhile, seeing this happen, over the shoulders of her younglings, she'd find herself worried for this dragon. She knew Cherish had said Crow were her friend, but it seemed without her, the dragoness were falling apart, and rapidly. Teal and Gemini clearly wasn't the only ones who needed the answer. "Yes, we're going to find them, and bring them home." Void were however, not planning on bringing her younglings, unless she were given reason to by the others. Null had talked about where she found them, and it were much too dangerous of a place for them to be in. They had others here to protect them now, but she for once, hadn't brought her weapon along, and it were still risky. *sigh* She really should have accepted that portable one that Molotov offered her, but she were so sure that she wouldn't need a concealed weapon like that... When this were all said and done, she were not going to refuse a second time. "Cherish means a lot to you, right? Then we could use your help, but you have to calm down, okay? We're not your enemies." Crow were not convinced of that currently, but throughout her fear, the thought of Cherish being gone, and potentially dying, were a fear far greater than that which she had for these, so she would have to if not trust them, then at least hope they could bring her to where Cherish were, so she could scoop up her friend and keep her safe herself. Crow were still spooked, and on edge, but she weren't going to attack any of them. At most, she might jump back at any sudden movements. As for what Llambda would be able to pull out, a chunk of Changeling Emerald would be just the thing. Despite its grandiose name, the particular gem were practically worthless. Not hard enough to use in tools, not pure enough for gems, and rather common to boot. It were however, still popular for two things: The first being as a toy, or decorative bauble, as the emerald in question would change color, based on the angle you were looking at it from. It made it something pretty and shiny that weren't too expensive or hard to come by, which certainly had an audience. The second one though, were due to dragons, as it were a popular snack, among those who traded or lived in areas, where the gem could be mined or sold. It weren't high in nutrition, compared to say a diamond, but the weird way it looked, were present in the taste too. They tended to describe it sort of like a piece of hard candy, with several layers of flavor. As for why it were called a Changeling Emerald, rather than say, a Rainbow Emerald, is because it were originally found in an old, abandoned changeling hive, as it were cleared out, and cleared up so there could be built houses in the area. More deposits were found since, not all at, or near any known hive, but it were generally suspected that the signs of a hive had just faded with time, and that this gem were a general byproduct in some way, from the presence of changelings, though there were no proof, and it might just be a coincidence, that others had spun out of control. For all that were known, certain changelings just liked making their hive in areas where this type of gem would form naturally. Be that as it may, Crow's ears perked a little as she saw that, and she hesitantly nearer, slowly reaching a slightly shaking hand out, and would gently grab the chunk of gem. Any movement from Llambda though, and she'd hesitate. Even this somewhat nicer presence, were not enough to simply snap her out of her apprehension towards being around so many strangers. Several of them armed as well. "T-Thank you." Void looked at her from the side with pity. Poor thing were like an abused animal. Terrified of others near her, and what they might do. Had she the time, she would perhaps ask what had befallen her, for things to end like this, but they hadn't the time. Not if they were to catch up to Elef and Cherish. And that beside, she doubted Crow would be very open about things, without Cherish there. The filly were probably the only real friend she had in years. ================================================================ (Ranger) Kozue would grin slightly at the thank you, with the tip of his tail wagging a bit from side to side. "Happy to help." It were honestly nice to be helpful, in more ways than just lifting spirits with his music. That were important too, but having a more tangible way of being useful like this? It felt good. Perhaps Ranger and what happened around her, were truly the sign that he had waited for, to know that it were time to move on, out into the world? The grin were well and truly gone as that bit of news came out, and he'd respectfully bow his head down. "May the souls of your friends rest soundly. I pray we will find a keepsake of them there, that will make you and yours, remember better times." There had not been a lot of them of course, but it were meant as in less of a focus on how they died, and more of how they lived. Their friends and family, that they had grown up with, yet sadly hadn't made it. Surely they wouldn't be so easily forgotten regardless, but he found that it were easier in the long run, when you had a keepsake. And in some cases, having a burial - even if only ceremonial in nature, due to a lack of a body - and being able to bury something that made you think of them, could help unburden a heavy heart. "Certainly. I'll have some matters to put in order too, at this point. The signs all point to a new dawn breaking, and with how much kindness Bling and her hive have shown me, I will not simple leave without a word, on on no notice. They deserve better. Rest well, Ranger, and may your dreams be soothing." With that, he'd take off back to the city too, jumping and running fast across the dunes. He might not have wings, but he had light paws and a nimble body, well suited for running away from trouble, or traversing through various underground. Some sand would at worst be annoying to clean from his paws later. Though she would be able to see him at times heading back, popping his head up over a dune, or behind a rock, then seemingly being gone., Likely camouflaging himself, but keeping an eye on her, just to let her know that in case something happened, she didn't have to call far for help. As for Speck... It seemed all the stuff of today had made it somewhat tired, as it imitated a yawn, then spread its wings and spend the trip back doing some simple flying, and this time without folding into a paper airplane. Just a bit of training as it were, where it did wobble a little bit here and there, but it didn't crash... Too much. In its defense, it had wings less than a day, and hadn't messed things up when it mattered. It were allowed a bit of leeway, in its opinion. ====================================================================== (Grey) Craven were silent, even after the Grey responded to him, for about twenty seconds, with his eyes closed. He were thinking over this whole situation, trying to see if there were something he missed, or some way that this wasn't gonna end up with him being a pawn in a situation that might turn further ugly than it already had, but frankly, there didn't seem to be anything. He were a tool for both The Grey, and Basher now, and regardless of who came up on top after this, it were probably still better than the potential outcome of what were gonna happen out there. *sigh* He really hoped that whatever came of this, he would actually be doing his to help far more than he hurt... He wanted to join The Grey to make amends for the lives he'd ruined. Ruining hundreds of other lives were not what he had signed up for. "They're accepting your deal, long as you keep your word. Personally I'm worried about something Discord made, especially considering what you said happened with the other ones, but a potential issue, is still better than guaranteed suffering. Least I hope so." Why did he feel like such a tool right now? ...Dumb question he supposed. "So... What do we do? What can you tell us about Moth, that might help us stop her? Ideally safely. I'd prefer it if we could avoid having to kill her, or causing lasting harm. And that goes for her, and your followers. Also, how safe is it to handle your boon? Do we need a hexbox, or special gloves or something?"

@Illiad Easle Not on vacation, but a heat wave is scorching Denmark right now, and it's frying my brain. Sorry again for more delays. I'm tired of it being so myself too. Stupid weather...

