Blitz Boom
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Omen would gaze out of the window as they arrived, seeing the sun were gone. It had been nice and bright in Neighpon, but it were far, far from here. The difference in time zone, still gave them some bright hours before darkness would fall, and they would begin to find rest for the evening, but here, it wouldn't be far now, until the town would more or less become quiet, as normal beings would come to find rest.
She wondered what that might be, but then, so did she many a times, as the centuries had passed. As did she why it were that some would still be awake at night, and seemingly thrive more, despite looking the same as others. The ponies and such had that at least. The longma might have too? At least some guards, which seemed to be normal to have wandering around, after the night had fallen. Or with bat ponies, when it were day time. Though she knew they used traps from experience, because she had stumbled into several of them. Sometimes the same, more than once.
But these were questions that she could probably find out in large parts, by simply watching and observing. Right now, she should focus on Sen and Lin, and what were happening in the near future for them. It were important to do that, especially when the kitsune had said that those meditation techniques could end up being important, in case more things happened with the ruins, or the presence might try and go in here without them. It would be good if they were able to resist that, the next time it happened. She apparently didn't need to, as her head weren't normal, so she might get time to think when it came to that time, where the two would begin and meditate. That could be well spent time.
"She asked me three questions, but said to not tell you about it. That you had enough things to think about already."
She honestly wasn't even sure about why she were told that, nor the subtext of the question in the long run, as she didn't get told anything after she answered it, and it were strange to her, but maybe they would see later. Could be that she would tell them, when all the meetings and such were done, and Sen and Lin wouldn't have to think about those things anymore? They would see, though Omen were as curious about this as they were. Usually others didn't want to talk to her in private, and the questions were strange.
Shrimp would take this time, to smack his lips, and whine lowly, pointing at his mouth.
"Hu... Hugeh."
"Okay."
She'd stand still for a few seconds, as a bulge would start to go up her throat, before opening her maw, and pulling out the bag of dried fruit she still had. Shrimp eagerly taking some pieces when it were opened and offered to him, munching them down. Though, he'd start to cough after being halfway through the second one.
"Water now, yes?"
She wasn't sure if there were water here, but regardless of that option, she'd still open a gate, and take him to the river Sen had shown them some days ago, in the quiet place, where she had also left some of Shrimp's things. Like that puppet she got at the festival, and a few other things. It might be time to get those, and put them in the box too.
She'd be back like, ten minutes later, with Shrimp wrestling the voodoo doll on her back, with her tongue wrapped around the various things she had there. It wasn't much though. Just a small bag of the stuff they had before the festival, something from it that hadn't gone here yet, and a bottle of dragon chili hot sauce. She had forgotten she had that one, until she found it there.
She'd otherwise just spend some time observing the two of them as they were meditating, or preparing to do so at the least. And hopefully they'd have some fun with it, since it wouldn't be long now, until something would happen. Midnight were approaching bit by bit, and when the bell were about to ring, regardless of what they were doing, things would start in earnest.
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Ziggy would observe the little origami figure, that she were presented with, and did hear what he had said, but she had no time to answer, as their flighty little friend would rush in, and hide himself, akin to how a foal would. It were utterly adorable, and Ziggy couldn't help but giggle as her first response, as she saw this. Especially when she heard his reason, which made a small snort sneak into her tone too.
She'd duck down, and watch him face to face, even if she had to angle or move around the table to get the chance to do so, before talking to him. Unless he kept avoiding her gaze, in which case they'd have a bit of a contest with her trying, him avoiding, and eventually giving up after a few minutes, and just talk. Though he probably wouldn't.. Maybe? She didn't know him well enough to tell. It'd be fine either way.
"Come on out. There's no need to be scared of Rainbow Dash. She's just a little speedster, who likes to zoom around. And she gets a really funny look on her face, if she gets flustered. I know, I saw it when I was zooming around her, and then yoinked her into a hug. She was so confused! Applejack had a great laugh at it though. Made Dashie go all blushy, hehe.
You like zooming around too, so I bet you two could be great friends. She'd probably love having a rival who can show her some competition. I couldn't do it. I don't fly straight enough to keep up with her when she starts putting in effort."
She'd go up over the table after that. Kind of. She'd have her eyes raised above the edge of the table, looking up towards her new alicorn friend, though Slipstream would be the one to see her grin if it were. There were no real reason for her to do this. She just kinda felt like it.
"Hey, that writing you showed me? It looked a lot like Neighponese, but sharper. Maybe the place you went, isn't that different from there?
Oh! And - Ouchies."
She'd have bounced upwards, as she remembered something else, and thusly hit her snout on the underside of the table, halting her from going further up. It also caused her to giggle again, finding this honestly rather funny.
"Hehe. You said like, inner peace and stuff. Do you do lots of meditation too?"
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On 2024-04-29 at 3:20 AM, Evil Pink One said:Deep within Light's mind had an overload of thought and would eventually conclude and answered himself:
wtf?
Yes the two had understand each others stare and gave an answer; but it was still an unexpected answer, especially being a shark rider.
Throughout all the dimensions Light has been. A pony riding a shark is the first he has ever encountered.
"... oh ... Okay."
Light's stare at this point, was emotionless and confused 😕.
Shark Riders were the Coastal Guards pride and joy. A regiment that had a strong connection with their sharks, to the point where they'd be able to ride them, and have them help them in battle when there were a coastal, or underwater threat. Which weren't infrequent, as the coast had a fair few monsters that wasn't ever known to Equestria, because the guard stopped them before they got on land and became an actual issue.
There were more than sharks though. A few had some other marine animals they had bonded with, and the general herself, had her tamed giant octopus. Had caused quite the stir when it had attacked headquarters in the first place, but time and effort, after she had bonked him out, had gotten them to the point where they were quite close, and thus they had the understanding needed to help one another. Though mostly he were in the ocean, doing his own things. She weren't his owner, but his partner, and a part of having the respect to have this going, were to know to give him his space, unless something were off the rails.
As an outsider though, Light would know none of this, but he might want to ask in more, or go see for himself someday. Shark Bay had a lot of tourists come in to see the shark riders, so they'd fit right in.
On 2024-04-29 at 3:20 AM, Evil Pink One said:Light's thoughts has ran around the world a hundred times and assumed the possible outcome of what she meant.
Why does she need to know where her birth place is? Hone sick? Or perhaps she wants to have one?
His mind runs wild eventually making him blush, as his thoughts become more ridiculous by the second.
Shark wasn't sure why his face turned more red, but she'd grin a bit wider as she saw it. Her mate looked so cute when he were being all weird and stuff, and this wasn't even her showing him some affection. Such a silly mate he was.
On 2024-04-29 at 3:20 AM, Evil Pink One said:" just be mindful of their personal space okay Shark?" His only advice towards the kit.
Their walk towards the school and had an idle chatter. His thoughts towards the future with Shark was always looming over him.
His stack of gold would eventually run out and work would be needed, but it is still far ways off, but still. Finding a part time would probably till help and teach Shark how to work with others.
Eventually they'd reach the school and into the head mistresses office.
They wouldn't get the chance to enter the office, as there were a line of parents and some students and even teachers, that looked like they'd occupy her time for the next hour at the least.
Still, the school were otherwise getting back to its buzzing and chattering, as things began to settle in slowly once more. Ponyville had a fair few odd occurrences, so it wasn't the first time the locals had to just get going, soon as things were easing up again. A bit jaded perhaps, but it were what it were, and it showed in how most that were headed to the office, seemed to be newcomers, or outsiders in some fashion. Not the kits though. They would come out from around the corner instead, with Zhing now wearing a fresh kimono, in light blues and flowery patterns, that were in even starker contrast to the darker one that Hachi wore. She also had a pin in her head, with a blooming flower motif, resting on her neck. It added a bit of elegance to her looks, and she did certainly draw some eyes. Then again, so did Hachi, because it were still weird for others to see kitsune here. And that was a word that many were still learning, as not that many here even knew what a kitsune were.
"Hello again. Are you looking to talk to the head mistress? We don't think you will have much luck with that. She's pretty busy, it looks like."
Shark would be thrilled seeing them, and would turn around on the spot, her tail wagging a little from side to side, and her mouth spread in a big, toothy grin, that made a few that were getting near, move in a larger bow around her. She did not really notice, nor cared. Fluffy ones were here! That were nice.
"Hello fluffy ones! You go back to school too? And you, you have new thing on. *sniff* *sniff* And flower. Smell nice."
There were a vague perfume smell that came from Zhing. Not a lot, but Shark had a good nose. She could tell, and it honestly didn't smell bad. So she'd just keep sniffing, her head leaning closer towards them to get the aroma in properly. Looked a bit odd, but with this group, what didn't? Light were probably the most normal acting out of all of them, and that were saying something at times.
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I'm still game.
.png ":)")
I'm not fussed on continuation or sequel, but it did seem like more of a want to get past the last month, and into the new world from the various angles of the known characters, as well as some others, that were previously not mentioned/unseen.
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(Spectra)
On 2024-04-27 at 2:00 AM, Spectral Fade said:"If anything happens to me, you will go down with me. My success is your success. You just happened to be the one I grabbed because I was in a rush. If it makes you feel any better, - you are safe." S
She would not get a response this time, as Yuma were covering in their mind, so to speak. She couldn't exactly tune out what Spectra said, but when distressed as she were, she slipped back into the mind, and just laid there, until she were balanced enough again for them to be in tune.
In time it would likely be impossible for her to tune out or shut anything off, as she became more settled in her role as essentially a sliver of consciousness in a body overtaken by an otherworldly parasite, but at least for now, she could go back, behind to that space where you usually went in yourself, when the outside became too much, and your mind needed to shut down to protect itself.
On 2024-04-27 at 2:00 AM, Spectral Fade said:Spectra had opted to go around Deltrot entirely. Even if it may take a bit longer to get there than she waned, she would opt to avoid the risks of being potentially caught. The rate at which they were moving would hopefully make up for the difference. The boat seemed rather sturdy and able to carry them all just fine. Usually a boat wouldn't move this fast - since a pony wouldn't be physically capable of doing that. Spectra wasn't going fast to the point to where the boat would risk coming apart though. With all the adrenaline in her body, she would set herself to stay awake for the whole trip to Troy. Something that wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility for her - considering the sort of missions she has done before.
Sadly going around, meant exiting the river, and thus, they would have to carry the boat. An annoying task that frankly, none of them would be up for by themselves. It'd take magic, and effort, to take the long path around. Or they could bite notice when the construct *powered up* again, when they slowed down enough to make it think it were needed to perform a duty. If it saw them drag the boat up towards the shore, it would grab hold and start dragging too, showing surprising strength, for its small stature. And if they seemed about ready to begin carrying it - likely by Operata being told to shoulder most of it - or floated it with magic, it would set itself ready, arms raised, at the width and angle for it to be dumped upon itself. And if they did put it there, it would seemingly effortlessly, carry it, and follow as they wandered on. Not with a great speed, but it had not shown to be a quick mover. More of an efficient one, that moved at a fair pace.
Seeing as it did not have muscles, or could grow tired in the traditional sense, it were perfect for such menial labor. And a boat were not as bad as the rocks it had used, to make this waypoint, or the statue of Spectra, as she had looked before. It would not have an issue, long as they directed it to where they had to go.
Regardless of the way they handled things, they would hear the flapping of large wings above them, soon after they halted. And if they looked up, they'd see a monstrously large dragon, flying towards Deltrot, where it would land on a large, open space in the harbor. It appeared this area had an elder dragon for a visitor, and you generally speaking, did what you could to avoid those, if you were a trouble maker. It were suicidal to do otherwise, as elder dragons were powerful beings, that gave alicorns a run for their money. Especially more notable ones, such as the elusive Le Perinne, or the immensely old Ancalagon, oldest of the elder dragons. This were neither, but who it were exactly? Spectra likely weren't aware, but Operata were.
"...I've heard of this one before. Gretha or something of the like, that flies around a few larger Equestrian towns, with an active dragon population. I'm imagining to keep check on them, and make sure they don't break any of the established rules, that came after the last great dragon and pony war. Hard to say what she'd do, if she noticed us, and knew to look for us, but it's probably best we did not go in through town then. It is generally inadvisable to test something with teeth bigger than your body."
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(Spoiled Rich)
On 2024-04-27 at 2:00 AM, Spectral Fade said:"Just tell me where my Husband and my Daughter are. You've been in the dark all this time, so let me run it by you. 3 years ago when I was away in Canterlot, an Equestrian Villain by the name of Spectral Fade burnt down my property, abducted me to use me as a living battery - the same one who blew up the Green Mountain range." Spoiled had spoken in a more rushed manner as if she was more than eager to get inside the house. It became very clear to her that they weren't here, so she had all the time in the world to get things set straight with Randolph so he would be up to date on things.
"Of course ma'am. Mr. Rich is currently at Ponyville Elementary. The young miss has a part to play in a theater production, and she wanted for him to come and see one of their recitals.
After that, he should be returning here briefly, before preparing to go to Manehattan on the morrow. A business deal regarding a new exotic orchard business, as I've come to understand it. They should both be home within the hour."
Filthy were as ever a working pony, wanting to make sure that they saw some growth in their fortune. Exotic fruits had become a craze, and he had approached several farmers who dealt in such things recently, with the intention of offering them a large, versatile piece of land, that they could grow and live upon, and then in turn, they would exclusively sell their wares through him. It would give them stability, a stable pay, and Filthy would in the end, harvest the greatest profits, as he then sold the wares to interested parties around Equestria.
He could go and ensure himself more profit than he would get from it, but he were not a shrewd, cruel pony. The workers would need to make a living too, and he had belief that a well paid worker, were also a productive one. Mostly because experience had told him that it was the case. Long as there were still profit to be made, that were what mattered, and there definitely would be, as he were setting up several things in connection to this, for the longer run.
It were a good, future plan. And it helped to distract him from the upcoming funeral that he had to make happen, for his wife. Something that their daughter were also aware of, though she hid behind doing stuff like this play to distract herself. Or being after Randolph. The young miss were not easy to handle for him sometimes.
"I had the staff prepare lunch while they were still away. Shall I have them prepare something special instead, to celebrate the occasion ma'am?"
The cook were working well on ensuring they had a good meal ready for after the young miss and Mr. Rich would return from the school, but if Mrs. Rich said to make something else, then she would halt and instantly begin that instead, rushing to catch up to the deadline. A good thing that one of the newer hires were here to assist her today. Usually he'd clean, but he were also qualified for kitchen work, and had been asked to help today, to deep clean the kitchen after lunch preparations.
On 2024-04-27 at 2:00 AM, Spectral Fade said:"You are no doubt aware of the disaster that has happened within the past two days. An entire mountain, obliterated, overloading Equestrian resources. Despite this, my new Estate is now going to be under construction come tomorrow morning. I got things set with Legal Jargon, take a look." she spoke as she took out the briefcase that proved that this was indeed Spoiled Rich. "I also spoke to him about having a bunker put underneath the house here. Of course my Husband will need to approve of such a thing, but I want a bomb shelter built here as soon as possible. A war could break out tomorrow for all I know." Spoiled stated with narrowed eyes. "You know what this means, don't you?"
"We need to prepare for war." Spoiled said, she was understandably paranoid about what could happen here. The mare wasn't going to take no for an answer. She needed to know where her family were, and then they could discuss what has happened in the past 3 years she has bene gone for.Randolph would pale a little as he heard this, and lead them through the home. It had not changed much since last she had been here, except for a few new things, like a jade statue of a turtle and a fox. Likely a gift in relations to a business. They also lacked a few vases, but those had been handled by the passage of time. More specifically accidents, but thankfully it were not any of the really expensive ones.
"W-War, ma'am? Oh my. I best ensure they bring out the good stuff then."
Serious talk like this made him believe it were time for something special indeed for lunch., And by that he meant that the wine basement were to be raided for the Velvet Skies. An exceedingly sought after brand of wine that were only made occasionally, and were best saved for special occasions. This well seemed like one, with Mrs. Rich being back, and rather serious talks about to be made.
He best make sure that they also prepared the young miss's favorite drink too. Even if she were not to hear more grizzly things, it were prudent to be done now, when Mrs. Rich were back. It were if anything, something worth celebrating, yes? And with the heavy talk, it might be a good thing to calm the nerves, with something good for the senses.
As for the proof in the suitcase? He didn't need to see it, but her husband were. He believed in full it were her, as everything from her manners, to tone of voice, and even the way her glare spoke volumes by itself, told him that this were indeed the mistress of the house. Of that he had not a shred of doubt.
"I am certain you and Mr. Rich will find the best course of action, for the troubles ahead ma'am.
Is there anything specific I can do for you ma'am, while you wait for them to return?"
It were not for him to make decisions. That were for the Rich couple. Randolph were the butler, and would do as he were told, even if he were feeling rather nervous, at the idea that there might come a war. It were a terrifying thought, yet for now, he could do little more than listen, answer what questioned, and follow Mrs. Rich as she traversed the mansion.
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On 2024-04-26 at 5:11 PM, EQ_Theta said:
“I wouldn’t know what it would be like if I were in your place, Omen. Being born with emotions makes feeling things natural as if it is part of us. When I feel afraid, it’s like something is holding me down or stopping me from moving. Breathing and speaking become difficult; I know I should fight or run, but at times, everything about myself tightens until I’m frozen stiff.”
“I don’t know if that’s the best way I can describe what being afraid is like, but it’s what I feel when it happens. Still, I am not alone now, so I am not as afraid; when the time comes for us to do things we must, we’ll do our best. I hope what I described could help you understand what fear is like, although I admit, I am not really sure how it works.”
"I still do not understand it, but I will try and think about what you said later. Maybe it will make sense to me then."
She had doubts that it would, but sometimes, randomly thinking on things like this, would just make something click for her. Emotions did not tend to be that, but she had a description of sorts now... Maybe she'd try and seek out some cold places sometime, and slide under a large rock, or fallen tree trunk. Maybe she'd get to experience fear then? Then again, maybe you had to be able to feel cold if that were. She kinda did, as she could tell the difference, between being out wandering the frozen northern mountains, and sitting in literal fire, but neither were uncomfortable for her, and the way extreme cold were told to her, it wasn't cold, unless you had to add some extra layers, or sit near a fire.
That said, from recent experiences, she had felt more of the extremes, and could say that whilst she were indifferent per se, she would sit in the fire over the snow, if given the option. The fire made her feel something a little more than the snow, and she usually didn't have to share her seating, plus the crackling were a good background sound. It helped deafen out other sounds, that might distract her when she'd go and try to think. And the coal had a good crunch.
On 2024-04-26 at 5:11 PM, EQ_Theta said:“I suppose this is where we part ways for now, and as much as we would like to stay and learn more from you, there is much for us to do. Elder Sohe, Elder Zhao, thank you for helping us and for the insights you shared.”
“Our arrival here was unexpected, but you still accommodated us and helped when we couldn’t offer more in return. I hope we can return with good news and repay your kindness properly. For now, we have taken up your precious time, and we wouldn’t want to intrude, but we appreciate all that you did for us.”
"Then 'til our paths cross again, may you wander a blessed path."
"Face your trials with your head raised high, and your paws firmly on the ground."
Omen would close her gates, when Lin would open her path, which would get a reaction from River, who would poke at the air, where the gate had been before, then look down towards the one that Lin had opened, angling to see if the dark figures were in there too, yet they were not.
It would go and face Sohe, who slowly nodded, seemingly acting on something that it said to her, before it returned to the flow of the water.
"Omen? If I may, a word with you in private?"
Omen would not go through the gate then, and go closer to the elder, who would speak with her in a whisper, not wanting to be overheard by others than Zhao. Who couldn't help but overhear this, as her ears were large, and she knew that if the elder had wanted more privacy, she would not have spoken this close to her.
Omen would go through the gate soon enough, after they had spoken for a few minutes, and look around where they had arrived. It were this moment, that Shrimp would decide to stretch, yawn, and then open up his eyes, looking around to see what were happening. It appeared they were home, or someplace that smelled like it at least.
"What should we do now?"
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Magma would nod along, taking in the facts as they came.
It appeared that she had misunderstood something slightly, as the pony had indeed come from that other world. That made a possible way things had gone down somewhat more likely for her, but she would wait to make her assessment until later. He were speaking, and though his voice were somewhat devoid of proper emotions, he spoke important words. Some that appeared to be under emotional affect still here and there, with the conclusion she had to make from it, and the context of his words, being that he had done some things himself. Things that he thankfully regretted. She imagined it were not all against other beings like Kobolds either, but other ponies, changelings, and so forth. Likely grizzly stuff, but he appeared to try and do things that helped others, so she would think of him as trying to redeem a shady past. One that he likely wouldn't appreciate her digging into too much. At least she would consider that an understandable position.
They had managed to go as far as to the edge of the sea, when he finally finished what he said. It appeared their path took them here, which were not exactly her assumption at first, but it were only a slight inconvenience, in her experience. Nothing that should cause an actual issue.
"Fascinating... With the context, might I then present the option that as he were from your world, he were not a favorable individual to the kobolds who knew him? It could well be that of the kobolds from your dimension, more than you are aware of managed to come over, and one or more of them, learned that a noble from your dimension resided here. As such they got together with those from this side, and managed to convince them to retaliate? Potentially as vengeance, or as a precautionary move. Any kobold who lived through what you mention, would likely not want history to repeat itself here. Killing off those from the corrupted dimension, from their perspective, would be a matter of survival.
