Blitz Boom

@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.

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(Void)

On 2025-07-09 at 11:34 PM, Illiad Easle said:

They would not. however, object to Void embracing them once they got close enough.

Teal commented, "We were out here digging with Crow and Cherish, Cherish got a small cut and then suddenly Nova swooped in on Elef out of nowhere!"

Gemini followed, "Elef flew off once the guard mare caught Nova, and Cherish took off after him. Are... are we going to go look for them? It looks like he was heading back towards where we came from." She pointed out into the desert in the direction of New Pegas.

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.

On 2025-07-09 at 11:34 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Llambda smiled and came a bit closer, "Oh, I'm just a friend, Void here seemed so worried so I thought I'd come and help! Here, do you two want a treat?" She would reach into a bag at her side that Void could see shimmering before pulling out a pair of decent looking apples, especially rare around here as the environment wasn't suited for fruit trees much, which she passed to the two fillies.

If Crow had calmed down a bit, and not immediately flown off upon noticing or hearing that Cherish wasn't there anymore, Llambda would also offer something to her, pulling out something that could reasonably have been in the bag that Crow would like.

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.

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(Ranger)

On 2025-07-09 at 11:34 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She had a slight smile at that, "Yeah, I wouldn't have found the toys or been able to get into that room without you. Thank you."

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?

On 2025-07-09 at 11:34 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She sighed, "Well, that was where I came from. Tomorrow, is where we went between there and when Null found us. That's where Effs, Ajay, and Rare didn't make it."

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.

On 2025-07-09 at 11:34 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She snorted positively at that, but didn't have much to say, simply tired after the excursion. "Well, I guess we'll likely meet at breakfast tomorrow? See what the other two have to say or do before I can head out to the mesa."

Unless he had anything else to add, she would head off towards the hotel at a leisurely pace, seemingly content to have a bit of time with her thoughts alone, except for Speck of course.

(We'll pick this one up after the time jump. There will be a time jump once this night is done for all stories as all the sections above will come together at Red Mesa in the morning.)

"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.

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(Grey)

On 2025-07-09 at 11:34 PM, Illiad Easle said:

He turned his gaze back towards Craven, "There, that enough for your superiors?"

 

"I'm still hesitant to give it to him. But we'll see. His help is contingent on recovering the boon in any case, so he'll have a vested interest in helping us recover it whether we end up giving it to him in the end or not. We'll play along for now. First, we need information on how to stop Moth, and how we might recover the boon and safely return it to him."

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

On 2025-06-22 at 3:13 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"It is possible that I have been a target of transaction, but considering how long I was in there, those involved must have perished or otherwise been hindered permanently." She responded in pondering manner "After all, you don't leave merchandise unguarded in some cave for several seasonal cycles."

"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?

On 2025-06-22 at 3:13 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"And there is no rush yet, for I am still weak." "It is not so visible, but I am still malnourished, and need to recover before I can head towards home." she grabbed a bee that was flying past mid-flight and ate it too "I also need to figure out where exactly we are; I know of this land, and that it is far away, but I am not aware of the optimal route back home." she was also curious to see if her sister had scouts in these lands, as they would no doubt notify her if they spotted Asildae, which would actually be optimal. 

"But enough of me for now, as I am admittedly curious about this sister of yours." "For I do not know much of your kind, or your place in these lands."

"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?"

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@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.

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@Catpone Cerberus

On 2025-06-22 at 3:13 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

This lasted for many minutes, but, if/when Leviathan hadn't said or done something before, Ruby would speak again, breaking the silence, her voice cold and distant, but at the same time, genuine "I lost everything in that ravine." "And I do not mean treasure nor glory, those were taken by mother." "I lost my dignity, my pride. My will to survive." "Yet, I did survive, like a sick joke from fate, I lived." "I kept him alive, trapped him and tortured him." "After four days he couldn't take any more, his body failed." "I wasn't happy." "After I had healed enough, I gathered some more treasure, won fights, I was on the rise again." "I wasn't happy." 

"That is why I left, something died in that ravine, the way of life I had known, it left me empty, I wasn't happy." "Life in Equestria hasn't been much better. I pretended to be a inferior species, groveling in front of inferiors, pretending to myself to be the superior." "What a pathetic joke."

"All the treasure I've gathered, all the slain enemies, it doesn't make me feel anything, just a momentary fulfillment of endless hunger." 

"You are likely right, I have forgotten what fear feels like, so I cannot deny if I feel it." "But I won't just sit and wait for solutions, I will meet Elder Dask, ask her for guidance too." "If that leads to nowhere, I may need to ask you for a favor, one which, knowing you, you will dislike as much as I will." "But for now, I wish to rest." she then closed her eyes.

"...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.

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@EQ_Theta

On 2025-06-26 at 4:07 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“A creature of chaos would make attempts at logic and reason look like an exercise in frustration. That sounds just like Discord…”

“What a time we live in, huh? That we’d find ourselves befriending the one responsible for driving the longma to madness at one point in our history. Wonder what the folks back home would think of us if they haven’t written us off as a bunch of strangers too accustomed to life outside of the forest.”

“Maybe that would make us a little like Discord, right, Omen? Preferring the company of ponies instead of his kind. Or maybe Discord was right about not being able to understand. I guess there are just some answers out there that we need not try to understand and simply let them be.”

Lin had this drive to find the answers to her burning questions, but at times, finding out may not be quite the right thing. There may be questions out there that she would rather not want answered. What she may learn would be too much to comprehend, or if it were comprehensible, she may not like what she learns. If it was something she could impart to Omen and Sen, that lesson would be one.

But, the realm’s visitor would also have some words for the group as well.

"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.

On 2025-06-26 at 4:07 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I think I understand what you mean. This wouldn’t be your normal way of communicating, and you need our words for that here.”

“And it looks like you use your little fish to help you understand our words? Okay, I see where this is going. It’s new to you, but you try. It’s a good thing that we can speak with and learn from each other.”

Omen seems to also be finding progress in communicating with the creature’s servant, and it appears to be curious of them in turn. Sen picked up on the latter question and stepped forward to answer that. Though he may be getting sidetracked from continuing preparations, he found this diversion to be a nice thing to get his mind off his worries on matters back home.

“About your question, we have not encountered something like you before. Our home is a forest with not much as far as bodies of water go, but we do have rivers and ponds where fish live. I guess the closest we have to having something similar to you would be your small fish on your staff. As for us, Lin and I are longma, hybrids of dragons and ponies. If you could tell us, may we also ask what you are?”

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."

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@EQ_Theta

On 2025-06-26 at 4:07 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“And what happened to them, exactly?”

“I don’t know; that group just disappeared. Their theory suggests magic originated from the beyond, which came to the world through falling stars. And their ideas for testing that theory involved sticking fragments of fallen stars into their heads. You have to admit, that makes them quite loony, right Wig Woggle?”

"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.

On 2025-06-26 at 4:07 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Fair enough. Long and dark histories of unsavory actions should be remembered. It is the one thing that we hoped would carry us forward long after our civilization crumbled. Admittedly, it was our fault, but that is exactly why it must never be forgotten.”

“A slow march to destruction is something we do not wish for anyone. But seeing it happen, and feeling that we didn’t do enough to stop it… it makes us wonder if what we did - metaphorically flinging a light to the future - was the right decision. That was true when we first awakened out of our time, and it is true now. I hope you will never find yourself in that situation Princess. The weight of that responsibility should not be shouldered by anyone.”

"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.

On 2025-06-26 at 4:07 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Gaudium… He was a philosopher who proposed the idea of a life of active development driven by hope. Hyracotherian society was one defined by a thirst for knowledge applied to daily life, something that came about after the decline of faith-based living. What we could learn today should be shared with others, who in turn could lead to developments that improve lives in the future. In every little bit of improvement, there is contentment and happiness to be found because it is a building block for something even bigger. That philosophy can be applied to self-improvement just as much as it can to societal improvement, though emphasis is placed on the latter.”

“His philosophy can be summed up by his maxim: ‘pro iis qui nos sequuntur.’ For those who follow after us. It is a beautiful way of thinking and living, yes? That life is a pursuit that aims to build something better for those who come after?”

"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

7 hours ago, Emerald Heart said:

Hi. I think this roleplay is just a bit too long for us in the Golden Oak Library. Thank you for your submission, though!

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)

On 2025-06-17 at 11:09 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Teal and Gemini would call out to her, telling her to come back, but they wouldn't think to restrain her, nor would any of the guards go after her given the priority of subduing Nova and Crow being in the way.

Elef did have a head start on her though, and was a decent flyer in his own right, having practiced out here with Ada before. He quickly caught an updraft to the upper air currents, and was soon carried off towards a dim light in the west, maybe the rising sun? More likely the glimmer of New Pegas on the horizon. Whether Cherish would know that was unclear, and if it were even possible to see Las Pegasus from Troy at that altitude was questionable.

The other question was how far Cherish would go in pursuit before turning back, or if she intended to maintain pursuit. If she also found her way up to the upper air currents, and knew how to glide efficiently, while she wouldn't be able to catch up to Elef she would be able to follow him without losing track.

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.

On 2025-06-17 at 11:09 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The guard mare stopped when Crow said to, recognizing that approaching wouldn't help. Crow would be forgiven for not recognizing the attire of the guards as belonging to the outer city guard. She took off her helmet to uncover her face (Which had been covered with wraps and goggles to keep her safe from the blowing sand), shaking out her mane and revealing that while she had the coloration and wings of a thestral, she lacked the slit pupils and fangs of one, meaning that she was more accurately a bat-pony. She did not move to approach, "It's alright, we're not here to hurt anyone. We're guards from the city, I'm Frolicsome, Ada there called for us to come help."

She tilted her head to look at Teal and Gemini, "You two are being cared for by Miss Void, right? She's on her way here." She took a seat in the sand, actually moving back a pace to give Crow more room.

"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.

On 2025-06-17 at 11:09 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Frolicsome shook her head, "Nova is bound, Elef and another pegasus flew off in the scuffle, headed west. We've got a pair in the air trying to find them, and a few more combing the area in case they turned back."

Selena sighed, "Not what we would hope for, but if he could fly away he's probably not hurt too badly."