@Catpone Cerberus "They probably got eaten by something from the gorge. Honestly amazed they've never come 'round and poked at you, if you've been stuck here for that long. Some bad luck there." It wasn't unreasonable to think. The stuff that came out of the gorge, tended to be able to fend for themselves in some fashion. Whoever set her up here, might've run into one of the fluffballs they saw before, chased it with their crew, and then the swarm descended on them. Or they caught by the guards for some reason, but they'd have been questioned then, and the guard would've likely gone tracking them back here. Then again, who knew? Eaten or arrested, they weren't here, and she'd been the lucky one to find Asildae stuck in her cage. Lucky for the bug too, since she were a delight, and a lotta the guards were stuck up, and would've been questioning her for ages, and maybe not let her out regardless. If she believed in fate, she might've chalked it up to that, but who'd be that narrow-minded? "If ya just wanna chomp down on bugs and critters, let's keep walking then. Here, lemme make it easier for ya too." Glutton would snap her fingers, and while nothing seemed to happen, if she had good senses, Asildae would be able to tell that Glutton's whole... Everything, were less notable. Less of a presence, less of a predatory aura, smell, sound from moving, etc. While it seemed like nothing, she were masking her presence. Not entirely though. Didn't want to make everything pop up, thinking it were only Asildae here. It'd end up disturbing them too much. But there would be more critters and such showing up, because she wouldn't seem a threat to prey anymore. Not until they saw her anyway. She'd face towards Deltrot, and start slowly slithering along, whilst ripping up a dead tree from the ground in one fell swoop, and start chewing it down as they went along. Even that made less sound, though her voice would remain at the same volume. "If ya know anything 'bout draconequui, you probably figure we're all just popping in outta nowhere, yeah? Ain't so. There's usually a reason we pop in, though we can breed with other races too, if we have the want. Heck, I've carried a few litters now and again over the centuries, though the chaos magic starts thinning out over the generations. My sisters and I though, we weren't born, but sired. Discord went on one of his large scale meddling sprees millennia ago, and ended up burning a giant forest down. Three of us sprung from that, and when it's from the same event, we're considered close kin, ya got it? Anyway, I'm what came from the blaze scorching and devouring everything in its path. Fright came from the collected fear of countless beasts, ponies and so on, that used the forest for home before that. And then there were the last of us, that rose up from the ashes, after the forest were ash, and a few sprouts started poking through the underground. The embodiment of destruction and rebirth. Real fancy stuff y'know? Cycle we called her, and even though Fright and I weren't pushovers, Cycle were different." A big piece of the barren crown were crunched down, and she'd use the roots briefly afterwards to scratch her back. "Our powers are random. Might be you'll end up scrawny and barely able to meddle with anything, or you could be big game. Fright and I were considered higher mid, which were not bad at all. Cycle on the other hand, she were rivalling Discord, and she were still fresh out the oven. It were a riot at first, but Cycle kept doing what fell natural to her. Creating, and destroying. And I dunno if you can imagine it, but most draconequui ain't keen on having their toys ruined. Now I love my sis, but even Fright and I agreed she were getting outta hand. So spearheaded by Discord, Cycle had the dubious honor of being the only draconequui I've ever heard of, that got *killed* by other draconequui." She put *killed* in quotation marks, and took another chomp out of the tree. "You can't actually kill us though. We ain't mortal in the regular sense. It's more like her essence got ripped from her body, and then her parts got scattered far and wide, while her essence got trapped in the middle of what'd turn into the Sullen Gorge. It's contained, but it's still radiating out from memorial. Fright and I went and build a shrine 'round her essence too. Keeps noisy folks out, and y'know, makes us feel a bit better by it. Ain't the best way things could've gone, but she were too volatile, even for one of us, and she weren't willing to tune it down. Who knows? Maybe in a few millennia we'll get a chance to renew. Up to Discord at this point, and I think if I ain't telling him, he won't even remember. I really outta swing by and see how he's doing one of these days... Keep meaning to, but haven't been bothered yet. Anyway, that's a bit of history from my end. Now it's your turn to give me a story. Where you from? What's it like there?" ========================================================================== @Catpone Cerberus How fascinating. Most she knew of would likely have been mortified by what they saw here. Equine metallic parts, clearly until recently, attached to the meaty parts of a pony. Rather morbid she supposed, but it were truthfully rather intriguing to watch. The pure, metallic parts of a modified pony, just like Solar wore, but without the flesh that it sustained. It allowed for more proper examination, as doing so to Solar would involve his demise, which were far from ideal, to put it lightly. She were looking over the parts, best as she could, while not interrupting what Solar were doing, but she admitted to not get much out of this. It were clear these had been removed from their host, and considering the stains, she would think rather forcefully. Yet at the same time, surprisingly cleanly, as there were not any signs of meat left behind. Yet neither were there of scorch marks, ruling out that the pony below had burned up for instance. The leading theory she had thus far, were that it had been either torn off, and the insides scraped, or it were more clinical, like a more advanced scalping. Rather barbaric, but she assumed there would come an answer soon enough, as Solar were interacting with these parts, and he would know far more of this than her. And an answered there were, yet a very unexpected one, as none other than Vaz seemed to have interacted with this one before her demise. "...Judging by the glaring differences in demeanor, clothing, and physical variations, that is Mr. Vaz, but not... I presume this is perhaps him from your world instead then sir, if I am not mistaken? It seems he is part of the war that is ravaging your lands currently, and he's skilled at what he does, having so cleanly removed the biological parts - barring some staining - from these parts, against one you describe as a skilled combatant. It is certainly very unexpected, but it gives some insight into how things are going on the other side of the veil, so to speak. Were there other data that you could find that were of some interest in this, sir?" Vaz seemed to need a moment, so she would address him afterwards. She could not fault him for not being fine with this though. It must be uncomfortable to see yourself in this manner, yet knowing that it were not you. In his shoes, she would likely have been quite baffled at the very least, depending on what it were that she had seen specifically. If it had been her gutting others for instance, it would be minorly traumatizing. And rather revolting at that. ======================================================================= @Catpone Cerberus "...I wish I could say something that'd make it all better, but what happened to you... It's life altering, in ways I couldn't possibly understand, or fix with a few words. I think it's good that you're willing to seek advice though. Your kinsmen might be able to give you better advice on some of these things than I can, since they know more of this island, and those who live on it, than I do. Whatever happens though, even if it's something that I don't like, I'll do anything I can that'd help you." If only life were so easy as to mention a few things, or say a few words, and then everything was okay... Yet sadly, life wasn't fair and easy. It were dreary and dreadful sometimes, and could leave deep scars, just like what Ruby had. If ever it could be handled, it were going to take time, and help, and Leviathan worried that perhaps that would prove too big of a burden, and Ruby would instead go and do something rash to try and distance herself from things. She hoped not of course, but she couldn't help to worry about her friend. It had most of the time been obvious she carried some baggage, but since getting here, it were barely skin-deep. It couldn't be easy for her to have things so much more present and in her face, so to speak. *sigh* They'd get to see, but for now, Ruby needed rest, or maybe it was an excuse to try and get a bit of time to think for herself. Either way, she wished for some fresh air herself after this. So she'd rise up, and begin to wander out. Though she turned around before leaving the cave with Charir, and gave her friend a concerned look. "Rest well, Ruby." She'd go to the entrance proper, though halting at Charir, and gave him a weary, yet kind smile. "I'll be heading out for some air. Don't worry if you can't see me, okay? I'll just be standing at the side of the entrance. Unless you'd rather we go and look around the place? I get the feeling Ruby might need a bit of time with her thoughts. You know where I am if it is, alright?" Giving him a pat on the shoulder, she would wander past him, and go to the side of the entrance, where she could not be seen, and sit down, back against the wall, and looked up into the sky. Her mind wandering around the big ifs and how, as she absently rose a hand, and with a finger, slowly swung a circle upwards, with a caterpillar-thick thundercloud following the movement, as if it were a worm on a string. ================================================================== @Catpone Cerberus For the time being, the changelings would excuse themselves, and head home as well. Onache needed rest, and she would sleep more soundly in her own domicile, away from the mercy of others. It were far more secure to her, that she were away from all of that, and the only other being near her, being her most trusted drone. Though she did want to speak with the kobolds again at some point, when she had regained her strength. =================================================================== @EQ_Theta "Maybe some day, you will find out what they think about you, me, and Master Discord. But Rosa is smart. If he says I should not talk about him near other longma, I do not think it is time for that yet. Perhaps some time after they accept the outside? And how long will that take? I wonder, will you be there, when things truly change? Or will it take too long. Hmm... I do not want to think about it happening without you. It is like there is a blockage... Is this what it means to hope? To want only to think of the way you want it to go, and ignore the bad? ...I need to think about this some day." It were a strange one. It didn't really feel like anything to her, but yet, she could objectively say that while she could normally think about things like it going one way or another, with some level of neutrality, there were something in her mind, that veered her away from wanting to think that Sen and Lin would fail to see the change they wanted, in their lifetime. Perhaps this were hope? Something intangible, in the mind, instead of the chest? Or maybe she just did not want to think of the time they would not be there? Though it were not Denial. Mother had explained what that were several times, in the centuries she had waited for Discord to return. It were somewhat similar, but still different. He shuttered briefly in the air, once they were done speaking to him. He would not fall down, but the motion were notable. "Dragons... I have encountered dragons. Not you. Different. I come from-" His gills would open, and a vibrating sound, that came off a little less like sound, and more like invisible waves hitting them, giving them varying feelings of nausea, hunger, and an odd feeling of wetness, despite being dry, would come for a few seconds, before they closed again. "And I am me. I have no word for me. Not a fish." Words would be exchanged between the servant and Omen again for a little, as they needed to say words that were not covered properly here. "He says that the fish is magical, and that they work together. He had to earn her, doing something secret. Also, he says they need to leave, before they become dry, but that he will maybe speak with you again some other day." Omen's sister after that, would open a gate to her new home world. A vast expanse below the waves were seen, threatening to crash in, but her new master touched the water with a tentacle, and somehow, his minor touch upon one small droplet, kept the whole thing from flushing in. More magic, more than likely. He would motion for his servant to pass through first, which she would, swimming effortlessly into the water, then seemingly having some issues moving proper, as she flailed slowly around, upside down. Her master himself, would look towards Sen, Lin, Omen and the unformed siblings once more, with the fish giving a last message. "Live well, Sen, Lin, Omen." With that, he'd slip through the portal too, but keeping the tip of his tentacle where it were, as he did so, even on the other side. He would not let go, until the gate would close, with just a small trickle, giving a thimble of water before it were fully closed. They may see their sibling in the background briefly though, seemingly getting poked at by what looked like a school of purple, veiny jellyfish, wearing small outfits made of kelp. "Sister have found a good master. I think he will teach her well." ===================================================================== @EQ_Theta "As wonky as a two legged table. I'm all for testing things, but putting stars in your head? That's just bonkers. I can't even imagine what sorta thing regular rocks would do if stuck in your head, much less space rocks." "Hmm, while not a good way to test things, we have scholars who likewise study magic. Its origins, how to expand upon it, the usage in the everyday life of everypony- Much and more. There's no consensus of where magic came from, but many cultures do have their beliefs, and though bereft of gods, Equestria too have what can be considered our *Wells of magic*. Things or places of such concentrated magic, that it seems somehow ingrained to magic itself, though many much smarter than I, could spend many a sunny day speaking your ear off, as to their theories. I do know what ours are though, to an extend. The Elements of Harmony and Disharmony, which springs forth for those chosen to wear them, every so often. My prize student and her friends, were until recently, wearers of the Elements of Harmony, and as for those of Disharmony, we are aware some are out there, but not where they are. Troublesome things unfortunately." Scarcity said nothing, but knew of where at least one were. That being the Element of Depression. And she knew that, because she had relinquished it from the one who had taken it from its holder, and now had it locked up tightly, deep in some vault far, far from here. It could well simply lose power in said box, and reappear elsewhere, as they were want to do, but at least for now, it were contained. It wouldn't be good, if it got lose at least, she knew that much. History had in no small amount, told of what it caused, and the pictures were harrowing. "The other I have only heard of, and none I know of, are aware where to find it. The Fountain of Youth. Situated somewhere in Equestria, it eludes even the most persistent tracker and scholar, but records, and a vial once given to my sister, in the early years of our rule, proves its existence, and potency. There are theories that I can entertain, that says that we have things like this, and alicorns, but no gods, because primordial magic cannot express itself in both ways. As there is no place known so far, that does have both gods and things such as the fountain, without it being connected to a god directly in some fashion, and no Alicorn rises from countries that have one, it seems highly plausible to be correct, though how or why is a most curious mystery. If you want another view of magic in general, the kitsune for instance, believes that leylines run far beneath the earth, and coalesce in certain places. They will tend to make their homes where the pools are most potent, as they say it connects