Or all the kobolds were from your dimension, and they planned this. Potentially from becoming more enlightened, after seeing how things are here, compared to their home?
We can speculate all day, but in the end, we will need to speak with some involved, to get actual answers. I think what the kobolds know, will be of the outmost importance, to solve the case. As well as to understand what motivated them, and if there is circumstances that would present this as being a crime done in good faith."
5 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:When at the shore, one of Solar's eyes seemed to focus on the water, however, no other action was taken by him for now, in fact, he didn't even stop talking for it. This lasted for ten or so seconds, and if not asked about it, he didn't acknowledge it in any way, and instead, after Magma had finished whatever her potential response was, and possibly after stating he scanned the water if asked about it; he'd state. "I need a boat."
"I believe that if we follow the edge of the sea more towards town, we will reach a harbor. There is a fair chance that there might be a boat there you can rent.
Or we can try and make our own. It depends on your preferences, though I will say that it is not something I have done for quite some years. Not since I were a filly, and thought it fun to make rafts to ride on the lake."
A small smile would come to her face, as she stated things with her usual, factual tone of voice. Those were some good, simple times back then, before she grew smarter, and thus began working harder, which in turn eventually led her to be noticed by Center Zero. A great honor to be sure, but she did miss those simple times every now and again. Not much time for such frivolous activities, with all the lab work that had to be done.
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5 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:"Not the first time I've seen a deal with a being leading to undeath, though the one I was aware of before this is a spirit rather than the corpse." Ruby mentioned, "Maybe hoofed creatures should just stop interacting with shady beings?" she added in attempt at humor, though it was clear from voice that it was just that, an attempt.
"Heh, yeah. You know how it is with the short lived races sometimes though. Eventually some of 'em gets scared about their own mortality, and then they start bargaining. You'd think history would teach them how unwise that were. Especially with Sphinx. Even if you stick to your word, they tend to word their deals carefully, to leave themselves some wriggle room to come out on top. Smart beings just accept it, and get on with their lives. These ones might have done the dumber option."
Honestly she wouldn't be surprised. There were idiots among all races, and you could warn off the smartest one of them, but eventually someone were gonna be dumb, and then they'd be on the hook for something, or everyone they knew were dead, and they had gotten twisted into some amalgamation of flesh and teeth.
Admittedly, that last one was just a story (she hoped), but the author of the book it were in, sure hadn't held their punches in visualizing it. Some nasty stuff there.
Point were, that sometimes, some being were really stupid, just like Ruby said, and then bad stuff could come from it. Like say, a temple full of undead wandering about. That didn't seem like a good thing to her, and it didn't sound like they found it all that thrilling either.
5 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:However, if it seemed that things just didn't go as planned, or if Leviathan was seemingly hurt or otherwise endangered, she'd transform to her real form if possible, and take things into her own claws, quite literally, she wouldn't bother loosening the strap holding her box with her, so said strap would snap, and the box would fall on the floor. Her plan here would be to grab the deer, stuff him into the coffin, and then seal him in, adapting to the situation depending on what happened.
Lastly, if the situation got to the point she tried to transform, but something was actively stopping her from breaking the spell keeping her as a pony, she'd freeze with uncharacteristic panic on her face, followed by a full blown panic attack, which naturally would throw everything out of the window, as Leviathan would now have entirely new problem to deal with, which to her would come out of nowhere, as there was no visible indications of the attempted transformation.
Things did not go as planned, sadly. The deer would go to just about the edge of the coffin, and then stop. He were slowly about to move a hoof to the side, seemingly not wanting to get in here, which prompted Leviathan to just go and push him in. She could still use magic, but it hurt doing so, because of the darn curse, so she didn't want to. Besides, this were a quick push, no fuss, right?
Wrong.
The second she touched the deer, she'd tense up in her entire body, and she'd open her mouth and eyes wide, with a mixture of surprise and panic briefly showing, as darkness would pour out of her, and seep into the pores of the deer. It would take but a few seconds, and if Ruby tried to pull her away, the tether to the deer would remain, until seemingly there were no more to take from Leviathan.
She'd let out a gasp for air when it were done, and take some deep breaths, her hands going to her face, feeling if she were starting to rot or something, and then to her stomach, in increasing surprise.
"The curse, it... It's gone. And I ain't rotting. or anything. Holy heck, that was a relief."
She'd try and pop some magic in her hand, just to make sure it hadn't been taken out, but no, it were still there. And as she did this, regardless of if Ruby had changed or not, the deer would then turn around, and look towards Ruby. It appeared that perhaps, it were possible to use this to their advantage, and it might not be an issue for them, as much as just the local undead, and they were just suckered into dealing with their problem for them.
If Ruby had grabbed the deer, she would feel as if she were frozen, unable to move, as her maw and eyes would open, leaving room for the dark magic to get pulled out of her. A strange, likely unwelcome feeling, as it would feel as if something akin to fluids, would be sucked out of her entire being. But she would also feel the icky feeling of the curse fleet away, with the more darkness that were taken from her. The pain would more or less just vanish after about ten seconds, like it had with Leviathan. It seemed that somehow, this deer either intentionally, or automatically, were able to drain dark magic. Beneficial to them, but utterly detrimental to the undead in this place likely.
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"Well, the spots right here, are not per se something you have to lay down cash for, if you don't have it. But you do have to accept to work to make up for it. usually with yard work, helping at the apple farm, and so on, in case you can't afford it initially. The mayor knows the whole plan better, but you're not the only one without a coin to your name, so I think the option were up because of that. The two mares in there is the same. I can imagine that they're ironing out the details.
But if need room to just expand when it's needed, you probably can't work in the town itself, but... Hmmm..."
She'd tap her chin, thinking over something. Her back left hoof tapping the ground in a beat, that tended to help her remember these sorts of things a bit better. Got the blood flowing and all that.
"There might be somewhere that would fit you. There used to be a hermit out in the woods. Made himself a big house, and from what I heard, initially he lived there with his brother, and his family. Story goes the brother and his wife left, when she got pregnant, and he was worried they couldn't keep the foal safe, and that Sky High went a bit bonkers after that. Started to barely get out of town, kept expanding the house, that sort of thing. Then eventually he got eaten by an alligator.
It's not a nice story, but it happened like, four years ago, roughly? The old house is probably still there. It'll need some repairs, and you might need to ask the dryad to make any alligators there, move away, if they're still in the lower area of the home. I'm sure she can make a deal with them, to sort things.
I roughly know where it is, but would you mind if we waited until morning? I don't really know what's roaming around in there at night, and I ain't sure I want to know. You two look tough, I ain't saying anything there. I wouldn't have mentioned a house out in the swamp if it wasn't, but I might get eaten. I stand out like a sore hoof, around the greens and browns, and I don't really wanna try and be ambushed by a hungry timberwolf.
There's one other place out there without alligators if it is, but I dunno how safe it is. It's the hut Blitz lived in. A filly with amnesia that lived out there, made lots of various gadgets, and explosions. Kept the area around the hut more or less flat, and there's a forge if you need that. But I dunno if it it safe, after she left. There might be a few explosions still lying around there. Maybe you know how to disarm that kinda thing if it is? She mostly made fireworks, so it's relatively safe, and the wildlife stays away from the area. Too much noise and fire, you know?
It's also smaller, but were used until recently, and you can build on it, so... For like, shelter right now, it'd probably be better, long as you think you can handle what she might have left in there. Probably nothing too nasty. She's the sweetest little thing, but you know tinkerers, yeah? You just never know."
Wasn't going exactly as planned, but it was okay, there were still options. She were fairly sure that they could sort something out for the two of them. It just had to be moved to the forest, where there were more room to expand as required. You just had weirder neighbors.
Well okay, Pinkie Pie and Discord was living in town, so... Maybe not weirder. Just another flavor, sort of.
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On 2024-04-24 at 11:48 PM, Evil Pink One said:Light would prefer not to share Sharks beauty, and seeing anyone look at her for too long would bee met by his gaze of warning.
In a way Light became paranoid and a bit over protective of Shark.
Chop would glare back, his gaze as hard as iron, as no emotions were shown on his face. He were neutral, but his usual expression, and the way he looked, tended to give him an intimidating look, even when he were just looking back, and returning the favor, as it were.
"...I used to be a shark rider, for the Coastal Guard."
Shark gasped, and rose her head from the food.
"Shark know of guards! Mom was there, to make egg! Shark was egg."
Chop would raise an eyebrow at that, and look at her with some curiosity in his eyes.
"Another time, I want to hear more."
He would leave, while Shark would wave at him, with a big grin on her face, then turn to Light.
"Bite friend know egg place! Shark did not think friends would know egg place."
She had no love interest in Chop at all. Light were her mate, and she would not pick another mate, but to her, it were still fun that they had found someone that knew where she had probably been spawned. Not that she knew anything more than that, but still, it was nice. Mother had talked about that place well, the few times they had stopped to chatter briefly, when their paths crossed. Wasn't often, but then again, Shark hadn't been that old either.
On 2024-04-24 at 11:48 PM, Evil Pink One said:Light would prefer that no one waits for him; as soon as Shark finishes her food, he'd take to go his order if there are still some left on his plate.
" shall we head back to school? I think the gead mistress needs a detailed report on what we've been doing, especially with the kits.... If anything happened to those two, our relationship to the kitsunes will get bad."
She'd nom down every bit on the plate, and then lick it clean afterwards, showing that she thoroughly enjoyed her food. She'd then take the last water in the can, drink half, and then pour the rest over herself. Wouldn't be a lot, and her mane took most of the moisture. She just needed to freshen up, and then she were ready to go.
"Shark want to go school. See fluffy ones, and touch soft tails."
She had absolutely no idea what she were supposed to actually do at a school yet, but it were where her sleeping lake were were, her chew toy, and the fluffy ones were. And she wanted to try and touch the kitsune's tails this time. They looked so big and fluffy. Had to be very, very soft right? Like blooming seaweed, waving on the ocean floor.
"Mate like fluffy ones too?"
She'd follow him, with oddly enough, no one stopping them from leaving. The barista even gave them a grin and a wave, thinking them some of her most fun customers of the day. The food were nice too, so maybe not the last time, that they should swing by here. Shark definitely wanted to, though she should be taught of the value of stuff. Money wasn't really a thing in her life, before this, so she'd have to find some sort of work, or find stuff that was worth it to others, so she could get money for fun stuff, and eating out. Light couldn't keep handling things. He didn't have a job either. Not currently at least, though who knew? Perhaps one of his cutie mark talents, would include being great at tracking and harvesting precious ore. Always a good amount to gain from gold.
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(Null)
The fox would appreciate the attention, but seriously, it wanted a pamphlet, and at this stage, it honestly believed it deserved it enough, for it to be fair if it just went out and stole it. After that, it would probably be fine and dandy, and ready for them to go and do stuff again. Potentially pick up the other feathers? probably wasn't a good idea to just leave them out there, no? They had seemed important at least, and considering how this one it had were making it a bit more peppy, it for once wouldn't mind getting them for itself, if no one else wanted them.
Null meanwhile, would listen in to what Ardee said, and noting the tired look on her face. It were annoyingly familiar to her sadly. That look, of someone who had been ground down and spat out, had spoken to her before, in mirrors she had gazed into. And in Ardee's case, it were warranted, considering the horrible hoof she'd been dealt, and what must be rummaging through her mind currently.
"I wish I had some spot on answer to this, Ardee, but I don't. What makes you happy, what brings you purpose- It's different for everyone.
For me it's always been taking care of my family. You had that same thing before, but now you're able to go out, and see the world for yourself. And doing that, making your own choice, it got you your mark. I dunno exactly what it is gonna mean to you, but I don't think you're gonna find out, by being coddled either. Nor by me telling you the best way of doing things. I'm just gonna give you my advice.
Come back home with us. Talk to your family, and Void. Try and see if they can offer you some advise, or maybe some idea on what to do. And then, if you feel it in your heart, that your fate's elsewhere, prepare yourself to travel, and then go out and find out how you belong. I don't think you should do so alone, but that's not for me to decide. Maybe that fox of yours will be enough, after you see if that kitsune can beef it up a little. Or heck, take him with you. He's unbiased, and said he were looking for a sign. But either way, you sound like you need time to think on this. Try doing it at home, with the ponies who love you. Trust me, I know how much it can help, to at least talk to them, about what weighs on you. Frankly if it weren't for mine, I'd probably have succeeded in killing myself."
She did not like to speak of this, and beyond those Void had mentioned it to, few were aware that she had tried to kill herself. Fewer still, that this wasn't the first time she had tried to either, but... She had to keep going, because of them, and while opening up and telling this to them were painful, it had been somewhat of a weight off of her shoulders, to finally get out of her system.
What Ardee went through, wasn't the same, but Null still thought she'd do well, having a chat with those who truly cared for her, and maybe see if they could help lift some of this, off of her shoulders.
"And you shouldn't underestimate how sad you'd make others, if you just ended up dead, Ardee. I've not been around the others young ponies much, but I do hear my sister talk about them, and of you especially. SHe's been going on about how proud she is of how you've done with the others, and what progress you've made too, pretty much since you arrived. She adores the others too, but she's been fawning about you a little more than the rest, and been worried, once she heard you wanted to go here, to New Las Pegasus. That's why I didn't want to go back, and tell her that I were too careless, and got you hurt. It'd absolutely crush her.
She might just seem like she takes care of you, and the others, Ardee, but my sister's become very attached to all of you, and cares for you like you were her own. But she isn't me. She'd understand there were a time to leave the nest, and try to encourage you to do what you thought were best, long as you tries to prepare yourself first."
She'd let out a sigh, and shake her head a little.
"I'm not the emotional talker. That's more her thing. I just think that at the very least, you should go and tell them what you're thinking about. You might find that it'd help. Sides, they'd probably want to see your new cutie mark too. Considering what you've said about you folks and marks, I'm thinking it'd do them good to know that their futures aren't set in stone."
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(Void)
While she did enjoy her together time like this, it were time to move on. They had some festivities to get to, and more stuff to prepare. Or rather, to show off. Hopefully they'd enjoy what she had prepared. Toupé especially, as this were her party after all, even if that would hopefully not mean the others felt outside.
"Well, I have some games prepared, there's the gift giving too, and a song, of course. But maybe I should start by revealing the table first."
She'd go over and take off the cover, showing a fully prepared table. Biscuits and nutrient bars stacked up, glasses and plates neatly prepared at various spots - though she'd need to add one more now of course - home made buns in a bowl, a jar of something dark colored, jam, and some of their various toppings that they'd used before. There were also a can of water, and a spot for something else. And of course, a well packaged gift, wrapped in as colorful wrapping as she could find, around a fitting box. It would be able to hold the thing she had brought along, as the gift for Toupé. There were of course also some cut strawberries, to the little fruit lovers in the crowd. She had expected to need to use more as a distraction, but it had turned out the balloon did well there, so the bowl had a good top to it.
"There we go. There's a proper dinner for later too of course, and I have made sure to make some of the juice too, as well as soda, so you can decide if you want it bubbly or not. There's also cake, but that's after the buns. I wanted to keep it a bit more chilled, and also just, not getting smushed by the covering.
Ah yes, and the jar over there, it's a bit of melty chocolate spread, Troy style."
Troy style meant that it were a bit more bitter and fluid than the regular variety, but she had done what she could to cover the bitterness with a hint of strawberries, and she personally thought it added a bit of niceness to it. Since she didn't have optimal ingredients to work with out here, she'd do her best with what she did have. A very Troy thing to do, far as she were concerned. A fair bit of recipes that came by from the need to innovate, with usually subpar materials.
"What do you think, Toupé? It's a nice start, right? And don't worry, you will get to open your gift. Just wait for everyone to be seated first."
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(Spectra)
On 2024-04-24 at 12:08 AM, Props Valroa said:"Oh, but you see - they don't know anything about me. The face they would see in the newspapers is no longer mine. Troy is at war with Equestria. We have similar goals. Your Alicorn rulers have oppressed you for far too long and now it is time for you to be liberated under Trojan hooves. Think of me what you wish, I am doing this all for Equestria. The explosion in the Mountain? I rigged that, sure, I am guilty, but the ones who caused it to go off? Your own Equestrian Guard. Once I find a better source of magic, I don't see any reason to not let all my captured ponies go. You have a front row seat. Within your own mind. Rejoice."
She didn't answer at first. Just a weak whimper escaping her inner voice, as a moment of clarity, in a reflection in the water, allowed her to see through these stolen eyes, the extend of her suffering. That someone looked back at her. A familiar face, but twisted and wrong. An expression she never wore, under a horn that she did not own, and yet she could see that this were her. She had been killed, and forced to haunt her own body, after it were taken over by some... Skinwalker, or whatever this monster were. Whatever it were, this wasn't her. Or it wasn't, but not really. It were her, trapped inside herself, while some thing had taken her autonomy, and life from her. And now, she were using it to further some monstrous plan, which had included being the mastermind of the carnage that came, from the Green Mountains exploding. This were too cruel a fate to befall her, to be stuck with such a horrible monster. She'd rather be chained to Discord. At least he hadn't been known for intentionally killing a lot of beings.
A short while would pass, before a low voice would repeat what she had said before, but this time shaking and weak.
"You will get what you deserve..."
That were all she'd say right now, as she'd launch into a bit of an existential crisis, down in her lonesome, dark corner, of what used to be her own mind.
Meanwhile, a little after this internal exchange, they would reach the point, where the zebra had pointed out to them, it were best to wander in a path around. It would add at least a day to do so, but it would keep them fully clear of Deltrot. Or they could try and follow the river, which would get them into the town, near the harbor, and eventually swing by a few districts, that were build around the river, that were flowing through the large city. Although it were risky, it were the fastest route. If it were worth it taking the chance, would be up to Spectra herself, but she would at a minimum, need to tone down the way she moved the boat then. There'd be eyebrows raised. Same with the construct, and possible Operata. Though the construct would draw more eyes in general, if they didn't cover it. Potentially by making Operata take off his smoking, turn it inside out, and then use the darker inside cloth, to cover the seemingly dormant creation.
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(Spoiled Rich)
Since it sounded like she had a want for him to leave, and handle her other business for now, Jargon would part with his briefcase willingly. He hoped that she wouldn't break it though, as it were not exactly cheap, and he were rather fond of it. Though the things inside were more valuable, than the briefcase itself. It also contained some papers that he would need for this, so he would remove those first, before letting her have this. Fortunately he always kept such things n folders, sot he papers wouldn't be able to just scatter around. He didn't have a want to gather them up, and frankly, he didn't much care for the mess it would leave on the papers either. He were a professional, not some fresh faced court clerk.
He would order the carriage to begin bringing him back to Canterlot then, that he might begin on setting things up proper. She would expect a lot for him, and he were not in the business of disappointing his client. If he were, he'd likely have been fired years before she went missing in the first place.
Ideally though, he would have argued that perhaps it were best he stayed, so that he could be additional confirmation for the family, but her tone of voice and order spoken were quite clear. This were no longer a place he were supposed to partake in things. Hopefully his credentials would suffice well enough to be useful for the mistress of the house.
On 2024-04-24 at 12:08 AM, Props Valroa said:As Spoiled Rich had exited the carriage, she would notice Randolph. Walking up to him much like a shark would stalk its prey, her eyes would gazed upon the vase. Oh, that vase specifically. "Did you not remember that I told you to put that vase directly in the center of the pedestal? It needs to be in the center." she asked in a sudden dangerous tone that indicated he was to do so immediately without question. Randolph still being alive after 3 years didn't surprise her. That old stallion had kept going despite his advanced age. "There is a lot to discuss. Please come inside with me." Spoiled Rich said, with the almost passive aggressive tone still evident in her voice.
"Right away ma'am. Terribly sorry for the mess."
He'd hurry even faster in moving the vase right back to the center, his muscle memory and automated response activating before he had the time to even think of the oddness of hearing Mrs. Rich's voice, once again correcting him on something that wasn't inherently his fault, but he would be taking some of the fall for regardless, if it wasn't corrected. He wasn't sure why. He always just assumed it was because he were technically the highest ranking butler here, and she figured if he were in line, so would they. Or it was because he had been with the Rich family, since before her husband had even been born, and thus she felt a need to ensure he knew that he were to listen to her, regardless of the fact that she had married into the family, rather than been born into it.
Not that it were even needed. Like his mother before him, Randolph were a faithful servant to the house, and soon as she had courted Mr. Rich, and even more after their marriage, he were bound to treat her as a proper member of the family. His loyalty were entailed there, and would only end if Celestia forbid, she and Mr. Rich had a divorce, at which point his loyalties would remain with the Rich family. Specifically, it would mean that he would go, wherever the young miss would go, as she were the newest branch on the family tree, and though she were unkind at times, and seemed to think of him more a thing, than a real pony, it were his duty to follow her. Just as it would be for his granddaughter one day, when she had finished her studies to become a proper maid.
Not his son though. He had decided to go into architecture, though Randolph didn't mind it. He had talent, and should follow it, even if it took him away from the typical family line of work.