Frolicsome turned towards Void, "Maybe you'll have better luck with this dragon? She seems rather attached and protective of your foals."

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)

On 2025-06-17 at 11:09 PM, Illiad Easle said:

When the paper fox approached she welcomed the distraction, carefully reading what was written, "Speck? Hmm, is that what you want to be called?" She pondered it, then nodded, "Alright, if you're sure."

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.

On 2025-06-17 at 11:09 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She stood up and would move towards the door, checking that she still had the small toys that had been found in the other room while she waited for Kozue to follow, then she'd head back out of the building the same way they had entered without comments on her end unless Kozue brought something up.

 

Once outside she would shake off whatever dust or feeling had accumulated, "I should go to bed, we can try and look at the other place in the morning, if you're still interested in joining me that is. Given what we saw in there, I understand if you're not."

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)

On 2025-06-17 at 11:09 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Sounds like you're ready to consider an offer."

The voice didn't come from Birdie, but from Basher's cell, revealing that he had been listening the whole time. "I don't pretend to be making you the offer specifically, I know your superiors are listening to everything we tell you, so it's more to them by proxy but I'm sure they'll want you involved, as do I."

If Craven came over to where he could see Basher, he'd see that Basher looked a bit more engaged than the casual pose he had had the last time they had talked.

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.

On 2025-06-17 at 11:09 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Recover the Boon, and bring it back to me, and I swear on my wings and heart that I'll serve the Grey loyally, AND bring those that will still follow me, in. Think about it, everything she's asked me for, with no further argument. And, I'll even be willing to throw in some extra information, so long as you are involved in retrieving it."

He leaned back, "Don't take too long thinking it over. My offer won't expire but Moth wasn't known for her patience or long term planning skills."

 

In his blindfold Craven was privy to a message, 'Recovering the Boon is a top priority regardless. But it could be too risky to give it to him. We don't know what it does, or if giving it to him would somehow void the contract he's made. Still, the chance to resolve this amicably by putting him back in change, as well as bringing in the gang to serve, may be too good an opportunity to pass up.'

'Try to get more information out of him. See if he'll tell you what the boon does or what the original plan was. Maybe we can use that to dismantle their efforts and buy more time.'

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

On 2025-06-09 at 1:07 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"I have read that these lands have strange lifeforms, but I always assumed it was exaggerated. Turns out it was downplayed." granted, it wasn't really useful information as a whole, since in normal circumstances, their kind didn't have contact with Equestria. "Though I can appreciate a fellow swarm species." 

"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.

On 2025-06-09 at 1:07 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Can't say much for delectableness, as I have never tasted my own kin." Asildae said, while meeting Glutton's eye contact, her tone and smile indicated that she caught on Glutton's intent "I imagine us to be quite bitter." she then once again brought that magpie in front of her mouth, and it started to...shrink? it crumpled like a bag being emptied from its contents, before she tossed the now empty skin on the ground "And we are venomous indeed, our venom breaks down biological matter." as a demonstration, she spit out tiny bit of clear liquid, which landed on some plants and started immediately breaking them down into goo. "It also has some anti-magical properties." she then 'drank' the squirrel, and discarded the skin. "Who knows what would happen if you were to eat me." 

"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.

On 2025-06-09 at 1:07 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

She scooped up the demonstration goo and ate it too "Humor aside, from how you said it bit earlier, I assume you are expecting to make a judgement on if freeing me was a mistake." "First, let it be known, I rather you eat me than put me back into that cage...or in a cage, since you ate the old one."  "Though obviously I wish we can see eye to eye." she of course had no idea about Glutton's motivations, morals or anything like that, but since she hadn't eaten the bug queen yet, Asildae assumed there was some sort of principle behind the creature's actions.   

"As stated, I was transported here without my knowledge, I passed out and woke up in that cage." "I have, directly speaking, no ambitions towards these lands or any creatures that live here, I pose no threat, or competition to anything here, except prey of course." "My only goal is to get back where I came from, and take back my hive." "I know who is behind my current situation, that would be my sister, a competing, illegitimate queen." "I know the chain of events which led to this, a conflict, battle for the figurative throne. Conflict I was destined to win, until said sister hired help from outside." "A disgraceful act, but enough to turn the conflict." she picked up a centipede from the ground and looked at it "What I do not know, is why I'm here." she ate the centipede "Normally in a conflict like this, the competing queen is killed, to avoid future trouble." "I wouldn't put it below her to lock me up to starve me, that sometimes happens, but that doesn't usually include transporting somebody across the world." 

"Naturally, when I get my hive back, and have managed to rebuild my swarm. I will return the favor for the help you have provided, to best of my ability." 

"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

On 2025-06-09 at 1:07 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"You don't need to worry about myself and Trox getting pulled into a cult. You could say that we already have been...disillusioned." "For the kobold protecting the dragons, from what I understood, he's more a father figure to them, rather than a religiously sworn protector" "In Chega's opinion, he'd make a great partner for me, but I can't comment, due to me not having met him." 

"She said they will head to the eastern coast, go through cities and other settlements in northern Equestria, moving towards the western coast, before looping back here to check on us, then exiting Equestria towards the west."  "They don't have set schedule, but they do tend to stay at one place for couple of days at least, depending on in how many places there are for them to visit." "But if you wish to keep up with their movements, they try to keep it somewhat consistent, doing things in same order each year" Usually Sheska wouldn't be so open about things like this, but Chega had specifically said she can share the information with whoever may want to know

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."

On 2025-06-09 at 1:07 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

While Trox didn't necessarily like the mindset of thinking other species as 'only as food or labor.' as Onache put it, but he couldn't really judge her as much when it was towards ponies, after all, he if anyone knew that ponies very easily adopted similar mindset, and there was also obvious bias in his mind that he acknowledged but probably would never be entirely gone, he, they, would likely never see ponies as equals either, but for very different reasons than her; While to Onache, it was because she saw them as prey, to the kobolds, it was because they were a threat, the predator.

While he didn't show it, Trox felt slightly conflicted about the interaction between Onache and Happy, he didn't place any judgement on it, none of his business, and if both were happy, so be it, but being aware of the full picture, and because Onache was a ruler, there was certain instinctual iffiness to it; nothing he paid attention to, but something that did exist.

"We have nothing more to do here, Sheska is in the guard's room that tried to help us."

When the trio would appear on the door and basic greetings happened, Sheska excused herself "It seems it is time for me to depart." "I Hope you both quick recovery, and remember to rest, both of you." "May we meet again in better circumstances"

They would then start heading towards the exit. 

"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

On 2025-06-10 at 10:59 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“I guess if you could say something about being given a new form, it carries familiarity. It helps make one feel like they belong, even before they know it. And it makes things easier, you know? No need to think about it when it comes naturally.”

“That might not always be true, brother. But I wouldn’t know what goes on in the minds of every creature who comes here to pick someone to join them. They have their reasons.”

""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.

On 2025-06-10 at 10:59 AM, EQ_Theta said:

The creature’s words were audible, though comprehending them proved to be a challenge to the longma siblings. Sen still couldn’t seem to wrap his head around if there was more to the words, while Lin attempted to piece something sensible in her mind. And there is something to be understood here. She got the words, and they made sense upon hearing them. Maybe she could try helping him while moving the conversation a little further.

“Sen? Omen? Let me try something. You hear how the words were those we spoke just now?”

“Yes, but where are you going with this?”

“Just give me a moment to let me work on this.” She turned to the creature, walking up to and sitting by him. They were in a safe place, and it was certain that they could spend a little time to get a better understanding of each other. If he was using their words to communicate, he was trying. It was only right that they would try to speak and establish rapport. “I hear you, too, and I can understand; it’s hard to find the words sometimes. No need to be sorry.”

“My name is Lin, and if I may ask, what did you mean by ‘looking for history?’”

"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

On 2025-06-10 at 10:59 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Illusions? I can imagine a creative use of that paired with emotions; playing with them to weave scenarios that could alter the way one sees the world…. Interactions with heightened emotional responses could make for quite a show, and more emotions harvested. That could make for quite a potent combination. The theater is a calling and a match made perfect with the right set-up for both her and any audience.”

“Speaking of an audience, the Hyracotherian theater would have been a perfect place for her troupe. Though our methods were to narrate an event, dramatization of key scenes would enhance the experience and make it a spectacle. The Hyracotherians weren’t exactly the biggest creatures, and if they were still around today, they would only reach about half an average pony’s height. We were just that small.”

“You could just envision what our academic disputes might have looked like back then… a bunch of toddlers with egos engaging in brawls!”

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.

On 2025-06-10 at 10:59 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“You’re back! How are you feeling?”

“Much better now that I worked through some old regrets. It didn’t completely get out of my mind, but it was enough of a start. Right now, I wanted to put that behind me and return to the present. I heard talk of guest speakers and theology classes. That second one sounds like it would be right for you, Vates.”

“That was a long time ago, and even I understood the waning influence of faith in a changing society. I might just sit in and listen, but only when there is time to spare. However, I am intrigued by how that helped growing crops. From what I gathered about Earth ponies, they are the most skilled at working the land. Was that because they are more attuned to nature? Or is it some kind of innate magic that influences their ability? Do they even know they have that kind of magic if that is true?”

"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.

On 2025-06-10 at 10:59 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“History is lined with great and terrible tales, but the best we can do is to learn from them and avoid making the same mistakes that led to these events happening. It is good that things are looking up for Equestria instead of buckling under the weight of tragedies. That is enough to give us hope that our kind's mistakes aren't playing out again, especially now that unity without sacrificing uniqueness among creatures is becoming more prominent.”

“And worry not about rambling. It is nice to hear about new developments in Equestria, even if we don’t really know the specifics. What little we can glean from them makes things sound positive, and so we ought to celebrate even the little things that can lead to bigger, positive developments. That was one lesson we heard being taught in our time by the thinker Gaudium.”

“But back to what you said about military presence… I agree that having one as a means to establish security on the borders has its purpose. But as a policy that acts as a pretense for aggression? That is a delicate area. I do not envy your position of leadership in Equestria, but I hope that Equestria and beyond could be a utopia because you show that such a thing is possible. I cannot help but be curious about this 'Troy' and the issues they are causing. If I may ask, who are they, and what kind of trouble have they caused?”