them closer to the spiritual realm, where their ancestors rest. We have few of them running openly around in our country, and I am unsure if they have a settlement in Equestria, but I find their beliefs and ways of life to be fascinating all the same. They are also vastly more magical, that your average pony, so perhaps you could find good conversation with one of them some day. Just be wary, as they are tricksters by nature, and may play games with you, if you are unaware." Fascinating creatures really, and not evil by nature, but they did like to have their fun. Mortal draconequui in nature, she had heard some refer to them as, and in some aspects, that were certainly true. Though she found that treating them respectfully, would make them do the same in kind, even if it had been long since last she saw one. She suspected them to hide from her, for some reason, though she wasn't sure why. "I thank you for your concern, and hope much the same. I wish for Equestria to proper, and not to live through seeing all that generations of ponies have worked for, fall to rubble. Perhaps at a more opportune time, we can speak of what exactly befell your nation? I can understand if it is a touchy subject, but as ones who have been through it, your insight as to what led there, may prove invaluable in ensuring it will not happen to us. Your unique insight, may well light our path, through a dark future." Celestia would keep a warm smile at them, as she heard and spoke in return. A most unusual situation they must have gone through, seeing their civilization crumble, and it were definitely horrible, but they were not wrong, that they may have flung a light towards the future, by locking themselves away during it, to be discovered some day in the future. Though it didn't seem like it now, dark times might well come, if they made wrong choices, and these special guests of the past, could well put a light upon how things were now, and would head towards, and help them avoid history repeating itself, just for Equestria. "A wise quote. There is something beautiful about making a better world for those to come." The door would creak, as someone entered. If one could call it that. It seemed like a griffon, clad completely in dark cloth, and only the right eyes showing, underneath the heavy cloak. Were it not for the talons and wings, one could be mistaken for not even knowing this to be a griffon, as the face were fully hidden, though at the right angles, one could see the tip of a beak, though it too, were as dark as shadows, just as the griffon themselves seemed to be. Just varying shades of dark and grey, with the only brightness, being the eye. The singular, white eye, that seemed to slightly glow, though it might just be because everything else were so dark about them, that it seemed to give more than were the case. The changelings int he room shuddered, and withdrew further away from the figure, and Celestia's gaze looked down upon them without warmth, but resentment, as the smile faltered on her face. The guards would block the griffon from getting too close, and they would stop, then withdraw a wrapped up scroll for her, and reach it, palms up, towards her, at a distance of around a meter, without a word being said. Using her magic, she would withdraw it, and the griffon would look around, their gaze lingering briefly on the peculiar new additions, before turning around, and walking outside, their task here done. "It have better be important, for one of them to have come." She would unroll the scroll, and read it over, blocking the view of others via magic, so they wouldn't snoop. She read for about a half minute, then wrap it up again, and reach it towards one of her guards to hold. Who would, by sticking it into their uniform, as she turned to face her new friends again, an apologetic look, and smile returning to her face. "I'm sorry for cutting our meeting short, but it seems my sister have need for me to come to her now. It were a pleasure meeting you all though. If ever you wish to speak more, you are welcome at the castle. I will let the guards know that you have permission to approach the throne room. If you will excuse me, I must be on my way. Have a pleasant day everypony." She'd bow before her new companions, then everypony else, before finishing with a mutual bow between her, and Scarcity. Then she would leave, and fly towards the castle. There were time for a comment to come to her before she left, and for her to respond, but it would need to be quick, as she hadn't much time to linger anymore.

@Emerald Heart I assumed as much, and hence also why I say Illiad's are better suited. Still, I figured at the least I'd put it up, and get more replies in the thread.

@Emerald Heart @Illiad Easle The ones he picked suits better. My own thread's big, old, and very random. But I'll put it here all the same, just in case. https://mlpforums.com/topic/110191-casual-stroll/page/491/

@ZiggWheelsManning I can fix that! I brought explosives.

I am so sorry for not having a post out yet! I had to come back early from vacation to cover some work shifts and things spiraled from there. I am getting this dang post out before the week is over, or I'm gonna tie myself to a rocket, and attack the moon!

@Illiad Easle (Cherish and Void) There were a lot to be said for and against Equestrian schools, but they did educate the various sub-species of ponies well for the most part. That were also true when it came to flying, though it varied by the teacher. Some were more relaxed, and figured if you could do low flying and not fall, that were good enough for the early classes. And then there were those like Miss Choppa, who were - in all fairness - a giant Wonderbolt nerd, and were very enthusiastic about her students being good at flying. Cherish liked the lessons, since it made her feel accomplished, and there were a few cute colts that took part too, though she never approached them. She'd have liked to, but they had their looks on others from her class, and she were a sucker for romance, and trying to help that along, so she didn't get between that. Besides, it was never anything more than her thinking they were cute, far as she knew. The lessons were a bit hard at times, but Miss Choppa made the classes fun, and it turned out it got in handy once everything went poorly. Or she were just really lucky... Probably both. Either way, she could follow on the upwind, and would follow him best she could. He were faster, but she could see him, and keep up the tempo well enough to keep vision on Elef. She had no idea how far away she were getting during this though, too worried about how Elef were doing to have much focus on it. Her mother would have choice words, had she been here. That would probably hit her in hindsight, but her concern for Elef at this moment were greater than her common sense, and so, she flew. "I... I..." Crow were nearing panic. These may present themselves more friendly, but they were guards. They were stronger, able to fight and take her down. Chain her. Punish her... Her eyes darted a few times between the guards and her arm. The branding in her scales, that wouldn't go away, until maybe someday, she'd shed these scales. Had it been smaller ones it would have been more akin to preening for a bird, but these main ones were... It would take a long time, before this would go away. She'd basically have to tear out these scales to get rid of it now - which would potentially kill her, due to the placement - or she'd need to have something else branded on top, which would hurt a lot, but were something she were thinking about doing more often than not. She stood her ground though. Her breaths rapid and muscle tense, but she did not run off. Being around Cherish for a long time by now, had helped her situation. Were it not for her friend, she'd probably have darted off right now. And if she had noticed that Cherish had left, and thus she weren't defending her, legs vaguely shaking, she might still have darted off. If for nothing else, then to try and catch up to her. Void's heart were racing the entire time she were running, and her mind filled with worries about what might have happened to her darlings. Seeing them stand there, safe behind some dragoness that she would assume were Crow though, it were a relief, as she'd slow down on her approach. Some sweat were on her brow, but it would take more than this jog to make her winded. She'd run faster and further than this before, with dozens of kilos worth of cursed artifacts and Null on her before. This was barely anything. What were far worse, were when she heard the update, before she had a chance to speak, and noticed that there were a certain youngling who weren't here, beyond Elef. Seeing their schoolmate tied up were bad too, but the absence of those two, especially considering... She wouldn't think Elef would do anything, but accidents could happen. And think of the dangers out there! They could be hurt, or lost in the desert, and get claimed by the dunes. She couldn't forgive herself if it came to that. Crow in the meantime, were... Confused. She had been told about Void by Cherish, and assumed it to be her, judging by the light reflecting oddly in one of her eyes, and the false leg, along with her size, color and such. Cherish had talked about her, in case her and the younglings were ever out in the desert, and she might think they were being kidnapped or something. Her presence were a little more soothing, as that meant at least someone she tangibly knew about were here now. But Llambda were odd. Ponies were... Well, she basically only trusted Cherish, and she were slowly trying to warm up to these other young ones - minus Nova, for obvious reasons - but she did remember a few non-ponies that she had thought were comforting during the hard times. Deer specifically, who had been the majority of a group that had helped her some point before getting here, and tending to her wounds. She felt somewhat.. At ease, she supposed, seeing another, though she wasn't sure if this were one of those she had met. She seemed familiar, but like... Not? It were confusing to her, but said confusion and minor comfort, might help as Void started to speak up. "Thank the ancestors you're okay. I got so worried when I heard... You're Crow, yes? Cherish's friend? I'm Void. Thank you for keeping my kids safe, it was very kind of you. Please, you don't have to be afraid. We're not going to hurt you, or them." Void spoke softly to Crow, who'd be reluctant, but her stance eased somewhat. If Teal and Gemini would run towards her, Crow wouldn't stop them, and it would make her more certain that they were in fact, here to be helpful, and not to cause problems. But the younglings identifying her would definitely help, so them moving or speaking up, would be appreciated. She still hadn't noticed Cherish leaving though, so things would probably get worse soon enough. ================================================================== (Ranger) The fox would nod vigorously. It wasn't sure why, the name just felt... Fitting, in some way. And as the name seemed to be accepted too, it would eat the letters, and then unfold a wing, to show that the name were currently written along the top brim. It would fade over time, as letters would do as they were *digested*, but it would get other letters over time to replace these, and probably have them other places around its body. Kozue would be oddly quiet on their way out, keeping his eyes nearly closed, and humming as they went along. It would not stop until they were near the exit of the lab, at which point he would use a claw to scratch a strange symbol into whatever nearby surface he could. Then he'd follow her all the way out, and let her have the first word. A trip which Speck had spent bouncing around extra giddy, at now having a proper name of its own. "No, I would like to join you tomorrow too. This place were... Horrid, but I think it is good that you have someone there you can talk with. I won't lie and say that this place wasn't bad, but I have the feeling it will get worse, either via memory, or something lingering behind, and it's best to have a buddy along then too, yeah?" He'd give her a big smile, to try and lighten the darken ed mood somewhat, whilst Spec flew up on Ranger's head, and looked around, to see if there were something of note that had happened while they had been in there. Not a high vantage point, but still. "Besides, even though I stuffed my paw pretty far down my own mouth before, I'd still like to know you, and where you came from better. Just lemme know if I start yapping off something dumb again, yeah? I ain't always the best at knowing when I should've shut it. Oh, and uh, thanks for letting me say a prayer in peace in there. I know it might seem silly, but kitsune send our dead off with well wishes, and I think even if they never got a chance to live, they and all others who died there, deserved at least that." There'd be a few seconds, where he'd let it be said, and take a deep breath of the crisp, outside air, before adding a little more to that., "We also have prayers for our enemies. I can remember one that we're taught to use, when we find a poacher for example, but it's extremely rude, and probably wouldn't translate that well." ====================================================================================== (Grey) Craven would perk his ears as he heard Basher respond. Didn't seem like he got much from this door as it were, but Basher? It seemed he listened, and he heard something he liked from that. Which were probably not a good thing, but right now, he would take any offer on the table, that might mean they had some common ground to work at. And he should if any, be able to pick one out, right? Those were his followers, that were preparing to strike. He'd know how to handle them. Of course, he might get manipulated in this manner. That were not lost on him, as he turned and faced Basher in his cell. Quite frankly, if he wasn't being used in some fashion by Basher here, he'd be suspicious, as this seemed the sort of situation where it'd be unlikely not to happen. Yet in the end, did it matter? The Grey or Basher, either of them - or probably both, if he were to be honest - would be using him in this matter. Perhaps by listening to Basher though, it would be for a better end result. Like Basher said though, his superiors were listening in, and it were up to them to make the choice. All he could do were to listen, and hope for the best. And here were another impasse... It wasn't like he disagreed that it were risky, especially as the boon as it were, were still an unknown in all of this, yet if it led to Basher helping it could be worth it. Depending on what it would do though, of course. He'd assume something bad, but considering it were named after him, it might be one of those *Only the true owner can use it safely* sort of deal. He'd heard of some religious things that were like that. Some pagan high priest with a gift made specifically for him. Or was it her? It had been so long since he heard that story. Didn't matter though, right? He had his orders, he should try and follow them, if he could. "They're... Not rejecting your offer, but I can't say they're wrong for being worried about that boon. It's something powerful, but its an unknown quantity. I think they worry that you'd get it, and explode the town or something. ...It can't do that, right? Like... It sounds like it was a thing made specifically for, or by, yourself. Something strong, but it's not like, a bomb or something... Right? Like your original plan couldn't have been something as bad as nuking New Las Pegasus, and start it all over from the rubble. Well I guess it could, but it doesn't sound like something smart. You'd do something else, I hope. I'd like to trust you on this, Basher. You know them more. They listen to you a heck of a lot more than if I talked to them. Maybe you could get them in line, and we could work towards actually making a real difference. But that boon... I think that's the crux for them. Maybe you could explain a bit what that is? Is it more minostralum with a spell on it, or something?" It'd kinda make sense he'd like to look young again, so maybe it was this? It'd probably be the best possible outcome, but something told him it were nowhere as simple. He also assumed he would be told only a little bit, and what the boon's full potential were, would be kept from him, but like he were thinking, he expected to be used. It'd just be nice to know a little about the sort of risk he would get involved in. He wouldn't want to touch something that ate souls or something like that! He had a guilty enough consciousness as it were.