As he set the vase specifically, he would suddenly tense, and open his eyes wide, then turn around and saw the mistress of the house looking at him, with that same gaze in her eyes, that he knew so well. Though he didn't get to say a word, before she indicated that she wanted them to return inside to the mansion, and he instinctively moved over to a following position. Though he wouldn't get too close, of course. It were not his place to, lest he were ordered to be close enough, or she began to show signs of fainting. Might be he couldn't catch her, but he were bound to at the least, fall down and act as a cushion to halt her from damages, if it came to that.
To say he were well trained to this job, would be somewhat of an understatement, though it might please Spoiled to see that he were still following her orders, without questions, regardless of her long absence.
"I... Mrs. Rich? Do forgive me my hesitation, but it's been so very, very long since I last heard your voice. How may I serve you today, Mrs. Rich?"
He'd of course also pull out the key to the front of the house from around his neck, and the second she moved, he'd make sure to go up, and have the door unlocked before she reached it, and made sure to hold the door, whilst bowing to her. In his memories, she were not a lady who were accustomed to waiting, or be treated as anything less than what she were: The lady of the house, who were to be treated with the outmost respect.
it should tell her that her family were not home right now. Randolph usually only locked the doors when he went outside, and nopony else were inside. Unless a change in policy had happened in her absence.
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On 2024-04-21 at 4:29 PM, EQ_Theta said:
“I’m sure he’d appreciate the opportunity to speak with and learn from you, as well as see places beyond the longma’s forest home. We’ll make the arrangements when he is prepared, though given what is happening now, it may take some time.”
“If all goes well, I think you and Elder Ghilan will have lots to speak about! Maybe he would even get to experience getting pranked by the young kitsune! I wonder what he’d think about that…”
Elder Sohe would chuckle lowly.
"I would be impressed, were our young to be the first to take the opportunity."
Truthfully, she didn't think it one of them either, tempting as it would be. They had things to do, and thus wouldn't be there to take him as the first, when he would arrive. She suspected one of the teachers would get the first chance, and embrace it with good spirit.
One might wonder why it had not happened then, with the longma siblings, but it were different circumstances. They had shown, with Lin ill and under the care of the school healers. That were a poor time to try and run pranks, and when then another had them escorted towards the elders, it would be seen as there perhaps being urgent news they had to handle, by several onlookers. Others simply didn't have the chance to do it proper, before the chance had passed. Elder Ghilan though? This wouldn't be a chance that others would let pass them twice.
He should likely be expecting several pranks on his behalf, by the time he reached the elders, but what fun were there in telling him that in advance? No, Elder Sohe would tend for her village, in what ways were the best, for those living within it. That included letting them have some harmless fun, on behalf of the outsider. It would be good for them to get a first impression, and he too then, would come to understand a bit more how they were, as a race. They knew not to go too far, so he would be safe.
"But we will be sure to look forward to the opportunity to speak with him, when time is fortunate for him. I cannot say for certain whom of us will be here to speak with him on the day, as our duties require us to handle things here and there, with some degree of urgency at times. But there should be someone to take his visit, with as little delay as is possible."
On 2024-04-21 at 4:29 PM, EQ_Theta said:“Being intimidated is another way to say that something is making you scared. Though maybe being able to feel emotions strongly or at all means it wouldn’t be possible to be scared in the first place… I guess I am asking because there are unknowns, and not knowing things can be scary. If something unexpected happens, we would be unprepared. It might show weakness on our part, or it wouldn’t inspire confidence in others.”
“But not being intimidated… it wouldn’t make you different from before. However, some would look at you and think you are confident because you know what you would do in a situation, which is a good thing. As for the things we don’t know, we will just have to figure things out as they come, right? I won’t claim that what we’ll do when it happens will always be the right thing, but we’ll make the best of it and hope it turns out well. Sometimes, that may be all we could do.”
"I do not understand, but I am not sure if that is good or bad. Mother says that we adapt, and learn from mistakes. Master Discord said that life is chaos, and I should just flow with it. So I try and experience things as they happen, and learn from them. I do not know if that is the right thing to do, but when he were gone, and Mother said I had to try and live myself, it were the only way I could think of, to do as they told me. There have been many unknown things I have seen like this, but I have not seen anything, that I think made me scared. And nothing that explained to me how it would be, to be afraid. Emotions are very hard, when you have not tried them,. like you have.
Also I do not know what I am supposed to do, except keep you safe. I believe that you and Lin will know what to do, long as I can do this."
"You claim not to know how fear works?"
Elder Zhao raised an eyebrow at that, and went closer, planting her paw on Omen's forehead. A shimmering light would pass across her eyes for a time, followed by her looking around, but then stare directly at Sen. A sight which seemed to puzzle the elder somewhat.
"Peculiar. You should have seen something that spooked you then. How do you see through this?"
Her tail flicked, and the light shimmering before Omen's eyes, vanished again.
"I know who is real. The things I saw, were not real. It did not have Sen's smell."
"Hmm, usually the senses are fooled too... I think I will ponder this subject further, and return to it. I've been lacking a challenge recently."
On 2024-04-21 at 4:29 PM, EQ_Theta said:“The spirits seem like they can exert their influence on what we can see and feel. Elders, would you say that there are different types of spirits and that they can act upon our physical realm? I admit, my understanding of spirits is limited. The only spirits I am aware of are more like ghosts, invisible but present, yet unable to act on their surroundings unless they are powerful enough.”
"You are thinking of spirits of the dead, more than likely. Those are different, than those whom I commune with. The ones I am connected with, are spirits of nature. Born of it, living as ensouled flickers of the world that we inhabits, and yet, their souls are not like yours or mine. They are warm and light. Breaths of the natural order, given form, until their time pass. It is not for us to understand why they come into existence, or what happens after. They simply are, and brief or long, we cherish their presence, as they nature the world around us.
I have been in places, where there are not even the smallest, frolicking wind spirit. Those places reeks of death, and stagnation. Places not meant for mortal paws to thread upon.
As for the souls of us mortal beings, there are those who can commune with those too. But that is the realm of another elder to speak of with more readiness, and expertise. Sadly he is not present, as he were needed somewhere else for the day, but perhaps another time, you can meet him, and hear what he has to say of the matter. Perhaps he can offer some insight, that you seek. Including on the ways that mortal spirits interact with the world. Something very different, from the way that those of nature does.
Though be advised, that there are nuances in this too. The ones you have seen here, are smaller, more joyful ones, who enjoy nurturing and living in the bountiful place we build with them. Others are able to harness grater forces, and start storms, or bring fire from the ground. Those are classified as elementals, and were I you, I would stay clear of them. They rarely care for the intrusion of mortals, upon the areas they reside in. Even speakers as I, are more tolerated, than accepted, long as we approach with the proper respect."
She would not mind speaking of more things, but they would already have much to think about, and she both had more to do today, and a want to not overwhelm the three of them with too much at once. It seemed Omen too, believed it time that they should leave, which she judged upon the words before, and so she had opened a gate to a place beyond. Her home, where both elders would gaze in curiously, as several of her siblings would be drawn in instantly, by the strange, magical beings. She would need to open a few more gates, so that the three of them could leave, as one would not be open for long, before her kin would be drawn in flocks.
The main one though, had a flock that had drawn the attention of something else. River would rise out of the flow of water, leaning in with its elongated body, and would form a three fingered hand, where the *index* finger would reach out towards the gate. The siblings on the other side of it, morphing looks to seem a mess of eyes and shadow, in a vaguely similar form to River, reaching a melting *hand* out of their own. River would not touch, but would move around, uncertain of these strange, whispering things.
"Our siblings know you are magical. And they find the water creature curious."
"They seem pressed against this surface... I take it they are unable to leave?"
"Yes. Only when we have found a master, who use their magic to give us form, can we leave, and find a home in a new world. And there we serve them, until we have learned enough to live our own lives."
"Children by design, lead by a Mother it sounds like. Perhaps some other time, you could tell us more of this place. Yet today still have much to be done, and our time is limited."
Everything would close, once they'd all walk through, but this would give a few minutes of them to see something new and strange, but by the looks of things, ultimately harmless.
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"Hmm... There are several factors one would have to consider, to find much of an answer in this matter.
First off, is that it is indeed very relevant if it were an elite from your side, or this. The way you have mentioned things about where you are from, the culture is not the same, and as such, the ways that generational servitude happens may well be different. In this Equestria for instance, slavery of a sentient race is highly illegal, and as such, the kobolds would have to already be working by their own will, or have been trained to enjoy such things remotely, and then sold off in a matter that seems legitimate. An agency more than likely, which would likely need to be checked up on, to ensure things are up to speed on their end. If the kobolds initially came by their own accord, or were brought in, that is different, yet there are still normally some degree of oversight over such things, from the governments side. Lackluster stuff I would imagine, but some regular check ups, to make sure they had access to medical care, weren't in chains etc. should be recorded documents you can access.
Things do fall through the crack, but overall things tend to go very poorly, if some are suspected of enslaving an exotic, sentient being, as a servant. You should read up on the case of Zholtha Nuwahl for more specifics. Broadly speaking, a serpanther whom were intentionally kept mute, and told off as being simply a wild pet, until an expert who knew of the reclusive beings were able to prove otherwise, and the *owner* essentially lost everything, and ended up with a lengthy prison sentence. Or of Goose Chase, a noble who kept a flock of changelings as forced servants, and refused to let others interact with them, for several years. When one did break silence, the repercussions were severe for Goose. As a settlement between the family and the queen of the changelings, he were hoofed over to them, along with an undisclosed amount. His fate are unknown. Considering one of the changeling were a reported royal nymph - their word for their young - I cannot imagine anything nice.
Regardless, if we take into consideration that the system would be somewhat like you know though, where generations have served, to the point where that is all they know, we can make a few assumptions, of what happened, though I do take some inspiration from related stories I heard, with equine butlers in this. Some of those are generational too, and there are certain things that have shown to make them snap. One being that they were informed that they would all be let go shortly. If servitude to the same family is all they knew, having that faithfulness betrayed so callously, could well cause an escalation to violence. Which does not have to be in a moment of emotions, as the resentment could well fester, if the dischargement weren't immediate, but told to be inevitable.
There's also the notion of a long term plan, where some would have come to act as servants, with the implicit point of eventually turning on their employer, once the time were right. It would take some true dedication, but it is possible. Though what were the trigger, is hard to say. Could be the theft of something they had wanted returned, that took some time to get their claws on, or a sudden change in behavior from the employer, like whipping one of them or something else, that would seem a betrayal.
There is also another option I suppose, given the way you speak of your former home dimension. You make it seem as if Kobolds are not valued as real beings, seeing as you used the word enslaved. Considering you made the trek to this side, is it beyond reason to think that one or more kobolds might have done the same? I would argue no, and if such, they bring all of their experiences with them. Their knowledge of what happened to them, where they came from, which can either have them be vengeful, or thinking that they would want to stop it from getting that far, here in Equestria.
In either case, there might be a kobold from your world, that is influencing them. The servants you mention might be devoted to their employer, but what little I know of kobolds, they are the sort who pick their own over others, yes? It is not impossible for an outside influence to affect the way they see things, provided they are strong and dominant, appearing to come from a place of authority/authenticity, or convincing enough, no? I would defer to your expertise here, with the caveat that the kobolds of our dimension, is likely different in nature, to a certain extend.
As for the body, I did briefly see it, yes. It were a grizzly display, even if I have seen some look worse. His death were rather brutal, though I mostly wondered of the context. Some nobles can be rather horrible ponies, and have been known to push others a bit too far, to the point where they will be attacked in turn. Your context so far, would seem to make that somewhat less likely, but there's still some story around this, that would shed some much needed light on the situation.
I would suggest to be open to speculations, but facts and evidence would have to come first. As such, I'd say contact the family, and potential non-kobolds staff to hear how the noble in question were towards them, to see if he somehow triggered things, and then also track down and question the kobolds. As the perpetrators, they would know better than any what caused this, but perhaps there is a local gathering of their kin, that can also be questioned. Somewhere that the various workers and such would meet up at times, where we could then question others of the community, about potential motives, and whereabouts.
In fact, if this is an outside influence, we may wish to move with some gravity, in contacting others who have kobold servants. If one group were convinced to turn on their employer, who is to say that others won't follow troop? You may end up needing more space at the morgue, if things goes in that direction."
As details were scarce, beyond a visual of the killers, there were plenty that wasn't known here, and the lack of context could make or break the case. Abuse, manipulation, greed- Many and more reasons could come up, and any could be the reason for this violent act. She for one needed more context to know for certain, and that would require evidence. It might be for the best to examine the scene, or track down beings of interest, before they got too far away, yes?
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"I figure it's more something about dragons having some muscle to 'em, most of the time. I'll sort it out."
She'd smirk a small amount, as she saw the way that Ruby needed to make a round, to not get her seemingly focused pursuer to get close enough to impact her. It were fleeting, as the feeling in her stomach made her les entertained by stuff right now. Maybe once they were through this, and could leave this dumb behind them, she'd be able to look back and laugh at this. Potentially after turning this place to dust, but she might not have the will or want to try, once they were actually out. Fair chance she just wanted to get away from this place, and never get anywhere near it again. Leave it to some ponies to be their issue.
When the door were opened, they'd find that the path went downwards, into darkness. No torches or anything were present on the walls, so she'd go and nick one from a nearby wall, before taking point. She were really not in the mood to examine or test things right now, so she'd only briefly look at the scribbles she'd see on the walls. Mostly showing a dark shape again, slightly feline in nature, though she'd halt before they got to the next door, as there were one thing above it that drew her eye.
A sole deer, surrounded by skulls, with the dark shape grinning widely above it, tendrils reaching towards the skulls, from the deer. Yet this one were not one with the impressive horns. It seemed more likely to be their current stalker, with a text underneath it, written in rough chiseling, as if done in a hurry. She still didn't understand the meaning, but combined with the split stone door in front of them, having a depiction of the dark, feline shape, with big wings, caught in a diabolic grin, she were having a thought rustle in her mind.
"Y'know, I sometimes hear rumors, about what happens if you try and bail on a deal with a sphinx. One said that a sphinx tried to change the terms, and got trapped in endless darkness, for a generation. I'm wondering if this here's what can happen, if you start to mess with something like that from the other end..."
There were always a lot of tales about sphinx, and what their deals meant. Most were just seen as encouraged superstition by the sphinx, to make themselves sound more powerful, but a theme did go through at times. That being that if you made a deal with them, you best keep it, or else. She always considered that one to be hyperbole, but this sorta thing, made her rethink that, and question what exactly were real, and what wasn't.
Whatever the case, she for sure knew that she wasn't gonna mess with that sorta thing herself. If this were even a possibility, she wanted no part in it.
She'd push the door open, revealing the room they were meant to go into. One with light going in, as part of the ceiling had collapsed, leaving a large, half collapsed pillar to be usable as a bridge of sorts, to get out of here again. A far more direct way, so that would have been helpful earlier. Though it did also show how this deer had probably gotten out in the first place. Same with the ones who had released him.
In the midst of the room though, were their quarry. A coffin rested on the floor, the chains that used to hold it, rusty and broken around it, and the lid standing on the side.
"Well, so far so good. Now we just need to lure him into this one, and then shut the lid, I'd guess. No idea what else would be the case but that.
If I try and keep it up, can you try and take the lead?"
She'd go over and pull up the coffin, to a standing position. It was heavy, but it'd work, and make it a bit more ready for him to go in. Then they just needed him there, and then drop it, quickly drop the lid on, and then that should be it, yeah? If not, she weren't sure anymore.
Also, the bottom room here, were by far the most spacious they had encountered thus far. There would be comfortable room for a dragoness, if the situation required it.
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"The new settlements are in an expanded part of town, that still haven't had a lot build yet. Just put a marker on the outer side, and you'll have some space to expand. That part's basically in the forest, so there's a bit of room to work with, if you try and expand outwards. Its easier to show I suppose.
I'll try and hurry up, and you can go have a better look. Worse case, there's that dragoness in the forest. Maybe she wouldn't mind a neighbor, and there's certainly enough space around there, long as you don't mind the wild life."
Sure didn't sound like they wanted to be Ponyville residents per se, but y'know, they had their loners over the years, that decided to live in the forest, for some reason or another. If this didn't drag them in, she could go and lead them out to look there. In the morning, that were. She'd be less thrilled about wandering the Everfree this time of night. Some of the creatures in there could be dangerous. Others were just weird, after that other draconequui had moved into the forest... She really hoped Twilight would go and have a chatter about boundaries eventually, with that one.
She'd finish up her shift, and be out within a half hour roughly, at which point she had replaced the white coat with a dark leather coat and boots combination, with dulled spikes, and an emblem emblazoned down the right side of the coat, that looked like a sideways view of a flaming pony skull, with cracks in various bright neon colors across it, forming a pattern of a rose.
"There we go. Let's have a looksie, alright?"
It wasn't too long of a walk, as they wandered towards the outskirts of town, where they'd find a mostly barren piece of land, with some areas sectioned off for buildings to be settled on in time. Various sizes, with a few having a tent on it, to mark someone that had pulled dibs on it so to speak. There were also one place that had a home on it, per se. It looked like a shoddily put together shed, that you wouldn't think had anypony in it, but there were a faint light shining through.
A few a the plots also had the beginning of building materials and preliminary work done already, but nothing finished, beyond the shed.
"Here we go. It doesn't look like much, but it's still the early stages. It was only recently approved, to leave some room for new arrivals to move in to, so they're still working on it, though anypony's welcome to start work on their plot early, and build themselves. Like those two did, though they pretty much just took some debris to make use of, for a quick fix. I'd stay clear of them though. The little one's really cranky, and the big one seems like she'd get spooked by a stray leaf.
ANyway, there's these, but as you can see, it goes right to the current edge of the forest. There's a few more meters planned to be cut into, but not far. It's important to keep the forest as intact as possible, to protect the ecosystem, so there's a hard limit.
There's also places where you can live in the forest though. Including some finished homes, that probably need some attention, but could be livable again. Ponyville had their loners every now and again."
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She'd answer soon enough, once she were done taking some sips of the water in the can. There's be a few looking at her confused, considering how she were planting her head in it, rather than pour a cup, but the locals got jaded somewhat easy, so while this were peculiar, it wasn't newsworthy, or a reason to start asking questions. Not currently anyway.
"Shark like smell. It smell funny, not bad. Taste not right. Water better."
Shark would lick some droplets from around her muzzle. The water was nice and cooled, so it quenched her thirst well, but she sure could do with some fishies too. Hopefully it would be soon.
"When is fishy?"
"Won't be long, he's working on it. Just making sure it's all nice and good."
The barista would have heard them, as she passed by, seemingly looking for something. Her path kept her moving on, to where the griffon had scurried off to before, leaving the register empty for now, but there also weren't a line, so she could wander off for a few minutes. Which would also be the time before their food would arrive, with Chop bringing in the two plates.
Light's were warm, lightly seasoned hay, with a BBQ sauce in a small bowl next to it, in case that were his fancy. It were a sweet variant, without a lot of bite to it, as the stronger ones were usually ordered directly.
As for Shark, hers were a bowl of grilled fish fillets, seasoned with salt, pepper, and a variety of other spices, that seemed to give off a faint smell, that didn't do much to cover the smell of fish, and vague hint of lemon juice. It were meant to be a fish dish, so the fish taste and smell should be obvious. Just not *raw fish* smell, as that would permeate the entire restaurant.
He had barely put it down, before Shark would chomp on one, and effortlessly tear a piece off, showing how tender it actually were.
"Mmmm. Good fishy. Yummy."
There'd also be some potato fries to it, but that were more of a mandatory part of the dish, than something he were aware of is she wanted. If she didn't, then Light likely would. The latter of whom he'd keep his steely gaze on, once Shark had said that she approved of the meal. If her large grin and joy nearly radiating, weren't enough of a sign.
He'd leave in a moment though, Light speaking or not. He still had quite a bit of work to do, though he'd send some glances towards Shark tooo, staying or leaving. The look made him.... Reminisce a little, about different times.
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She'd look on in amusement, and then amazement, as he made a small copy of her in paper. Her front hooves were on both sides of her face, where a huge, open-mouthed grin were present, making it all but obvious that she were a big fan of what she saw.
"Ohmygaws that's so adorable! Oooh, and I don't even have any sort of skills like this I can share to show off. Not unless you have a dislodged leg or something.
And this is for me? *gasp* Thank you! I'll make sure to put it in a nice and safe space.
Where'd you learn this sorta thing? Are you from Neighpon? Are you... Secretly a kitsune? Is that it?"
She'd get closer and first gently take the little figure of herself, and put it to the side, and afterwards narrow her eyes, and poke gently to the peculiar alicorn.
"*giggle* Nah, I bet that ain't it, but I heard they love making these sorta things in Neighpon. I always planned on going there eventually, along with so many other places. I barely left the hospital until I turned 14. And it was a few more years before I were properly out of there. And by then, I was engulfed in the last parts of my medical studies, to get my doctors license. When I were done, I wanted to go and explore some of the world that I've been kept from for so long. I'm having a break here in town though, to help a friend. I'll probably take a trip around, but end up back here sooner or later still. Ponyville's a nice gathering point, like Las Pegasus. Can't go and miss a visit back home, every now and again. It's important to me to see my family every now and again.