"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)

On 2025-06-04 at 11:02 PM, Illiad Easle said:

They were a bit more saddened by the sight of the small dog bones, and so quickly turned their attention away and towards the crate as a far better focus, hoping to themselves that the crate would hold something other than more death.

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.

On 2025-06-04 at 11:02 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Elef was hardly so patient as to dig out the entire bag once it was clear what it was, and would instead try to cut the bag open with his sharp fangs if at all possible. If he couldn't cut through the bag he'd then dig further to reveal the taloned hand. He wouldn't dig further than that though, as he would resume his efforts to free the bag from the dead grip by whatever means he could, unconcerned with the corpse that held it.

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.

On 2025-06-04 at 11:02 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Depending on how good Crow's vision was she might be able to confirm that the shape was a dark coated thestral mare, but not having met Ada before beyond perhaps having encountered Elef and her while they were out hunting, might nit be able to positively identify her.

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.

On 2025-06-04 at 11:02 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Is that... did you get hurt Cherish?" Teal brought some attention back as there seemed to be a bit of red on Cherish's white coat near her forehoof, digging in the sand it was easy to accidentally cut yourself when digging, or to poke the frog or the sole (the soft parts of the bottom of a hoof) enough to draw a bit of blood without noticing.

Whether it was her blood or not, or if it was blood at all or just something that had leaked out of a crate or a bone was unclear. As Teal and Gemini drew closer to Cherish to investigate, Elef seemed... off. There was a look in his eyes that Crow might recognize as a hunter viewing prey, looking for a moment to strike, mixed with no small amount of terror, holding him in place.

It didn't last long before he shook himself out of whatever it was that held him there, he started to move towards her, his voice a bit shaky, "A-are you al-"

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.

On 2025-06-04 at 11:02 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Elef was knocked away from the others, another thestral had swooped down from a nearby cloud at incredible speed to slam into him. He only paused a moment before launching at Elef where he had been knocked back to start attacking him, but it was long enough for those present to recognize him as Nova, who was now wailing on Elef as he struggled to fight back or escape.

Teal was frozen in shock and as such didn't try to separate the two with magic.

If Crow didn't step in to separate the two (and receive a few swings and kicks from the attacking colt herself) then Ada (who had in fact been the thestral Elef had waived to) would swoop in to subdue the colt, and take a few hits to the face before she could pin him down.

If Crow did subdue the colt Ada would land nearby and try to speak to Nova.

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.

On 2025-06-04 at 11:02 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Nova! Why are you attacking Elef?"

Nova would continue to struggle, his eyes focused on Elef, "He's a monster! I have to stop him, kill the vampire, before he kills again!"

Ada looked deeply concerned, "Who- Why do you think he's a vampire?"

"No one told me, I can see it. His eyes, his fangs, they're wrong. They're the same as..." His eyes focused on Ada, widening as he saw, "Yours!" With an impressive show of strength likely driven by desperation he would escape from whoever held him (If Crow was holding him likely more due to fear of harming the colt than being overpowered) so he could strike at Ada, "You're one too! Same as them. Have to kill, have to keep them safe!"

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.

On 2025-06-04 at 11:02 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Still, despite taking a few surprise hits (and especially with Crow's help if available) Ada would be able to pin Nova down again, whispering something into her amulet before continuing, "Nova, calm down. Whatever you think is happening isn't true. There are no monsters here, no one is going to kill anyone. Right El-" She turned to look, but Elef was gone. A small pool of blood already soaking into the sands connected to a few drips leading away, and a dark figure quickly growing small in the sky,

headed away from the city. Back into the desert towards where they had first come from.

Ada cursed under her breath.

Two other thestrals landed nearby in full guard attire, one moving to help Ada while the other approached the fillies, Teal and Gemini having moved to stick by Cherish in the commotion. This guard was a younger mare, who did her best to try and keep them calm, "Are you all alright? Are any of you hurt? What happened here?"

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)

On 2025-06-04 at 11:02 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Selena shrugged, "It's possible, I was only directly involved a very long time ago, and very recently, and it was only just before the crisis that I had my own body. So it's unlikely that you ever ran into something I had a hoof in organizing. But most who serve Mercy don't seek out some official sanction first. They just do good for the sake of it, and find themselves rewarded. It's a bit-"

She stopped, her eyes moving like she was reading something as her expression fell, "Something happened with the ponies out on the dunes. We need to go."

She would move to leave the room when Llambda spoke up, "Oh no! Can I help?" Selena paused, but nodded, "I think you can," she turned towards Void who was no doubt already moving to follow, "If that's alright?"

Llambda would stay behind if Void disagreed, but in either case Selena would lead the way at full speed out onto the dunes in the direction of where the other group was.

"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)

On 2025-06-04 at 11:02 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Ranger shrugged, "Whatever they are, that's where we came from. Or, where they told us we came from. Where they would bring me to remind me that I was expendable, replaceable, whenever I acted out too much."

She returned her attention to the machines, trying to work out the controls.

"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.

On 2025-06-04 at 11:02 PM, Illiad Easle said:

There was a small amount of magic running through the machines, and evidence that it was capable of harnessing a lot more magic and had done so in the past. It felt a bit like a stasis spell, holding everything inside the tanks in suspension, which was likely why they were so well preserved in the tanks.

Or, there was, until Ranger pulled a lever and the magic stopped, the fluid starting to slowly drain out of the tanks. Ranger nodded, "That seems to have done it then. We can leave now."

"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)

On 2025-06-04 at 11:02 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Why? Because we're tired of being ruled by the rich and powerful who sit on their thrones while the rest of us suffer. Why now? Because the Grey's out of the way and the oligarchs are scrambling to fill the gaps. Are things so bad? You tell me. You were up there, did it seem like an area where a pony could thrive? Or did it look like a junkyard where all the unwanted items were kicked. Next time you're up there, look down, and see everything the way we've seen it. Where everyone down there has everything you want while you have nothing."

There was a bit of concern under the thick layer of resolve though, she seemed confused when he brought up racial superiority, like she wasn't entirely sure what he meant. Maybe thing had shifted since Moth had taken charge, and things weren't as Birdie remembered anymore. After all, she was a unicorn, and Basher had previously employed downtrodden creatures of all types in his gang, not just pegasi.

"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

On 2025-05-29 at 1:47 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

Draconequui, that explained the oddness of this creature, Asildae had heard of them, or more specifically, read about them, but she had never actually seen one, so she didn't know how to spot one. As for mortality, Asildae wasn't much bothered by her own, nor did she have much care for the potentially eaten dog, in fact, she wasn't beyond eating one herself. "Well, you do have almost two centuries before that, until of course I get killed somehow." "Frankly I'm baffled I'm still alive now." she said it rather casually, with her confusion towards the fact apparent in her voice.

Glutton's answer to Asildae's question didn't really help, until after the queen though about it for a moment; Draconequui were often seen in a specific place, and the name Deltrot sounded very...equine. "Wait, we are in the pony lands?!" the disbelief was very clear in her tone, as she also shook her head in disbelief "So not only was I spared for some reason, I was also dragged on the other side of the world?"

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.

On 2025-05-29 at 1:47 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

When outside the cave, Asildae stretched her limbs and buzzed her wings for few seconds, also letting out what would best be described as pleased whistle, before taking flight and floating just above the ground; if Glutton spoke to her at this point, she would listen, but regardless of if she was still speaking or not, after few moments, Asildae's antenna's would wiggle a bit, and she would suddenly launch upwards at impressive speed, flying towards a nearby tree, and soon returning with two unfortunate creatures, a squirrel and a magpie, one in each hand. The two were still alive, trying to get free, but Asildae's three fingers held on surprisingly tight, and she didn't seem bothered by the scratches and bites the two creatures desperately threw at her.
As she was coming back, she would put her mouth against both of her pray for a second or two each, and while it wasn't visible what exactly she did, it was clear she did something, as quickly after this, their struggle ceased.

She would then land, holding the two, and if her sudden launch had interrupted Glutton, she would apologize for the interruption in a tone that was way too regal for someone holding a dead squirrel and a dead bird in her hands. If Glutton hadn't been speaking, she would still apologize, just for her sudden departure instead.

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

On 2025-05-29 at 1:47 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Yes, I have been tasked as your guide, so I will be around most of the time." "Though with Werodex wanting to speak to me, it is likely you won't see me again until tomorrow." Voltaick responded, though before he turned away, surprisingly enough, Charir spoke up "I have a question." he sounded nervous, as to be expected "You spoke about Elder Dask, what is she like?" Charir was curious about the elder Death bringer, he also wanted to be prepared in case they met her. "Surprisingly nice." Voltaick stated "I wasn't being sarcastic when I said she would be delighted to meet you." "She is weirdly enough one of the most patient Elders, and one of the least terrifying when on bad mood." "But she is still a death bringer, both in behavior and habits, she is very direct, and decorates her cave with her fallen enemies."  "She and Elder Werodex also seem to be more friendly with each other than with the other Elders, though I'm not foolish enough to pry any further, Werodex is the most terrifying when you get on her wrong side." "Not that the elders generally have any problems with each other, it is just that in general, the relationships tends to be lot more...formal." Charir just nodded as acknowledgement, and with Ruby not saying anything either, if Leviathan didn't add something, Voltaick would at this point turn around and wish the group good rest, walking out and taking flight towards the library.  

"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.

On 2025-05-29 at 1:47 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"There is something wrong with me, I first assumed after the deer temple that it was to do with my magic, the transformation." She was as matter of fact as always, yet her body language signaled discomfort "Yet, while I still find myself unable to will myself to take the pony form, I no longer believe that." "When I asked what Werodex did to me, it wasn't about the amulet, it was what she called 'Suppressing'."
"She practically paralyzed me, though, it did also take away the discomfort the necklace caused." "That wasn't the issue either."