Been needing to help family the last few weeks, so sorry for things being slow. I'll be back at this one Tuesday hopefully.

@Illiad Easle Sorry for the big delay this time. Got vacation time, but been spending said time helping family in other towns. I'll be back and ready to write on Monday.

@Randimaxis @ZiggWheelsManning Instructions to what? Your main account, or how to open the gate at the Quarry? :)

@Catpone Cerberus "Bah. Equestria has some diversity, but all the best things that's come out of this place, were made by us. But a lot of those got hunted down, or went away when Discord got sealed. Some we just poofed out of there, cause they bored us, or we felt like it. But it all got duller. Everything you see's just pale imitations of how it used to be. All except for the stuff from the Sullen Gorge. *sigh* but it's still nothing like when she were out roaming the lands..." Glutton chuckled a little to herself, thinking about something from the past, but it didn't last more than a moment, while her new buddy kept telling her own tale. "Anti-magic? Bleargh. That stuff gives me indigestion. Whenever I run into that in the trash heaps, I spit it into a box. I like making the guards beg me for it, heh." Anti-magic wasn't technically something that'd kill her. But eating it did make her feel queasy, and she had trouble digesting it. It took days, and she felt miserable. The anti-magic itself were something that'd dissipate, once the item it were on were digested. But the coating slowed down her digestion, and tested her innards, so she much preferred not having to. Which then fit well, with the guards wanting all they could get of it. Usually they had their own stuff, but every now and again, something were accidentally thrown out, or got lost, etc. So she had a box for that sort, and every once in a while, an officer would begrudgingly come and ask her very nicely, if they could please get what were in said box. Did she have to make them plead, or have an officer do it? Technically no, but she knew how much they wanted it, and she had no need for their money, so she got repaid in entertainment. And the higher ups hated groveling at her paws, which were plenty amusing to her. Might be she were an ally of Equestria, but that didn't mean she were all nice and full of sunshine. By the looks of things, her new friend weren't one all full of that either, but instead digestive fluids. Sorta like a spider, eh? Glutton could respect that. It were one of her more favored types of animals. "What, you think I care if you're gonna be a troublemaker? Hah! I only care if you're the sort of big deal who ends up causing things to change too badly, as I like my cozy life. Unless you're a big shot like Heresy, I'd just leave it to the ponies to deal with you. I've just been gauging if you're trouble to justify eating you, if it came down to it. The ponies frown on that sorta thing, lest there ain't a choice. Their whole *goodie two shoes* thing. Ain't my thing, but I gotta try to give some modicum of a hoot, y'know? Anyway, not feeling like eating you anymore. You're an entertaining sort, Asildae. And you aren't frothing round the mouth, screaming *Wanna eat ponies, yum yum*, so you're alright. Stick around me little queen, and you'll be fine. I got leverage on the ponies, and they won't try something if I tell them we're chums. Not unless you try eating a foal, so y'know, don't be stupid 'bout it, and you're golden. Anyway, you figure that you might've been sent here cause you got sold off? Cage like this, the outside helpers she hired on might've sold you off into slavery, or tried to anyway, and got mauled by something from the Sullen Gorge. Equestria ain't a good place for that, but depending on stuff... Might've tried transporting you to Troy as some sorta lab experiment, or did a mid stop from here, headed to Neighpon. Heard they make meds outta all sorts of things. Could explain why they'd go here. Most don't like going into the Sullen Gorge. Could end up getting eaten by a flesh horror or something. Heh, guess we'll find out, yeah? You got my curious, so I think I'll be tagging along. We just need to make a pit stop first. Before I leave the country, I have to clear out my home proper, so there's room to heap up more stuff while I'm gone. I could do with a vacation abroad anyway. Haven't done that since I returned to Equestria. Ain't a long trip to get home. Few hours walk, and we can be on our way afterwards. We can trade stories on the way, yeah? Other side of the world, you outta know some things I haven't heard of before. I'll tell you the tale of my oldest sister then. Ain't that well known, for anyone else than my own kin." Fresh meeting, but it seemed they were off to a good start. Asildae didn't spook Glutton int he slightest, and with a draconequui at her side, retaking her hive should be a fair bit easier. Even if the place was riddled in anti-magic, and she couldn't use spells, Glutton had the brawns to deal with things the old fashioned way too. ================================================================= @Catpone Cerberus She listened in to his every word. Spoken by someone who had made choices, lived with the regrets, and could speak well from experience. Though their circumstances were not the same, and she wouldn't claim it to be so regardless, as she knew so little of what he had gone through, it were objectively hard for her to dismiss his words. Particularly because she knew well that he were right. "...Logically, I know you are right. At first I believe I were right to keep distance, as I were not controlled enough, and may well have accidentally harmed them, but since I got more control over myself, I... I suppose to an extend, I have pushed it away, because of my trying to rationalize my fear. My family is lovely, and I sincerely doubt they would just cast me aside, yet I cannot stop questioning myself. Would me reemerging cause trouble? Might I bring them into danger, due to what I am now? What might they have thought, after what happened at Center Zero? *sigh* Occam's Razor though, is it not? Rather than going through all of this, the simplest solution is to just jump into it, and at the very least let them know I am still alive. I will ponder how to approach it, while we are working here, Mr. Vaz. Yet I thank you for your advice. Sometimes it is... Enlightening, to hear reason from another, rather than simply sit with all the thoughts on your own." It seemed their talk on this had come to an end for now too, as their work part would come into play. Not long after she said this, they would find heated sand, which were certainly unusual for this part of the country. It would fit with something having been dumped here, which she would agree, indicated that they had found at the least the general area where their quarry were. She'd concentrate, and then suddenly the top of her head cracked, and a thick plume of white smoke rose up into the air, in a consistent plume. This should be a sufficient beacon for Solar to follow. "We should wait until Solar have arrived, before we proceed into this. There may be some traces of radiation, if we are unlucky." ========================================================================= @Catpone Cerberus "He might've been a weakling, who died with ease, but he still got the upper hand on you for a time. You were in someone else's control, and couldn't stop it. I think you might hate that, as much as you fear it, but anger is easier to deal with. You know that, and you can use that feeling. Fear is admitting weakness. It's why it's so much harder to face and overcome, for most creatures. Just because he's gone, doesn't mean the damage is either. Someone having control over you, it is... Difficult to deal with for some. Maybe it's not him you are afraid of? Maybe it's being controlled by someone else? It'd explain why you wanted out of here to me at least. In this country, there's several that're stronger than you are. Out there, in Equestria? You're practically The apex predator. Whatever the reason, it's not easy to just deal with. Fear is complicated. If it wasn't, that draconequui wouldn't have her temple where folks rush to to get help with their fear, and therapists would be out of a job. Doubly worse when it's a fear that makes sense. We're dragons. We don't like anyone being in charge of us at the best of times, more often than not." She really wished she had a simple answer. An easy solution, that would just make everything right here and now, but... She didn't. Honestly she didn't think there even were one. This were the sort of thing that could etch itself into your life in an instant, but took years to actually deal with. "Back in the pack, I grew up with the notion that we had to listen to our fear. Better afraid and alive, than headstrong and dead. But this is... I think this will take some time going through, Ruby. But however long it'll take, you won't have to deal with it alone. I'm not going anywhere." Leviathan would lean her head on Ruby, and look up at her larger, younger friend. Perhaps it were not as much of a comfort having her there, as Ruby's presence were for her, but she would do what she could here. Even if she had to go and hunt down one of those dang waypoints that Fright had plotted around, and make the draconequui help Ruby. And by make her, she obviously meant ask nicely. Cause she wasn't dumb enough to think she could beat a draconequui in battle. ========================================================================== @Catpone Cerberus yet... "Oooo, I think I know roughly when to set a few vacation days then. Shark Bay is on the western coast. Like, literally., We're the biggest coastal town out on the west, with lots of tourism and such. It'd be a great location to go. Dang. I must've missed her last year I guess. Or maybe she went to Paddle Beach instead? I outta ask around, just in case." Paddle Beach wasn't as large as Shark bay, but it were more prestigious, which tended to attract the more high end tourists and residents on the west coast. Usually the guard tended to refer to them as *The Snobs*, and they tended to talk about their residents as *The Savages*. It had some old history to it, but these days, it were mostly just teasing and minor hazing. Even their sports teams were in on it, with the Palm Snobs and the Shark Savages openly adopting the names for a laugh. Barring a few cases, they got along well. "It's good to hear that the dragon and kobolds have a more healthy relationship in place. I'm sure you'll see for yourself, sooner or later. It sounds like Chega encouraged you to meet him at least. I used much the same rhetoric when I were trying to convince my son to find somepony special. I love that colt, but he can be rather dense sometimes." "Right you are. I think we could both do with relaxing the rest of the day, before heading home. I heard there was a great spa in town actually." "That would be good actually. My bones feel a little stiff today. Best we go there. You all take care, and thank you for the help, once more." The two guards waved towards the group as they were departing. Normally Onache would have gazed in their minds somewhat, out of habit, but she cared little right now. They seemed oblivious, and her strength were low. She couldn't simply use it as frivolously as she usually did. Annoying, but she supposed, in its own way, a good thing. Maybe it would prepare her for doing so less, as she'd slowly try to integrate. Or perhaps she were looking too hard for a silver lining, to make this day feel less miserable. How dreadfully optimistic of her. Happy would wave towards the guards, whereas Onache would simply nod, but neither had anything to say to them at this moment, and they could safely make it towards the exit. Though tragedy struck, soon as they exited the hospital, as a dreadful illness descended upon them. ...Okay, Happy sneezed once, and blocked it with his leg, as some dust from the outside had tickled his nose. But it sounded less dramatic like that. Beyond that, things looked normal out here. Everyone going at things their own way, as if nothing bad had happened so very little time ago. Ponyville in a nutshell that were. Rebounding back to normalcy with somewhat ease. "Nice facade they got going on here. Plenty of nervousness still around though. probably worried another thing's gonna happen too." "It best not. I have had plenty enough excitement for today." With that, they could wander forward, out into Ponyville, and possibly beyond. It really depended on if they needed something from within the town, or wanted to go to their respective homes and calm their heads for a time instead. ======================================================================== @EQ_Theta ""Discord always seemed to prefer being where ponies were. Maybe he made me look like them, because he liked them? Maybe that is why he has a marefriend now, and not one of his own kind? I have tried to think why he does things before, and he laughed when I told him. Master Discord said that if I tried to think of him with logic, I would not understand. He is a complicated creature." Int ruith, he did have a favoritism towards ponies, but it had less to do with the looks, and more the feeling of family and friendship, that he couldn't as easily get from his own kin. Or it were because he found them cute, or believed them so easy to manipulate, that it were funny. Honestly, his reasons had likely changed several times ever since he entered Equestria in the first place. "History is... Hear words. Understand what you mean." He did his best to work with what he had, but he had not at the time, gotten a word to express that he were listening to their words, so he could communicate through that. He still hadn't, but he had a little more to work with now at the least, so he could be more expressive in his vocabulary. It were easier in his home dimension. The Land Dwellers knew that his kind needed words to understand and use to translate with, so they often had singers that spend a good deal of time speaking out in ode and story at the border between land and water. Omen could have been that, but her words were directly into his mind. There were no vibrations in the air for him to use and make words of, but it seemed these four legged ones were beginning to grasp what he were about, and spoke in a way that he could use. That were good. It opened up a communication channel between them. "Lin. Sen. Omen. I hear you name. I hear. I understand. I need words going-" He would gesture with a couple of his tentacles, wriggling one, using another to then point between that and the fish on his staff, to try and specify what he meant by how he grasped their words. How he could understand them were not something he could articulate though. It included several words they probably didn't have a likeness to, the size of his brain, and concepts of magic. But they didn't need to understand the deepness of everything to communicate, even if he did feel somewhat ridiculous at times, speaking like... Well, his new companion, frankly. But she were a fresh spawn, and needed education. That would change soon enough. "You understand, yes? You ask, need words, I..." He'd let out some words, that would come to his servant, then Omen, before she'd then turn to them. "She says he is finding it hard to speak our language, since it is new, but he does what he can. You can ask questions, and he can try to answer. He also wants to know if we also have something like him, where you come from. He have never seen anyone that looks like you." =========================================================== @EQ_Theta There were a few giggles around, on the lower end though, as some who were listening in, had the mental image of what they have said. A bunch of foals fighting over politics, sounded like an adorable, yet weird scene to witness. Must have made for some adorable theater though, and with how good changelings were at changing forms, perhaps they could in time, be able to have some of their plays acted out on stage again, as it once were? Visually only perhaps, but it would be a bit of ancient culture that could come into the limelight once more, and who wouldn't love to have something old and authentic looking, that wasn't easily replicated elsewhere? Might be they'd have something to offer Cheshire already, that would intrigue her greatly. "It is good to hear that you are at higher spirits again. As for your assumption, Vates, all ponies have some kind of magic. Unicorns and alicorns can use so actively, but earth ponies have a connection with nature that makes them passively grow crops with much more ease, and make them physically stronger. Pegasus magic is what allows them to interact with clouds and fly, despite their wings being too small compared to their weight normally. It goes for all equine races, far as I am aware, with zebras for instance, being able to connect with peculiar magic, that can make trained individuals work as mystics, or seers. Thestrals have something akin to pegasi, when it comes to flight, but I am afraid I don't know enough about them to say much more of note. You should ask my sister, or one of their own for more clear answers." All types of ponies able to do their own thing, is what helped their society to prosper. Active magic, cloud manipulation, raising crops- They all had their own role to fill, and it made things work harmoniously, long as it were not interfered with in some horrid manner. Other equine races had their own things, but so did most higher sentience beings, like how the deer could actively use magic. Though it being nature and dark magic were odd, but long as they did not cause trouble, she wouldn't interfere. They tended to prefer their own company and didn't mingle much, or cause any big waves, as they just wanted to live with their own customs peacefully. Barring a few, brief meetings every few generations with a leader of theirs, who just wanted to affirm that they followed the laws proper, and that their arrangement still stood, they were elusive, and didn't often have any interest in Canterlot. Especially not the traditional ones. "If we don't learn from the past, we are destined to repeat it. The Inquisition especially is something I wish not to think of often, but sadly it must be remembered, so we do not repeat that horrid time. Especially these days, when more cursed items fall into the grasp of those hungry for power, it could go far more out of control, if it were to repeat itself. As for Troy..." A frown came upon her face, as she tried to find a way to speak of them, that would not devolve into too much harshness, but this would be where Scarcity stepped in once again. "Oh the story of Troy is long and muddled, and our dear princess surely have much to do today. Allow me to fill fill them in on that extensive history later, hm?" She knew well that the princess did hers to not openly say anything about Troy for various reasons, so things would be better if she simply provided a more nuanced take on things later on, as she could approach the subject from a more neutral point of view. "That would be appreciated." "It is no trouble at all. That said, there really is no utopia possible, as everywhere have their issues. Even out fair country. But I would say Equestria is as near one, as realistically could be. Now perhaps a bit of history from your end would be enlightening, hm? Do tell us a little more of Gaudium., A philosopher of note it sounds like?" While all this went on, Wig had left the counter, then soon after came back whistling with one of the vats that had been in the room where Videntor had went for a bit of alone time. He may have noticed before he left the room, that it had become filled with a liquid as he had gone through his thoughts there, and grasped the meaning of it. Excess emotions shouldn't be wasted, so the small vats were in the rooms to collect what excessive amount were wafting through the air, by those who needed a moment for themselves. No need to let that go to waste, right? It were practically recycling. ================================================================== @ThePinkestofPones Shark just looked at him, head tilted, with visible confusion in her eyes, before suddenly going into a huge grin, and giggling. "New friend says funny things, just like Shark mate. This reef is nice, with lots of friends. You will be happy here too, yes? Let's go friend! Shark will show you that this is a nice reef." She were tempted to bite into his tail and drag him along, but she had been asked to stop doing that. Several times. Including by the mayor, whom she had subsequently gotten very close to, because the reflection in her glasses intrigued Shark. She were a special one to get used to, but she were pretty much harmless, so they tried.