You should come see one of dad's shows sometime, in Las Pegasus. Zebra's make a fair bit of fun shows."
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Hehe, mistakes happen. I honestly should have realized that is what you meant. Whoopsie.
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(Spectra)
On 2024-04-18 at 6:16 AM, Props Valroa said:Spectra would offer a cruel smile towards Operata. "I'm not going to tell you where I got such information, or how I got it - but should I get into that position of bargaining, I will know exactly what to offer the Trojans. My current plan is this. We'll get into Troy, offer them what I have access to, some of it in exchange for high amounts of protection and security. If not that - then it would be a place to where Equestrians would not be able to come to me. And if they are, I expect they would likely use some sort of Anti-Magic field to cease my connection to my quarry, something fast and sudden would be what would be required. I know I would likely be able to destroy them in open combat, and they probably know that as well, so I already know what is likely - if they are able to come to find me." she said to Operata.
"Not just about me. We are a package deal now. You Me, Yuma, and the Construct. Where we go one, we go all." Spectra's gaze narrowed a bit to make her point felt by Operata."Yes, I feel the leash tightening ever more..."
More of her big scale plans. At this point, he would not be surprised if she would begin to infiltrate the high command in Troy, and build towards being able to have them invade Equestria, under false pretense, using various anti-magic weaponry. In the chaos, it'd only be her that would really win, and both countries would be irreversibly worse off for it. Not that she'd care, as she would continue to pull her strings, cackling somewhere in the shadows.
And he were part of it, with only death being an escape. And he weren't even sure if that would end up being the case, or if it wouldn't just be the beginning of a worse fate, still under her control. Or maybe he got lucky, and the construct would vaporize him in his sleep. What a... *Nice* thought that were.
On 2024-04-18 at 6:16 AM, Props Valroa said:Spectra would smirk more at what was stated in her direction. "All the more reason for them to believe and follow me. After all, Spectral Fade was the one to bring misery to them - not Aurum Arcana. Names are a good tool to do one's bidding. The populace of Equestria is kept in blissful ignorance of their world. Their governments dealings. Plus, they don't even know their own wars, or their own borders of the country in most cases. It is the Alicorns that have held them back. I would be happy with deposing the Alicorns and just having Troy come in and take over Equestria completely, actually - let them deal with all the headache that would bring them, while I give them many things that would be otherwise priceless." Spectra chuckled. "Too many of my stature want Power, but they do not want the responsibility that comes with wielding it. Neither do I. I just want the credit, and I just want them to be under another's rule so that the Alicorns and their admirers are kicked into the dustbin of history where they belong." Spectra huffed.
His mood soured, as she all but confirmed what he had sarcastically suspected, mere moments before. Just a wanton lust for power, caring not who got trampled in the path, or who it were... He had often been called a monster, for what he did, but he disagreed. He did not consider himself a monster, as he did not kill or maim indiscriminately. He made certain that his captures and torture, had not resulted in harm for the wrong ones. Spectra had no such qualms, and even gloated about doing so gleefully.
This were the face of a true monster. One wrapped in the visage of an innocent mare, who hadn't a clue what had happened to her... He felt disgusted just thinking about it.
On 2024-04-18 at 6:16 AM, Props Valroa said:"That's my Construct. Now you can finally see the world! Great! We are on our way to Troy, as you no doubt know by now! I got my hooves on it after it fell out of a rift in between dimensions when fighting against the ancient incarnation of Malevolence, true story." Spectra said to Yuma within her mind now that she had adjusted to the current context that was the present situation. Spectra would look down at her hooves, so that Yuma could see that she were trapped inside of her own body.
"Troy? Oh, you will get what you deserve there, witch... Just you wait and see. They won't let you get away with all your evil."
She tried to move where she looked, but Yuma couldn't even do that. She were locked powerless in this monster's body, haunting her until... When actually? Forever? At least until she died, and if she were going to Troy, she might get lucky and find that eternity would last a good while less. Not that she usually wished death and misery upon others, but this mare deserved it! And so did he. She remembered that one talking to her, and then starting to play music. Next thing she knew, she ended up like this. He were just as guilty as she were, and he knew it too. Why else would he constantly avert his eyes, and not look directly at them? He knew what he had done, and he should get what came to him, all the same. Monsters the both of them!
Grr... If only she could move around. Why wasn't she able to? She thought ghosts were like, mobile or something. Why couldn't she turn herself? Were haunting like covering someone like a coat? Were she stuck inside, just looking out? She didn't knew which one were worse, but they were both uncomfortably horrible!
What had she done to deserve something like this? Sure she wasn't the best pony in the world. She knew that. But this... This were way too harsh of a punishment for anything she had ever done, and frankly worse than she knew anypony deserved. Being exiled to another dimension, or just flat out killed, were merciful compared to this nightmare.
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(Spoiled Rich)
On 2024-04-18 at 6:16 AM, Props Valroa said:Spoiled Rich was quite satisfied with this explanation and knew that Clayton would be able to provide the best services possible. "Since we are dealing with a threat to national security, perhaps it was some sort of magical fire. Might be something to bring up with him at some point. As of right now though, there isn't much else to add about this matter. I shall see how it progresses." she said, not having much else to say about it for now. To her, all that mattered was that this construction effort wouldn't move without a hitch. Matters of national security or threats at Equestria doesn't matter to her in this respect. She will take advantage of any available time to have what she desires constructed. Nothing was going top her.
Jargon wrinkled his nose at the suggesting, and scribbled down a few things.
"Hmm, yes. That could be a distinct possibility... There is no real way to add anti magic, without complications to the resident. And the material for the anti-magic materials are still highly guarded by the royal guards.
Still, I can ask in about a countermeasure perhaps. If magical fire can be an issue, perhaps there is a magical countermeasure. I will inquire, and report back when I know more, Madame Rich."
It was a small oversight, but could prove important. He'd make sure to correct this mistake, and see what options they might have. Perhaps something with the sprinkler system, could be implemented to better work against things? Clayton would know better how to have it done, and he would have to include that. It were imperative that this new home were not ruined, like the old one were.
On 2024-04-18 at 6:16 AM, Props Valroa said:Then there is Filthy Rich. He is likely burnt out being a single father and not capable of giving Diamond the attention she needed. There were so many variables and issues here, it made Spoiled very frustrated to say the least. At least she had been declared alive and gotten the construction of her Estate in order. That was good. Now family relations was going to be another matter. It is more messy and complicated than a simple matter of finances. "Filthy Rich, when I return...he and I are having a long private talk. Money Bags and Time Matters...haven't heard much of them lately. Though, depends on what you consider lately." Spoiled Rich said rolling her eyes, her eyes seeming to narrow slightly as if trying to spot out Filthy Rich from all the way where they were. With that, her silence would likely be taken as her thinking over what to do.
He would remain silent, for the short remainder of their time. He had said what he had to, and it appeared that she had several things to think of herself. Primarily regarding what she'd say to her husband and foal, when they would be reunited, he could imagine.
It wouldn't be long now. Within five minutes, they would land at the outskirts of Ponyville. Not that the trip were not to the door, but the last bit of the way the carriage would have to be driven normally. It were town ordinance to not have vehicles flying over like this, as it wasn't safe for the locals, or the cart, in case it veered off. The service did not include the hefty fine that would result in, so their drivers would take the last bit of the trip on ground. They would more or less just ignore the locals, nodding at best in response to any sort of greeting, and just keep going on their way, towards the mansion that Spoiled Rich would be residing within.
"We will be there shortly now. I can imagine they will at first be overwhelmed at seeing you, then ask questions. I took the liberty of bringing this along for that."
He'd open his briefcase, and show the test kit as it were, that he had used on her earlier.
"It should be sufficient to handle any concerns they might have, regarding your authenticity at least. I will leave the rest in your capable hooves, Madame Rich."
If she had naught to say, they would arrive at the mansion not long after, but she'd get a chance to look out, and see the locals wandering about all the same. A few who would even notice and remember her. Judging fromt he surprise, then weariness, they remembered her quite well, in fact, and her sudden reappearance would end up being part of the day's rumor mill. Unless she didn't try to look out. The seats were well places, so that if you didn't care to look out, you'd have to be quite tall for others to see who sat in here specifically. So it did come down somewhat, to how she wanted to approach this.
Regardless, when they eventually arrived at the mansion, neither her husband, nor daughter were in sight. It were mostly a gardener, and then of course, Randolph.
He were currently inspecting the yardwork, making sure that everything were ready for later today, lest he'd be put on line for a messy entrance. Not that it was his job, but as the head butler, the blame would always return to him somehow. Thankfully things seemed mostly in order, though he would go and correct a vase quickly, that were a few inches too far to the side of its pedestal. Not a lot would care, but oh, if Mrs. Rich were still here, she'd have him flogged he bet. She always expected things to be immaculate. Especially out here, where the public could see it. Couldn't have it be said in town, that the Rich family were as sloppy as any farm pony, no sire.
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(Null)
Arcade, Ardee- Whomever got her stirred, were annoying her a bit. Null wasn't much of a morning pony in all honesty. When she finally managed to find a patch of peace and calm, she were the sort who liked to soak it in, as best she could, because who knew when the next time would come to happen again. It weren't that bad anymore, but everything took getting used to, and she'd have liked to lay down for a few more hours. But alas, life called, and there were plenty to do, so she better just get over herself. Seemed like the name of the game right now, were gonna be to help with some wings. Looking it over - once she had rubbed the sleep from her eyes - she could see some swelling, so it made sense enough, that she had some issues there. Shouldn't be too hard to solve for now.
"Yeah, I can help you. Just take it easy. The swelling's probably gonna make this hurt a bit."
Looked like it hurt a fair bit actually, but... It would be brief at least, even if she were being careful. Which she was. She didn't want Ardee to get hurt more, because of her.
As Arcade would start to leave the room, looking for food, she'd give him a shoutout.
"I dunno if maybe they also run a breakfast buffet. Try look there for a start, and I'll help Ardee a bit."
Wasn't gonna be pleasant, but they'd get there eventually. Hopefully it would help a bit when around halfway, the small fox would pop up again, and go jump on Ardee, to help try to ease the pain a bit. It figured that trying to help her with the pain, over the swelling, was the better option, though it did feel a bit perky. Maybe it was the feather stuck in its folds? It wasn't sure, but it would channel energy into Ardee, but this time, not overdoing it. It didn't want to end up all out of juice again. Now they were safe, it wanted to be awake for its pamphlet.
Once they were both tucked in, Null would chew her lower lip a bit, trying to find the right words to open up what to say here.
"...I'm sorry for underestimating you, Ardee. I wanted so badly to keep you out of danger, that I pushed you right into the middle of it. I just... I couldn't bare the thought of going back, and having to tell my sister, and your siblings, that you died, because I couldn't keep you safe. It'd shatter them."
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(Void)
17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:She looked over at Void, "Are... are you going to do this for the others too? I don't want them to feel left out..."
"Of course. I was aiming that yours is the first, but I want to mark the occasion for all of you, including the date when you got your marks. But I'm adding that to the name plate. The same goes for everyone else, so we can celebrate their mark day, and I hope, it will also make you remember that no matter how long time have passed, and how far away you might end up, there'll always be someone who loves you, and a home that will welcome you."
18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:That said, Toupé would look at another place in the room, "Um, I don't know if you stuck it to the wall like the others, but maybe it could be moved? I mean, maybe if it went over my bed? If it's attached then it's fine. I do appreciate it, it's much easier to see there than looking at my own flank. Thank you."
She would move to hug Void if Void would allow it, and Void would feel a few tears on her coat from Toupé's eyes, "Sorry, I'm not used to... all this. We all had to work very hard to get anything before."
"It can be wherever you want it to be, honey."
She were surprised by the hug afterwards, but even before she felt the tear, she'd lean in, and gently embrace her little angel.
"It's okay honey, I understand. Having little doesn't make it easy to celebrate things. I've been there, and it is sometimes hard to even feel good, when you don't even know if there's food on the table tomorrow.
But you've been through enough. You deserve a home, peace, and unending, unconditional love. And I promise, I'll give everything I have, to make sure you get that."
She'd plant a kiss on Toupé's forehead, and then stroke her mane, much in the same way her own mother had done, when she were growing up.
Void always saw foals in her life, someday. First as friends, but as she grew older, she knew that someday, she wanted a family too. Something that Null encouraged, and promised her that someday, she'd get. Even if they had to walk to the ends of the earth to find it.
This were not how she imagined it would happen, but Void felt right now. This were her family, and it didn't matter to her, if some of them wandered to places far away, or got adopted away, by others who were eager to shower them with love and affection. They were, and always would be her children, and they'd always be welcome home with her.
The picture were not complete, but... If she were to do this alone, that would be okay. These foals were more important, than any stallion could ever be, and if that were an issue, they had no place in her life.
It struck her briefly, that she had given the same promise, that Null gave to her several times. Yet where her sisters had been said in desperation, anger, or as a way to stay sane, Void felt none of that. She felt only warmth in her chest, along with Toupé's tears, but she didn't mind. If she needed this, then she could continue, for as long as she needed it.
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Mate, Chop isn't scared of Shark. You're thinking about the griffon floor sweeper.
Chop is neutral.
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On 2024-04-18 at 4:52 PM, EQ_Theta said:
“Your illusion is impressive, elder, though it may be better for Elder Ghilan to meet you as you are. It may be more helpful for him to see you as kitsune.”
“That, and we’d rather not expose you to unnecessary danger. I’m sure you are capable of defending yourself, but there, you would be our guest. It would reflect poorly on us as your hosts.”
"We kitsune are highly magical creatures, well in tune with the flow of magic that permeates the very air around us, and the ground we stand upon. In our race's earlier history, we harnessed that primarily to make use of illusions, and we have only fine tuned it as we have evolved. It is in fact, the thing that our young are taught as almost their very first set of spells, so they can hide from danger. When we grow older, we make us of it well, when we go out and explore the world. Mostly when we are found out to have been in an area, is because especially the young and inexperienced, cannot help themselves, in playing games with strangers, or get involved in things they believe they out to. Some also just find it humorous to reveal themselves briefly to one being, and then laugh as they start screaming about giant foxes, and make a fool of themselves.
I can understand why. It can be rather amusing."
Elder Zhao were a venerated teacher and elder, that were given much, well earned respect. But she too had been young, and filled with both wanderlust and mischief. She did not apologize for pranks such as this, and had learned much from seeing how other creatures acted upon that. But that were then, and these days, she would not be easily tempted. Not to say she wouldn't do it, just that she were better at understanding when the right time for such an act were.
"in any case, if the time comes where he is ready, have Omen transport him to our town, and then approach our halls. She would seem the safest route of transport, for anyone to get to our town, for both us, and the other party involved."
It were an annoying security breach, but it were not much of a big issue. Primarily because of who Omen were a byproduct of, and the fact that she had doubts they could stop her. Besides, she seemed friendly enough, albeit somewhat peculiar.
On 2024-04-18 at 4:52 PM, EQ_Theta said:“I’m all right, Omen. I may not have the talent to speak with spirits, but I won’t be upset about it. Sometimes, we just can’t do everything we hope we could do.”
*sigh* “Who am I kidding? I’m not entirely okay. I was just thinking about all that’s happened and what we’ll be getting ourselves into… all of that is making me worried. The meeting with the elders is approaching; that has to turn out well, right? We talked to others, heard their thoughts, and figured out how to approach the meeting. It’s just that I’m still afraid that we haven’t done enough. A-and then there’s the threat of… whatever it is… that is coming for the longma… I don’t know if we could find the balance that lets us take those on.”
“I suppose I am overthinking all of this, but we’ll just have to take these matters on as they come. How about you? Does all this feel intimidating?”
Omen would look at Sen for a moment, pondering what he were saying, before she answered. Most things of what he said were something she understood, but there were that one thing, that she needed to try and grasp, and yet, there were naught for her to grasp on to, and so she would give that up, soon after.
"We handle the dangerous things, like they told us. I go and look, and then we find out from there, yes? If the meeting goes well, perhaps they can come and help looking? They seem smart about these things. But I do not know what to expect from the meeting, or what it will mean. I will just do as you, Rosa, and Ghilan have told me to, and then answer their questions. If they will help, I do not know, but I will answer the things you have not told me I can.
And I am not intimidated, I think? I do not know what that would be like. I do not think I am different from before, if that answers it?"
Being intimidated required some emotions to rear up. Anxiety, fear, concern- A lot in the same *genre*, as it were. Regardless of the term though, Omen did not feel it. She only barely felt any emotion at the best of times, and fear were one that might have passed her vaguely, back when Lin were going to get her new body, but a meeting? Nothing stirred there, except thoughts at times, wondering what they would look like, or ask about.
On 2024-04-18 at 4:52 PM, EQ_Theta said:“I think I am in the same position as my brother; I can’t hear the spirits. Maybe I might have caught something like faint whispering, but I could not understand it. Or maybe I am just deluding myself into thinking I could hear something more than just empty sounds. Elder? Must one clearly hear the spirits speak to know if they have the ability to speak to them? I’m not even sure what to make of my experience in the bubble.”
"This center holds a strong connection, to the nature spirits. If one could hear, this is one of the places, were the potential would reveal itself. Had you an ear for it, their voices would have been if not loud, then at least clear to you.
You must both know, that this is not to say that you have no chance of being listeners, but it will be due to an outside force, if it does come to happen. Certain trauma, or encounters with special creatures, can plant the talent within you. Yet at this point, I in honest do not think that this is your calling. Yet still, I thank you for entertaining my request. It would have been an experience, to have non-kitsune, learning the craft.
Well then, Omen, if you would please?"
Omen would wander over, and try to go in, but the path would close before her. She'd just wander through the water, not thinking much of it. Her trip in there would last around six minutes, before the waters parted, letting her escape again. And by the looks of things, something had happened in there, as she looked both damp, and windblown, with some leaves stuck in her ever-moving mane and tail. She would also cough up a few leaves, when approaching, but then grab them with her tongue, and bring them in to be chewed.
"It seems you had an eventful time. What happened?"
"I walked through water, then the wind began blowing. Then more water, that had leaves in them. I think the pillow is wet now."
"Did you hear any voices?"
"...Does laughter count? I think I heard that, when I got splashed with water in my face."
The elder blinked once, then smirked a little wider.
"Probably not, it were likely just the wind and water through foliage. Yet I will try and find an answer, when the spirits have calmed. It seems your presence caused them a stir."
"I am not overly surprised. Considering her connection, I would have thought it more unusual, if it were simple and quiet in there."
"I had half expected for Him to show up personally, but still, I did not expect this. I shall look forward to hearing what they have to say of this, when they are ready. Though do not get your hopes up. I can imagine they were simply feeling playful. Why, I have a student whose tail they snared four meters of tangled river weeds to. He were wise enough to play along, rather than get upset, and were acknowledged by River, because of that. He's a promising young kit, silly as he gets around the spirits."
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Shark would stop getting into chase mode, and just let he griffon run off. She can't remember ever seeing him before, but maybe he had seen her when she were chasing and eating the big frogs? Some of the friends did not seem to like that, even though she had been told they were food. Oh well, maybe she should ask them someday, but right now, she were on a date. She wasn't sure what that were exactly, but she were on one, and it were her mate that had said it, so she would believe it was something good. Maybe it meant that they were going to get food? She should try and remember that, if that were the case.
Speaking of getting food, when he were talking to the mare at the counter, he'd find that she didn't turn around just yet, as she were finishing up the counter, but she would, soon as he had given out the order on his behalf. That said, she'd barely pay attention to him at first, as she'd see Shark, and jump in place, looking surprised, then grinning widely.
"Hah! I knew it! Chop! Come out here for a moment."
She'd be calling back towards the kitchen as she said that, and a hooffull of seconds later - a time where she'd stand and step in place expectingly, while Shark looked on in confusion and joy, since y'know, smiling friend - a stallion would emerge to look at what the fuss were about. This one Shark noticed quite a bit, and it were hard not to for most. Chop Chop were a little over average size, and well fit. He were however, also in possession of several scars, that looked like something had torn into him, with large, sharp teeth. Particularly, the one around his torso stood out, as it covered both sides, showing a rather large maw had gone around his torso.
The scar tissue were looking somewhat old, but combined with the ones going over his face, the fact he didn't smile often, and that steely gaze of his, Chop usually had others step away from him, when they met him, as he looked intimidating to them. Shark were not one of them.
"*gasp* Friend bit by Shark! Not Shark shark, but other shark."
"Hah, she knew. And I told you she were real! A land shark, right here in Ponyville."
"Hmph. Figured she'd be bigger.
And yeah, shark bites. Why'd you ask?"
"Shark know teeth of shark, and Shark no like that friend got bit. It very bad. Friend is not food."
"...I'll go turn up the stove. Something tells me she's here for food."
"Friend has fishy?"
He'd just nod, and go back into the kitchen. He had some work to do now.
"Huh... Well, I'm sure it'll be good, whatever he gets you. Chop's a good chef, just kinda antisocial. You can have your coffee for now sir, and anything for you to drink?"
Shark went and looked up at all the strange pictures, and lines of text, not knowing what the vast majority were.
"...Water for Shark?"
"You got it."