"The issue is, that while it lasted only seconds, it made me as uncomfortable as the entire time in that temple did." "I managed to collect myself lot faster this time, but it is not gone still." she once again turned to look at the entrance, and after another small silence, she added "That is not all." "I have intrusive memories, or rather, a memory." "It started after the temple, in my dreams during the two times we rested on the way here." "It is not entirely new, my dreams are rarely pleasant, if I dream at all." "But now, it intrudes awake too, I cannot get it out of my head." she turned her head to seemingly towards nothing specific, though directionally, it was pointed towards the death bringer territory "The ravine." her tail slammed against the cave ground restlessly and she tensed up "And the sickening grin of the dragon who habited it." her voice broke into a growl "No, not a dragon. A worthless worm." she again looked towards Leviathan "He is dead, rotten, and forgotten..." she calmed down enough to stop growling "...yet..." She didn't continue, instead she laid down and took a deep breath, falling silent, her eyes once again towards the entrance.

"...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

On 2025-05-29 at 1:47 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Chega's happiness is our happiness." Sheska summarized "And yes, it is very unusual." "Like said, we are quite isolated species, even if a group or a community is living on the surface, we tend to keep to ourselves." "So even close friendships between kobolds and non-kobolds are relatively rare, not to mention full relationship." "Though when it does happen, it is most often a dragon; there seems to be some natural draw." "There has been cases where kobolds have formed a religion-like relationship around a dragon, and Chega has mentioned meeting a kobold who is acting as sort of a guardian and ambassador for a family of dragons."

"But while unusual, it is not shunned, the only thing is, that most communities don't want outsiders living in the community, so any relationships have to work around that." "And as a healer, if a kobold was to bring their non-kobold friend or partner to my care, I would take care of them." "After all, as long as they are not someone who is or has caused direct harm to our kin, not treating them well, would be an act of harm towards the kobold, who's partner or friend they are."

"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

On 2025-05-31 at 3:39 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I guess strange is one way of looking at things, and I can understand us being strange to your sibling and his master. Would be similar to how our folks back home might have thought of you and Lin when we first returned home after so much time had passed.”

“It is a matter of perspective. One sees things as normal that others would see as strange. Experience and history are varied, and that shapes perspectives. Although I concede; he is right that we would not be able to swim well. I can’t even swim at all.”

"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.

On 2025-05-31 at 3:39 PM, EQ_Theta said:

Regardless, Lin and Sen were cautious, slowly approaching and gauging their way of communication as the situation unfolded before them. The sound put the hairs on their backs on edge, and while they were wary, they didn’t want to come across as aloof.

“‘Meet… you…?’ I’m sorry; did I hear you right?”

“I… uh, think I understand what you just said. Does that mean… you can understand us? We don’t mean you any harm, and we are not looking for trouble. You want to meet us?”

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

On 2025-05-31 at 3:39 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I didn’t mean to bring out such negativity around here. It seems like it is still a sore spot among the changelings, but now we know such a matter is delicate. And that would require a deft approach. I wasn’t thinking straight when I brought up the question, and I appreciate your openness to answering it despite the connotation surrounding the topic.”

“Your nuanced answer is reminiscent of our time when debating topics like this was fairly common. But maybe our old way of speaking out in the open was not warranted here, especially when difficult history is the topic of discussion. Knowing what we know now, efforts to build up a broken or negative history is a monumental but admirable task. Changing preconceived notions based on unsavory experiences is a difficult - maybe even near impossible - endeavor, and what can help change it is a positive.”

“That said, learning is a two-way street, and being open to change is just as essential. Whoever sees your efforts may not be so receptive. But that becomes an issue for them to resolve, knowing you are doing what you can.”

Scriniarri didn’t want to come off as patronizing, but he also wanted to offer his own assurances for the changeling. Though he has never found himself in such a situation, learning of it from others gave him hope that he could find a way to diffuse such situations if he ever got into such. Even then, he might need to halt the discussion lest he rile up the other patrons into a bigger confrontation no one would rather have.

Fortunately, Wig moved on to another topic, and Vates was happy to take over the golem’s discussion.

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.

On 2025-05-31 at 3:39 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Spite has an aftertaste? I didn’t expect that, though that might be appropriate given what spiting others is about… Maybe the whole ‘teach others about our kind’ thing would turn out a lot different than what we could imagine. The Hyracotherians are long gone, and teaching about them would be like a history lesson on ancient civilizations. I doubt anyone would be scared of creatures that have long since disappeared from history.”

“Hmm… maybe seeing a golem would be what fuels confusion? Or the dissonance between attitudes of today and of our time? Then there is also the matter of faith-driven beliefs being prominent at one point in our history…. You know, there is a lot of untapped potential there. I’m not sure how that could be introduced in your establishment, but the opportunity for such could be there in the future.”

“But we will also take up your suggestion to see Cheshire if our travels take us there. We could only imagine just how delightful she is based on how you described her. It might even let us see how theater has changed since our time.”

Vates might have been thinking of the open discussions in the agoras, the kind that many would stop by the listen to while going about their day. Some might equate it to the open mics of comedy clubs, though it would come off as less entertaining and more educational. Then again, that might cause business to dry up - the opposite of what a business wants. Perhaps a suggestion like that might not be such a good idea, especially when other emotions could still be harvested in large amounts for tea.

“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.

On 2025-05-31 at 3:39 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Ah, I see the fruits of your approach have led to blossoming relations. Those are the kinds that I had once dreamed would happen. In my time, being friendly with another city-state was a turbulent matter. In some years, there was trade and friendly relations; in others, we would seal our borders and prepare for war. Disagreements among our leaders meant we were at their mercy, and our orders put our respective territories at odds with each other. Sometimes, the open sea was the only thing keeping battle at bay.”

“But when it came to creatures or civilizations outside our sphere of influence, we tend to maintain neutrality. We kept a wide berth from anyone deemed dangerous. And if there were creatures living by our farthest borders, we establish limited trade relations. However, just by those creatures’ borders, we built our military to ensure we were ready to strike them should they prove a threat, or if we saw their integration as a source of strength.”

“They would be made to join us under the pretense of their safety, but the only advantage was to us. They would assimilate into our culture and practices, and when conflict with another city-state was looming, they would be the first on the front lines. Conflict among the Hyracotherians was a fact of life; the question was who would make the first move. As much as we claimed to be a learned and forward-thinking society, it was always a veneer that covered our tribalism and barbarity.”

"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)

On 2025-05-19 at 11:25 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"You've certainly been busy, you almost got more done in just this evening than you did the whole time we were here looking for Grey Mane."

There was a pause as Nine perused the memories and Null's thoughts on them. They didn't dwell on any for too long as Null didn't seem to have a particular one to bring up.

"I met up with Nibiru and Mongoose while I was out. There are a few options available for clearing up the last of your debt, but we can discuss that in the morning."

If there wasn't anything that Null wanted Nine's input on, she would be left to sleep peacefully.

"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)

On 2025-05-19 at 11:25 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Gemini and Teal were a bit uncomfortable at the prospect of finding bones or bodies, but weren't fully discouraged from joining in given Cherish didn't seem to mind.

Elef wasn't dissuaded at all though, and in fact seemed almost more excited now that finding bones was an option.

Gemini and Teal would work closer to Cherish, while Elef would work a short distance away on the other side of the buried wagon from the group.

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?

On 2025-05-19 at 11:25 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Cherish got the feeling that she was being watched, but of course she was, right? Crow and the others were there with her, if anything it would be strange to not feel watched.

Crow would also get the feeling, but it was more predatorial. Something was watching them, cautiously. 

(That's buildup for the next scene, when the Elef arc starts, I put more details for the event trigger in the OOC in the post before the last one you responded to)

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)

On 2025-05-19 at 11:25 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Llambda looked genuinely concerned, "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, I hope things are better for your sister and you now?"

"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.

On 2025-05-19 at 11:25 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She looked saddened by that, "Oh, that's too bad. I don't know what I would do if someone I trusted did something like that... There were some of the creatures who came up the mountain, who were selfish or mean to the others, but they didn't stay that way for long once they saw that they were being taken care of. A few did leave though, I hope they made it wherever they thought they were going."

"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."

On 2025-05-19 at 11:25 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She smiled at that, "Oh yes! She's the one who said I should come here, all very smart like she is, she said that in addition to finding Mercy I might find out about my sire. He left before I was born, and my dam died when I was still a cria, so I was mostly raised by Nirvana and some of her smaller changelings."

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."

On 2025-05-19 at 11:25 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Selena looked thoughtful, "Hmm, so perhaps not through Mercy directly, but by completing tasks for Mercy they square their debt with Karma. I think that could work, since it's like how Vengeance operates but in reverse, doing good to those who have suffered rather than punishing those who have injured. I'll have to speak with Karma on that though."

As to how it all worked, Selena nodded, "Usually there isn't too much need for a dedicated avatar or servant of Mercy. Generally ponies are kind to each other and flock together as herds, working to build each other up. It is only in times of crisis when servants of Mercy tend to distinguish themselves, like now, and what they do depends on what is needed."

"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)

On 2025-05-19 at 11:25 PM, Illiad Easle said:

He would be allowed to see Basher, as before, but before he got there he would be alerted: After reviewing the contents of confiscated materials there are several missing items since the reformation of the Grey. Be on the lookout for the following items:

Most of the items on the list were basic weapons and armor, most likely taken by those who had left in the wake of Grey Mane's death. One item stood out though,

53: Basher's Boon, An amulet seized from The Baltamare Basher after his defeat in the liberation of New Pegas. Enchanted with Chaos magic. If found, Do Not Wear.

If anything, he now had another thing to ask Basher about.

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.

On 2025-05-19 at 11:25 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Still, before he could get to Basher's cell, the mare in the adjacent cell, the unicorn Birdie who had been Basher's second, approached the bars, "Back already bug? Not time to switch the guard rotation yet, and you seem agitated. See something you didn't like up there?"

Her tone was hard to pin down, almost devoid of emotion, it seemed to fall somewhere between taunting and curious.

What was more interesting is that she identified him as a changeling (albeit with a derogative) despite him being cloaked and potentially disguised. He wouldn't have to ask how she knew that though as she followed up with, "Empathic, so I know a thing or two about being oppressed and rejected. And I know how to read a changeling. You saw how bad things are up there."

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

On 2025-05-17 at 9:47 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"It is nice to meet you Glutton, I must say, you are an intriguing creature, nothing such exist back home." "I thank you for freeing me, I owe you greatly." she emphasized her words with a small bow "My diet consist of anything that is or lately was alive, but right now, I'm in need of something more filling than moss and occasional fly." "Namely, meat." "A rat or something" 

"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.