@Randimaxis Okay, I gave you a year of peace now. Get back to this now, or I will send the evil one after you. :3

@Rising Dusk So... I seem to have been preoccupied with my own head and missed this some times, so... Best add plenty of boops then. :3 Yeeey, happy!

@Illiad Easle Been mulling over the Grey part for days now, and eventually I just figured I'd go with what came to me as I wrote it. So if it seems like a semi-confused tangent... Well, it is.

@Illiad Easle (Cherish) If they wanted to, they could examine the contents of the box itself. If they could open the lock that were. Seemed to be a sturdy metal lock, with a lot of sand in the gears now, so using any sort of key were likely out of the question. They'd need to open it from the inside with magic, smash it, or use some other method. Of course smashing a hole in the side could also work, but that still took force, and it might destroy whatever were in there, which were not ideal. Usually why Crow tended to burn off the area around the lock itself, and just rip the whole thing off, when she ran into some. It were much easier, than trying to fiddle with all sorts of tools. Of course, in cases like this, just ripping off the lock in and by itself from the get go could be her approach. A focused flame helped a lot, but if the box wasn't solid enough, there were always the chance to set fire to it, which were detrimental in a place where water were scarce. Usually some good old fashioned violence did the trick there, but the ponies could maybe sort this in some other way. If they did, there'd be a multi-colored blanket covering something on the inside. Folding the blanket out, it would prove to be a woven wall *painting*, showing an alicorn in front of a large army, facing off against a large, feline creature. The alicorn in question were dark as night, with silky garments adorning her slender form, and white eyes. Her cutie mark, that of an eastern-looking oil lamp, with a sparkling smoke that looked like the night sky, pouring from it, and making a half circle around the lamp. The feline creatures in question, would be several times larger than her, and to the ponies, likely meant nothing, unless they knew what a sphinx were. Dangerous creatures, that only the foolish or brave, tended to dare stand up against. But Princess Arabian Nights were no fool, and this depicted only one of her many trials and victories throughout her reign. Her fate likely uncertain still, as they were far from Saddle Arabia, but had the fight come to them, she would have fought. And perhaps these enemies of their people, would see that the war would come even for them, and in an unprecedented move decide to fight alongside the lesser ponies. Something which might spell trouble, if the elder sphinxes considered it enough trouble to be worth themselves leaving their mythical capitol, and partaking themselves. Yet for more local story, this had likely been either looted from, or brought along by, citizens of Saddle Arabia, that were either visiting, or had moved to Equestria at some point. It happened at times, and those who did, tended to bring memories from home with them still. Some pieces of familiarity and comfort. Whatever the case, beneath this, would be a smaller box. No lock on this simple orange, wooden box, but inside were three small books - a Saddle Arabian prayer book, a book on Equestrian plants, and a heavily used notebook - two jeweled bands, a wooden figure, that looked like Princess Arabian Nights, a set of dice carved from animal bone, in a leather pouch, another small pouch filled with around a hundred bits, a thick letter, and a flute made from animal bone, with the symbol of a cobra spun around it, painted on with fake gold. While he couldn't bite through it, and the hand clutched tightly, it were still desiccated, and as such as he pulled hard enough, the hand would snap with a loud, dry crack, and the bag would be free. Sort of. The hand were still clutching the opening, and weren't letting go, but he had gotten so far. He could probably use his teeth to pry the talons open eventually. Crow hadn't a clue who this were, even if she could see them fine. Sure she'd seen some thestrals out here before, but she had deliberately avoided approaching them, as she wasn't the most comfortable around others, and wasn't sure if they were dangerous. Wasn't one of those she had spotted before, but then, it was a rare sight for her regardless, as she wasn't exactly looking for them, and spent a lot of time in her own home, rather than go outside, lest she needed to. Like if she required food or water, or had the urge to scavenge. It were possible she had seen Ada though at some point, though as she didn't speak to them, she couldn't say one way or the other. She wasn't even aware it were a female name. Cherish hadn't even noticed the cut as it were pointed out, but when rising her hoof and running it on her forehead, it were good enough. A bit of blood had broken through. "Huh. I must've hit myself on the wood." A small splinter had hit her from the wagon. Wasn't something bad, but she'd have to remember to clean it once she were done digging, just in case. Couldn't be too safe out here, right? While she were thinking on this, Crow's gaze were instead elsewhere. As Cherish wasn't really injured, and she still felt they were being watched, her gaze had wandered, and fallen on Elef, who had a very familiar look in his eyes. That of a predator, hungry for prey. If she also didn't see the struggle and terror he were seemingly also under, which were painfully familiar to her, she would have neared him and growled, to warn him off. She wasn't sure if bat ponies did hunt pegasi, but just in case, she would warn him to back off as the superior predator, before he got any ideas. Cherish were her friend, and she'd defend her from anyone. Including her other friends. She didn't get the chance before the thestral they had spotted, would have rammed Elef, and started to pound on him like there were no tomorrow, with the colt trying to defend himself against the assault. Though her mind had been on warning him off before, she had a priority list to go through here: Cherish first, then her other friends, as she had said she'd keep them safe, and then anyone else who came along could live or die, for all she cared. This one were openly causing trouble that went against her second priority, so she would go over and try to peel him off, without killing him. Could be he had a good reason for this, but even if not, and he were a hostile, killing a pony were a bad idea. It went against the law of the Dragon Lands, and even though their lord were dead, or missing - she wasn't sure, as she hadn't been there to see the whole thing through - it were still a fundamental rule, that dragons and ponies were not allowed to kill one another, and if they did, the offended side could punish them in whatever way they wished, unless there were special circumstances. Which for any dragon killers, usually meant they got eaten, or burnt alive. The opposite she hadn't a clue about, but they were probably banished. Also, she didn't want Cherish to see her gore another pony, or wring their necks. It wasn't how she wanted her friend to think about her. She took some hits back, some of them even hurting, but she were as big as an adult pony, and better built than some teenage pony, so she would eventually have him on the ground, on his back, with her teeth barred. Her gaze glaring at him with suspicion and annoyance. Many questions came to mind, yet she couldn't even get to one, before another addition came, and made her swish her tail angrily a few times. Though Nova might still be able to tell from her gaze, that remained solidly on him, that she could beat him to a pulp if she had the urge, and he were severely testing her patience, to put it kindly. He managed to get out of her hold, as Crow had eased up, and were trying to calm herself down, as it sounded like this adult were here to handle him, and she might be a danger to her, or Cherish. A quick glance though, had told her that yes, she had seen this one. It were from afar, and only once or twice, but Crow did remember her look. Ada might also recognize Crow, but if she did, she'd likely more remember the young dragoness noticing her, and scurrying off, either too scared or shy to want to approach her. It eased her slightly more, and then Nova were suddenly loose, and she were on the sand, though she rose up, and quickly placed herself between these two bat ponies, and the ponies she had come out here with. Her stance threatening, and her wings spread out to shield them, she looked similar to a protective wild animal. "Stay back. Away from them." It were unclear if she were speaking to Nova, Ada, or both of them. Crow had heard him take off, and didn't act on it, as it made sense for her that he'd flee his attacker, and hadn't partaken in attacking Nova more. The other ponies were her concern now, not him. Seeing two more thestrals appear, after they finally noticed Elef were gone, Crow would take a few steps back, but kept up her defensive defensive stance, keeping herself between the young ponies and the thestrals. "S-Stay back! I promised they would be safe. N-Not letting any of you hurt them." Her voice were more shaky now, and she did look from side to side a few times, fear now getting into her gaze. She stood steadfast still, but her mind were racing, with thoughts that she had to escape, before more showed up. More ponies descending upon them. Guards. Chains. Bad things happening all over again... She were so shaken right now, that she didn't even notice that right as Elef had left, Cherish had taken to the sky to follow him. Unless she were held back forcefully, she would have flown after him instantly, worried about him being hurt, though she didn't fly as fast as he did. Still she tried, and if she had been held back forcefully enough to keep her there, she would be wriggling, telling them to let her go, and that she had to go help Elef, since he were hurt. ======================================================================================= (Void) "Y-Yes of course. But hurry." Void's face had dropped in fear, as she heard that something had happened with the younglings out in the dunes. Her ponies, all out there, with something going wrong? She were so sure they'd be safe. That... That everything would be fine! And now they were out there, all by themselves, with something going down? She barely had it in her to respond before she would bolt out the door, headed towards the desert. She might not have all 4 natural legs, but her false leg were well done, so she'd run just fine, down the streets of Troy, and heading straight towards the edge of it, where they had said they'd go with Cherish. Finding them out there would be another matter entirely, as all she knew about Crow, where that she lived close to the town, in the desert. That was it. She were a friend of Cherish, who didn't seem like she'd be around cruel creatures, so it were probably not her who had done something, but at this point, Void hadn't a clue, and just knew her babies were in danger. Unless this were some joke from Selena, but surely she wouldn't joke about this, of all things, knowing how attached Void were to the younglings. ============================================================================= (Ranger) "That's one of the most messed up things I've ever heard, and you've told me horrible things already about this... Den of evil. What a horrible place this were." He felt literally sick as he heard that. Adults taking young ones to this place, showing them the unformed ponies in the tank, and letting them know that if they didn't act well, they'd be replaced, and forgotten. Just a footnote in some research paper, like they were nothing. It were revolting, and his mind were conflicted between shock, disgust, a want to have this entire place burned to ash, and feeling it should be kept, just so that others could learn from this horror, and not repeat the past. "Just give me a minute." Kozue would wander a bit forth, and stand in the rough middle of where the tanks would face, then pull out an amulet - not the one that he had gotten made via the feather he got - and sat down on his rear down, closed his eyes, and gathered his front paws, with the amulet in the middle. A sad, yet beautiful melody would escape him, as he whistled a tune, his tail swaying slowly back and forth. There were seemingly no magic involved, and after around forty seconds, he would stop, and get up again, putting the amulet back into his bag. The paper fox would have listened in, but elected to wander around and look for a bit, during which, it saw something that seemed to catch its eye. A slab of paper, that it tore something off, and brought over towards Ranger. And once it got her attention, it would show her a word there, the rest of them gone, likely eaten. *Speck* The context were lost, and it also looked like the word were half of one only. Likely it had been a slight misspelling of Spectacle, but judging by the way the fox jumped and waved its tail, it seemed it liked what were there now. ======================================================================== (Grey) "What I saw, is what the changelings would've been like, without Bling to guide us. Lost souls and bitter veterans, fired up and ready to change things. Violently, if it had to." He wasn't joking there. Most changelings who came here, had nothing when they entered, and there were a lot that were hungry, poor, and alone. If Hive Cheshire hadn't been there to create a feeling of community, keep them fed, integrate them and so forth, a lot more would have desperately joined gangs, or started to assult others at random. They could have ended up just like the cloud district were. They had gathered around their own leader, but their path had been different, and with him gone, the view had changed on them, and they lived with the consequences. Something that were more severe than before, as now things were worse than ever, and those already down on their luck, had no choice but to get desperate, or likely starve to death in the ruins. It were easy to hate them, for the gang that had been there, and were now ready for a different assault, but he didn't. He pitied them, that life had been cruel enough, for this to be the end result. Because infighting in itself, were not enough to bring it to here. If it were, the changelings would have devolved into chaos, as they were easy targets to focus down upon. Because they were different, and technically, ponies were prey to them. If you looked at it very narrowly, which some would always do. More than this had happened, and he doubted that what he heard now, were the whole story too, but she likely didn't know either. Something told him it were accumulated over a long time, and build on many small things too, that caused things to go the way they were now. Yet it didn't change the fact that this were gonna end in blood, and a lot of it too, and they had lost enough lives in the last few years already. "I don't blame them, or you what this have come too. Because you're right. The Cloud Layer have been an afterthought at best for most beings, and it's only gotten worse. It's not the sprawling, thriving home in the sky it used to be, and I don't fault them for wanting change. No one deserves to live like that. But this? They're gathering every pegasus they can get hold of up there. Their recruiters are speaking of basically cleansing any non-pegasus from the town, with a worrying enthusiasm. And then, as if that's not bad enough, they also have Basher's Boon, which I can only assume is going to cause a lot of trouble, since we've been warned it's not supposed to be worn. I'm... At an impasse here. I have to stop her, or the attack is gonna end up causing a lot of death, but if I do, then nothing changes, and the Cloud Layer will end up going from a slum, to a graveyard. She has to be stopped, but it's not enough.. Not enough..." He'd let out a tired, heavy sigh, and think over this as best he could. This were a situation that required more than a single drone could handle. He could take out the leadership, but then what? Another would just rise up, unless something fundamentally changed. The pegasi up there, had to feel like they mattered, and had a future. Something larger and more tangible than he could do anything about. Ideally, the Cloud Layer had to be rebuild, so there were hope again. Homes, businesses, an economy that made them part of the city, instead of its trash heap. But that required the casino heads to get together and work on this, and while he were sure that Bling would see the rational, and compassionate solution here, could the rest? Would they even care, as it would short term cut into their profits? Long term, having the Cloud District up and running again, would be a worthwhile investment. The world were free now (for the most part) and New Las Pegasus were well positioned to be a sprawling metropolis of trade, development, and so forth. A capitol that would make Canterlot seem like a dinky village. But all of that were ten, maybe twenty years in the making, and the long term cost them in the short run. If you looked at it in sheer, up front cash, it were better to just let the top rot, and think about it later. Potentially going as far as to chase everyone out of there into the desert, and then rebuild it into more luxury accommodations. Which he would not be surprised about, if he were told that were the plan for at least one of the casino heads. Yet it would long term work better if it were for the regulars. Like Las Pegasus had been in its time as a festive town, yet there were potential for so much more. But how to set that in motion? And how to make the ones up there not feel it were but a symbolic gesture to talk about this? They were still in the slum. Being told that over the years, it would improve, did not fill their bellies and wallets now. And if they weren't helped in some way, they would just gather around the next leader who'd stand up, because at this point, what had they to lose? It were like she said: They had nothing, and those with nothing to their name, would inevitably rise up. "...Remove one leader, they will follow the next. With nothing to lose, what's to stop that? Even if they won't have the boon, desperation leads to actions... It's just the perfect storm, that's been long in the making. Basher gave them hope, and instead of meeting those who did, after he lost, and find solutions, they took everything of worth, and ditched the whole place. There's no simple solution that a single being can do, that can solve this, is there? Take out one, more follows. Ignore the problem, it grows bigger. I follow my orders, and things will grow worse. Go against them, and there will be war. There's no saving everyone..." He were having a bit of a crisis of faith here, as he began to grasp more of the magnitude of a problem this were, and his own part in it. He were just a pawn, and he accepted that, but in this case, his actions could only lead to bad results. Sure one of them delayed the inevitable, but it still didn't help those up there. In fact, it might just make it worse, as the powers who be, might flat out feel encouraged to battle them more directly, rather than ignoring them, as it would be somewhat clear that they weren't just gonna roll over and die in silence. He were spiraling down the rabbit hole here somewhat, but Birdie should still be able to tell that through his semi-rambling, and extended thoughts on this, he were genuine. This were not an act, where he tried to garner sympathy to play her. He were genuinely at somewhat of an impasse, as he didn't want a war, but also didn't want the cloud district to suffer to the point where this would either happen again, or get even uglier. The Grey Mare, or Birdie, might want to steer him back on track somewhat.