The barista would get the coffee - soon as Light specified which of the 37 variants they had, that he wanted - and a can of water ready, and come over to their table with it, and say that the food would be there soon. Meanwhile, Shark would sniff at the coffee, but hadn't intended on drinking it. Not until Light offered her to try, in which case she'd cautiously lean over, and stick her tongue down, lapping a few droplets of it, and then go back to her side of the table, looking thoughtful.
"...Shark not sure. Taste funny, not sure if bad. But water good."
She'd lean over and stick her head into the thankfully wide can, so she could lap up some water.
===============================================================================
Ziggy looked on, getting concerned from what she heard. The medical parts anyway, as the other things still sounded a bit out there, but then again, who was it hurting, even if it wasn't true? And if it were... Cool. Sort of. There were some not so cool stuff in there.
"Awh, poor guy. Maybe him and the filly in the woods would have gotten along. She have severe amnesia, where she can't remember a thing before waking up in a crater in the forest. She couldn't even remember her big brother, when he found her, and took her back to Deltrot. He had pictures to show it were real though, and he were a tinkerer like her. Said she'd been making explosives since she was five, so that fit what she were doing in the forest.
Anyway, I had a look at her, but I wouldn't be able to help either. It's not my specialty. I'm more of a general doctor, with a specialty in setting bones. Your friends probably needs a CT scan, and perhaps a hypnotherapist to try and unlock his memories. Least he's somewhat healthy, though uh... Well, I know he's your friend, but maybe you should consider convincing him to get checked for the voices? Some medication might help with that. Like I said, it's not my specialty, but it does sound like he might have schizophrenia, and getting some treatment for that, might do him some real good. It's his own decision though. Unless he's a danger to himself or others, that sorta thing comes down to a personal choice.
It's really good of you to try and take care of him either way. It sounds like he could really use a friend these sort of days, and like you said, a caring big brother. Hehe, also a boat load of hugs, but I can make that happen.
I just looove hugs! Some days, I just sit in a cloud and wait for the right time to swoop down, and do a quick swoop-by hug. Not for too long though, I have excessive levels of energy production. If I sit down for too long, I end up getting jittery. Usually why I start off my mornings just swooping around for an hour, to get the worst out of my system, so I can focus on what to do, the rest of the day.
What about you? Like, what do you love? Cooking?"
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(Spectra)
On 2024-04-15 at 10:34 PM, Props Valroa said:"Well now, we've got a problem don't we? All the more reason to flee to Troy. Guess it seems that the Equestrians aren't as Utopian or Idealistic as they make the citizens seem. Some of those individuals, I did my own investigations into. And you know the best thing? While they did manage to snag a lot of material from my lair, my other lairs are the ones that contain a lot of personal information I could use to dig up dirt on these and stir up a storm if I needed to. Still though, what the Equestrians got their hooves on is priceless. Many resources that took centuries to gather, many spell books, and precious things that could only be found in the most remote of locations." Spectra shook her head in a disapproving manner here, and then made an angry sigh. It wasn't her doing, nor was it anyone's doing - other than Magloria and Veil.
"While I won't doubt Equestria will delve into spying into other nations, I suppose it will be harder to them than searching for the lands of Equestria. We are going as far as possible. Troy is a place to start, but perhaps even beyond Troy. I have a lot of knowledge and information on the Equestrians that the Trojans would like, that I can give to them at the right price - enough for them to bury any and all word of my presence within Troy to keep the Equestrians guessing. No doubt the Equestrians expect a direct attack on Canterlot, so I assume that Canterlot will be the most fortified at the moment, if that is where Magloria and Veil, and the Guards are operating out of currently - there is no way to know. The disaster has spread their resources thin as it is, so Equestrian military is weakened...perfect time for the Trojans to strike and throw some shade off our tail, so to speak..." Spectra would smile deviously at that."You could likely run a smear campaign, but I doubt it would do much. Phantasma has the adoration of many. They'll either end up ignoring what she may have done, or just believe it rumors with no facts to it. Or believe all she did, were fort he good of the kingdom. She's good at getting the populace on her side.
Nopony seems to like Shade, with the most glowing compliment I ever heard about him, being that he's at least effective. You might be able to make him act less publicly, but I don't think he'd care about that enough to make him stop chasing you. At least I don't think there's much of a reason for him to worry about being seen and pointed out, when he can literally move through shadows.
But that's just what I can gather. It isn't as if we'd ever move in the same social circles. Mayhap Troy would know more, but I don't want to get involved in whatever dealings you want to have with them. Whatever secrets you wish to share with them, in exchange for goods or favors, are not things I want to know."
In large parts because he believed those information, were not come by kindly. It would be tainted in blood, and the more he learned of Spectra, from wandering around with her, the more he were faced with the fact that said blood, were indiscriminately drawn. A fact that made him feel further dread, but this pit in his stomach were something he doubted he'd be rid off, anytime soon. Not when he didn't even have his girls with him anymore, to bring him some modicum of comfort.
On 2024-04-15 at 10:34 PM, Props Valroa said:"I see that my Tartarus Flame worked well - that was quite an expensive resource to gather and install, took me a good amount of time to install that into the tripwire system. No doubt the ponies are having a hard time with it still. It doesn't respond well to being put out with water. The only way to fully quench the fire is to remove all sources of oxygen for an extended amount of time. They will eventually do it, but it will be costly." Spectra made a cruel subtle grin as she had seen all the fire raining all about where the mountain stood and the areas surrounding it.
The Construct being spotted by ponies was unavoidable so she couldn't really fault it for being spotted. However the statue that had been constructed from the marble remains made her smirk wider. Not only for the admiration of herself, but for the fact that such an obvious display showed an out of date picture - that being her old body. "You have done well with that. Leading the ponies astray with an out of date presentation of my body. They'll look for someone who looked like me, and they won't find any, they don't know my current look, so they will be unlikely to put the pieces together anytime soon." she stated, approving of the Construct's actions as she would not ask anymore of it for now, allowing it time to recharge - if that is what it was doing."They will still see a testament to whom they have to blame for this, real face or not. A symbol of whom hurt them, and tore deeply into their country. Congratulations on becoming the next Discord, I suppose. Except you're not trapped in your statue."
The *Yet* part at the end, would hang silently in the air, though he wouldn't mind if that became actual. It wasn't as if she did not deserve such treatment, after all she had done. Though of course, Discord got out again, eventually. It'd likely be best if she did not. Maybe put her statue with her in it, down into a giant block of cement, and toss it somewhere where nature would not undo the work, with any ease?
*sigh* He knew it wouldn't happen. The statue were likely to e moved to a museum eventually, along with the story of that villainess, at some point after they had defeated her. Or she'd win, and she'd make the construct craft her more, to parade around her palace. Either way, he did not expect this statue to be used for anything overly important. He also had nothing else to say for now, lest she brought something up, or something would block their path eventually. Or they reached the point where they were told they had to carry the boat in a path away from Deltrot, to avoid the main city. It were on the map, and in the distance too.
"A statue filled with fire ants, I ho- Wait, what the hay is that thing?!"
It appeared that Yuma had not only reappeared, but now finally managed to see through what were once her own eyes. And she had seen the construct out of it, which were a bizarre monster to her. Likely a lackey of this horrible creature that had killed her, that she were now seemingly haunting.
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(Spoiled Rich)
On 2024-04-15 at 10:34 PM, Props Valroa said:Upon the presentation of the Blueprints, Spoiled Rich would nod in approval. "That is an agreeable timeline. I know that these things will take time, but with the highly talented workers those 3 weeks should pass by without incident. Hopefully without a major international war starting in the meantime." Spoiled Rich leaned forward looking into his eyes to let those words sink into his mind for a little while. "He knows what will need to be done. The previous Estate, as you know, was something that took me a lot of time and thought to develop. It still burns me that it went up in flames, but I suppose this could be a silver lining - it will be built back to a better status than before, as well as to be more prepared for potential circumstances I had been too ignorant to predict." she said, gritting her teeth as she looked back out onto the scenery as it passed by outside the carriage as they flew towards Ponyville. Wouldn't be long.
"He assured me that they would make use of materials and building techniques this time, that would ensure that even if a fire did break out, it would be unable to consume the house. I believe he might have found it a stab to his pride as it were, that the last one caught up in flames in the first place. I will make sure to ask further into things, as the building goes along, and run the information around with another professional as needed, to make sure that the claim holds true."
It wouldn't look well, to have 2 houses in the same place, burn down to a crisp. Not even thinking about the costs and reputation, it would give the more superstitious members of high society, a reason to consider the place cursed, and thus it could become harder to have gatherings, collect funding for various things, keep friends in general- Various things that in and by themselves did little, but as a whole, would cause annoyance and problems for Spoiled Rich and her family. Best that would not end up being the case.
Also, the resale value would plummet, and that tended to cause a slew of other problems. Certain ponies who did not want the property values to go down, could become quite troubling, if they had something to gang up on, and focus down.
On 2024-04-15 at 10:34 PM, Props Valroa said:Listening further, Spoiled Rich would smirk. "I expected more vultures to show up to my finances when news of my "passing" would be made. It is good to know that no formal funeral had been made in my name. Wouldn't be a funeral anyway, without my presence in the casket." she chuckled a dark chuckle, rolling her eyes as she gripped the pieces of paper a bit. "As there are but few vultures, I expect you know what will be done about them. Anyone who wanted a cent of my wealth other than my family, is not getting any. It would be shameful if I were to die, and my wealth to go to anywhere else other than my family. At least it would serve them in an honest fashion..." she spoke, her eyes looking through the letters and seeing the letter that Diamond Tiara had written him about her. Her gaze softened somewhat and her silence could be taken as a sign that she didn't expect her Daughter to miss her as much as this letter implied.
Much as she were a stern mother, in the eyes of many, she were still Tiara's mother. It were only natural that she would miss her presence eventually, even if she weren't gonna run around and bawl her eyes out to everypony in town. That weren't suited for a young filly, that were above most others in social status. Spoiled would likely end up seeing an emotional daughter when she returned, as well as husband. He had been worn down a bit by all the things that happened after she went missing, including now being a single parent for the last almost three years. With the added stress of having to look into funeral arrangements for a ceremonial burial in a few months, when his wife would be declared legally dead, he were getting some sleepless nights, and found himself losing some of the hope he once had, that she'd eventually return back to them. And that were not even touching on his worries for the future, especially regarding Tiara, whom he had at times believed were getting a somewhat bad influence from her mother, but still, she also had a good impact on making their filly a stronger, more self-reliant pony. Without her, how would Tiara turn out later? Especially when she'd hit her hormonal teenage years, where he wouldn't know what to do.
Then of course, there were the leeches that had come out of the bushes, but he did his to try not to think about them. It just made him angry.
As for the lawyer... He would give Rich a bit of time to read the letter. He had brought it in the documents, because he believed it would be good for her, to see that her family did actually miss her, and weren't just looking forward to reaping the benefits. A little time to ponder that, would likely be good for her.
"Your husband is still the sole proprietor of your estate, in case you did get declared dead. He would have the legal right to make a claim against any inheritance you might have in your will, if he looks at them unfavorably. I have seen enough of them though, to believe that you going missing, and then seeing your family left behind, have also made some develop sympathy. Others I suspect, are just bidding their time, and won't make a large fuss until what they thought were the day, when the will would be read out.
Your cousins Money Bags and Time Matters, have been consistent in contacting me on occasion though, to just hear if I had any news about you, in ways that made it clear that they remain worried about you, and hope you return. I've not had a single request for anything of value from either of them. Just wants for news, and asking me to send their best to your husband and filly. I believe they will be genuinely happy to see you are still alive, Madame Rich."
It were cousins on two different branches of the family, with Money Bags being just a regular, high society socialite, and Time Matters from a part of the family tree that had a rougher time, but had pulled himself up and controlled a vast number of successful watch and jewelry stores, around Equestria. He were a hard working sort, that hadn't the most time back then, to go visit family for simply social calls, but he'd make the trip at times. As would Money Bags, though hers were more down to whenever she felt like it. She had enough inherited wealth, and business, that she never had to lift a hoof for anything, and neither would her offspring likely. A bit of a dingus, but a good hearted sort.
The cart flew over the far edges of the Everfree Forest by now. And on the other side of this vast expanse, would be her home and family, unsuspecting of the surprise that were coming their way.
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(Treasure)
The two had been very persistent and insisting, that the old unicorn told them every little detail that he recalled about his former student. And what they heard, certainly gave them reason to think that this were their culprit's early days, and potential real name. A mare frustrated that magic eluded her, that saw failure from the greatest unicorn in the land, unable to help her with her affliction. Desperation turned to villainy, were not an unheard of story. It were a depressing regularity in story, yet this were one that were overall unheard of. Just somepony who had been forgotten in the cracks of history it seemed. A troubling thing, when that sort happened, and a surprise enemy then suddenly reared their heads one day.
Still, they had some information now, and likely proof that the one they had vision on, were the correct one to chase after. That were going to be useful for them, as were anything else that he could tell them. As a matter of fact, seeing as he had a stake in this, and were a renowned unicorn, they would ask him to come along. Well, *ask* were saying so much. More specifically, they would tell him that in the interest of the safety of Equestria, and because he were the closest they had to an expert on their enemy, he were required to come with them. They would not care if they needed to pla6y off his potential guilt over his former student now being the mass murderer that she were - including Shade telling about what happened at the base that she had caused to explode - even if it seemed rough. They needed him to come along, due to his expertise, his role as an Equestrian defender in general, and because it might bring in the others of his group, in case they needed to bring the battle to her. They would need every advantage they could muster.
Their trip now, would not be to the hut with the treasure though. It were time to return to Canterlot for now, and inform the generals of what they knew now, then get updates on what had happened in their absence. They could return to look at other things that Shade had managed to bring along, after everypony were caught up. The trip now being slower, as they'd have to make sure that Starswirl got with them. Unless he could teleport that were. Neither of them were fully aware of what he were able to do.
Shade were tempted to just kidnap him, in case he were not as willing to be useful, but he'd behave. He would go and try to convince the generals to have the princesses send him a formal call for action though, if he had no other options. The old unicorn, were not going to be allowed to just sit this out, if he had a say in it.
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Null would not be able to stop the tears, or find her words again, as she heard Arcade talk to her, saying the words that she needed to hear, and holding her, to try and bring her comfort. She didn't know how she deserved someone as good to her as him. He were attentive, loving... He were everything to her, and times as this, when she needed him the most, she just felt it even stronger.
When he were done speaking, she still hadn't a word to find, much as she felt like speaking. Her head full of a jumbled mess of things she wanted to say to him, twisting and turning in a chaotic mess, but... She knew what it boiled down to, in her heart. And so she let herself answer not with words, but action, as she pushed forward, engaging him in a passionate kiss, tears still streaming from her eyes.
She didn't deserve someone this good, but she thanked whatever sliver of kindness left in this world, that he were here, with her, and she would not let him go. Currently literally, as she kept the kiss going, hugging him close for a time, until eventually she would fall asleep in his grip. Had they been alone, perhaps she would be less... Restrained, but a small part of her were still aware, that Ardee were here. Perhaps another time, it would be a night just for them, but still, she did not complain. Here at the end of the bed, close to her love, she felt as happy as she ever think she could be.
She would rest soundly, until the others would begin to stir. She wouldn't be happy to let go of Arcade and wake up, but she'd begrudgingly slowly open her eyes, that were a little puffed up from her previous crying.
"Nnngh... What time is it?"
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(Void)
"They're plenty good, long as they're motivated.
And don't you worry, they're persistent, but I make sure to keep a close eye on them, so they don't get hurt. A lot easier, once they got transfixed by the balloons. A lot of young foals tend to be transfixed by them.
*sigh* I remember looking on at carnivals, just seeing hundreds of foals walking around with balloons. floating around... It were magical. It's honestly nice to finally see that wonder and amazement up close."
Null and her rarely actually got into the carnivals. Too many there, so it were too easy to get noticed, with their abilities, with so many magical sources, all over the place. But they did like to watch it from the outskirts, and enjoy the sounds and lights, and imagine what it would be like to walk in and try things. Not that they didn't at times. Wander in, that were. Sadly they couldn't go and waste their limited funds on the stuff you could do there, as the things were expensive, and even if they had more to work with than normally, they could do other things with the money instead, that would be good. Like getting coats, or a room for a few days, or a week.
They were both fascinated with the plushies you could try and throw balls for, but they had seen enough to know it were mostly a scam, and thus just a waste of money. They did go around and loot things though. Not directly from the stands or anything. They weren't thieves per se. More like dropped things, and leftover food abandoned somewhere, maybe a half soda here and there, if they got lucky- It were all fair game to them, and would be the closest they got to enjoying a carnival, or other such gatherings. Some times they were luckier than others, but they liked the leftovers they managed to get hold of. It were a nice change in their normal diet at times, and felt like a rare, well earned treat.
She outta take the younglings here to a festival one day, when those sorts of things would be starting up again. Just the whole family, or at least as much of it as were possible. Ardee and Arcade as well.
"And don't you worry about the wall. The little darlings didn't break anything there, nor on the table. It's surprises. The table we'll see soon, but I actually would like for you to unveil what I placed on the wall, Toupé. It's a little extra present, that I hope you'll like. Come on and gather up everyone."
If Toupé unveiled it, it would turn out to be a mosaic. Smaller than the rest she had presented, but it were big enough, to show what she wanted it to: Toupé's cutie mark. It hadn't been easy, and she had to pull an all nighter mostly because she had to make this, and her other present, but she believed it was well worth it, and she hoped, the start of a tradition, where she could get one up for each of them, as they'd eventually get their marks. And like with this one, she might need to gently carve in small details in, like had been the case with Toupé's lettering, to the best of her abilities. She personally thought it looked accurate, but she might be wrong with the minor things. Hopefully it would be okay though.
The underside had a small circle screw, seemingly making it possible to hang something from it.
"Surprise! I thought this would be a nice way to celebrate, and mark the occasion. I've left a spot at the bottom, to hang a plate with your name on, when you know for sure what you want to do with that."
Cherish were impressed at least, but she waited saying something. Void had seen her, and had smiled and given her a wave, but this were Toupé's important moment. She'd get to say hello soon enough.
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Sorry if it's a bit below par this time. Work's been draining my mind, but hopefully it will be satisfactory.
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On 2024-04-14 at 1:37 PM, EQ_Theta said:
“If it is all right with you, maybe we could arrange for Ghilan to visit sometime? He may be busy these days, but he could be open to meeting you when he has time. We’ll still need to let him know, so it’ll probably be a while before we can get back to you on this.”
"I would welcome the meeting. If not here, then Zhao could speak with him on your premise. I'm sure that she could pass as one of you fairly well."
Elder Zhao would have a shimmer go over her, as she shifted her visage into that of a longma, similar to Lin, but without her shadowy features, and in a slightly different color.
"I have passed as more complex things. And before you ask, this is not a shapeshift. This is an advanced illusion. It takes actual skill, or anti-magic capabilities to know better."
They could try and poke her. It would feel like the hide of a real Longma.
"A fine illusion, will trick the eyes. A good illusion, will trick reality. To a certain extend."
It would fade, with a motion akin to a wind blowing it all of of her. She did not need to waste magic without reason, just to keep this up for more than the lesson required.
On 2024-04-14 at 1:37 PM, EQ_Theta said:“Elder Sohe, I’m not sure I have the talent to hear the spirits. I could only hear a light buzzing, or maybe it was a light gust of wind. I do not doubt the spirits are present with us right now, but I could not hear their voices.”
“Are you certain, brother? Maybe you just need another moment to try again.”
“I’m sure, but you are welcome to try. Perhaps inhabiting a body forged with magic might give you the ability to hear the spirits?”
“We shall see. Elder Sohe? I would like to try and listen.”
"Feel not bad about it, Sen. It is a rare skill, that befalls few. I am certain you will find your talents elsewhere."
SHe would lie if she had said she hadn't hoped, as it would be fascinating with one that were not of their kin, being under her tutelage. But there were still his sister left, who seemed eager to try herself too. Much like with Sen, the bubble would close as she entered, and the voices of the elements would begin anew.
"Hey, there's another one with scales!"
"Eh, if the other one could listen, why would this one?"
"Shush, she has shadow wings!"
"I think it's webbings. Is she a spider?"
"Spider with four legs, and no fangs? Hehe, that'd be silly."
"Maybe it's a kind of dragon. Can I poke her?"
The sounds would be as before. If Lin could understand it however, were hard to say. Sen had no luck, but she had proven unusual in many ways. It might be discouraging for Sen however, if his sister again would turn out to be excelling in something peculiar, leaving him behind as a seemingly just regular, standard longma. Not everyone could handle that, and not get jealous.
Meanwhile Omen would go over to Sen, and angle her neck so that she could look into his eyes. In case he did not look at her that were, as she spoke to him. She saw others look right at the one they were talking to, so she tended to do the same, and eye contact especially seemed important to her. The fact she didn't blink, being creepy to most creatures, did not cross her mind, even a little. Part of that whole *Personal space* thing that she weren't all that up to speed with. Wasn't like Discord discouraged that kind of behavior either. It were more the exact opposite, as he loved invading personal spaces, and have some fun with the ones in question. As he put it, *They should liven up, and adore the majesty of me.*.