On 2025-05-17 at 9:47 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

If Glutton wasn't blocking the way, Asildae would start making her way towards the outside world; but even if she couldn't, she would continue speaking regardless "If I may ask something though, where are we?" "What is this place that I find myself in called?"

"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

On 2025-05-17 at 9:47 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"A common mistake, doesn't help she's together with Sear." Sheska responded "We are not just friends, she was, as some say, like a big sister to us, when we were young." it was of course bit more complicated than that, since this Chega and their Chega were different, however, they shared similar pasts, so in this context, details like that didn't matter, Sheska also didn't want to think about it, it was lot nicer to pretend that this world's Chega was the one they knew, and to try and forget the awful fate of their Chega.

"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."

On 2025-05-17 at 9:47 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

Meanwhile, as Trox watched Onache make her way out of her room, he realized something and approached them "I think we forgot to mention one thing." "If you wish to contact us later for reason or another, we aren't staying in the tavern anyone, we got a place in the Everfree forest now; look for a barren spot, with at least currently still odd colored dirt, it will be easier to spot when we eventually start construction of a home." he then quieted his voice a bit as he added "And I wish you quick and full recovery." he said it more quietly, because he could tell Onache tried to pretend to be better than she was, yet, at the same time, he didn't want to not wish her well.

"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

On 2025-05-20 at 5:13 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Hi there! It’s, uh… nice to meet you. We didn’t mean to interrupt you during this, um… important moment.”

“We just wanted to pick up our little friend, and… we will be on our way.” Lin’s smile grew even wider as she spoke, though it was a little tricky for her to not break eye contact. She quickly scooted over to Omen and tried to speak through her smile. “Uh, Omen? Is there a way we could get our words translated for your sibling’s master if he couldn't understand us? Just to let him know that we are friendly and we didn’t mean to interrupt.”

The longma hoped for the best, and there was a good chance it would turn out well given how things are going now. They certainly believe Mother’s realm to be a safe haven, though safe from awkward interactions was something they didn’t think find themselves in.

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

On 2025-05-20 at 5:13 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“It’s a heavy thing, being burdened by deeply seated thoughts on the brink of bursting. Perhaps our fellow will find comfort that he doesn’t carry them anymore. Though joy is fleeting, making our own does have its own rewards, not that it invalidates what you do, Wig Woggle. Emotions aside, your tea is delicious. Do changelings equate emotions with taste? Like happiness is equivalent to something that tastes sweet? It is a fascinating thing to wonder about.”

“Speaking of which, changelings are new to us and give them a clean slate to us. We weren’t around during the attack on Canterlot, but from what interactions we have through you paint them in an interesting light as creatures with a great affinity to emotions. Though I am intrigued by something; may I ask you a question? From the perspective of a changeling, would it be preferable to being an unknown to the ponies of this age compared to working toward repairing a tarnished reputation with the ponies?” 

“I admit to falling under the former, though that is mostly by circumstance. A civilization long forgotten has no stigma or expectations, making them putting them in a neutral state. Although I suppose that means it is possible to leave a negative impression if not careful. And… I just realized that this might have become a rather heavy point of discussion. I apologize; these kinds of discussions were common in our time, but prodding like they may be insensitive nowadays. If it is, there is no need to answer.”

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.

On 2025-05-20 at 5:13 PM, EQ_Theta said:

The golem scholars knew Celestia spoke true, but saying anything more could give them away. They simply nodded in agreement that whoever made them was truly skilled, and they would leave it at that. Truly, their knowledge of golem-craft was limited at best; only those who knew better could explain it, and being subjected to the process didn’t give them any insight into it. 

However, Legatus had something that could be best described as an itch in his mind, something that could be sated by insight. Princess Celestia being here might be the one most suited to answering it.

“Princess, if I may ask? As someone knowledgable and skilled in statecraft, what is your approach to meeting creatures new and unknown to the ponies of Equestria? Would you send delegations to meet them in their domains, or would you let them establish first contact with ponykind? Although I am no longer practiced in such matters, I once handled those affairs, and I cannot help but be curious about how you would go about it.”

"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.

@Catpone Cerberus

"Let you out? Hah! Sure. Get off the door, Asildae."

The grin on her face didn't betray much more than amusement, as Glutton looked forward to actually letting this one out. Weren't any warning signs or guards, so clearly no one cared that much that she were locked up. Probably meant she wasn't a big threat. And if she were, well... Usually she veered off from eating higher sentience beings, but this one Did look nice and crunchy.

When Asildae moved away from the door, Glutton would slither a few steps closer, then open her maw to where her mouth were bigger than the cage, and then she'd crunch down on the door, getting some dirt with it, as the door bend, creaked and snapped, as Glutton spend but a few seconds to chew down. A long, serpentine tongue wrapping itself around a piece that seemed it might split out towards the queen, then several more identical tongues doing the same with more pieces.

It should be obvious that if she wanted to, Glutton could have chomped this down in less than a second. But she dragged it out, to show off that nothing in this world, were beyond her to eat. She were voracious appetite itself, in a broad, edible world. From the smallest, softest marshmallow, to the hardest diamond and beyond, all were but a feast for her to consume.

When she were done, she'd pull back, allowing the insect queen to get out of the cage. And when she were, Glutton would pick up said cage, shake it loose for anything in there, and then start taking large bites out of it, now eating it normally, as if it were but a large pork rind. Gave off about the same sort of crunch too, with marks in the metal, showing how effortlessly her teeth could go through.

"You're free, little queen.

I'm Glutton, the Spirit of Gourmandizing. Now what sorta thing does someone like you eat?"

She had a more mundane title back int he day, but she had heard the word gourmandizing, as an acronym to her sorta deal. Sounded a far bit better, so she'd taken that instead. Who were gonna stop her? The princesses? Over a name? Hah! They wouldn't risk losing the benefit she were providing to Equestria, for something so small. Sure she tested her limits now and again, cause it was fun, but this had been nothing. Just folks saying one thing, been corrected, then started to get with the program. Weren't like the time she'd gone around eating houses. Though in her defense, they'd just said they needed them torn down. On them to not specify the other half of the block wasn't supposed to go along with that. Looked scuffed, so seemed like a fair meal.

Bah, but ponies could be so stuffy at times. So she'd just mended it, and gone on with her day. After spitting that foal out. Heh, that were probably the thing that'd gotten her the most ire, even though the kid was perfectly fine. Needed a shower, and maybe some therapy, but she hadn't even eaten a hair on him, so much as there were some words, what'd it matter? She hadn't broken the rules technically, just as she hadn't now. Probably. They'd see if this one were entertaining, or an appetizer.

===============================================================

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2025-05-10 at 9:54 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

It was hard to say if Vaz had noticed the crack or not, as with his face covered, one couldn't read his expression, and he didn't otherwise give any reaction. However, considering that he was still facing towards Magma, it was very unlikely he hadn't, and likely just chose to not comment on it at the time. "It is not only a matter of knowledge." "A pony could never fully understand the perspective of a kobold, like we never understand a pony; such is our differences." he concluded, before getting up and heading towards the doors to wait.

"Perhaps not, yet I ever endeavor to try."

Maybe she never would understand the kobold perspective properly. They had different upbringings, lives, expectations, education, and so forth. Societies somewhat near one another, yet still very far apart, in most ways. And yet, she thought it best to at least try, and see how much a different perspective could help her learn and understand. Be it science, elementals, or the culture of kobolds, she did not think it wise to be narrow-minded, as it stifled learning.

So if he had more to say of his life, or that of kobolds, she would listen, and adjust her perspective with any new information. Not now though. Their chat were over for now, and she needed to move to the door, and be ready to wander off too. Wouldn't be long before they reached their destination, and they had to get to work.

On 2025-05-10 at 9:54 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

After it did stop, and they would make their way out, Vaz would join them once again outside the station, where Solar would go over things "I located the search area to end around there.." he gestured with his hoof to visualize the area "..I'll take flight and scout the area from the air, meanwhile you two should probably look around the forest, if you find something, figure a way to signal me, or just wait until I locate you, before you touch anything." "We don't know if what we are looking for is dangerous."  Vaz seemed fine with this, and if Magma was too, Solar would take flight, and Vaz would start wandering towards the forest; His walk patient and calm, like someone with no hurry anywhere.

"Understood, sir. If we find something, you will see my signal clearly."

She were planning on simply handling this the easiest way, by releasing a plume of smoke for him to follow. Not fire though. It wouldn't help their work, if the forest was aflame, and it would put question marks to whatever or not she could actually control herself, from if not Vaz and Solar, then certainly the royal guard. And that beside, she didn't want to destroy nature. The animals needed their habitat, just as ponies needed their towns, or dragons their mountains. Roasting said homes, and likely also them, would be a cruel act, that she wouldn't partake in without clear and reasonable logic behind it.

It had seemed the best idea to simply split up, when first they arrived. But judging by Solar's words, perhaps it were wiser to simply stay together, as they did after all, not know what they might wander into, and the effects of it. Could well be that one approaching would get caught in some fashion, and at least were they two, one could then call for him to come and deal with it, as he were far more knowledgeable about this technology than they were.

So she would follow Vaz, as he headed towards the forest.

"We can hope that we find it with some degree of haste. Might I inquire, Mr. Vaz, if we are attacked by say, a large predator, are you a fighter in any capacity? I ask not because I request protection. Merely so I know that I will not accidentally hit you in the crossfire, if say you are one to jump into a melee."

==================================================================

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2025-05-10 at 9:54 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

While it wasn't a question, Werodex responded anyway "The necklace had bound itself to her." "While the curse and enchantment were too mixed for proper analysis, their combination caused it to link to her magic." "Taking it off, was like ripping out a piece of her." "That is why I had to suppress her, I didn't wish to torture her." "She may feel bit ill for a short while, but it should pass with some rest."

"I hope you're right..."

She didn't say this as a threat. Her voice were notably concerned, as she worried for her friend now more than before. The pain Ruby must have felt in the moment... Were she even used to that? Could one even be, if this were truly as if a part of you were torn away? She hadn't a clue, but she knew where she had to be now, and it wasn't in here.