@Catpone Cerberus The baffled response over where she were, made Glutton let out another loud laughter. "You're fun one, Asildae. Starting to make me hope I don't have to eat you. How wouldn't you know you crossed the world? You been knocked out or teleported? Heh, though I guess that's why I haven't seen one of your sort before. Figured you were from the Sullen Gorge. Even in the state she is now, my sister's aura can't help but create all kinda funny creatures." Draconequui often referred to their own kind as kin, or cousins, but actual siblings were a rare occurrence, considering how most of them came into existence, but Glutton were one of triplets. Something she didn't mind talking of, but few actually asked about that sorta thing. Most tended to just give their condolences, considering she mentioned her oldest sisters memorial. Maybe she'd bring it up later, to try and bond a bit with her new, crunchy friend here, but for now, she seemed to have some other things on her mind. like how she were way off her home. Curious how that came to be, but maybe she'd spill the beans herself, if she gave it a bit. Besides, she were hungry, and Glutton could if any, connect with the want to eat. Not that she were often actually hungry. Sure she could get peckish, but often she ate things because she could. If she were constantly hungry, she'd probably have eaten several land masses at this point, to try and satiate the bottomless pit that were her stomach. Good that it hadn't gone that way honestly. Wasn't anything new to be created, if everything was gone. Glutton didn't mind seeing her take off the way she did, and go grab herself some helpless prey. Shame for the small ones, but this here were nature's order. Predators needed to eat, and prey multiplied quickly to replenish those numbers. If she went around saving every creature that were about to be eaten, the predators would just starve, and where were the fairness in that? Though Glutton had on occasion saved some, either by a spur of the moment, because they were incredibly rare, or out of spite. She didn't count the times she had saved the pets of some pony here and there, though she had done that too. It made them praise her, which she liked, and honestly? She didn't much care for their mewling, and tears. It were annoying, and when it came to younglings, it actually made her feel bad for them. Easy to just snap her fingers, and get that sorted, rather than having to deal with that. One of Fright's lessons. Big of her little sister to give her guidelines, but she supposed she could live with it. Beat being turned to stone, and she quite liked her new home, as well as the freedom and recognition she got. Couldn't argue with the results. Same with Asildae's hunting. Some good results here, though Glutton would hear something rapidly approach from the side, likely having heard the peculiar insect buzz around, or seen her take off, and wanted a quick snack. Something quickly jumped closer, but Glutton were faster than her large frame would maybe make you think, and with a quick motion, she'd have her paw up, and stop the motion of what were coming in. Which seemed to be a grey fuzzy orb, around the size of a volleyball, with three large, pink eyes, and a long antenna, that drooped in front of it from the seeming weight of the football-sized, glowing mossy orb that hung at the end. It looked up towards Glutton with its big eyes, shifting between her and Asildae in a quick motion, as to indicate the queen. "I ain't sure what you are, but this one's mine. Beat it." The puff ball vibrated, letting out a cooing, annoyed sound, but would bounce off without causing trouble. "Don't trust the cute ones. Sis always liked making tricksters like that." The sound of a boar squealing nearby would be heard nearby, followed by a cutesy, loud chittering, from multiple individual seemingly, then scuttering in the brush as something moved out of this area with great speed. "Heh, shame I didn't get to see that. Anyway, no sweat about taking off. You were hungry, and prey scurry off if you wait too long. Guessing you're venomous, since they stopped that easy? How... Delectable." She'd lick herself around the mouth, with one of her slim, split snake tongues, whilst maintaining eye contact, and her usual grin. Glutton was messing with her, and the slight teasing tone that went over her, should make that somewhat clear. ============================================================= @Catpone Cerberus "...To an extend, I suppose it doesn't matter, but I yet have family, that will wonder what have become of me. I worry about their opinions, when they learn what I am, as well as the risk of hurting them. They are likely not even aware I am still alive, and not among the other missing from Center Zero, but I cannot risk it, before I am completely certain that I can approach them with answers. What I am, and if there is a path back. There is also my own perspective. While I still believe myself a pony, I am not aware if there even if anything pony left, beyond my mere essence and memories. While Solar and others have replaced parts of themselves, to various degrees, there is still some left. Parts of what they were. I cannot even be sure there is that, and it leaves me with a somewhat irrational, existential crisis. It is not easy to simply change your mind from you being one thing, to now another entirely. Not to speak of the complete change in how I believed life would go. It were simple. I would have a career, at some point find myself a nice, intelligent stallion, and have a few foals that I could teach and inspire, before retiring in my twilight years, satisfied with what I left for the world. Now, I don't even know how long of a lifespan I might have, and elementals are notoriously secretive about their procreation, considering it a highly private matter. And what have been observed, defies normal logic, and would require me to accept my form as being more malleable then I currently consider it. Yet I could. I have accepted that I have changed, and the odds of going back are slim at best, but... I have to be sure, before I can more readily embrace fully what I am now, and push my my self-imposed boundaries, which I fully admit to being irrational, mental blocks, based on silly fear and stubbornness." Even if she could simply consider it enough, that her soul were all that remained of her equine self, she were too much of a scientist to just try and readily accept that. She needed to question her state, explore the available avenues, and then come to a conclusion once she had as many facts as she would need to convince herself. And then there were of course, the part that it were hard to simply accept a complete change in what she were. She had accepted it enough to focus on improving and controlling herself, but she were yet a pony of mind, and set boundaries accordingly. If she had to accept herself to break through these mental blockages, or had to break those, to actually accept herself first, she hadn't a clue yet. It had still only been a few months after all. "I would like to meet the one you speak of though. Changed in her own way, her perspective could provide me with some answers that I have had a hard time answering, and no avenue to ask elsewhere about. Though I think I may have explained something incorrectly. The elemental shard I spoke of, were a part of an elemental. Think of a piece of living fire, encased in pulsating rock. When it began to go critical, it exploded, and the only thing stopping it from taking the whole lab, and a good deal of the town, were the safeties in the testing area. Though I did feel it. Fire rushing through every fiber of my being, and then naught but darkness, before I suddenly woke up in a testing tube myself. There is not a *shard* per se in me, that can simply be removed. Before I left the lab, the tests quite inconclusively showed that physically, there is nothing equine left. My body engulfed and melted away by the intense flames, down to the very ash of my bones. And yet, I know I am still me. I have my memories, and my mind, and we have no idea how that is. There simply isn't a precedent. Have it to do with the chemicals we used to suppress the fire? Something in my genetics? An object in the lab? Something with the shard itself? There is a myriad of questions, and I have to find them without any previous data to go by. It is... More frustrating than I like to admit, some days. I suppose, if I have to look on the bright side, it is better than being dead, and the process did if anything, correct my eyesight. My glasses are purely decorative. A certain degree of familiar comfort, one might say." It were not her original frames from the incident, as those had been melted along everything else, and so had several of her backup glasses afterwards, in various tests, but she managed to get away with one pair. The glasses themselves had been replaced before that however, with fire resistant window glass. The frames had also been reinforced, though she wasn't sure how. Something related to the Boom family, she could imagine. They had been helpful with other metallic things in the past, according to a few other labs. As for their quarry, she had yet seen anything of note either. Surely they'd get a sign at some point though. Something... Unusual, in some capacity. ================================================================= @Catpone Cerberus "She sounds interesting. I'll personally be looking forward to meeting her, and making sure I stay polite. I have higher aspirations for my life, than being wall decoration, heh. I'll be looking forward to tomorrow, but you shouldn't keep your elder waiting. See ya." She really hadn't much else to say there, and she were not touching the notion of the elders being more than chums, with a ten mile pole. Some things - while she were curious - were simply not meant to be touched, unless you wanted your arm ripped off., Usually metaphorically, but in this case, she wouldn't be surprised if it would be quite literal. It were good to hear that Charir spoke up and asked a question though. He was getting braver, speaking like this among other dragons. Faster than she had expected from him too, which made her quite happy. A joy she'd probably need, once Ruby were going to speak, considering how weighed down she seemed to be. "...You're still afraid of him on some level, aren't you? Whatever happened, made you feel powerless, I'd imagine? Like the temple, and with the elder, when she took control of you? I don't claim that I'm right, but I could understand, if what you're feeling now is fear. I felt it too, in that temple. Not for myself, but because you two were there, and I was afraid what they'd do to you, because I was too weak to stop it. Feeling at the mercy of someone else, unable to do anything, it's... Harrowing. It can break even the toughest minds. Not as much as I were broken on the way here though. I'm not ashamed to admit that it was worse than I had ever imagined. But you're not like me, Ruby. You're tough, and I know you like being the one in control. The top predator, that no one outta mess with. It's a strength I honestly admire. Having that taken away... You're a lot more subtle with your emotions than I am, but personally, I'd think you were afraid. Might be why you're having those nightmares too, after we were in the temple. A reminder of what it were like, to be under someone else's control." While she were speaking, Leviathan's tone would be calm and soothing, while she leaned in on Ruby. Her thick scales might mean she didn't register it much, but the smaller dragoness cared little. Her friend should have someone close to her, when speaking out about things like this. Maybe she'd be angry, at the notion that she could be afraid. Perhaps she'd just flat out deny it, and really, she could be wrong. Whilst an educated guess, Leviathan acknowledged that Ruby and her, did not express emotions int he same way. Ruby were a very private individual, that showed such things subtly, while Leviathan wore hers halfway on her sleeve. Still, right or wrong, Leviathan wouldn't just leave, or in any way try to tease or make jokes right now. Ruby deserved better than that, and she'd get it, even if she'd lash out. It'd suck, but Leviathan accepted that were the inherent risk in bringing this sorta thing up. Though it still felt right to do, and she'd follow her heart on this. =========================================================== @Catpone Cerberus "That's good to hear. It's a lot more reasonable of a view to have on it, than some ponies I know. For a country called Equestria, some are certainly more open-minded than others. Personally, I don't see an issue with it, and your arrangement about things is fair. It respects the relationship, and the cultural limitations you come from. It's admirable in its simplicity." It wasn't specifically required to be open-minde3d, to be part of the Coastal Guard, but considering they were the most racially diverse guard group, it were definitely advised. Especially considering how the guard had no tolerance for racial separation. Anyone who cared for the sea, were welcome in their ranks. "It sounds exciting, meeting a kobold that's being so protective of a whole family of dragons too." "Long as it doesn't get too cultish. There's enough issues with Le Perinne's faithful as is." "Who?" "The reason why I taught you to never approach a gryphon wearing a red claw symbol. A bit of advice I would offer you too, Sheska. It is rarely a good thing to get the interest of that particular elder dragon." As a mare of the law, she should technically go and arrest any of them that she found, but bad things were bound to happen, if you unjustly pestered her faithful. Not only were they usually stronger and meaner than other gryphons, but they were also fanatically loyal, and would tell nothing of their mistress, which were an issue, as Le Perinne were thought of as one of the founding members of the Equestrian Black Market trade, and reeling her in, could severely impact that market. Yet she were elusive and powerful. And compared to other dragons, who might handle things with raw strength, she made use of connections and magic, to handle things that were against her. At best, that meant bail for one of her faithful that had roughed up someone on open street would appear. Other times, it meant using her magic to impede and area, and even kidnap some, until she had gotten whom she considered to belong to her back. In general, their orders around this cult were one of annoying neutrality. They should keep an eye out, and if they did do something illegal, to handle things. But it were more trouble than it were worth, to take things further than that currently. Though every sighting had to be reported, to a specific. branch of the Canterlot royal guards. Their spies were trying to do something with all of this, to perhaps find out where Le Perinne were, and then take things from there. You'd think an elder dragon wouldn't be hard to find, and yet... "Well, anyway, it's good that she has someone with her.. I'll remember this, for the next time that I meet them. Which will happen eventually. I keep an ear out for any news about her wandering around, so i have a chance at listening to her songs every now and again, if I have some time off. It's always worth the trip to listen to her play. I can't wait to also show her the next time, that I got her autograph! That's gonna be so great. Do you know which way she might go, now that I think of it? Any hint could be helpful. I promise, I'm not a stalker. It's just a shame to get somewhere, and then find out she's fifty kilometer in the other direction, y'know?" ============================================================ @Catpone Cerberus "We may yet prove beneficial to one another in the future. Ponies will not have an easy time accepting me, once word comes who I am in full, and that is where the real work begins for my *rehabilitation*, or what you may call this. An arduous task, not made easier by me needing to yet reach the point where I view ponies as equals. It is a far cry from thinking of them only as food or labor, as I normally do." "One of the first things you taught me, were that changelings were ever adaptable. It may take a little time, but it will be done." "Indeed. Were it that all of my drones had taken to my words as well as you, Happy." She'd smile vaguely, and rose a hoof to run down the side of his face. Though weak and lacking the same unshaken presence he were used to, Happy seemed joyful all the same, a low, cooing sound escaping his throat, and his neck fluff puffing slightly. Knew you nothing of them, it may seem outright endearing. Knowing though, to some extend, what she had done to him, after he had been stranded here from his own world... Could he see it with the same gaze? Or would it color his perspective? Questions which did enter Onache's mind, yet she cared little right now, as the smile fell once more to her neutral expression, and her hoof returned to the floor. "Enough of this though. I tire of this place, and wish for light. Let us find your sister and be done with this, lest you have more to do in this place?" She would follow to the room with the guards in if it were, giving a slight bow of the head in response to their regular greeting, but otherwise not speak at first. Though if they simply went for the exit, she could do so too. She were not interested in taking charge right now, in her current state. It asked too much of her, and her churning stomach. ========================================================== @EQ_Theta "Yes. I thought Sen were strange too, the first time I met him. It made me curious. Though he still looks more like me, than her new master does. Her too. I have seen many of my siblings being given forms. Most are different from what I look like, but some look like other things, from home. Like this one, that looks like a squid... Or octopus? I am not sure. Others have looked like humans, dragons, two legged fox creatures, and others. Most are made to look like their masters. Discord and Hammonds master are different Maybe it is an Equestrian thing? I should ask, next time we see them." It were all in the eyes of the beholder really. For them, the floating octopus would be very different from anything they'd seen, outside of some resemblance to sea life. Whereas to him, they would be weird, as they were land based creatures, and he sprung from a world where aquatic life were seemingly more common, and far more evolved than what were the case in Equestria. Well, differently evolved at least. There were still sirens, mermaids, etc. It would be a few seconds, after they had spoken, before more were said from him, as if he needed time to digest what they had said. Which may be somewhat correctly said, since as they spoke, the fish's light bulb would vibrate slightly, and the teeth would light up in a pale blue, waving inwards steadily, like invisible waves of light were slowly crashing into the maw. "I want to understand. Looking for... History. Sorry... I hear you... Understand is... Strange." It seemed that he could communicate to a certain extend. By some (potentially magical) means, he were grasping their words, and understood them, but trying to communicate back were limited, as he only had the words that they had spoken to work with. Hence why his words were choppy and hesitant at times, as he had to search for the nearest workable word, to make it less of a word jumble than intended. Interestingly, it seemed it required them to speak things out loud. Despite Omen saying many words, he had not used any of hers that might be useful, indicating that this fish in some manner, were a filter, and conduit in some fashion, to both hear and speak. Likely due to a lack in applicable physiology otherwise, as his kind spoke in a way that did not fit the way that creatures from their world did. It'd be like a cicada, trying to speak ponish. ======================================================================= @EQ_Theta It wasn't a taboo subject per se, but there were often those who were nervous. Especially now that the princess and some of her guards were here, because something might come up by accident, that would point out one or the other. Wig were painfully aware of this, and had to be sure she used the right words all day, to not agitate the guards into being able to point towards say, any of Chrysalis's hive, since that might cause harassment. Probably not in front of the princess, but guards talked, and they could all tell that these were not all thrilled about being here. Some outright scared in fact, showing they had been here, during the invasion. Some had maybe even known someone being taken away, or had been so themselves. Either case would make them less than pleased with that hive, or perhaps changelings in general. Time would handle worries and such, and the warm reception of the princess did help, but it were still rather early, in things going from prey and predator, to equals. Tensions were still high on both sides, and those like Wig who tried to run a business, had to carefully thread a thin line, and make sure that nothing came of this. Only took a few who started yelling, before insults and spells started to get cast around, and no one needed that. Least of all her, as she didn't want her nice place to be trashed, or get a reputation as a violent place. Seriously, when it came to non-changelings, she made a mint on youngsters who wanted some joy tea. It were catching on with some of the youth, and that'd all be gone, if this place became less family friendly. An endorsement from the princess, rather than a guard notice, were a lot more attractive. Might sound a bit cynical, but it were still helpful. She just sorta... Y'know, wanted to run a business, and maybe franchise it later. It'd be nice going from lowly drone, to comfortably retired. “You'd definitely like her. She gets looked down on a lot from other queens, but whenever there's a food shortage, they come asking for some of her surplus all the same. And I've yet to hear her turn anyone away. She's good and reliable. Bit of a prankster though. Likes to mess with those being mean to changelings, hehe. Not in a harmful way though. She's just really good with illusions. And honestly, I wouldn't worry so much about the golem thing. I couldn't even tell at first, and you don't physically look all that threatening, no offense. You should be able to simply talk with others without it being a big deal, and explain stuff. Though if you want history, the libraries and museums are probably the thing. Maybe one of the schools? They like having guest speakers, and you'd certainly give them a story none of them have heard about before. There's some theology classes you could speak of the faith based perspectives in at Canterlot High for sure. There's not a lot of faith in Equestria for gods and such, but other countries like Caneighda have their gods. One of them,... Oh I can't remember the name, but they get a harvest festival every year, and come around to bless the meal and harvest." "Dhalse, is his name. We've been in talk with Caneighda's prime minister for some time about allowing our theology students to attend and learn. It's been slow, but the hope is that when the harvest moon hangs tall next year, they will be granted access. provided they bring proper tribute, in the form of homegrown vegetables." It were an odd request, but seeing how it were their lands, and their culture, it were something that mattered to them. Perhaps the god too, but she would not claim to have met Dhalse herself, nor had a reason to. She did not grow things such as pumpkins well, and had been politely denied access to it, if she could not procure something. Having others grow it for you, did not count, apparently. As such, the theology class, would need to spend the rest of the year, and the spring, preparing to grow vegetables of one kind or another. As she had been told, one of them had been very enthusiastic, and begun growing pumpkins in the school greenery already. "To an extend, Equestria's early history can compare to yours. The three tribes combining, did have a time when it were considered only proper that the earth ponies went in, while the pegasi and especially unicorns, stood at a far distance, safe from any harm. Friendly fire were sadly a thing that were known to occur, before things finally changed, after a few decades. Much as they called me and Luna their rulers, they needed time to acclimate to things, and it did cause some troubles. Including some areas that were assimilated into Equestria, though such a practice have not occurred in a long time. The greatest stain on our history also happened under my watch. The Inquisition. Three years of... Horrible, horrible acts, all done in my name by fanatics that swore by the flame of the sun. And yet I saw nothing, mourning as I were, of my sister's exile. Even as I finally strode out from my chambers, and saw what were done... Some things cannot be forgiven, nor can they be made right." The Inquisition were a very dark time period, in Equestrian history. One of pyres and screams, fanatics and so called *heathens*. The ones responsible grasping for power, without thinking of the consequences once Celestia would return. Perhaps even thinking she would agree with them? It were unknown, to the history books, and Celestia herself refused to talk of it in details. It brought her great sadness, to think of her failure first to her sister, and subsequently her country. Yet it were history, and chronicled as best as could be, with the museum at times being the ones to unravel more history from that time. Story that were possible to read in the great library, but some loose ends were present. Such as what had happened to the three leaders of the Inquisition, as nothing were known of their whereabouts after it had been stopped. "There is also the story of what happened when the Evergrown first arose, some six centuries ago, and came to Equestria. A new race, curious and looking to make contact, I welcomed them, but in the end, some selfish ponies began harvesting them for their essence, to flourish their fields, and the survivors cursed our name, before vanishing, and remaining hidden. Only in recent years, have they even been spotted, and I've yet to speak with one personally, though I hope when it does happen, they can forgive us. Even if I punished those who had done such a thing, it had simply been too late, and I can hardly blame them. Our story with the dragons have not been good either. It were but a hoofful of centuries ago, that we and their then acting dragonlord, met to reach an agreement, to stop the pointless warring between our kin, that claimed countless lives. He were one of their more reasonable leaders, and we did find a way to be mostly neutral, with criminals acting against dragons being given to them, and vice versa for those harming ponies. A strict rule of *Do not eat, and do not kill* were also instituted. Though recent years have shown great progress in dragons and ponies getting along better than ever known. But beyond sorrowful tales, I can speak of our relations with others. With most, we have long been neutral, but times require changes, and eventually it became beneficial to have trade agreements. We export much hay to Saddle Arabia as an example, while they export many different spices to Equestria. It is one more thing, that the diplomats and others do better than us, though Luna and I have the final say, in anything of grave importance. It happens even to this day. It is but a few days ago, we were told by an agent of one of our newest law enforcement agencies, that the faraway land of Harrowmark, wishes to speak with us, and make connections. Apparently he went and freed them from someone that isolated them for a long time, and they wish to first bring offers of friendship, to the country that sent them their savior. I have been asked to host a meeting between myself and one of their royals, as a first, formal visit. I admit to being rather curious, though... Hesitant. Harrowmark is a land of gods and dark magic, in the tomes I been told have been researched, and from what I have been told, those from their neighboring countries, have not been able to communicate with them in six centuries. It's rather... Ah, my apologies. I suppose I have been rambling somewhat there. I haven't many to speak of, with this matter, and I forgot myself in the moment. Forgive me my idle mindedness." "Oh, then we definitely should meet for tea one of these days, my dear princess. I have met somepony from the area, that have told me a few fascinating tales from their home, over in Manehattan, when I were visiting the area the day before last. A delightful mare that one, that said she had been brought back along with a mister... Ah what were his name... Rising Dusk, I believe? From the O. M. I.?" Celestia looked mighty perplexed for a moment, though curious and somewhat hopeful too, as the seconds ticked by. "That is the agent in question." "Oh how marvelous! We exchanged addresses, that we may write one another, before I had to leave the conference. I do so love new stories. What say I ask them to come visit, and we can arrange for a tea session then? I'm sure knowing more of Harrowmark and its ruler, will help ease your mind for the upcoming meeting." "A most surprising development, yet I cannot deny that it would be most helpful, Scarcity. Thank you." "Anything to help, your majesty." She had barely talked with the mare in question, but Scarcity had met her by pure chance, as she were attending some other business, and the mare were most interested in being of use, long as she were compensated properly. Never one to ignore a business opportunity, she of course accepted, and pulled a few threads to make her application for citizenship pass through faster. There were some details she knew, but the detective in question were the brother to one of her actual friends, and thus she knew he were a magic unraveller, and overall troublesome one, as he had a photographic memory. Considering he were also law enforcement, she did hers to stay clear of him currently, lest there were a reason not to, and simply remain on good hoofing with his sister. She could imagine that Dawn had already eyed a chance to be the first to set a hoof in the Harrowish market, due to her connections there, but it didn't mean that Scarcity couldn't make use of Harrowmark too before that, in her own way. She needed only contact, and pay the fare then, and by tomorrow, they should be able to have such a meeting take place. Though she needed to iron out some details with Celestia herself later, of course. Wouldn't want to distract either of them too much currently, as they both had their own things to handle. "To return to things more proper though, assimilation are a thing of the past, but I can agree that it can be good to keep a military presence at certain borders, with other countries that are cause for concern. Troy have all but forced our hooves on that matter, though they are the only ones." ===================================================================================== @ThePinkestofPones Shark stood and thought for a moment, if she knew anyone called that. "Hmm, no, special one is called Anomaly. She took Shark from the ocean, and made her like friends, then put her here in the dry reef, to hunt for big froggies. But now all the froggies are gone, so Shark is learning to be like friends. I go to the school to learn things, and have a mate too!" Her tail would wag harder, as she mentioned her mate. He wasn't here right now, but she loved him, and looked forward to someday have many healthy pups with him. And to learn stuff in school! So far she had learned that she wasn't supposed to eat her papers, and that the kitsune were nice and fluffy. In fairness, she had only been there for a day and a half. "Shark mother is somewhere in ocean. Not seen her for some time. But Shark is also new at making friends in this reef! And my old friends are all in the ocean, eating fishies. Wanna be new friends?" She'd grin wide, wagging her tail and spraying water from side to side from it, about a half meter in both directions. Though clearly a predator, she should seem innocent and happy, and in her own way, she would understand him. Sure she hadn't saved others that then were now gone, but she used to live long away, in the ocean, as a regular shark. She had friends among her own kin then, but now she had no idea where that ocean were, and doubted they would even recognize her anymore. Yet life were now much larger than she had known, and full of mystery and adventure. So how could she stay mad?