"Sen? Are you okay?"
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On 2024-04-12 at 12:07 AM, Lawyer Slip said:"If you want to hug me, don't hesitate by any means, I'm technically fireproof. And if you're also wondering why I'm mentally sane and haven't been announced by the princesses, it's because I'm not from around here. And no, I'm not from Saddle Arabia either."
He would not even get to finish the sentence, before Ziggy had zoomed over, and embraced him in a tight hug, her large frame looming over him, and her coat smelling like peppermint. Likely a perfume she wore. As for the hug, it would be over soon after, with Ziggy letting him go again, though grinning even wider. She loved the post-hug rush she felt.
On 2024-04-12 at 12:07 AM, Lawyer Slip said:"Slipstream, if you want you can go out back to the pond, I'd like to chat with Ziggy."
"You got it!"
THANK YOU SO MUCH
Rich brought Ziggy her glass of water, and as she drank it, and after Slipstream closed the door, he said what he knew she was thinking. He could read minds after all. He tried not to, but they were like open books just waiting to be read. He did respect privacy though, and never peeked too far into anyone's past. But, after staring at Ziggy while she drank the water, he finally said:
"You're worried about him too, huh?"
Ziggy had been silent through the story. Not a word would pass her lips, but she had a rather expressive face, showing that she weren't sure how much of it that she believed, but she would listen, and try to keep an open mind regardless. It were just that... Well, humans, y'know? That were an old fairy tale. And she had no idea what a particle accelerator were, but it sounded sciency. But like she said, this place had all sorts of weird creatures. Why not this too? Worst case, he were imagining it, and it didn't hurt anypony, so she saw no reason to rat him out, as it were.
After he had sent Slipstream away, she drank her water, and were about to respond, when he said something more. Something she could tangibly respond to right off the bat. She'd circle around to the implausible story later, when there were no worry time over Rich to handle. That seemed prudent, as he were the one potentially causing himself unintentional harm.
"Well, yeah. He hits himself in the head. And that's all fine and good, until you hit too hard, or rattle something just the wrong way, and end up with a brain hemorrhage. It's concerning behavior, and I hope he'll stop it, before he gets seriously injured. I'm a doctor, I don't like seeing others hurt. Especially not if it's done by themselves.
Do you know why he does that? It kinda looks to me like he's having an argument with himself sometimes, and tries to make the other voice in his head go shush."
She hadn't a clue he could read minds, but looking at hers, if he decided too, there'd be worry, thoughts on Slipstream, Rich, and just a whoooole lot of background music and thoughts of frolicking bunnies and bright rainbows, as well herself flying through it, lifting a chunky duck over her head, giggling like this were a dream come true.
She had some silly thoughts at times, but she didn't mind, long as it didn't interfere with her thoughts during something important.
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"Maaar-keeet. Market. Wet market... Fishy place? Shark like fishy place."
They'd sadly have absolutely no luck finding that sort here in town however. While they got tourists who ate meat through, a full on fish market were a no go, in large parts due to it not being enough to sustain a market, and Fluttershy. Those who did need it for a snack, or as were the case of the cook at Slappy Joe's, tended to go and fish themselves, to get the raw materials.
That said, if they went asking around, they'd be told that said coffee shop had fish, and they could go and purchase a meal there. That would be an option. It were in the other end of town, and if they went in the door, a scrawny looking griffon would look up from his job of brooming the floor, to gaze at them, and went pale, then rushed off to the back room, without a word. Weren't a lot in right now, beyond a few getting a tall cup of coffee, so they wouldn't have to wait in line, though the mare at the counter were turned the other way, as she were cleaning the area. Had to look nice and sparkly after all.
"Bird is silly. Run like prey, hehe. Shark chase?"
She wasn't aware that he had run scared, and believed it to be perhaps an invitation to a game, like she knew them from the sea, or saw small ponies do at that other school place. A nice friend game. Though if he said no, she'd just follow him, and start to sniff the air profoundly. This place smelled weird, but in a good way. She hadn't smelled coffee properly before, so this were new. Also something that Light should definitely not ever let her drink. Caffeine were not meant for things with big teeth, and little in the way of inhibitions.
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On 2024-04-14 at 1:14 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:"I do not grief what has been lost; while I miss some conveniences, it is a net good for that pit of suffering to end." his life had been decent, but he wasn't blind to the state of his world, it was doomed regardless; if not through end of the world, then through the system collapsing under its own weight, suffering couldn't go forever, something would break, no empire lasted forever.
"You are free to join me as I go see a place relevant for my duties, if you're not scared of water." he stated as he rose from the table "As the commanding officer and the main authority on the case, I can state that the situation I'm here to look at is not classified." "I am interested in hearing more of what you know, and am willing to in turn share what I can." he thought for a moment "I would also like an outside perspective on something, if possible."
Oof, that was a rather grim statement about his home world. Not a lot of love for his roots, which really painted a pretty bleak image, of how his home world must actually be. At least from his perspective.
"I used to be scared of water. These days it will take a substantial amount for me to be overly concerned about it. Furthermore, I have nothing else to do for the day. I completed the task I had set for myself, in helping the O.M.I. as they helped me. Being helpful to you, seems more interesting that going and log some minor data into a spreadsheet. That can wait until later.
Likewise, I would want to hear more too. Speaking with one from another world, is a fascinating encounter, and I do wonder of your experiences since arriving here, among other things."
She'd grab her briefcase, and get ready for them to move out. She assumed this were some kind of maybe scientific crime. Potentially a biochemical he needed evaluated? Or a corpse in a strange state of decomposition? There had been some of those, as part of studies in Center Zero at times. Nothing her lab got involved with, but there were many departments, with their own specialties. Some required the studies of death tissue.
"I would like to state that if this requires examination of dead tissue, or a being in advanced, necrosis, I have prior experience. I sometimes got sent to other departments for tasks, back in Center Zero. You get to see quite a few things like that."
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On 2024-04-14 at 1:14 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:"I'm fine." She stated, in what was probably the least convincing manner she had ever done up to this point, her cold shell was starting to crack under the pressure, though it was not fear that was coming through, she was not scared of anything here, it was more....anxiety? Pain? it was hard to tell. "The good news is that Charir has made it out ."
"I don't believe that you're feeling any good, but... We'll get through this. At least it's good knowing Charir made it out. The door were a mess when we went to look at it last time."
Leviathan were worried, and it were clear to see in her eyes, and hear in her voice, but Ruby were tough. Not enough to not be affected by the curse it seemed, judging by some of her movements, but enough to soldier through this, and she did not need to be pitied right now, or a shoulder to cry on. Didn't mean that she'd stop worrying though. Ruby was probably her closest friend already. They had a solid bond going, and that didn't allow Leviathan to feel at ease, when she were hurt, and being cursed with magic that would kill her if she left, without the forced job done, certainly counted as being hurt. Oh how she wished she could just burn those two into their base atoms for this...
*sigh* At least Charir had gotten out of here alive and well. That were a good sign, as she didn't want to think of him being trapped in a cage somewhere. It were a weight off of her shoulder to know he had gotten out and away from this sort of misery.
On 2024-04-14 at 1:14 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:It actually took the eyes narrowing for Ruby to realize that the deer was interested in her specifically, as he following her wasn't anything new to her, since he had followed her here, but the lack of action from him earlier had given a reason to think it was nothing more than regular curiosity. She of course avoided him, not wanting him to touch her, as she had enough stuff going on as it was without some potential death touch from yet another undead "I believe the first thing would be to find the basement, one would think it holds some kind of answers." he was hoping the deer's interest would last so that he would just follow them down anyway, but she didn't want to say it out loud in case the deer had some intelligence left in it.
The deer were not deterred, and just kept following her. She could use that to her advantage likely, leading him on to follow her towards wherever they were going. The basement as it were, soon as they could find an entrance for it.
"Okay, that creepy little... Whatever, seems to be focused on you. Let's just keep him in sight, and lead on. It sounded like we needed to do something int he basement, that included him. We'll probably see when we get there."
All the undead in the room had left by now, so it would be simple for them to move back the way they had come from, and start searching for the path. Now without any undead, they could start to look further for other paths, without anything getting in the way. The sole one they met, would instantly turn around and wander down a different path when seeing them. It did not seem they would be attacked currently. Likely orders from the leader, as they were now under enough pressure to not need to be brought in.
If they looked in the last room, there were a loose door, if they searched the walls. It were well hidden, having seemingly been meant to not be traversed. Leviathan could find it by searching around, pushing here and there, but it were likely easier for Ruby, as there were a pair of gold-plated antlers behind it, leading down. A warning sign to some. Treasure to others. Though Ruby might need to walk in a circle a few times, to avoid the deer, who did not seem to stop his fixation on her. Like being chased by a turtle, with no idea of its intentions.
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"Aaaah, inn residents, wanting to be locals, huh? Then you're probably one of those who outta look at the new section of town, and get yourself down for a home there. There's not a lot built there yet, but there's some working on it, when things aren't as hectic and crazy as they've been today. Some of them include businesses, though there's still plenty enough already in Ponyville. Depends on the sort of work you like that is.
If you talk about medicine and other related topics, so maybe you're healers, or doctors? You'd need the proper certifications to be counted as a doctor, but there's room for healers too in town, and there's that independent doctor, that got into town a few weeks ago. She's pretty nice, though I feel like a little filly, next to her.
Where was I... Oh right, if you want updated information on stuff, I'd say go to the library. Princess Twilight keeps adding more and more tomes, and I know some other med students have gone there to read. Seems as good a place as any to start, yeah? But you really should try and get a residence claimed first.
I'm pretty much off work by now. If you can wait the last bit before it's done, I can go show you where to handle stuff. You know, the right part of town, how to handle the claim, the library, that sort. Though it's hard to mis the library. The castle doesn't really blend in with anything."
Doctor Neon grinned at them. She didn't mind helping out, and it gave her something to do tonight. Not a good concert happening this night anyway, so she had plenty of time. And if these waned to be new residents, she had to show them that Ponyville welcoming spirit! It'd be fun. Except the library. It was dull. But that were libraries in a nutshell.
They were done with the tail, so if they could just wait the last bit of the hour, or come back after, Neon would have all the time to help them get settled in, as best she could. Though they might wanna weapon themselves with patience too.
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(Spectra)
On 2024-04-10 at 6:33 PM, Props Valroa said:"It matters not how Magloria escaped, because of her, all this was set in place. It is reasonable to assume that she is working with the Canterlot Guard as she had led them to the lair." Spectra huffed, and seemed to calm down slightly with a frustrated sigh.
"Were it that simple, it would be more tolerable. But I know who three of them are.
The first is Captain Hailstorm. One of the more favored to take over as Solar Guard general now, after the last one that were meant to take over from General Dew, had his accident. He's highly efficient, but he is still a military pony. He is relatively predictable, in what he needs to prioritize. Those two however...
Shade Stealer. The leader of the Night Guard's special forces. Him and his workers stalk through shadows, and can literally jump out of one of them, and kidnap you, or assassinate you where you stand, in complete silence. He's a ruthless enemy, and I've long imagined that the only reason he haven't yet stabbed me in the back, is that he cares as little for the nobles as I do. He answers only to General Screecher, and if she wants something done, he will make it happen.
His counterpart is that fancy looking mare you see there. Glorious Phantasma. She is the leader of Solar Guard's special forces, and her looks are deceiving. Much as she portrays a far better public image than Shade, she is a far more cruel opponent to face. She's a master of hidden weapons, and enhanced interrogations. If she gets hold of you, it is not a matter of if you will talk, but when. Her team is renown3ed spies, and are good at getting stealthily hold of any target they are told to apprehend.
She might listen to the captain, long as their goals align, but is ultimately only answers of General Dew and Princess Celestia.
These two utterly despise one an other, so seeing them both on the same assignment, means that both the royal guards are interested in you. And this was before the explosion. At this time, you will have gotten infamous enough to getting the undivided attention of both of them, and thus the entire guard, that is not currently working on handling the aftermath of your actions. And that's not even talking about the Costal Guard spymaster, whom I am assuming are getting filled in as we speak. And I have nothing to say of that one, since I know next to nothing about them. Just the name Ocean Song. Which might just be a rumor spread by the Coastal Guard, to make others paranoid about what they can do.
Either way, the longer we stay in Equestria, the closer you will be to get stabbed from your own shadow."
Great. He thought maybe the military would be on them, and that perhaps they'd have mobilized their spies to work on them. But this meant that they had already been gathered for it beforehoof, and now they were there, and likely actively working to find them. Between the spy network that Phantasma had, and the skills of Shade and his crew, every second they spent in Equestria, had the potential of ending their trip abruptly.
Normally he would not want to be anywhere near either of them, but now... Maybe he deserved it, after all the things he had been involved in by this point. The last few days had made him an accomplice to several war crimes, and unspeakable fates towards innocents. And while after his wife's supposed death, he had done several cruel and horrendous things, that he hadn't thought he could once upon a time, and gotten so broken that he actually began to believe that he liked doing it, he had always targeted those who deserved it. He couldn't in good faith say that anymore. Not after what he had become part of.
He might not be able to just run off and surrender himself, but he were feeling an increasing hope, that the two of them would be found, before they crossed the border into Troy. Because when they got that far, it were unlikely that Equestria would come after them. The border situation were tense enough, without that sort of brazen invasion.
On 2024-04-10 at 6:33 PM, Props Valroa said:Still though, she believed they could only go up from here. They had all the time in the world to plan their moves accordingly. Spectra would look to the Construct. "What did you experience after the explosion of the base?" Spectra would ask the Construct, to see if it could show a video of what happened after it departed the crater.
The construct would look at her, but not act at first. Something that made Operata scoff.
"I don't recall it getting a lesson in common tongue, so I doubt it understands you."
He would annoyingly lift his front legs, and make the movement of a box with it a few times, until the construct appeared to understand what it were asked to do. So it would begin to project again, yet this time, being from a lower vantage point for the most part, as it showed what it considered the important part of its adventure since. It were not aware that it were meant to show everything.
It started as the mountain exploded, giving them both a good view of the chaotic mess of energy hammering in there, with it sitting calmly in a bubble of see-through light, yet rocks and fire would still rain down upon it.
Next scene would be it out of the fire, looking at the remains of the mountain. It were a wreck, with first responders showing up a little after that, mostly ignoring it as they tried to combat the flames.
Then came the town it had visited, where it had been doing a sweep of the town, to try and find its overseer. It had not managed to find one, so it were short, just showing it a little in clips, before it left again.
Afterwards, it were a return to the mountain. It were still burning, but the construct moved through it, unbothered by such things, and would eventually show off the large, marble-like statue made of Spectra, as she looked before, with a plate of unintelligible words adorning the base. Likely her designation.
Next was another town, far larger in size, and it showed a few places, where it had carved symbols into buildings, scrap heaps, etc, as well as where it had found a dumpster of books. It had showed itself scanning those for a time, explaining how it would have learned some degree of the language, though it still needed to be able to tell what thing meant what in the first place. It were just a matter of observation at this time.
It would end with it leaving Deltrot - a sign said so in one clip - and then going out here to build this. It did not show much of what were used for it, except for wood, stone, and other things it could find int he adjourning area. Primarily stone though, of which many had come from the bottom of the river. A long process, but it had kept it busy.
It would end at the point when it would have seen the two of them approach, and then sit down, gathering its limbs up, and becoming immobile. Light would go on in the eyes, but one could imagine it were recharging in some capacity, and thus were limiting excess power, on things not required right now, such as mobility.
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(Spoiled Rich)
The trip to Gold Needle's were mostly uneventful. A fair few noticed and remembered her now, that she were looking properly like herself, minus a proper hair treatment, and a new dress. But as promised, the lawyer had made sure the two were waiting for her, and the second she opened the door, they'd lead her in, present her with the dress they had been informed were to her preferred tastes, and then Gold would start to properly manage her mane and tail, while Needle would sew the dress to fit perfectly,
Once all were said and done, she could go and find that the lawyer had arranged for a carriage, as he believed it being more dignified and proper for her, than a mere cab. The two muscular stallions dragging it, ready to be on their way, wings spread, and looking towards the trek to Ponyville. This were not the cheapest way to travel, and especially not when it were a flying carriage, but it would be the most direct, luxurious ride there, to arrive in class. And it had already been prepaid, tip included, so they simply waited for them to enter, before they took off into the air. And as were custom with this kind of high end travel, it were smooth, to the point where one would hardly notice they were flying, if they did not poke their heads out of the window. No expenses were spared, in this kind of construction. Which the price tag also showed, but that were not her problem to handle right now. Several others were, as Jargon would open his saddlebag, and present a folder of various paperwork.
"While we are flying, Madame Rich, a brief follow up on things.
I have contacted Clayton, and presented him with the schematic, as well as your new specifications. He is currently ensuring the proper materials are sent towards the location, and booking workers. They should begin breaking ground at sunrise. His best estimate is that it will take three weeks, for it to be build completely. Not as fast as his main competition, but undoubtedly more robust, and of higher quality. I will make sure to contact him with three day intervals, to get a progress report, and will return with any relevant details."
He'd handle her a copy of the signed contract to see and read, if she so wished to.
"As for your legal status, you have been formally declared alive and well, and your finances will reflect that accordingly. You will receive some legal documents within three days, but I have had them redirected to my office, and will handle them, in my capacity as your lawyer. You may end up finding that there will come a call for a blood test within the next few days however. In your absence, a few members of your extended family, had eyed your legal status as deceased, a chance to gain part in your estate. I have compiled a list of most abhorrent to least, when it comes to the kind of things I have been contacted about, regarding you, in your absence. I will give them credit where it is due, that it is an almost unheard of minority of bad faith requests. Most have simply been questions about when the date would be, so that they could plan a proper funeral for the date, or a request for a memento after the funeral, to remember you by, chosen by your husband. As well as regular request for news, regarding anything about what happened to you.
A few exceptions are of course present, from those who smelled money, but even then, I expected worse."
He'd hand her a few pieces of paper, with excerpts from things said or written to her, by the family. Including a letter from her daughter, asking him when her mommy would come home again. That one had hurt him in the heart, as he had feared any news he would eventually give, would be grim, but now Spoiled were back, he could see it in a much more endearing light. One that he hoped that she would see it in too. Much as she might think her daughter a... Stuck up little lady at times, she had genuinely missed her mother. What interactions he had with both her, and her father, had made that abundantly clear. It would be good for them both to have her back.
"I will also be preparing a slew of financial papers, to show you how your investments have paid of over the years. I will have them prepared with Clayton's update, in three days.
Is there anything else I might be of help with, Madame Rich?"
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(Treasure)
Phantasma had held the sword, trying to examine the weight of it, and had reacted instinctively when the bolt of lightning came her way, dragging a beautifully crafted, thin curved sickle from inside her tail, and placed it where the tip of the electric bolt would hit, cutting it in half, to be shot at either side of her. A blade made of the same metal, that Fae had in her possession, gotten at no small cost. She'd ideally have gotten enough of the metal to make a proper blade, but this were all she had been able to get. In fact, it were several years worth of getting small samplings of the metal, just to make this one sickle. A long, tedious progress.
On one side where the magic went though, stood Shade would go in to interrupt, as they had the painting there, and dragged it briefly into the shadows, before going over and pulling it out again.
"Nasty little surprise that one. Somepony does not like others touching their stuff."
"It would seem so. I didn't expect you to handle it that way though."
"I suppose I could have used another trick, but I know you've heard of this one, and my first reaction were to make use of it regardless."
"Must have taken practice to not cut off your own tail."
"Trial, error, and hair grafts. Troubling, but worthwhile training. As I'm sure yours were too."
"Yes, but my errors include not being corporeal for days on end. I could not recommend it."
"What, your dark powers are not all upsides? Quite a shocker."
"I've paid the pound of flesh, to be able to use them in the first place. I've learned to accept that, and what other things can happen, from using these powers beyond what I intended."
"You claim you didn't take it for power?"
"No, but the question is wrong. You should ask what was worth taking this upon myself for. But I will let you find that out yourself. We have things to do, and if you want to know so badly, I'm gonna make you work for it."
"Hmphm. Can't simply make things easy now, can you?"
"Why start now?"
Acceptable enough, she supposed. Besides, it were more fun for her to figure it out herself, and not having to rely on just his word for things, which he probably also knew she'd find questionable. Better to let her go and question those in his home town, so she'd learn more, from other sources, that did not have a biased opinion on her, yes? Sounded accurate, but she expected to be told a story of predictable greed, and a feeling of wanting more than he deserved. A stale tale, but one that were ever present in stories for a reason, as that were often what led one to go and search for magic like this.
As for the book, they'd see a bit more, but after a time of no more information, they would close the book, and look around at the other things, yet to be examined.
"I would think more are boobytrapped. We need some other tools for the task."
"I will have my team deliver them, from the North Point safe house. IN the meantime, we should go and confront Starswirl. He have some explaining to do."
She'd concur, and would rendezvous with him soon enough, near Starswirl's current residence. Shade showed up first as per usual, though there had been a moment, before he slinked into the shadows. His wings spreading as Phantasma's did, and she took to the air, as if he were preparing to fly with her there. Then reality hit him, as the bony appendages, were not able to be used for flight, and he'd fold them in again, and go into the shadows. This power had cost him the skies, and so far, he hadn't figure out how to get him back up there. Not properly anyway. Sometimes, it really grinded his gears.