The meeting being over, she wouldn't hesitate to go outside, along with Charir, to look for Ruby.

On 2025-05-10 at 9:54 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

For Ruby, they would see her outside, walking in the distance away from the library, towards where Voltaick had said they would be staying. She wasn't moving fast, so it would be easy to catch up to her, and when close, she seemed mostly fine, bit tense maybe? something did seem bit off compared to her usual self, but when asked, she would assure she was fine, and just needed to lay down. Voltaick, being able to read the room so to speak, didn't say anything, and instead just wordlessly took the lead, so that he could show them where they could stay.

Leviathan did ask, and could tell that Ruby wasn't as fine as she claimed. Or she just imagined that, but she didn't think about that right now, as in her mind, Ruby were in some kind of distress, and didn't want to show out here. Hopefully when they got in private, she would elaborate on how things were, but for the time being, she'd just respond with an *Okay*, and give Ruby a concerned look, before following Voltaick towards where their sleeping arrangements were. Hopefully it was an okay... Cave? She'd assume so, since y'know, they were dragons. It were a bit of a cliche, that their liked caves, but y'know, if the shoe fits.

==========================================================================

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Woah. That's quite the way of life you kobolds have. And your uhm... I uh... Sorry, did you say Chega?"

While she would have said more of the little lesson in how the society of kobolds worked, a name had stuck out to her there. One that she reeeeally hoped wasn't just wishful thinking on her part, or a coincidence.

"She did. I saw her, and I got you an autograph."

Shell pranced where she stood with a big smile on her face, hearing that.

"That's so Awesome! Ooooh, I wish I could've seen her again. I love her music.

I never knew she were a kobold. I thought she were a small dragon. And you're friends with her? You're so lucky."

While she were having a fan-filly moment, Onache wandered out of her room, head held high, and looking as if she were perfectly fine, even though the kobolds would likely be able to tell, that she didn't move quite as fast as before, even if her movements were still fluid. Happy certainly knew too, but it were not his place to speak aloud of anything. He simply needed to be there for his queen, in whatever way she required it. If he had to lift her all the way back to the desert, then he would do that too, but he knew she'd heavily dislike that. It weren't the most dignified thing after all, and while she were not from a pride hive, it didn't take away that like with several other queens, she had some pride, that she'd like to keep, and she already thought the way she looked now were testing it, as she still weren't used to it.

Least her wandering in this colorful bug form, none would know it were her, as she looked nothing alike how she were, before she were changed. That shielded her to some extend.

=======================================================================

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2025-05-11 at 4:09 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I suppose it is about what I would ask you to do that worries me, and I am afraid I might be put in a situation that would require making the toughest choices. The kind that is difficult but necessary; sometimes, the right choice this the one that is painful to make, the one that will leave me feeling regretful even if it is the best option. And the worst part is, I don’t know what form that will take if, or when, that time comes.”

*sigh* “Maybe it’s best not to think about that for now. No point in getting worried over something we cannot control. When it comes, we’ll deal with it the best way we can, like we usually do.”

"Whatever you will do, I trust that you will do what you believe is right, brother. I will not leave you."

Maybe she wouldn't be able to understand what he had done at first, but Sen had been with her for some time now, and she trusted him. Even if sometimes, he did go a bit far, like when he had threatened to throw his old friend off of a cliff. She had to intervene then, but she at least knew how he would look and act now, when he could not think rationally. He would seem very angry, at least expression-wise, and get loud. Maybe if he were like that, it would give her pause, if what he asked were something that might be bad, but otherwise, long as it would not go against Mother's edicts, she would listen, and obey. He did not need to explain it to her first.

On 2025-05-11 at 4:09 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Hey, uh... maybe we should go and grab Shrimp, huh? It’s about time we head back home and make our final preparations.”

“Let’s try to make this quick and not disturb Mother and her guest too much. I think the important part where one of your formless siblings is giving form is done.”

The two quickly made their way to Mother, but just as they were close, they tried to tiptoe close and silently gestured to Shrimp to come close. If that didn’t work, they’d try whispering; anything that didn’t draw a lot of attention to themselves would be preferable. Unfortunately, being among a few beings and not much else didn’t leave a lot of room for them to be discrete. Whatever they were doing would catch everyone else’s attention by default, and they weren’t exactly good at hiding it.

"We will not disturb mother. She tells our masters how to form us, and then tells us to be good children, and for them to take good care of us, before she grow silent, so they can focus on us, instead of her. I have seen many other siblings be picked, before Mother made me go back to Equestria. Things rarely change, unless the new master does something wrong."

Sure Mother observed them, up until they left, but at a certain point, she had to let go, and allow the new master and sibling to be on their way, and begin their new lives. At times she had to add more, but there were no need with this. She had found him to be very amicable and respectful, and seeing how he even provided her child with magical clothes as she were given shape, and were already teaching her the basics of movement, she had little worry that this would be a good teacher and master for her.

As the others approached, he would direct one of his large eyes towards them, while the other remained on the sibling, who were getting the hang of how to move her tentacles to provide flight, though he were assisting her with three of his own, directing movements when she seemed to lose tract. As were seen with him, you did not need all tentacles to retain flight, but she were new, and as such would require it.

His head would vibrate slightly, and a weird, gurgling sound would be heard, before the sibling turned around. It left her on the ground, but it didn't seem to hinder her, as she rose a few tentacles to greet them, and then began speaking with Omen, in the Ki'Nathar's own tongue. The strange, whispering chorus going on for a few minutes, in which time Shrimp would notice Lin and Sen, and then rise up, giving a happy little chirp and a noodle dance, then ready himself. They should recognize this stance as the one he took before jumping towards them, and act accordingly, though they needn't be worried. The new octopus master would use the back of his tentacle to gently lift under Shrimp, and carry him the full way towards Sen, whom he assumed were the one this little one had gone for.

"Sister has a strange name. It sounds like Klughlurg. Her master says it it meant to be said under water."

Omen would nod, as the sibling would point towards Shrimp, and seemingly ask a question.

"She would like to touch him."

So she would, and while Shrimp would smell her tentacle, he seemed perfectly fine, as she smelled like Omen and Lin, so that meant she were friendly. At which point he'd rub towards the tentacle, while their new sister experienced the sensation of touch against his scales with great curiosity.

"She also says her master said hello, and that he is *insert noise akin to someone burping loudly in dish water*. I do not think he can understand what we are saying, but he seems to be nice, and he is already teaching her things. He reminds me of Scarcity."

Not physically in the slightest, but more with how quickly the lessons were beginning, to try and help the new sibling deal with things better. Discord had just picked her up and been on his way, and that wasn't the most unusual approach either, when it came to several other siblings.

As for this one... He were courteous, but as it wasn't like they could communicate properly, he'd accept that they would leave soon. Surely they too had things to do as well, in whatever odd world that someone like them came from.

Quadrupedal creatures with tails, and no gills. What a strange world.

==========================================================================

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2025-05-11 at 4:09 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Well, it is nice to have some confirmation that our senses and emotions remain intact. I was concerned that not everything stayed the same. I mean… it would be awkward to find aspects of myself missing and only realizing it when I needed them most.”

Vates groaned and rolled her eyes sideways at Videntor’s… attempt… at humor. It seemed that being separated from the others also meant their personalities were becoming more distinct. A far cry from the more monotonous version of themselves when they spoke in unison; the golem preferred their current predicament over an existence as a very minuscule hive mind, even if their choice was brought about by a sense of obligation to stop their past from repeating itself. Now? She had the urge to slap her fellow golem on the head. It was a reminder that despite their advanced age, their minds were not caught up.

Aside from that, she and Videntor watched the changeling mix up a concoction of nostalgia. There was already one in a barrel, and if it was there, maybe even ponies and changelings felt the urge to experience the longing of things long past, happy ones preferably. Even the two weren’t exempt from it, and she wondered if the feeling was more than just something she felt deep inside. Perhaps it could be more…

"I figured golems couldn't feel, but it's good to be wrong sometimes, yeah?"

"Normally they cannot. Only those build by dedicated Stone Mason's can, and I have known only of very few like that, throughout the ages. Not all are willing to put in the fairh and effort that is apparently needed.

Whomever in your time made you these, were one with considerable skill."

Truth be told, Celestia didn't know the full details. She had some telling shcolars and her how to do this, but even trying herself, with her notably strong magic pool, it had always resulted in nothing more than standard golems. Even if they might seem somewhat lively, they were a far cry from what she had seen in the past, as well as now.

Her best guess, were that it had something to do with faith. Those who crafted the best she had seen or heard of, were seemingly always devoted to their beliefs, though it were still just an assumption, to which she had next to no definitive proof.

On 2025-05-11 at 4:09 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Thank you very much!” The two picked up their mugs, looked to the changeling, then the liquid contents, and drank. Vates took in each sip slowly, attempting to gauge just what nostalgia might taste like. As for Videntor, he just downed the whole thing, making himself appear to be a lot thirstier than he looked. The former began to feel the warmth of the sun, the seawater spraying over the shoreline at the temple where she performed her rituals. Those days were slow, sometimes difficult, but she still remembered them fondly. Guidance - it was the word that best described her role, even as that diminished and gave way to more grounded study, causing the waning days of blind belief.

As for Videntor, he remembered more simple things. Long walks along the sea, a few sessions at the agoda spent in study and debate. Even simple comforts like food were enough to bring a smile to his face. But after a moment, it turned upside down, the light in his eyes dimming. There was a tinge of sadness and longing, and he grew oddly quiet; his eyes stared into something imperceptible from far, far away.

“Huh… I… did not know I could feel so strongly about…. I-I’m sorry.”

“What is it?”

“Just remembering my father and mother. Spending time engrossed in studies, I never considered having children. I always dreamed of being able to discover something big, something everyone would use and appreciate, but that chance never came. And then, our whole world felt like it came to an end, and every minute felt like hours. Seeing what I had, those things reminded me of what could have been and what I lost. It all goes back to my parents, and I miss them, more than I thought. Wig Woggle? Apologies if my reaction to your drink was inappropriate for your establishment. Could I have a moment alone? I'll just be over there by the corner.”