@Illiad Easle For the record, I did not switch the races by accident. Considering the way Arcade thinks of his horn, Null's subconsciousness changed the sub-race of pony, to fit a dream that seemed more realistic, in a way. One where he didn't need to worry about that.

@Illiad Easle I literally just finished, and then saw I forgot Ranger, grrr... I'll edit it in after I've slept. Sorry.

@Illiad Easle (Null) "Probably for the best. Been a lot happening today, and I could use some few hours of rest. Least there's been some positive changes. Things I never expected, and keep worrying I'll mess up, but... I'm not gonna stop trying, and hoping it will work out. It's funny, y'know? Feels like it's a lifetime ago, that all I wanted was to die, and had to struggle to find even a sliver of reason to not toss myself off of the nearest cliff. It's a strange feeling, suddenly to have something to live for." It was a strange thought, that she'd take with her as she'd drift off to sleep, though it wouldn't impact her rest much. Thankfully her dreams were filled with less heavy thoughts. Just that of herself, her family, Arcade, and a couple of foals that looked like them. Just this time, the unicorn were instead an earth pony. ======================================================================= (Ranger) Sadly he hadn't a clue what this said. Only ancient language he knew off, were vulpine. The precursor to the kitsune's adoption of the more standard Neighponese and Ponish language. yet they were still trained in it, so they could communicate with one another without others snooping in, though it were a limited language. Back from the primitive times, between them being regular wild foxes, and evolving to what they were now. They prided themselves in their history, and praising their ancestors, so they did not avoid talking of the savage times, but considering they referred to them as such, it were not exactly a secret that they did consider themselves above that sort now, in their more civilized stage. Still, there were wisdom in learning of the past, and you could not avoid the savage times, if you wanted to understand how they had become what they were. It were equal to the Leyline Doctrines, and the Gate of Spirits, as the trilogy of tales that in the end, made them what they were. He'd bring it up, but it didn't really seem the time for anecdotes. plus if he went into details, it'd be hours. It were not exactly short lessons. Anyway, as the codes were pushed in, he'd observe hopefully, and did have a bit of it rise up, as he saw something happened, but sadly it did not leave to a big ol' open door. It seemed time and no maintenance had done a number on this place unfortunately. *sigh* Back to lifting then it were... He would be pleasantly surprised as he went about that again though, as it were now notably easier to do this. Sure he'd still need things to put under to gain leverage, but it seemed the door had loosened at least, so this would increase the speed by which he could do this substantially. If the door presented the option to stay still somewhere, as it were open, he would put in the effort to push it as much as he could up to a point, but more than likely he'd have some bricks, planks, etc. keep it up on the sides, tall enough for them to be able to wander in, without having to lean down too much. Sure he could do that, but ponies didn't have the sort of build that his kin did. They needed a little more space. Getting through, they'd see the paper fox further in, looking around now that there were light to work with. Kozue saw some glass at first, but stepping in, and getting an actual look... He'd pause, just past the door, genuinely shocked at what he were seeing. His jaw even went a little slack for a moment, as he gazed upon the scene in front of him. "By Zhao Ni herself..." It would mean nothing to Ranger, more than likely, but to put it in Equestrian terms, this were akin to swearing by Princess Celestia, back in the day. He'd take a few tentative steps forward, his soft paws crossing floors that had likely not seen others for years, and looked at whatever this thing were. "These are the cloning tanks? This... I don't even know what to say." He'd get closer to one of the tubes, looking at the floating thing inside of it. Not even a full foal yet... And oddly... He'd been too shocked to notice at first, but it suddenly struck him, how much more magical this place were, compared to where they had just been. Kitsune could feel out leylines in the world. Often times, they build settlements around those places, long as it were also secure to do so. Such were the case of their main village in Neighpon for instance, with the nearby smaller villages build with a similar idea, according to the uneven, sporadic pattern. Barring a few that were chosen due to location more than anything, though those tended to be the smallest ones. Little more than outposts really. They could feel that, as they were magically sensitive, and this place were certainly more active than the room before. He raised a paw, to near the glass, trying to feel out if perhaps, the magic were running through these machines, or might even be collecting inside the semi-formed infants. It were not magic as powerful as something like leyline, or even a wellspring, but he might be able to tell, if there were a focus for this. If not the clone, then he'd look around, keeping his senses sharp, and trying to see if there were something he could scan out. Though small amounts, likely meant he'd need to get close, and explore around. As for the paper fox, it got bored and came over to Ranger somewhat quick, assuming that she had answers, and it were better to listen to her about things. Plus it weren't sure if those things in there might try and jump out and eat them. It all looked very weird to it. ====================================================================== (Cherish) Wouldn't take long before Cherish's group would find more bones. The ones that the skull had been attached to. Bleached white and long since picked clean by vultures and bugs alike, it were as surgical as could be. It helped Cherish at least, to not be as weirded out by it, though it also did, that she had seen this before. Wasn't the first scavenge that included dead creatures she were on. Quite frankly, most of them were. A lot had died out here, and left things behind, that occasionally got near the surface of the sands. You had to get to that, to get to the things. They'd manage to get the whole skeleton out, which also showed what had killed the mare, once upon a time, as the spine had a hard to miss hole in it. Something had seemingly either shot, or ripped out part of their spine, likely killing them instantly. One would hope so, at least. The alternative of bleeding out, paralyzed as the sands engulfed you, were far too horrendous for Cherish to think about. The box were near the hooves, along with another skeleton next to it, though this were of an animal of sorts. Though if any of them had met any before, they might know this to be from a smaller diamond dog. A runt, or youngling, laying across the crate. Crow would halt herself as she saw it, sending it a look that almost seemed scared, for a brief moment, before lifting out the crate and put it next to the hole. If the others looked, they'd find that the mare skeleton also had a pouch near her back hooves that they could take up too, that Crow hadn't noticed, as her focus were on the crate. Elef would be in luck, sort of. He'd find a sack, made out of some sort of reinforced leather. Sturdy stuff, which might indicate something of value were in this. Yet he wouldn't be able to just pull it out, even if he dug the entire bottom of the bag loose, which would be around the size of Piecey, or Peal. It seemed to be upside down, so he'd need to find the opening to get it lose, and as he would, he'd find that it were clutched tightly by a gryphon's hand. The more he dug, he'd find that the mummified hand, had a lot of dried meat still on it, and as he'd dig deeper, and find the head, the face were as intact as the rest. Moisture drained from the body, but the gryphon in question still looked upwards, fear seemingly etched into the face, as the husk were reaching upwards, clutching the bag likely with the last bits of strength that had been left with him in life, as he'd tried to use the weight of it to give himself something to pull upwards with. This were another scavenger, who had run into one of the deserts natural traps. Some considered it quick sand, but it were just a random hole in the sand. A bubble of air, filled loosely by some fine sand on top. Apply pressure, and you'd begin to sink rapidly. This one seemingly being too careless, green, or too greedy, to let go of the bag at first, and when he tried to get away, it was too late. A looter or other scavenger, that came along later on. Maybe someone missed him back in Troy, but it were hard to say. Perhaps if he were fully undug, they would find something in his gear worth scavenging, or potentially some ID? Cherish wouldn't bite much notice in it, but Crow did, and rose her head, looking around, a growl slowly escaping her throat. "Something is wrong. We're being watched." She wasn't sure from where, but there were something, and it wasn't like a dune hound. There were a big difference between being watched by a predator, and being watched by curious prey. And this didn't feel like prey. ===================================================================== (Void) "As good as I think they could be. Thank you for your concern." It were not ideal, in the case of Null, but it were still better than it could have been. So all things considered, perhaps things had turned out somewhat for the best. "I can't imagine the princess felt very well about his betrayal, but I can't speak on her behalf, or any others, when it comes to that. I just know the crisis itself, and what he did. His choices hurt everyone,, and I worry what will happen to some because of that. His own kin, those he forced to do his bidding... The war might be mostly over, but the aftermath have barely begun." While Void weren't entirely sure what those words meant, she knew what sire were, and just filled int he blanks after that, to what made the most sense. Awkward if she were wrong, but hopefully that wouldn't be the case. probably wouldn't matter a lot right now regardless. "I'm sorry to hear about your mother, but it's good that there were someone who could take you in, and give you a good upbringing. It's not easy growing up, having no parents. My sister had to raise me, when we got separated from our parents. She did the best she could, but it's not the same as a home, and parents. Though I suppose, in yours and our cases, adoptive parents. Though to us at least, blood isn't as important as who were there for us. Still I hope you will find your sire, and hopefully find some answers. Who knows? Perhaps you have siblings somewhere, that you never knew about." "It's an idea at least, but Karma does have the final say. It's a suggestion worth thinking about though. It never hurts to broaden your options. It's surprising to hear how Mercy works. I kinda thought it would be like with Vengeance, but I can see it makes sense. There's usually a nice unity, to at least some extend. Makes me wonder if I've run into one of you before actually... We've been around some places, where there's been set up tents and such for refuges after large battles, or war zones. We didn't stay long any of them, as we didn't want to interfere with any of the treatments, but we've gotten a bowl of food here and there, before scurrying off. Seems like those kind of places, could be fitting at times, for those serving Mercy." There'd also been a few times where they had broken past the relief camps, because what had caused issues were a cursed item. Either something that were craved by others, or were fueling death and destruction in some fashion. They'd gladly take those things, as they could suppress them, but it were not often it were appreciated. The lure of power, religious reasons, or fear, could do a lot to turn others against them. ========================================================================== (Grey) Disturbing news, that necklace... One that changed things potentially, as chaos magic could add a boon to the pegasi, if done right. or it could just cause more destruction, before their defeat. Likely the latter, causing more pointless death... *sigh* He'd need to bring this up too. It might well be part of this whole operation, and if that were the case, this just got a whole lot worse. like, to an extend where they might need some sort of specialized tool to deal with this thing, before it got out of control. Seemed Basher might be resting, or were maybe laying low, for some other reason. He had half a mind going and checking, and possibly wake up too, if need be, when he had been noticed by his second in command. This was the first time he had ever even seen Birdie, and the first impression were that she liked to taunt others, potentially to rattle them, and give her information. The second were that she were an Empath, which admittedly gave him a small shiver down his back. He didn't personally hate them, like some scouts did, for breaking their covers, but he did find them a little creepy. Still, he'd answer her. Maybe it would lead somewhere. "No, I didn't like what I saw. And you know why? Because I see where it will go. The downtrodden and the impressionable, gathering around someone promising them a solution to their plight. An answer bought in blood, and a lot are going to die, for likely nothing even close to the result they want. Why are you doing this? Why now, of all times? I know the upper layers are rough, but are they truly so bad, that it's worth dying for an antiquated idea of racial superiority, just to better things? I want to stop this, Birdie. I don't want anyone to die, but I don't know how things are up there, so I can't see how to fix this. Please, help me understand." He wasn't given her an order. He was pleading with her, desperate and concerned. There were a bunch of fireworks about to explode, soon as a spark would go off, and it would not be pretty. It would be an inferno, consuming a lot of them, and likely sparking retaliation. If the upper layer hadn't been bad before, it surely would be afterwards. There had to be a solution, but he had to know what had brought this along. The changelings rarely went up there, as it were dangerous, and they mostly cared for their own, who lived at ground level. The few who went up here, were for specific emotions, or to join one of the gangs, and if they joined that, it were rare that they came back, as they had chosen a new flock, that didn't allow them to mingle seamlessly with their old one. He himself had never been, just hearing stories, and right now, he regretted it deeply. Things were bad up there. Really bad, otherwise this wouldn't have been as attractive to those who lived there. But what was the reason? He didn't know, and he desperately sought an answer. There had to be more, than just pegasi yearning for the ancient times, when those with wings were one group, earth ponies in another, etc. Those were horrible times, and not worth returning to, but apparently they were riled up around the idea, one way or another. There had to be some degree of desperation, for that to be an option, right?