As he stood out of the shadows, and became fully formed, he'd shake the last few thoughts on this subject, out of his head. He had to focus here, and wait for Phantasma, who had taken the book without giving him a chance to take it himself. He'd argue he could get it there faster, but she probably just assumed that if he had taken this alone, he'd end up handling things before she even showed up.
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On 2024-04-10 at 4:49 PM, EQ_Theta said:
“I wouldn’t claim to know what the elders think of the situation, only what Elder Ghilan says about the matter. From what I gathered, you and our elders share their views of Ghilan being inexperienced, and Ghilan says as much about himself despite receiving advice from our village’s council. At times, it is difficult to know what the elders from the other villages are like, especially because we don’t meet them; they call us, and many, if not all, longma believe that to be a poor sign of things to come.”
“Elder Ghilan seems to be a lot more assertive of himself nowadays, taking charge of matters as if he knew of them more clearly. It wouldn’t hurt to let him know about how he can convince the other elders to take a chance on him. He may be leading our village, but he is actively seeking guidance and new perspectives, so I have confidence in him.
“If he were here right now, he would love to speak and learn from you, elders. It wouldn’t be the first time for him, after all.”
"Being willing to listen, is the first step towards being enlightened. If your elder looks for knowledge, and aren't afraid of new inputs, it leaves him able to listen, and embrace things that he could not, were he to simply leave his interests, at the leisure of your other elders. Still, their wisdom should not be ignored. It is yet important, as it will be the basis for how to lead your own kin. Even if it must evolve, for you to face the broader world around you.
If he means to listen, and he remains steadfast in that, no matter the outcome of your meeting, perhaps the day will then come, when we can offer him some outsiders perspectives to ponder. I should find it fairly interesting."
"Education as well, for both us, and him. You two are open-minded, but you are not in the position of leaders right now. His perspective on things, will be different than your own."
It were hard to say if it ever did become a thing that would come to pass, of course. Sure they both had an interest in it, and as elders of their own, isolated towns, they could meet the society of the longma, and their elders, on more common ground, than a pony, or Discord could.
They too appreciated the comfort and joy of tradition, even if they approached it differently than the longma, but it were one thing that one could hope would change for them, now that members of theirs, began to see and to an extend, embrace outside perspectives.
That said, they did not go into this, with the aim of changing their whole culture. Zhao and Sohe had their ideas of how things could improve, and they would offer them freely, but it would in the end, be a choice for the longma to take. It were their home, and their culture, after all. What happened to it, and how it evolved, should be their decision, in the end. Elders such as Sohe and Zhao, would offer perspective, and suggestions. Guidance if there were questions even, but they were not invaders, nor zealots. They had no interest in removing what it meant to be longma. It would be hypocritical do ever do such a thing, when they would fight fiercely for their own culture and heritage.
On 2024-04-10 at 4:49 PM, EQ_Theta said:“We’ll be cautious, though Omen may already have some experience with that. A young woodworker in our village got to see and meet a pony through her, and that happened without any problems. Maybe we lucked out that time, but that gave us a bit of hope that maybe we could show the longma that we don’t have to be so isolated.”
“That woodworker was nervous, but he is a nice fellow all things considered. If other longma were a little like him, then maybe they could see giving big changes a chance.”
"He showed foals some of his carvings. I think they liked it. The bad one came after that. I do not think he wanted the other one to speak with Sen or Lin. Or maybe it was me, since he asked me questions? I do not know."
"There will always be those, who oppose progress. What is important is as they say, that the woodworker were receptive to meeting others. The younger generation are often easier to convince of things maybe not being bad, simply because they are not part of what they are used to. Convincing the older generation will be challenging. But this is a hurdle you will face soon enough."
The elders were but the first example of this. There were older, regular citizens, that were likely not as keen on changes either. It would go against everything they had known, and been taught were good. It wouldn't be easy to make them think that introducing a new way of handling things, would be a good way forward. Yet they would have to convince them too eventually, to proceed as smoothly as possible. Or wait for them to perish, but that would take quite a bit longer. Best to try and aim for convincing at least a reasonable portion of them.
On 2024-04-10 at 4:49 PM, EQ_Theta said:“Thank you. I’ll be careful with the scroll. Although I’d like to head back to the village to let Elder Ghilan know of what’s going on, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to stay for a while longer. If Lin needs a little more time to rest, then I will stay until she is ready.”
“I think there’s still time before we need to go, and you could always just ask Omen to go with you back to the village. But yes, Elder Zhao, we can stay so Elder Sohe can see if we can uh… ‘listen to the voice of the elements,’ as you say.”
"She seems at sound mind, so I would think her okay to travel. Just be calm easy Lin, if you begin to wobble, or feel queasy. It is just an after effect that will pass, if it haven't already."
The elders would rise up, to begin the trip towards the room, that they wished for them to visit. It wouldn't be far from here. Up one bridge, then a small walk for a few minutes more, with nature blooming around them, and spirits yet looking at them curiously. Nothing as large as River, nor any as bold, but they did definitely bite notice in the strange visitors. It wasn't normal for non-kitsune to visit town. Much less be wandering with the elders. It were something that drew the attention of many of these curious little nature spirits, up until they finally stood at the door Sohe wanted them to be at. A fairly sized door, seemingly made out of wood, with various flowers and vegetation growing over it, to the point where you couldn't simply open it up.
Sohe however, would wander closer, and put her paw on the door. Slowly, the vegetation began to move, revealing that there were in fact, not a door. The whole entrance were just overgrown with thick vegetation, that you would have to either have move, or chop through. The latter being an option that would definitely not endear you to the spirits, nor the elders. It would be seen as incredibly rude, as this were a room were one were meant to ask permission to enter, as it were a sacred spot for spirits and kitsune alike.
"If you would please, come on in."
The room were modest in appearance. The inside of a globe in construction, the various vegetation lining the walls would make it somewhat uneven, but there were still a sense of harmony in the way things were set up, if they bit notice in it. The flowers, vines, moss, etc. had a natural harmony to them, that made them be set just as they should be, in the eyes of the spirits that flowed around the walls.
In the middle, would be a clear spot. Roots would go to the edge of it, but the circle, around a meter in diameter, were simple planks of wood, inscribed in a myriad of tiny symbols. The water flowed freely through this place, pouring in a stream through the top, and exiting down the bottom, yet on this middle piece, it would not touch. Rather the water would flow to the sides, as if over an invisible globe, and gathering below the platform again, in one, steady stream. It would almost seem as if a small igloo were present on the middle platform, made out of naught but air.
There were sometimes a pillow on the seating platform too, but it were sometimes tossed around by the spirits for fun, though as they saw Elder Sohe had arrived, a few clear spirits with sprouts on their heads, would dive into a nearby plant, and seemingly possesses the vine to grab the pillow, and gently put it in place. The elder would bow her neck before the vine in kind, before it retracted.
"I thank you, friends. Yet today it is not I, who come to listen. I bring guests, whom I hoped you might speak to, and see if they can hear?"
She seemed to listen for something, and after a half minute or so, would smile a little wider, and bow her head once more.
"Your willingness, is much appreciated. We shall see if it bears fruit."
Only then, would she turn towards the others, whilst behind her, fluttering spirits would begin to pop their heads out, curiously watching the newcomers, that were to be tested.
"I would ask you all to try, yet one at a time, please. Sen first, then Lin. Omen, I hope you will be willing to try too? I am somewhat curious, what they will think about you."
"Okay."
"Thank you. Now Sen, if you would please? Just sit in the middle, close your eyes, and focus your ears on listening. If you can hear a voice speaking to you, be not afraid of it. Try and listen, and when the waters part again, tell me if you heard something."
He would get three minutes to listen, after starting. And once he were in position, the water would close around the globe. If he could hear the voices, one or more would end up being heard by him, over the sound of rushing water. How many voices were discernable, would be important.
"Uuuh, this one has scales."
"I bet he can't hear a thing."
"I like your tail."
"Never seen someone like you before."
"Sohe likes him. Let's be nice."
"Awh, but it would be so fun to poke him."
Just because this were a sacred place, where one could attune with the spirits, if you had the gift, did not mean the spirits were overly serious about things. Often, the more playful would come out to do these tests, where the more serious were waiting to see if it were worth their time first.
If Sen could hear any of the voices, he could respond to it, or them. If not, it would just sound like water, insects buzzing, wind blowing softly through, and rustling of leaves. Things such as that.
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On 2024-04-09 at 2:00 AM, Lawyer Slip said:Unfortunately, the Draconicuos I know is anything but a friend. Y'know how Draconici represent different things, like how Discord represents Chaos and how I assume Gluttony's name is what she represents? Well, this Draconicuos is not my friend. His name is Cataclysmor, and he represents Armageddon and seeks to cause it everywhere. He's a big meanie who definitely can't be trusted, and that's all I can say without going into too much detail. However, if you tried to hig him, he would probably try to kill you. He also knows Discord, and wants to, and I quote "snap his stupidly long traitorous neck." Cataclysmor is nopony's friend.
Anyways, glad to hear you want to meet Rich, I'm sure you two would also get along splendidly!
"Oooh, so one of those who wanna break the world, huh? I can't imagine most draconequui, likes that sorta member, but there's bad seeds in ever race, right? Just sometimes, those bad seeds can destroy the world. A bit spooky, but the world still seems to be here, so... No need to worry about it right now, heh.
A shame he'd try and kill if he got a hug. He really sounds like he needs some friends. And a lesson in why it's wrong to hate others, just because they're not like you. Hopefully somepony will give him that someday. Like Gluttony had. That's what I were told anyway, that she were helped by a pony, and then she helped Gluttony and Avarice to be better too. That's why Gluttony is in that enormous landfill. An endless feast of things to eat, and she gobbles all sorts in her. It really helps keeping Equestria cleaner.
But enough about ornery sorts, and massive maws. Let's go meet your friend!"
Sounded like a gnarly, dangerous one, that Cataclysmor fellow. Best to avoid him, if she heard he were anywhere, and let stronger beings handle that. She still had way too many things to hug in this world, to be killed by a big ol' grump.
On 2024-04-09 at 2:00 AM, Lawyer Slip said:Oh! Hello there my lady, my name is Crawford. Rich, Crawford. You can call my Rich, but don't call me Big Cash Monies, it's a long story. Anyways, please feel free to have a seat, I'll get you something to drink, what would you like.
Compared to Slipstream's aura of anxiety and kindness, Rich had one of confidence, safety, and a hint of death-defying adventure. If Ziggy could tell that is.
Ziggy clasped her front hooves on both sides of her face, which had a huge, open-mouth smile on it, with eyes nearly glittering in pure joy.
""*gasp* Look at how tiny he is! Oh my Celestia, he's adorable!"
Maybe not the smartest first words, but she were used to thinking alicorns were some of the few ponies, going over her head. This one were Twilight sized, more or less.
"Hello, Rich! I'm Ziggy. I met your friend out here in town, and then he said he had an alicorn friend, and I just had to see, and there you are! I kept hearing all male alicorns were feral, but you're not! Obviously, duh. But like, you're not one of those who get hit by the random *BAM!* then alicorn, and go coo coo. And you're Twilight sized! That's so cute. Are you the same age as her? Or is it like, how long you have been an alicorn that matters?"
In her happy words, spoken with the enthusiasm of a sugar addict, at the top of their high, she would be touching on the phenomenon that caused what were dubbed "Feral Alicorns" in Equestria. Nopony knew why it happened, but sometimes, it seemed just randomly, a pony would be struck by strange magic, and undergo alicornification. The ordeal were taxing both mentally and physically, so most who had it happen to them, went mad in the process, and had to be... Well, put down, cruel as it sounded.
Since alicorns done the proper way, were usually just females, it added the tale that male alicorns were just not meant to be. Something about them meant they just couldn't handle it, though more professional ones, didn't participate in the gossip version, as they knew the random, unfiltered process could hit mares too.
It were an odd phenomenon, that didn't have a source, or origin. It only happened in Equestria, according to reports, and it were impossible to track, since as soon as one had been through it, there were nothing to trace in the area, and there didn't seem to be anything happening there afterwards either. It were as if the country just sometimes *burped* special magic out, and sometimes, an unfortunate soul got caught in it.
This one seemed sane though, so he might have bucked the trend, or been alicornified the right way. You'd think the princess would have announced that though. *gasp* Unless he were not Equestrian? He might come from somewhere else, like Saddle Arabia. They had their princess too! And princess Arabian Nights were supposedly extremely beautiful. Ziggy hoped to see some day, and figure out if the stories were true.
"Oh! And uh... Water, please. Sorry for being hyper, but I have a ton of energy, and this is the sort of exciting thing that just makes me all psyched up! But... Ngggh.... No, not... Must. Hug.... But not in the... Kitchen..."
She strained against herself, as her instincts were now telling her to rush in and hug, but since he stood over a stove, her logic said no. A logic reinforced by her mother, using her stern voice, so she knew that it were serious. SHe might need a couple of minutes here to just... Get this through her system.
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(Spectra)
The construct were unmoving, as Spectra began to try and figure out how to do this properly, but when she were done, the code were accepted. The lights on its own faceplate would light along with every press of a button she made, and when it were done, all would flash twice, and the construct would stop projecting the light panel, and close its hand up again. Her authority had been accepted, and it would thus get on the boat with them. Operata kept as much distance between it and him though, as were possible. Which weren't he hardest, as the construct would go to the front of the boat, and faced his supervisor. As he had now located her, or whomever had been deemed right to replace her, it were time for it to deliver its report of what had happened in the mountain.
It's chest plate would fold in, in a few, rectangular sections, and from them, would emanate light, that would give a holographic, three-dimensional *video*, of what had happened, from the moment when Magloria's shell were crackling, to when the various guards were wandering through, and of course, the explosion itself, and the fiery aftermath. It had not included when it had been the one to start Magloria escaping, as it were not something it deemed relevant information. Everything that had happened, that had triggered its alarm system, happened from after that.
The picture were still limited to the room of crystals, where it had hung on the wall, and looked over things. So everything that had happened outside of that room, wouldn't be recorded. Which included Shade taking his cats, as they had run around in a panic, as everything began to unravel around them. If his wife had been in the same room as Magloria though, he would be able to tell that she had been taken however, and were in fact no longer in the possession of Spectra, but rather some other power. One he knew, as Shade were all too known by him.
It had been a big base though. She were likely in some other part of the mountain, so she should still be able to twist this to fit her narrative.
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(Spoiled Rich)
19 hours ago, Props Valroa said:"Right. You have access to what you will need to begin plans for the construction of the new Estate where the old one sat before. Blueprints tell you everything. Remember - Large Skylights in the living room. Outdoor pool. Underground bunker of reliable quality and with large supplies."
"I still have the blueprints in the folder. The assurance company required the original, but I have both it, and a copy at this point. I will ensure the original, stays with me, and that only Clayton gains access to the copy."
He would scribble down the other details. He believed he had heard of something for the bunkers provisions, that would be helpful, but he would discuss the details with Clayton. best not to give false expectations. It were hardly fitting for him to give falsehoods to his employer.
19 hours ago, Props Valroa said:Spoiled Rich knew she would recover from this. It would take time. With that in mind, Spoiled Rich would follow along towards the Dreamy Clouds Spa.
The route to the spa were thankfully as mentioned, rather quick, and still clean. So they would get to the entrance of the extravagant building soon. Not the cheapest spa in town by far, but it were also not meant for just anypony. It were meant for high society, to be pampered within, and soon she would be feeling that once again.
Discreetly entering, Jargon would go to the register, and pay the notable amount for a full treatment. The one at the register were well mannered and dressed immaculately, but he were also young and new. He didn't know about Spoiled, and would just assume this were her lawyer paying on her behalf, because she didn't deign it worth her time to do so. They had a few who used their assistants in much the same way, so it weren't too notable to him. Some of the workers would remember her though, and would be surprised, but welcomed her back all the same.
After she were done, she'd find that her lawyer were not there, as he were still arranging things, but the Gold Needle Boutique would stand ready for her arrival, not too far from here. It were time for her to be properly dressed and having her mane and tail done properly, before returning home to what would be a very surprised family.
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(Treasure)
Phantasma would go and unlock the book fairly easily. Wasn't the first time she had to pick a lock, nor would it be the last. And this one were laughably easy. Old and not up tot he task. Though if had a magical protection... She'd still open it up, she just had to pull a few different extra tools out from her tail.
Before she got a chance to open it though, Shade would put his hoof down on the book. To say she were dismayed by the action, were an understatement, as she wanted to know what they had to work with here.
"Why do you try and ruin my fun?"
"It's one of Starswirl's. How much do you trust a lock, is the only defense it has?"
Her expression would stiffen, and she'd regrettably have to accept that he were right. This book belonged to one of the greatest unicorns in their country's history. He may well have put a magical trap on it too, just to keep others out of his private business.
So they would stand at a distance, whilst Shade used his magic to open the book. Tendrils of dark magic, floating off of his bony wings, to grab hold of the book, and reveal what were inside. If a trap would spring, they'd be ready. If not, they would eventually get closer, after flapping through some pages, which would soon after reveal the note. One that grabbed their attention, as they read it through several times.
20 hours ago, Props Valroa said:"Diaspora is a difficult student to work with - due to her disability. She cannot cast magic like any other pony, I theorize she may have been born under unusual conditions. I have never seen a Unicorn be unable to cast magic. Diaspora is frustrated, understandably so - but as the days go by, the more desperate she's become at the lack of answers I can give her. I really sympathize with her, I do - but...something's off about her. I can't put my hoof on it. There is a darkness in her heart. Yet her desperation, her pleading, begging tells me something else. I am very concerned for her. As the first student of mine this situation is most troubling." on the back of it, was more writing. This time, not from Starswirl.
It would read as follows - "You were a failure of a teacher. I hate you. You could never help me, the one pony I could trust to help me could never provide me any answers. Only more questions and frustrations. I hate myself for being born this way. Hate. Hate. Hate. It's all I have left in me. All my accomplishments in securing peace in Equestria on your behalf, all for nothing. No cure! Nothing! I can't stand it anymore...I'll find my own answers...""Tangible proof. How... Easy."
"Yes, it shouldn't be taken at face value. However, it is something tangible, in that we can approach the wizard himself about it. It is a lead, if nothing else."
Phantasma would put the note in an evidence bag, and stuff that into her uniform. They were going to want to be sure that this were close at hoof. The same with this book, but they both didn't even need to speak to one another, to know that they both wanted to read a little more, to see if there were more clues to work from. There were a reasonable chance that Starswirl might just take the book, and tell them nothing, if they presented it to him. It were prudent as investigators in their own right, for them to examine this evidence closer. Though Starswirl would be involved sooner or later. They would need his account of things here, to figure out if perhaps, they had actually found Spectra. Might not be her real name still if it were, but if she went to Starswirl, and struggled with her skills, they may well have found what set her on her path, and a rough estimate of when she began her grizzly business.
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Just for the record, I have zero idea how to go though an actual therapy session. So uh... If it comes down to that, I probably need to be more of a descriptive figure, rather than one asking direct questions. I'd probably mess something up horrendously otherwise.
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"I'm fine, just... A few bruises. It'll ache later, but I've had worse. Ardee's outta see someone first, after she's had some rest."
She could feel it aching some already, but it wasn't something she hadn't tried before. Unless it started to bleed, or the pain would increase, she'd be fine. She just needed to take it easy for a bit, if that were at all possible. This line of work, who could tell how it would go?
Honestly, the thought of just laying down on the floor for a bit, and breathe in silence, were rather tempting. Just a chance to clear her head, and get everything straight. But much as that seemed tempting, there were something else that were far more tempting than that.
Beyond the want to have the Vengeance powers turned off again, but she would've asked Nine to do so on the way back, so that shouldn't currently be an issue.
"Don't blame yourself, Arcade. If anyone's to blame here, it's me. The stuff I did when I went alone, it wasn't dangerous, and we were a big group, so no one tried something. But I left you behind, because I was scared that either of you were gonna get into this mess, but not out of it again. If I hadn't, maybe she wouldn't have been taken in the first place. You wouldn't have gotten killed on that rooftop...
This here's my fault, because I didn't trust her. And don't say that ain't true, because it is. I didn't believe that if the fight came, she'd be ready for it. I were sure she'd be the sitting duck, just waiting to be shot down.
Instead she came in, guns blazing, and showed teeth. Even though Basher held back, that doesn't change that she wouldn't have just been picked off. But I didn't give her a chance to prove that, before I just tossed her in a box, and told her to stay there.
I just... Void trusted me to take good care of her this trip. Instead I tried too hard, and I almost f-failed her, and all of you. If she'd died, because of me, I... H-How could I even look her in the eyes anymore? Or y-you..."
It all just hit her at once, and she'd lean in to him, crying into his chest fluff. She were happy, that they all got out of this alive, but she had put a lot of fear, pain, and other negative emotions in the back of her mind, when she put the focus on finding her Ardee again. She got a small respite earlier, because of Arcade, but it hadn't stopped boiling up back there, including when Ardee had shown up, and started to fight Basher. And now everything seemed calm and done, the barrier were falling down, and she needed to let it out. Even if it was just a little. Just a few minutes, where it were just him and her, before the next ordeal would toss them to the waves.