"Nono, it's okay. That's why we have the booths. Well, that and for crying, but y'know, multi-purpose."

She'd point towards the corner, where a door would lead to a small hall, that had three sectioned off rooms. They could be locked from the inside, and had a beanbag chair, and a box of tissue paper if needed, along with a trash can, of course. And over in left-most corner, would be about a dozen small, bulbous plants, that looked akin to a rat-catcher plant, just only big enough to only catch mice, with the lids opened, and stuck to the wall in a cluster.

These rooms were likely repurposed bathrooms, from whatever had been here before, but they fit better like this. Besides, they still had a bathroom. Just had to walk straight forward when opening into the hall, instead of turning right, to where the booths were.

"And don't you go worry about your reaction. It's pretty normal with nostalgia. It's something that hits everyone differently. Depends on their lives and such."

After he had left, she'd address his friends.

"That's emotion tea for you. It's full of nutrients and delicious emotions for us changelings, but for other creatures, it invokes emotions, be they good or bad.

Nostalgia is very popular with the elderly, that can sometimes have problem remembering the old days. Joy is the most popular in general, but we have some goth types here who wants melancholy or sorrow too, among other things.

Folks are pretty varied, but we serve what they want, no matter if they want a feeling of delight, or need a good cry.

But changelings have a bad name to a lot still, because of one of our previous queens. Attacked this town, and really did a number on our reputation, though places like this, and Queen Cheshire's theater, are starting to help.

Of course, having the princess here doesn't hurt either, and I greatly appreciate the gesture."

She'd nod towards the princess, with a big grin on her face. Seeing how the story were with changelings here in Canterlot  the princesses approval meant a lot. As did her being here physically, and partaking in things, which showed more non-changelings that there were nothing to worry about here.

=======================================

 

@Dah Onion Eater

"I know her not, nor if one like her is in this reality, yet it will be the closest to home that I can lead you."

Other dimensions were one thing, but other realities? That were beyond the power of most creatures, and for good reason, as breaking open the gate between multiple realities could potentially cause dire repercussions.

If one had torn a path open, or if realities had just flyed briefly, and this pony were unlucky, she could not tell, but she would help him get to something as close to his home as she were able, though he had to work to establish a new life for himself there.

After wandering a few minutes  Mother would wave a hand, and the section of the floor that he stood upon, were risen up to her shoulder height. Once it - and as such also him - were there, she'd touch the air with her left index claw, and a swirling portal would open up, and revealing a vision on the other side, which should be familiar to him. That of Ponyville, where many a pony were wandering, oblivious to the portal that had sudden swirled open in the park.

"My oldest daughter of this realm, often traverse here. It id a safe area for you ponies, as I understand it.

Remember though child, that while it looks like your home, it is not exactly as where you are from. You will need to make a new life, and new friends here.

I am sorry I cannot do better than this, but it is the closest you can find to where you are from.

Wander in peace, dear child. And may luck bless your path."

Once he'd chose to wander through, he'd find that it were as simple as just taking a few steps forth, and he'd be on his way. Into a pond, specifically. Mother had not seen that she had placed this portal roght at the edge of the pond in the park, so he'd get wet hooves, but that shouldn't be too bad. Water weresrill rather shallow here at the edge.

That said, somepony would pop their head up  out of the water as he stepped there, and looked at him.

Her odd wings laid flat on her back, and her eyes looked him over with great curiosity, before she went into a big grin, that showed off razor-sharp teeth, that well fitted the shark tail attached to her rump, where a regular equine tail nor.ally were.

"Hi! Is friend also too dry?"

Her tone were friendly, and she made no move to try and bite him. And if he looked around, he'd see that everypony else were jjst normal ponies, and a few others like griffons, or smaller dragons. So he hadn't been sent to a strange dimension where all ponies were fish. Probably.

And if he looked back, after having stepped through fully, he'd find the gate had closed, and there were now just a tree.

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

It were a strange feeling, having him return like that, but she didn't think it overly unwelcome. It helped having him around, and she had a few times when she had time to think of it, worried that he'd end up in trouble somehow. Like getting stuck in light or something, albeit the times were brief on this matter. A lot had happened after all.

"Yeah, it ain't been silent. Welcome back, by the way."

She'd think through the main things that'd gone on, while she laid down on the bed. Sure was a softer one that the last, which hadn't been bad, but the upgrade were nice. A way of apologizing for the break-in, she'd recon. Frankly she didn't mind. It might mostly be the bed, it wasn't That different, but it were still nice regardless. She wasn't used to bedding this soft.

They'd see what he thought of things as she finished eventually. She assumed he'd have some words, but which ones... Meh, she didn't much care. She had a nice date tonight, and got a lot of things out with Arcade. So things were still good today, ad she were trying to keep focus on that.

As for the kitsune, he were still in town, if the Grey were looking for him. Currently hiding in a dark, run down place, clutching his head, and trying to get a bit of rest. Considering what had happened, they might have questions. If not, he'd hopefully soon enough be someone else's problem.

=============================================================

 

(Ranger)

On 2025-04-28 at 11:12 PM, Illiad Easle said:

It was fairly dark in the room, but that might not matter to the paper fox if it saw things by other, more magical, means. As to the door, it seemed like it operated similarly on this side to the other side, with a keypad, though there was a large red button next to it that might be useful, depending on if the fox could get up to it and press it hard enough to make it work.

 

If the fox decided to examine the room itself though, it was a large room. Similarly sized to the flight area that they had used to get down here, but full of complex machinery and scientific equipment. What stood out especially were the rows of large glass tubes, each large enough to comfortably contain a young pony, and most of them not empty. It looked like there were dozens of them present here.

More clones.

The fox couldn't see in here, but it did sense some things around it. Not so far back as the clones, but a big button, that were next to another keypad? That it could sense. Not it were just about getting up there, which were hardly an issue. Just had to get ready, then... Jump!

It would get up there and push the button, but the angle were bad, so it hit it like a... Well, piece of paper. Not good enough. So it would back up, keeping its focus on the button, and then when it were back a meter or so, it would charge forward, jump up high, and swirl, so it slammed into the button with its side, which put in inertia and all its weight. Which might not be a lot, but it should be enough, as it were still folded and firm. If not, it would get frustrated, and then just jump up, and use some magic to make its paw heavier, and slam the button (giving it the same weight a normal fox its size, so still not too impressive). It didn't want to use magic on this, as it had a very limited pool, but it were not getting beaten by a button! Though if this also didn't work, it were just gonna give up, and try looking around, to see if there were something it could sense in the dark, like a key, or some other button. Maybe a light switch? That could be useful. Sure it could tell there were some cylinders, but what were in them? It were mighty curious.

It did actually have a larger magic pool now too though, due to the minostralum, but it were not aware of it. It just figured it were bigger, and smarter, and that were very good with it. Especially as it included wings!

On 2025-04-28 at 11:12 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The trace revealed a somewhat random assortment of numbers being pressed, and no number being used too much more than any other, it seemed like the code was changed often and might depend on the user.

It also seemed like there wasn't much energy in the keypad, it may well be that there wasn't enough power left in the facility to run the door even if they had the code.

As to the door itself, it appeared to be designed to lift straight up, like the doors at some fancy carriage depots. Likely to remain shut if the facility lost power. Depending on how strong he was he could lift the door a bit, but it was quite heavy. There was no shortage of things he could use to brace up the door, so he could theoretically lift it a little bit, brace it, then lift again, incrementally lifting the door until there was enough room to get through.

By that time Ranger would get back with a stack of papers with various numbers to try.

Well that sucked. He had a bit of hope that the keypad were usable, but nope. Not a good enough trace to get a proper answer, with those he found seemingly being switched, random, or personalized. Good for security, sucked for folks like them.

The door were also heavy and well set, so getting it out of frame weren't gonna be a breeze either. Hmm... There were a bit of leverage though. Maybe he could do something with that?

When Ranger returned, he had been working on getting the door a bit up, then place something underneath that could withstand pressure. Then finding something else, use his magic to force the door up a little bit more, then put a new thing, brace himself for the next time, and so on and so forth. It were not fast, and he wish he could just magic it all the way up, but that sort of force were tough. Sure it didn't use physical muscle, but it used magical ones, and his magic weren't immense. He were no elder, and that left some limitations. Especially as he couldn't just use magic to try and smash this door with direct force, because frankly, he had no idea what would happen. This place might collapse, or they'd wake something up with the sudden burst of sound, or it'd be a trap, etc. So he had to try lifting, and lifting with magic, were harder than blasting with magic. It required a good deal more focus, force, and precision, and if he put too much into this, he might well end up laying on the floor with a splitting headache, blood coming out of his ears, and the door slamming down again, in case nothing held it up in the first place once open.

Honestly, if Ranger could get this done with her numbers, he'd be well happy.

"Phew, this is a pain. What've you found? Please tell me it's a code."

Of course, if the paper fox smashing the button did anything, this might get easier. Or harder, if it were a security measure of some sort.

====================================================

 

(Cherish)

On 2025-04-28 at 11:12 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Gemini shrugged, "Maybe? I do like reading, and learning. If you still have one of those books where you saw the symbol, can I read it sometime? Maybe it explains something?"

"After scavenge, I can show you. Maybe you understand it."

She had stacks of books, mostly legible. The expensive looking gold and silver one were of course her most prized, even if she did not understand it right now, but she still treasured her other books, and the library that got the ones in good condition for pies, would see that beyond the deserts effects, they were taken well care of. So the thought of a young pony standing and reading one of those that she had, and hadn't traded or decided to keep were causing her a little hesitation. But Cherish trusted these, so she would chance it, and hope that her little friend were right. 

On 2025-04-28 at 11:12 PM, Illiad Easle said:

(I meant for the questions to be spread out as they traveled, not all coming at her at once, but we can go with this. They're excitable children after all.)

They were all attentive listening to Crow's answers, and eager to get started given what Crow had described to pique their interest as to what was out there.

Elef looked a bit less sure when Crow mentioned hunting, "Well, Miss Ada says I shouldn't go hunting without her, but it should be okay to go with you, right?"

In any case, they were ready to follow Crow's lead and get started.

"It is safe. Just don't chase them into their burrows. They are small. You get stuck.

If something happens, I help."