@Catpone Cerberus "Well well, I might take you up on that favor someday, little queen. For a draconequui, those're worth more than riches. But hey, you're mortal, yeah? You might die of old age before something comes up, hah!" She let out a bellowing laugh, that lasted about a second and a half. Mortals were such amusing little things to tease like this. Same reason she had a dog leash tied around one of her back teeth, with about half of it dangling out of her maw, and resting loosely on the right of her chin. Nice and red, so it were hard to miss. Ponies loved their pets so much, this tended to rouse them good, even if she hadn't actually eaten this particular dog. She just found the leash in the trash, and were morbidly inspired. "Anyway, there's prey in the forest. I could smell them on the way here. Outskirts of the Sullen Gorge though, you get all sorts of weird stuff." It could be anything really. A rat, a boar, a dune wurm, a flesh horror- They were not entirely in that area, but there were a certain degree of *spill-over* one might say, between the Sullen Gorge, and the outskirts of Deltrot Forest. "Somewhere between the Sullen Gorge, and Deltrot's Green Expanse forest. I personally prefer the former. All sorta weird stuff pops up there every now and again, so I pop in every few decades to have a snack, and visit my oldest sister's memorial. Was thinking about doing that today, but eh, she ain't going anywhere." Right outside of here, they'd likely just end up seeing small fry. A boar at most, but rodents and such? Probably. Not many predators though. They tended to sense when something higher up the food chain were around, and Glutton was the peak of it. Sure there were some that were brave or stupid, but for the most part, they stayed way clear of her. As for the stuff from the gorge... Well, personally she didn't mind, but it might be this crunchy little queen might not much care for something weird and chaotic looking, to rush out and try to eat her skin. If something did, she'd grab it, and eat it herself. The chaos added a nice bit of spice. ======================================================================= @Catpone Cerberus And there were the question. She had been wondering if that would arise, after she had vented in his presence, but he had seemingly held his tongue until now. Fair be it, this were better explained in the open wilds with less creatures gathered regardless. "You are quite correct, Mr. Vaz. I am not a regular pony. Not anymore. To make a long tale shorter, I were a researcher of elementals, and my professor got a piece of one, that turned out to be a trap, meant to erupt and destroy the lab. I stayed in the testing room, to activate the safety features, as a poorly timed malfunction made it impossible to do so from the outside, and I barely managed, before it detonated. WHen I woke up, I were as you see me. Myself in form, but somehow merged with the elemental shard." She'd lift a hoof, and show him well as the hooves and fur drizzled off like ash, showing the lava and bits of volcanic rock, calmly coursing beneath. It were warm, but nowhere near as much as it should be, being near actual lava, as she had herself under control. And after a few seconds of turning her hooves, the outside of it would start to cool, causing cold lava and rock to rapidly cool in the proper shape of her hoof and leg once more, hair included. "I am unaware if it is my memory of my form that keeps me like this, or the fusion does. I will admit to have some irrational concerns about trying to alter my physical form, like true elementals can do. Pointless really, but I suppose... I worry that if I can change, is there really any pony left of me? Or is it just the memories and soul, trapped in this molten shell? *sigh* My apologies, I did not mean to air my concerns like that. As for the aftermath, I escaped, once I realized my coworkers and professor were not looking for a way to help me, but were only keeping me there as a test subject, and spent some months testing my own limits, and making sure it were safe for me to be in civilized society again. And after I did go, and subsequently helped some ponies who had helped me, I encountered Solar, and he offered me employment. I am an efficient paper pusher, to simplify it. I am still searching for some answers to my situation, and potential a way to reverse it, but science have so far not lead to any answers. Solar have suggested I seek less conventional routes, such as the zebras, legends, or peculiar mystics. I don't suppose you may have encountered something similar, or heard of anything remotely like my situation, Mr. Vaz? I don't mean to pry, but with your admitted extensive lifespan, surely you've seen and heard much, and it can never hurt to ask." She doubted he did know, but anything really would do. A story. A location. A rumor even, were still more than she had now, as scientifically, she should simply not be here. She should simply be nothing, as the lava would not even leave identifiable ash. ========================================================================= @Catpone Cerberus "Swanky place, and the enchantment on the door's nice. Haven't seen that one before. And I'll definitely use the lake if it is. I don't want to go back out there again, or risk it either. I've never felt worse, than I did out there. Anyway, I don't have any questions right now, Voltaick. Thank you for showing us here though. We'll see you around later, yeah?" She'd give a friendly smile and wave at Voltaick, then wait to see if the others had anything to say. If they did, she'd wait and potentially respond to that. If they did not however, she'd wait until the other dragon were gone, and then head over to Ruby, smile replaced with concern. "Ruby? We're alone now, okay? Do you... Wanna talk about it? Elder Werodex said what she had done, what it must've been like. You... You aren't hurt, are you?" The elder hadn't said that there could be actual lasting pain, or a spiritual wound or something, but it were hard for her to get a read on her. Maybe it were a test, and she were meant to find out? She hadn't the foggiest clue, but it were a worry with her right now, that Ruby were hurting in some way. She hadn't seen her like this before, even when she had broken her leg. Something were off, and she just wanted to comfort her. =============================================================== @Catpone Cerberus "Oooooh, so she's kinda like the new forgemaster in Canterlot then. He's a dragon with a marefriend. It's good that she has somepony like that. Her music brings a lot of joy, so she deserves some herself." Some were rather prudish about these sorts of inter-species relationships, but she didn't much care. They were both adults, they could mingle however they liked. Shell was just surprised were all, as she had never assumed that her musical idol was a kobold. This day were full of surprises. "Must make you happy that Chega and Sear have one another too, since she means so much to you. Though can I ask, is it unusual for kobolds to have interspecies relationships? It's pretty irregular everywhere I know, except for the changelings, to do this. More just a few outliers. I'm not trying to say Chega is weird or anything, and I apologize if it came off like that. I'm just curious." "The bomb-makers abode, I assume? I read some thoughts on her, as I wandered the town. If there are some truth to their thoughts, I would look for traps, if I were you. The general opinion seems to be that she were friendly, yet unhinged." She had bitten notice in that, as it seemed a peculiar thing for her, to have a youngling all by her lonesome in the forest. had she still been there on her arrival, she would have likely gone and seen for herself, but some pony had already picked her up before that. A rumored brother it seemed, though after a time she had started to ignore further thoughts on her. It were interesting to an extend, but not when things began to mostly repeat itself ad nauseum. Besides, she had already left the area, so it were hardly anything to focus on, compared to things around those that still were present. That were of course, before she had learned that the kobolds would seemingly take over her home. At least she'd assume it were that, as most others she had heard of, were overgrown, and the castle had a draconequui, so that were not property one could claim. "Well I'll certainly come around eventually, to see if I can help in some way. I'd usually offer a gift basket of booze, but i remember you saying you're not that interested in that. But a pair of hands for building couldn't hurt, right?" "Long as you do not try to avoid doing the same at our home." "Perish the thought, my queen. I'll get to work there soon as you ask it of me." Onache herself were a traditionalist, so she had to make the first part of the hive herself, before workers would come and begin to expand to fit a growing population. ======================================================================== @EQ_Theta Omen would nod, and then speak to her sister, who then spoke to her new master. He in turn would speak back, letting out some very weird sounds, that Omen's sister would then translate back to her, and after a bit, Omen would then be able to turn and look at Sen and Lin again. "He understands, and assumed we came here for Shrimp, since he is not from his world. He also said something about us looking strange, I think?" She would turn and talk to her sister a bit more, before returning to her friends. All the while, Shrimp would be gleefully rushing up and down Lin's back, giddy and full of energy. Something that the squid might be looking at. It were hard to say with that massive eye looking towards them, as it may as well be simply looking the four of them over. A thin, see-through membrane would at times close over in a blink, but the gaze were unending. The things he must be able to see. Especially as this were only 1 of his eyes too, so considering the placement of the second, he had to have a rather large scope of vision. "Yes. He thinks we have too few limbs, and does not seem like we would swim well. I can not swim, so that is true for me at least." Her sister would speak again for a little while, though Omen didn't turn around this time. She merely listened, as the odd language of the Ki'nathar were spoken. Yet before she could say anything, a noise came from the squid. Unlike what had been so far. Through the fish it came, its mouth moving and eyes suddenly open and glowing, as the squid used it as a conduit or sorts. "Meet... You..." It seemed he were trying to communicate, and if they spoke, he would slowly bring the fish nearer, its maw opened wide as they spoke, as if it were trying to absorb their words, to learn more of them. The voice of the fish were hissing and eerie. Like a sea monster that had waited for prey, and were taunting them before the hunt. ===================================================== @EQ_Theta Considering the booths were soundproof and away from the regular store, in the hallway, they shouldn't be able to hear their friend, lest he were being very loud. Not that any would much care. Especially as the question came out. It didn't exactly cause the whole store to come to a grinding halt, but a few nearby who heard it, did seem to twitch slightly, and appeared uncomfortable. "Hey easy now, alright? It's a fair question. Just let me handle it." Wig could literally feel the nervousness that had wafted around in here, when the prospect of a tarnished reputation came up, and as such she had spoken out into the room, to calm those worries, while she prepared to answer it. The other questions too, but this one were important. She couldn't have her customers get all spooked for no reason. "Look, it's a tough question to answer. Me personally? I enjoy being out in the open, and not have to hide behind a facade just to mingle around society, and having to harvest emotions with desperate measures at times, just to survive on the bare minimum. Don't listen to the haters out there. You won't find many changelings who ever actually enjoyed harvesting those directly from others, or having to deal with putting out harvest vats in inconspicuous areas, and hoping no one found out about it. It were never prime location, and as such, food were either cruel, or scarce. But there are some who were part of that bad history, still living and moving around in Canterlot and the rest of Equestria. Not just from the attack on Canterlot itself, but also some other smaller incidents around the country. Fair few of those, would prefer to remain hidden, afraid of what others would do, even if they didn't have much of a choice, and all the tension around isn't just removed from one day to the next. It takes a lot of time, and there's still plenty of harsh, loud voices, that throws wrenches into the gears. So right now, it's a question with a lot of answers, depending on who you ask. This here's why the efforts of Hive Cheshire is so important. A lot of the queens scoff at her, and look down on her, because her hive is so small, but she's pushing hard to educate the public about us, and show that we're not dangerous monsters, but just folks trying to live. Including teaching them why even if we didn't like it, we couldn't stop from hunting for emotions. It'd leave us with... Something I'd rather not say out loud, but it's bad. Like, worse than death bad. Being out in the open, even with the baggage though? It helps of stave it off far more calmly. We can either ask for emotions from friends in smaller amounts, pay at places like this, or harvest it with our own vats. It's more effort, but the peace of mind is well worth it. Now as for the taste you asked about? Yes, different emotions have different tastes. Joy is like rich honey. Spite has a good, tangy aftertaste. Bravery is a bombastic grape flavor, anger is spicy, love is as sweet as nectar, and so on, and so forth. Different hives can eat any emotions, but have preferences, based on who their queen is, or were. For instance, Hive Onache are a Joy hive, whereas the one I come from - Hive Mirabella - is a Delight hive. You don't have to watch out for any hive, based on their emotions though. Even negative ones, are not dangerous. Just because someone eats Hatred, doesn't mean that want to make you angry. It's just a taste preference. You might end up having to do like Hive Cheshire, and teach others of your kind, if you want everyone to be more calm around you. The more others know, the less scared they'd be. Though I'd think more are bemused and confused by you, and y'know, no offense, but that's great for me. The confusion vat have been slow to fill recently, so this is a great help, hehe. You might want to go see Cheshire and her hive someday actually. She's all the way in Las Pegasus, but she's the friendliest face you'll ever meet. Tiny hive of pacifists, and the first hive that came out openly to seek acceptance, after King Thorax made it so that his hive were on good terms with the princesses. They might be able to give you some pointers." "They have a delightful theater too, with many quite delightful showings. have you been there yet, your majesty?" Celestia would shake her head briefly. "Sadly I have yet to find the time, though it is on my list. For the show, and to thank them for their efforts alike." Though she had not meet them, they had sent a large batch of emotion jelly, all packed up nicely in good bags, ready to be given out, with a message from Cheshire that told her to keep these, in case of hungry changelings, and let her know if they needed more. As well as an open invitation to come see a show. It were a surprisingly thoughtful gesture, and she had them stashed elsewhere in the castle, with most that had so far been used, being to help feed the few changeling prisoners they had. The others were surprisingly fast to help any changeling that came starving into town, so there were little reason for her to intervene yet. "For many, we have met them on neutral grounds, for many centuries. Some have had no want to speak with us at all, others meet only via diplomats from both ends, to discuss neutrality. In recent years, my protege Twilight Sparkle, have taken to go out and make contact herself with many races. Both unknown, and those who have been on worse terms with us, for quite a long time, such as the dragons. She starts things well, and then they send delegations here to speak with us. Others have come out and send representatives or individuals themselves, hearing of the success others have had. We are entering a truly glorious age, because of her efforts, and I can hardly be prouder of her. Yet neither my sister or I are ones for long sessions of paperwork and treaties. Our diplomats handle that much better, with our most hardworking being Golden Sun. A diplomat from the kingdom of Saddle Arabia, generously offered to us by Princess Arabian Nights. We have been on good terms with her for centuries, and he have proven loyal and efficient. Sometimes though, it all begins with a simple meeting, and things may then go from there. The newest of that being a surprising one, as a Sphinx have joined Equestria, in recent days. A long lived, proud race that have had no interest in ponies beyond governing over them, for longer than I have been alive. It is but a lone individual, but perhaps this may lead to more. Never a treaty of friendship I would think, but when it comes to the sphinx, neutrality is yet a desirable goal. Might I ask, in your days, how would you have handled such matters? I find myself curious, as to how things have changed since then." ==================================================================== @Dah Onion Eater "Awh, okay. Not many friends like to be wet. Is important for Shark though. Too dry feels bad." Her tail wagged as she grinned wider, clearly having not a worry in the world. "Why did someone send you here? Do they wait for you? Ooooh. Or did special one send you?"

@EQ_Theta @Catpone Cerberus @Dah Onion Eater I had almost the entire post ready, and then my browser reset, and nothing was saved... So I have to start over, after work tomorrow. :/ It's gonna be a few more days because of that, sadly. Sorry for even more delays.

@Illiad Easle No, nothing wrong. I've just been distracted, working, or playing too much and running out of time for a while. Trying to get my flank off the floor and be productive, but the results so far is middling.