===============================================================================
(School)
Cherish hadn't anything to mention about this, as she knew a little bit more on how her mother's clinic worked, seeing as she lived there, and had been through several sessions herself. But with Sooth here, she would have the chance to do something else, before the day would be done.
That being that she'd ask Sooth if maybe she could go to the Cutie Mark Party, if it was okay with the others. Sooth personally, hadn't anything against it, but did say that she would have to ask Void, and that Cherish herself would have to ask Toupé, of course. Which she did.
If Toupé preferred not to, that would be okay. They were still new classmates, so Cherish could understand, and just wished her a happy Cutie Mark Party. If it were okay, Sooth would say that she'd go and ask Void about it, before school ended for today, so she should better go and ask. If it came to that, Void would be surprised for a start, to see her therapist. But when explained things, would understand, and welcomed Cherish, if she liked to join. Void figured it were good for them all to make friends.
That would of course, also be an option for Lilac and Nova. She'd have to find some more plates and such in the closet, but there were food enough, she made sure of that, and she could easily make room around the table.
As for how things were set up at home? It were extravagant. Balloons covered a fair few surfaces. Various, mixed culture party accessories were hung or put around, as it were hard to have enough, without being willing to take what one could find. The table were covered in a large cloth, but it were clear that something were beneath the lumpy tablecloth, as were there beneath a cloth, that were hanging and covering something in the middle of a spacious wall, with the best view when you entered the living room.
Colors and flags were in abundance, wherever you looked, and once shed notice they were here, Void would pop around the corner, wearing a party hat, and using a small party horn. It had seen better days, but it were the best she had to work with, though Lacuna would repeat the sound it made, as best he could too, as he thought this were some new kind of greeting. She didn't mind. It would distract him away from trying to wander off and eat tinsel. Which at least he had been interested in trying. If the foals had been the same, she had three to try and stop from doing that, which would not have made things easier, but she would muscle through it, as best she could.
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On 2024-04-06 at 5:26 PM, EQ_Theta said:
“I think the elders may call us out on our foolishness; none may enter the ruins, after all. They have their reasons for calling those places taboo, but if there is a threat coming for the longma, I’m certain they’d at least listen. Though I imagine they’d have some words for us about how we should have stayed away. But you are right. The longma will change leaders one day, and I just hope that they may see sense in finding a better way.”
“Then it would be best that we follow Elder Sohe’s and Elder Zhao’s advice when dealing with the elders or other matters. The elders should at least hear us out. What other reason would they have to call us and Elder Ghilan if not to speak before them?”
“To call us out for venturing into the ruins? Or express their disapproval of Elder Ghilan because they see him stepping up as elder to be some sort of power grab? He said it himself, and he isn’t exactly popular with the elders right now.”
"With all respect I believe they deserve, your elders sounds arrogant and paranoid. Seeing someone stepping up to take a leader role, when one were needed, should be celebrated. It should not be viewed as one who might threaten their power. To me, that is not the views of a just leader, but one worried that a new one has risen, that were not vetted to think as them.
Still, I could be wrong, and they are simply overly cautious, because they fear he is too inexperienced to lead. Were I to offer a suggestion, I would tell Elder Ghilan that he might want to question that if they think he lacks experience, why then not offer him their wisdom. He already holds the mantle of a leader. If knowledge is what he lacks, then that can be offered to him. That is what we do, when one of our younger ones have needed to step up, and lead. Encouraging one who knows that they must be there for their kin, and granting them the wisdom and support to do so, will make for a memorable leader.""
"I would concur that, Elder Sohe, but I would strongly advice too, that those words be said by Ghilan himself, and not you. He must show initiative, humility, and respect, if he is to be taken serious by them. Having others speak for him, would make him seem unable to handle even the most basic of leadership tasks on his own.
Still, they might not be willing to offer him guidance. If that occurs, consider your options. An outsiders perspective, might do him good."
She did not directly state that they might be willing to offer him some guidance, but it were implied, and intended. They might not stand over the same kind of people, yet they were leaders all the same, with some tangible common-ground. There were likely things that they could teach him, if others did not. Even if they had to go and see him, which should not pose a great threat, if it came to that. Kitsune were masters of illusions. A race not partaking in magic, would be hard pressed to see through the deception.
On 2024-04-06 at 5:26 PM, EQ_Theta said:“An exchange of ideas and an opportunity to learn? That sounds wonderful! But I might just be speaking for myself and not for the longma as a whole. Still, being able to make preparations and take what lessons we can from others is something the other elders could get behind.”
“It’s going to bring some big changes among the longma, and change that drastic will mean opposition. Having been accustomed to one way of life for so long, it would be difficult to see or imagine anything else. We’ll just need to explain it in such a way that it doesn’t scare or shy them away from wanting to give it a shot.”
“It’s definitely something worth thinking about. Thank you, elders, for your perspectives. I hope that would be a convincing start for the elders back home.”
"As an elder, it is my duty and joy, to inform and teach those who seeks knowledge. I hope that things will proceed well for you, and that you understand caution. They might be willing to listen in time. In some ways, I can imagine they might already, if they allow Omen to wander their town. But try not to push too much at them at once. Yet stand ready if danger comes, to make use of all that you have.
It is a balancing act to thread, yet I wish you good tides, as you do so."
"Hmm, speaking of Omen, you are allowed to walk around their town, yes?"
"I am. They say I helped with something, but I do not remember.
Bad one attacked my friends though, and wanted me to tell him things. I have been told by Master Discord, not to lie, but I do not have to answer."
"I would agree with that, yes. It is simply that if they allow you, perhaps you can be used not just as an example that outsiders can be helpful, but perhaps also as the link to the outside. Use her to cautiously make connections, or bring them something of the outside to inspect and evaluate.
Do not bring them something uninvited. Unless it is custom to bring a gift to your elders, when approaching them, I believe it might be unwise."
That would come down to the knowledge that Sen and Lin had. Omen could well take a gift with her. Something that would show respect towards the elders, but she shouldn't do so, if it weren't needed. It might be seen as condescending, or as if she were just trying to win them over with shiny things. Not an ideal situation.
As for her usefulness in acting as a good example, of the outside world, it would depend on how the meeting went. The larger pool of elders would have to accept her presence, for her to be of use, but it could become critical. They best have trained her before the meeting, in how to behave herself, lest she'd cause some rather serious harm to their prospect of broadening the longma's horizons.
On 2024-04-06 at 5:26 PM, EQ_Theta said:It was true that time would be running short, even more so with the siblings expected to be present back home when they were about to travel. Two days wasn’t a long time, depending on how one looked at it, and having to make the trek from the village would take time. Sen would need to place some hope into Lin and Omen, as the task ahead still felt daunting. For now, the matter with the elders would be put on hold for something else the longma were given.”
“We’ll take care of this scroll, elder. Reading it would not be a problem... unless there are some ‘big’ words in it. That part might cause some minor issues, but I doubt it will cause setbacks. I admit I am interested in what it says and how it can improve my meditations.”
"I assure you that it is perfectly legible. I save the big words for my intermediate classes."
The fox would return soon after, it's long tail wrapped around a scroll the length of Sen's arm. It were closed with a silk ribbon, and the paper seemed wrapped around polished bone. Though if they looked closely, they would see it were wood. There were some pale variants in the area, that they liked to use for this sort, as it were long lasting, and did not damage the paper.
The fox would run over to the elder, who'd nuzzle it a little behind the ear, before it dissipated, and she handed the scroll over to Sen.
"This should be of some help, I would hope. If you get through it, and believe yourself ready, you can return and receive one for more advanced techniques. The sort that are often used, to teach dream walking, or wandering in minds.
Now before you leave, Elder Sohe wished to see if perhaps either of you, had it in you to listen to the voice of the elements. Have you a little more time to spare, before you must depart? It shall take no more than ten minutes, I would think."
They likely still had plenty of time. It were still over a day (OOC: far as I remember) until the meting with the elders, yet the night would not be completely peaceful. When the sun set in Equestria, it would be time for the golems to be inhabited, which they had been invited to attend. And who knew? Perhaps the voices of old, could provide some guidance of their own. They might even know of their progenitors, if they were told what information they did have now.
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Ziggy would get closer, and boop him on his forehead with the tip of her right wing, and pull her tongue slightly at him, in a silly manner..
"Easy there, friend. I am not gonna judge you. Especially not for meeting a draconequui. This town has one, with Discord. And then there's the new one in the forest. I haven't met her yet, but I hear she likes to play games.
Then there's Fright, whom I heard got through town recently. Of course when I wasn't here, which is a shame. I heard she were scary looking, but very nice. And I met Gluttony once. The instructor said that it was part of his medical training too, to see what happened with all the medical waste. I got to see her eat an actual ton of stuff, along with some barrels of toxic waste, and a large, bent piece of railing. You wouldn't believe the sort of things she can just chomp down, nor how fast. It was kinda hard to look away from honestly.
Don't you worry about having a draconequui friend here, if that's what you wanted to say. Discord's seen as good, and he's one of the really important, big ones. Your friend's probably okay here too. I'll give them a hug if I see them, just to prove it, hehe.
And Fah'lina's kin is... How was it written down again... Right, Discordian Knight Squirrels, were some of the animals that got changed back when Discord ruled Equestria. Then they bred and multiplied a lot, and when Discord was gone, they were some of the only creatures with too much chaos in them, to get back to normal. Too many generations of it being ingrained and stuff, though they did lose some things, the book said. Then they lived near where Canterlot were, and then one day, they were just gone, and nopony saw them since. Dunno where they went, but seems like some of them are around now.
Like I said, you'll meet her later. She'll be back for snacks sooner or later. But I have time now, so sure! We can go see your friend, hehe. Does he likes hugs? Actually, don't answer that. It'll be a surprise."
She were getting hyped up, and ready for action. So soon as her new friend here were ready to go, she'd be wandering right next to him, tapping along in sheer joy, and humming a little tune. Really looked as if she hadn't a care in this world.
============================================================
She couldn't help but being slightly disappointed in what she were told. She had hoped that there would be more concrete things to work with, that furthermore were not war related, but alas, it seemed that hope were for naught. Still, the data might still prove to hold some sort of information, that could be of assistance to her.
"I would be lying if I said I hadn't hoped for another answer, but there might still be data that would be helpful to my research. I will be more than happy to let you see why I am looking for such information later, but to borrow your reasoning, this isn't the place for it.
And my condolences for your world being - for the lack of a better term - torn asunder. I do not think it sounds like a peaceful place, yet losing your whole world still seem substantially horrendous."
Magma would finish what she had ordered before, and pulled out some bits from her box to cover the cost. She were not a thief, and would pay what she got. Besides, what she had ordered were not expensive. It weren't as if she had gotten a large meal. That would be pointless for her, at this current point in time.
"Perhaps we have something to gain from accompanying one another for a time? Among other things, I know the codes to unlock the research at Center Zero. Even retrieved, there should be a backup stashed in the Metaphysical Laboratory. My former boss showed it to me, as part of the protocols set in place, if an emergency happened. There'd be a copy both there, and at the Boom Workshop. The latter is easier to get, so I can imagine the survivor took that one. Doubly so if it is a Boom that survived. They are surprisingly tenacious, like cockroaches."
It sounded as if there were more that they could discuss, but she got the feeling that he were signaling too, that they best take this elsewhere. Both to talk more technical terms, and to get on with other things. Who knew? Perhaps she could be of some assistance. He might come from a Equestria, but if it were not this one, the chances were slim that he knew how everything worked. That were something that she did have the power to assist with. As well as the time.
========================================================
The deer would not answer, but instead look at the door that had been sealed. If she looked back, she'd find that the darkness covering it, would begin to vanish. The smoke seemingly getting sucked out from behind, or dragged off in a vacuum of sorts.
The leader and the priestess alike, began moving backwards as they saw this, and the latter would poke her staff into a stone slab they would eventually stand on, that would slowly start to rise into the air, with them on it. A magical elevator, as it were.
Before they were far up though, the door would open, and the deer she had run into outside, would go inside, and look up towards them. Something that made the mummified, less alive looking leader of these undead, point towards him.
"That is it."
They would soon enough be out of sight proper, and at a higher point in the temple, leaving the two of them with this undead, that would look at them both with curious, darkened eyes.
"Hey, I remember that one. He were out at the door. That's the one that got loose?"
He didn't seem impressive, but... Apparently this were the one they had to lead into the basement? Pretty weird, but alright. They could likely do that.
"Urgh, freaking stomach pain... I hate curses."
She'd stagger forth a bit, grinding her teeth. She had been giving a nasty curse here, and she could tell it. Something they'd been told had a kill switch. Literally. If they tried to leave, without this one getting trapped in, they'd be royally boned. Again, quite literally. It sounded like they'd be de-fleshed.
"Alright you, you wanna rumble, or are we gonna get you to downtown without any fuss?"
The deer looked at her, and tilted its head at her. He didn't seem to know what she meant.
"...Can you even understand me?"
The deer would slowly nod, whilst a sound would come from further behind, from down the hallways. Sounded like something had broken. Perhaps a piece of the ceiling had fallen down, considering the loud noise.
"Okay. Let's try again: Do you want to go to the basement?"
This time, the deer would shake. It did not seem to be what he had in mind.
"Why can't things ever be easy, y'know?
Are you okay, Ruby? I swear, we'll get out of this. Just have to sorta... Come up with a plan. Have to get this one down, to get the curse out of us."
The deer would now turn towards Ruby, looking at her. Then he'd take slow steps in her direction, looking like he wanted to do something, since his already slit pupils, seemed to narrow further. A sign he were focusing on her, for some unknown reason. Y'know, in case him trying to walk to her, weren't enough of a sign.
=====================================================================
The doctor would hum a song as she inspected the tail proper. Something that seemed to have some heavy base, and beat, as she were also tapping with her right back leg.
"Looks just about perfect, miss. Clean as a whistle, and no scratches. This shouldn't take more than a few moments then."
She'd swivel around, and pull a small box, and a tube out of a nearby drawer. Opening the box, would reveal the prosthetic. Soft, sterile interior, made to fit with a rubbery construction, for when it were to be put on. And the color would almost match the rest of her tail. She had done hers to get it through what color, but it had gone off by a few shades. Wasn't massive, but if you were looking, you'd see the difference. Beyond that, it would look as if it were simply part of her regular tail. That were the point of a good prosthetic after all.
She'd ask Sheska to sit still, then use the tube of gel to apply a little to her tail, while she carefully put the tip on her tail. It would slip on when she were done, and stay there, with the gel underneath helping to have it set there, and keep it clean, just in case a speck of dust or something had snuck in.
"There we go. As good as new. Kinda. I know the color is a bit off, but they missed it by a teensy bit.
Anyway, it shouldn't come off with any ease, but if it does, or you feel something slide under there, just clean it, and then reapply this gel. It helps keep it clean from any airborne stuff that might try and sneak in otherwise."
She'd hand the tube to Sheska, with a warm smile on her face.
"If you run out, it is in every pharmacy I know of at least, and it isn't overly expensive. Still, I think this should last you for a fair bit of time.
So, with that sorted- What's your plans now? You're new in town, right? Are you in the tent city, that got set up after the buildings got damaged from the big attack? Or are you in that new section of town, like the silver-maned twins? Ooor I guess you could just be going through town, and stick at the inn, until you wander off in a few days.
It's alright that I ask, right? I don't wanna be noisy, I'm just curious."
Curious and a teensy bit bored, but they didn't need to hear that last part. It did fine being in her own head.
===============================================================
"Just make sure to take care of yourself. Your marefriend got very sad the last time, and I'm sure she'd prefer it be a rarity, rather than a regular occurrence.
Now then, Lieutenant Foxglove? Might we have some words in private?"
The guard were baffled by the sudden request by the rather famous doctor, but she'd nod after a few seconds, and pushed her glasses further up her face again.
"Me? I... O-Off course, Doctor Toxina. It would be my honor."
The two of them would do their own bows, and then begin to depart. Though they would manage to overhear Shark's comment about the classes, which did at least make the older doctor smirk a little.
"Claaaaa-sss. Class... Big class is fish? Are mate taking Shark to good hunt lake?"
She were confusing it with him speaking of a high class fish right now, which did sound tasty. Even though she had the words for several things in her mind, and knew what they meant, it wasn't everything that were in there, or explained very well. Class might as well mean weight class, or as she had thought, a higher class of fishy than she were used to. It wasn't needed though. Any fishy, were a good fishy to eat.
Oh well, it didn't matter, right? He had some idea what they should do, and he were safe and happy again, so she were thrilled. Him being okay, were all she had ever hoped for, so now things could get nice again. Hopefully no more bad things would come into town, trying to hurt her mate.
FOr now, she'd go and nuzzle the sides of his face, until he were ready to leave. When he were, she'd follow, oblivious as to what they were actually about to do: Actual schoolwork.
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1
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Deep Science 1x1 with Blitz Boom
in 1x1 RP
@Illiad Easle
(Null)
The fox would bounce around on her, then when that didn't seem to answer anything, it would act on what she said. Maybe it could get through what she said, if it gave her some pointers, via a visual?
So when she said if it wanted to eat, it would jump unto the bed, looking right at her, and nodded three times, tail swaying slowly behind it. Yet she seemed to have no idea after that, so it would try something else, and get on its hind legs, then try to use its legs to make charades. In the first place, making indicating an outline, of a long rectangle.
"I was never good at this... Let's try this. You want something that's rectangular?"
The fox nodded, then turned around, and waved its tail, making the vague sound of paper flapping.
"...A tail? Fur?"
The fox shook its head, then grumbled, unfolded, and flapped on the table for a few seconds, before gathering up again, folding as it were, around the tail, that would fold further into the way it was made, making a sort of *spine* and *tail bone* in its structure. If it were a long feather, it would poke out the tip of its tail.
"Okay, so something with paper, that's rectangular?"
It would vigorously nod, then look around, and eventually see a picture on the wall, then point at it, before looking back expectingly. Which were odd that she could tell that it were, despite its eyes literally just being two written on lines.
"You want to eat a painting?"
It would shake again, then up on its hind legs again, and spread its front legs out wide, then begin to slowly push them together, indicating something that was smaller.
"...A poster?"
It would shake again, and keep showing the shrinking motion.
"I dunno. A pamphlet?"
Hearing that, it would get back on all four legs, and bounce up and down, nodding vigorously.
"Okay, weird, but... Let's see what we can find."
She'd rummage around, looking in the little bed side table, and would eventually pull a pamphlet out, that seemed to be for the hotel. Showing the buffet, some slots, the roulette, and stuff like that. She'd fold it out and put it down in front of the paper fox. It would instantly go over, and start chomping down, eating the letters, but it was ore than last time. This time, it would also press its face deep into the pictures, and the pictures would drain from it, and go on it, giving its outside some color, as pictures of food would spread across its surface, and the roulette would be the last part, giving it a pattern that it enjoyed. A lot more interesting to it, than its base color, and it was rather tasty too, making it feel all spry and ready for stuff. It would go off eventually, but the colors were more enjoyable to it, than just the plain, even color it had before. The face would still be clearly visible though, as it had kept a paler color there. Which were granted, the picture of potato mush, but it still counted.
The place had a morning buffet, just as it had a midday, and evening buffet. It were simpler and cheaper than room service, though you could do that too, if you wanted to spare the expense to eat in private. But it'd do them good to actually move their legs, so going there and purchase three plates, would be cheaper, and simpler. And they wouldn't even be accosted by any kitsune this time! Though they would be able to find the little paper fox's creator there, currently stacking a couple of breakfast burritos on his rather filled plate. He seemed to have a varied taste, between greens, eggs, meat, and more eggs.
Kozue hadn't taken notice of them yet though, being more focused on his food.
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(Void)
Cherish would go straight over and look up at Vale, surprised at the metallic parts, but it were a brief look of confusion, before she'd send up a cute smile towards the deer.
"Hello, Miss Vale. My name's Cherish Sky. I go to school with Toupé and the others, and she was nice and said it was okay for me to come to her party. It's very nice to meet you."
This were a bit more severe than she had seen others have before, but both before coming to town, and then after, when she saw some of the clients that came to talk to her mom, she had to see various degrees of damaged beings, fixed up in some ways. This were not like anything she had seen proper. Way more mechanical, and looked a lot more well done, than she were used to these repairs being made too, but it were still something she identified as being one of the unfortunate beings, who had gotten hurt, that someone nice had helped put back together.
And like with most of them, she weren't gonna mention it. She could understand not wanting to be confronted with these sorts of things, as it could bring up some bad memories. She had that sort too, and could sympathize with that. Besides, it didn't seem nice. Kinda like pointing out to someone that they had a big mole.
"And it's good to have you here, Cherish.
Now before we have a seat, I just want to answer your question, Teal: This is meant for us, and what we can't eat, will be put into some boxes in the cooler, and we'll eat it over the next few days. It's a bit much maybe, but this is your party, and I wanted to make sure that there were enough for everyone.
But first, you need to decide on if you want us to have something to eat first, Toupé, or if you want your presents first? I figure it is best if we get something to eat first, but it's your party, so I think it is okay that you get to chose."