He was young too. Maybe he needed someone there, to make sure he did not get too hurt? She could do that, yes. She had hunted around here, and other places, and knew what to do. Including when to retreat. She could keep him safe, if he went in over his head, or if a monster came around. Hopefully it wouldn't, but strange things sometimes wandered around the desert. Sometimes openly, sometimes hiding, and other times, if you were really unlucky, uncovered as you approached.

She'd guide them on their way, through the dunes. It were easier if she only had to think of herself and Cherish, as they could just fly, but they had non-fliers with them, and had to accept that. Though the trip still took little more than twenty minutes, which progressed uneventfully. Something did move in the sand briefly, if Elef had his senses about him, he might even find the half-meter-long snake that had halted, soon as it knew there were others, and gotten half-buried in the dune sand, though he might miss it too. Most did after all, seeing as it were camouflaged to blend in near perfectly with the sand. And if he did ignore it, it would move on when they left, and eat a nearby scorpion.

Crow had seen it briefly move, but pretended she didn't. She didn't much care for the taste of snake, and these were not dangerous to anyone their size anyway, so it wasn't worth the attention.

Beyond this, it were just sand upon sand, until they got to where she had wanted them to go. The dunes had halfway reclaimed it already, but the tattered remains of a large wagon did poke halfway out of the sand that were piling up around it, with a few sticks around it suggesting there might be more too.

"Hmm. More buried than I thought now. Will need to dig, but I saw crates, when I was here. Should be things in."

She'd go over to the main wagon, and push her arm down, seeing if she could grab something near the surface, and pulled back the bleached top half, of an equine skull. Had a few holes where there might have been a gold tooth or something like that, but that were gone. Likely taken by one of the dune foxes or vultures, to pretty up their nests or burrow. If it were easy to yoink out, they sometimes did. Could also just be this one had been in a scuffle. A hole just above the eye, suggested an arrow or something similar, had gotten through. Maybe a small bullet? Hard to say, but death had likely been fast.

Regardless, she'd put it to the side, and start digging down, to see if she could get to the crates she recalled. Her clawed hands were well equipped to dig into solid ground, so layers of sand were barely an issue, as she'd scatter what held her potential prize in its grasp. The desert could have this, once they were done with it.

"If any can dig, or do magic, see if you can uncover stuff, yes? Try and ignore the bones. Lots of those out here."

If she were to collect the bones of everyone who had died out here, she could be at this for the next thousand years, it felt like. The dunes kept taking and uncovering bones, or desiccated half-mummies. Probably thousands upon thousands of corpses in various states out here, and it seemed pointless to chase after these remains. They were buried by the deserts whims. It were more than many others got, after the war.

Besides, a skeleton wasn't so bad. Would be worse if she pulled something up with more meat on it.

There would be two more carts, and remnants of something that'd shattered from an attack, spread over three points in a four meter radius, all buried beneath at most a meter of sand. There were things to find in about half of these, and several more corpses.

They could also all just focus on the main one that Crow were on, but it were up to them each. Cherish were helping Crow at least, using her hooves and wings to push sand aside to get more of the bigger cart uncovered, and hoping she wouldn't find more bones. Well, bones were somewhat okay. Something more meaty would be a lot worse.

(dice roll determines your luck)

===================================================================

 

(Void)

On 2025-04-28 at 11:12 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Llambda tilted her head to the side, which given the length of her neck made it a much bigger gesture than if she were a pony, "Oh? That's too bad. About the curse that is. I know that magic is really important to ponies so to not have it..." She sighed sadly, "Oh, It's too bad you never made it to Himallama, it's a very beautiful place, wonderfully cold, unlike here."

As Himallama was on the same continent as Zebrica and Cervidas, they would have had to travelled for a long while through the area that had made Null so sick before, and she would be in no state to climb the mountain up to the Himallaman plateau like that.

"We wish we could, but I worry the fauna would have killed my sister before we got there. Maybe some day, I can go and look there myself though. I heard good things.

And yes, magic is very integral to ponies, and several other species too, unfortunately. usually because of personal magic, ward, items that benefits them, etc. Not everyone, but we were rather... Unlucky, on our travels."

Saying they were unlucky were perhaps an understatement, but she'd rather not dwell on those years too much. They had suffered, but they had learned, and survived. Now they were finally getting a life going, and it were better to have focus on that in her mind, rather than constantly dwelling on the past, and letting that direct her every action. She didn't exactly long for the feeling of being scared of the world around her.

Not saying she would try and repress and forget. There were things to have learned from the past, and she'd bring some things up, but standing and talking details about some of the times they got chased out, for the next few hours, were just gonna make her feel depressed. Though she could bring up an example or two that wasn't as long winded if it were asked of her.

Besides, she didn't have two hours for that. The little ones would start wondering where she were, if she were gone for so long probably.

On 2025-04-28 at 11:12 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Llambda nodded, "Oh, of course! It's further east than Zebrica and Cervidas, up on the steppes and the plataeu of the mountain. Pretty cold for ponies but perfect for alpaca and llamas. Before the shaking, it was mostly just us up there, the zebra, deer, and reindeer mostly left us alone, only coming to buy our wool and bring us food we couldn't grow ourselves or other trinkets in exchange. There was this one really big changeling, Nirvana, who was like the leader there because no one else wanted to, plus she was very old and knew a lot about being peaceful. She taught me all about being charitable, how helping others can help your soul. After the shaking, we got a lot more zebra, deer, and reindeer than usual, said a creature named Disk Ord was breaking everything? But they were safe up there because all the llamas on the mountain meant that magic didn't work, so he couldn't do anything to them there."

"Discord, yes. My sister and I met him a few times. He seemed so nice to everyone in Ponyville... I still can't believe what he ended up doing. It's been an unmitigated catastrophe. *sigh* And I can't imagine it will be easy on the other draconequui. It's gonna be a long time before anyone would try and trust their kin again, even if they didn't have anything to do with his calamity."

It might seem odd to care about their kind at all, considering what had gone on, but she couldn't make herself hate those who hadn't a thing to do with this. Most of their kin she'd met or heard about, were weaker than Discord, and spent their time mostly just pranking and goofing around, or doing more small scale mischief. Yet they were likely one and all gonna be judged because of him now, even if she doubted many had followed him in his war efforts. Weren't much fun to play around in the world, if it was a smoking ruin.

She could imagine that most had either hid away, or been killed by now though. Afraid of retaliation from the survivors, slain by them, or brought to death, for refusing to join Discord. Sure some had likely joined in, but she doubted it were many. And those left, might end up hiding for years, if not centuries, hoping for things to ease up. Imagine if one showed here in Troy though, as things were... It were a question if there'd be more anger or fear, but either way, it were highly unlikely to be welcoming.

"But speaking of better things, it's good to hear that there were a safe haven up there, for those who could make it. And that you'd accept those who came too. You probably ended up saving a lot of lives that way.

And I think I heard about Nirvana. Briefly though, I'm afraid. Is she still alive? I know a lot of queens didn't make it through the calamity, and it weighs heavily on those who lost theirs."

On 2025-04-28 at 11:12 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Selena returned with an odd expression on her face, looking to Void, "That was a member of the Grey out there, the Grey Mare wants to discuss how those in the Grey could serve Mercy to earn their penance. Any thoughts on that? The service of Mercy is usually reserved for those who have nothing to gain from it."

Their nice conversation were suddenly interrupted by a very peculiar interaction. one of The Grey here? To work together with Mercy, in some fashion? That were certainly not something that she expected. Now were the question. Put her a bit on the spot, oh dear... Well, she'd try give an answer at least. Hopefully it'd make sense as she went along.

"Ah, well uh... I guess it depends on who it is, among The Grey? I mean, those they capture and make work for them, to earn their penance, probably fit better where they are. They'd only be in it to clear their debt. But there have to be those who volunteered, because they are remorseful of something they've done, and want to atone. The Grey might have been seen as their only option to try and do something that'd matter for others.

So I guess, you'd need to ask The Grey for some who have come to them willingly, and doesn't care about their debt. What sort of work they could do for Mercy though... I dunno. It seems to be based on the individual, so might be best to try and have them send a few, and then evaluate them from there? I can try and help best I can, Selena, but I'll admit, I don't know much about the sort of work Mercy does. I've only really seen... Well, you two. And you seem very different on how you're meant to help."

================================================================

 

(The Grey)

Craven didn't need to be told by Yannit how things were up here. She were better at sensing than him, but he'd wager than most changelings would be able to tell how badly things looked here. Not physically - although it did seem somewhat poorly maintained up here - but emotionally. From the angry and bitter veterans, to the impressionable young, yearning for something better, or at the very least, to fit in somewhere. Impressionable youths... This were a festering storm waiting to happen, and when it did, a lot were going to die. And this without them getting anywhere close to completing their goal.

As he saw it at least, the ground based ones were far more numerous, and included The Grey, and various mercenaries and the sort, as well as changelings who'd like to keep their way of life. These up here were not properly combat trained, and most hadn't the experience to fight properly. They'd end up with the biggest losses, and at most would get to have some of them retreating, and then what? Where would they go? What wouldn't it cause of troubles for all of them?

They had griffons too, sure, but it were a lot of fliers, against magic users. They wouldn't win, though that didn't mean they couldn't cause a lot of trouble before they lost. Potentially even kill someone important down there, like one of the casino heads. And in that case, he worried it would be Bling. Sure she were well liked, but she were also the newest, and the one that were probably the easiest to get to, of them all. Taking her down, were a statement. A bad one, but sadly, he doubted that this group had thought that far ahead.

*sigh* To think that after all the wars they just had, they were now about to enter another... One more along the lines of the old equine racial wars, but with a few additions to either side. It were a tragedy, and one that needed to be halted. He had a few ideas, but that were mostly on infiltrating this, and see if they could defuse it at its source, by taking their leader into custody. Yet they needed more information.

Once they were down, and they were certain they weren't followed, they'd seamlessly change forms as they blended with the crowd, and take the long way to The Grey's base. Sure he wanted to hear what his higher ups had of insight, but they could add that via the eyewear. No, if he needed to know how bad things were, he needed to go and ask Basher, and see if he could ascertain how bad of a storm he had been whipping up.